visiting Florence for relocation. what to see? (Columbia, Charleston: home, college)

[pinkpocketbooks]

We're going to stop in Florence for the afternoon on our way from Charleston to Charlotte. My husband has a job opportunity there so we're weighing the pros and cons and considering relocation from Charlotte.

To be honest, I'm very skeptical about Florence. The areas that I have seen are run down and do not appeal to me. I'm sure all of Florence isn't that way though, right? I want to go and see the good parts of it - the areas we might want to live and hang out in. What areas of Florence might make me see it from a different light (a good light)? Please name some areas. We're in our late 20's, no kids, do well financially, like to dine out and enjoy going to nice places occassionally. I love shopping and I'm afraid I'll really miss SouthPark Mall in Charlotte

Also, it would be nice to live in an area that would be a good commute to Columbia. I will have more work opportunities there probably - I'm in media/tv/advertising.

Thank you!

[JFRRACING]

Hi, My Wife And I Are Also Relocating . I Have Checked Out Alot Of Different Places In That Area. Don't Let The Run Down Areas Scare You Off. Just Don't Move Into Them. Every City Has Those Kind Of Areas.i Haven't Seen One Yet And I Have Been To Alot Of Cities Through My Travels. We Are Looking Out In The Country Areas Of Sumter And It Looks Pretty Nice. We Are Also Looking Around The Floence Area Too.

[smithrep]

Florence is a very nice smaller town. It has many of the same stores/restaurants as larger cities but with a smaller feel. Some of the best areas of Florence would have to be off of Cherokee Street and 2nd Loop Road. It isn't very big so you can really drive through most of it within a few hours. I lived there for 4 years during college and absolutely loved it.

[lainykai]

I currently live in Florence in the Cherokee road area. I moved here after three years of living in Dallas-Fort Worth so I was concerned about missing the big city. The great thing about Florence is that it is the perfect size for everyday errands and shopping yet close enough to the Myrtle Beach and Columbia if you want to be in a larger/more tourist friendly place. Florence is growing rapidly so there are many new housing developments to choose from. The West side of town is home to much of the growth so there are many communities. I will warn you thought the two lane roads are sometimes not enough for the heavy growth so you will encounter some traffic at high times. The area I live in is very historic and absolutely breathtaking during the spring. It is a bit tricky though because you have the country club on one side and then just a few streets over you start getting into a rougher side of town. I have never had any issues nor have any of my friends. Hope this helps!