John Rathbun with Burt Jordan Realtors: Florence

Welcome to Florence a, city located in northeastern South Carolina , the center of what is commonly called the Pee Dee Region. With all the advantages of a growing metropolis, but with the charm of Southern hospitality, the Greater Florence area blends rural, suburban, commercial and industrial areas for the 130,000 lucky people who have chosen this community.

The city is strategically located at the intersection of two main thoroughfares, I-95 and I-20, making it an easy 2 hour drive to nearby cities, Charlotte , Raleigh-Durham, and Charleston and 1 hour to the capital city Columbia .

Myrtle Beach is 59 miles directly east, with all of its recreational activities, discount shopping, malls, and fine dining. The Florence Regional Airport provides daily commercial connections to major southeastern and international hub airports in Atlanta and Charlotte .

Since 1966, DuPont and General Electric both maintain large thriving establishments. In recent years, Florence County ´s economy has taken on an international flavor. Companies such as Honda, ESAB, Roche Carolina, Smurfit-Stone Container, Nan Ya Plastics and other with foreign affiliations have made investments in the county. Honda produces all their ATV and sport recreational products here and QVC has recently begun building a distribution center on 64 acres, with plans to double their space in the next several years. Small businesses profit from Florence ´s expansion as well. Wholesale, retail trade, and service industries comprise more than 40 percent of the area´s business sector. While Florence County ´s population is about 130, 000, the retail trade areas have some 600,000 consumers.

Cutting edge health care services draw many people to the area. With two major hospital systems, McLeod Health and Carolinas Hospital System Florence continue to keep its residents in the forefront of medical technology and service. The healthcare industry here employees well over 7,000 people

Opportunities for academic excellence thrive in Florence . The numerous elementary and secondary schools, both private and public provide quality education opportunities. Francis Marion University , Coker College , a branch of Limestone College and Florence-Darlington Technical College provide exceptional academic facilities for post-secondary education, whether you´re fresh out of high school or going back after a break. The Governor´s School for Science and Mathematics, which selects gifted students from throughout the state for a challenging residential high school program, also calls this area home.

Cultural events, the arts and entertainment abound in Florence . Through a local community theatre, local plays showcase community talent through the year Art appreciation and recognition are abundant with the South Carolina Dance Theatre, the Florence Symphony Orchestra and Masterworks Choir.

The 10,000 seat Florence Civic Center plays host for all kinds of excitement and variety in Florence .

The temperate climate of Florence provides enough variation to enjoy the seasonal changes and the natural beauty unique to each season. Lovers of the outdoors will appreciate the many scenic parks, lakes, rives and creeks that surround the area. Golf enthusiasts are sure to welcome the traditional Southern climate, which provides year round play on any of Florence´s fantastic five; Country Club of South Carolina, Crossings Golf Course, Florence County Club, Governors Run Golf Course and The Traces Golf Club.

If you are a fan of NASCAR, you will certainly want to visit the excitement of the nearby Darlington Raceway and Joe Weatheford museum.