Moving to the Florence Area, looking for advice! (Dillon: apartment complex, rental)

[MaineGirl117]

Am thinking about moving to the Florence area, as my job will be primarily in Dillon, SC (but will be required to travel some for work). This will be my first major move and will be for the most part all on my own. As a female (30) NOT from the south, I'm looking for a safe place to hang my hat. My budget for a 1 bedroom apartment is around $500, and I'm looking for a good neighborhood (hopefully with a park) and an apartment complex with washer/dryer facilities, patio/balcony, pet (cat) friendly, smoking friendly (or use of said patio/balcony) and some kind of local dining in the area. Any suggestions or information about this area would be very welcome and helpful. Thanks in advance!

[Woodlands]

If you work in Dillon.. dont think about moving to Florence.. MOVE to Florence. You should find plenty of nice apartments along the City's south and west side that are within striking distance of I-95 which should get you to Dillon in no time I dont have the name of specific complexes but there are some along Second Loop Road and HWY 76 that are pretty economical

[MaineGirl117]

Woodlands,

I will be working in Dillon, but have not yet moved to the area. I am coming from Maine and there is neither time nor money to travel down to the area before relocating to start my job. Hence, my efforts to become familiar with the area and the potential of housing/life in Florence.

[Chico020]

Hey MaineGirl117,

I can give you a insight on which apartment complexes would fit your needs the best. I would checkout Bentree, Habitat 2000, Landmark Woods, Stonehenge, The Haven, Charles Pointe or Sedgefield. All of these apartments are located in either the western or southern parts of the city.

[Woodlands]

Originally Posted by MaineGirl117

Woodlands,

I will be working in Dillon, but have not yet moved to the area. I am coming from Maine and there is neither time nor money to travel down to the area before relocating to start my job. Hence, my efforts to become familiar with the area and the potential of housing/life in Florence.

Understood.. .my emphasis on MOVE to Florence was because I thought you were contemplating moving to Florence versus Dilloon.. which in such case I wouldnt think about moving to Florence... I would do it. Florence is more of a small city with much better amenities than Dillon(which is more of a town) and is relatively affordable also

[MaineGirl117]

As I am reading more about the area, I'm becoming somewhat alarmed about the listed amenities for apartments.. things like "comes with refridgerator" or "stove". Do apartments down in SC not normally provide these items? In Maine they are required to be furnished in an apartment. Also I have noticed that some cover water and sewer. Do most apartments cover these costs, and if not what can I expect for a bill for just one person? What other costs should I be inquiring about when I speak to the apartment managers??

[innovator82]

Originally Posted by MaineGirl117

As I am reading more about the area, I'm becoming somewhat alarmed about the listed amenities for apartments.. things like "comes with refridgerator" or "stove". Do apartments down in SC not normally provide these items? In Maine they are required to be furnished in an apartment. Also I have noticed that some cover water and sewer. Do most apartments cover these costs, and if not what can I expect for a bill for just one person? What other costs should I be inquiring about when I speak to the apartment managers??

If it's a nice looking apartment complex, then I wouln't be alarmed...stoves and refrigerators are standard in apartments here in South Carolina too

I've lived in two different apartments that covered water/sewer, which I think is also pretty common among lots of complexes. You will usuall need to pay for electric, cable and Internet. I usually budgeted around $80/month for electric bill in a 1 BR apartment which was an average. I think you can find basic cable/Internet bundles starting around $50/month.

[MaineGirl117]

I've been looking on Craigslist at apartments that are in gated communities with a "club house". What's the deal with these places? Are they really such a bargain for the ammenities they're offering, or are there hidden fees and headaches? Are there club "fees" that I would be responsible for every month? Any info would be helpful, thanks

[innovator82]

Clubhouse usually just means the room attached on to the rental office that residents can sometimes rent out for parties. It usually just looks like a big living room. You only have to pay if you want to rent it out.