Can you compare Columbia and Florence? (Charleston, Sumter: home, job market, school district)

[pvjd]

I realize that it is probably apples to oranges, but if you had to compare Columbia to Florence, what would be the similarities, pros, cons, etc? We are looking into a possible move from Alabama to Columbia, but my wife really wants to be closer to Myrtle Beach, so now we are researching Florence. Thanks in advance for any info.

[PalmettoGuy]

Columbia is much bigger than Florence. In Columbia you would have more housing options, shopping, entertainment, restaurants, etc. The job market is bigger, too. As far as cons, depending on where you work and live, you might face a longer commute.

I think one similarity is that both areas have relatively low costs of living and affordable home values. Another is that both have colleges nearby, although Columbia has more and the biggest (USC). Florence is not a bad town; I actually prefer those cities like Florence that are (by most people's estimation) small but yet big enough to have most of the amenities you need. A lot depends on your personal lifestyle. What qualities are you looking for?

The biggest difference is going to be the number of options Columbia offers. There will be more types of communities to choose from in Columbia. But then again, if Florence has what you need, might as well avoid the traffic and congestion and be a little closer to the beach.

[mettler]

Being in Columbia you are closer to Charleston (more or less) and you have Charlotte and G'ville and Asheville much closer...if you happen to end up in Florence with children make sure you are in the West Florence school district..

[pvjd]

Originally Posted by PalmettoGuy

Columbia is much bigger than Florence. In Columbia you would have more housing options, shopping, entertainment, restaurants, etc. The job market is bigger, too. As far as cons, depending on where you work and live, you might face a longer commute.

I think one similarity is that both areas have relatively low costs of living and affordable home values. Another is that both have colleges nearby, although Columbia has more and the biggest (USC). Florence is not a bad town; I actually prefer those cities like Florence that are (by most people's estimation) small but yet big enough to have most of the amenities you need. A lot depends on your personal lifestyle. What qualities are you looking for?

The biggest difference is going to be the number of options Columbia offers. There will be more types of communities to choose from in Columbia. But then again, if Florence has what you need, might as well avoid the traffic and congestion and be a little closer to the beach.

Thanks. You asked what qualities I was looking for--I am a social worker, so I would need job options, and I want a relatively safe place for my family. We aren't clubbers or anything. We just enjoy moves, restaurants, zoos, aquariums, and the occasional concert. Parks and recreational activities are pretty inportant as well.

[PalmettoGuy]

You will probably find more social worker jobs in the Columbia metro area. There are plenty of safe places around both Columbia and Florence. Columbia has Riverbanks Zoo, which is a good one. Columbia will have more movie, restaurant, and concert options, though Florence has its share, too. Columbia is closer to the SC Aquarium in Charleston; Florence is closer to Ripley's Aquarium in MB. There are plenty of outdoor opportunities throughout SC.

[Ceezer]

As I just noted in another thread, Florence is kind of like an in-the-middle between cities like Sumter and Columbia. There's definitely a whole lot more to do in Florence than in Sumter, but not as much as you'd find in Columbia. When we lived on the opposite side of Sumter we actually went to Florence more because we could keep ourselves entertained there enough to stay content. Now that we're on this side, it's closer to hit Columbia.

If you're into outdoorsy stuff (biking, hiking, kayaking, etc) then there is a great(!) shop in Florence. They've also got an indoor football team, a very nice circle track complex for Saturday night races, Darlington Speedway, a decent mall, and more

[swampwolf]

Don't forget the railroad museum!

[painterdude]

My wife is getting S.C. teaching certification. We've been to and talked with principals in Sumter but might consider Florence as well. Any info as to the high schools in Florence, quality wise and trouble wise??? She teaches upper level Chemistry, Biology and Physics so it's no problem getting a job, it's just that we're looking for nice areas with good schools. Having taught in N.Y. and 3 Florida counties it's fair to say good schools are a priority. Thanks.