Florence, SC & the Pee Dee Region
Your Community Guide
29501 · The Community Hub
Good schools, safe neighborhoods, affordable living, and a community that actually shows up for its families — here is everything parents need to know about raising kids in Florence, SC.
Top 10
SC Cities for Families
A Rated
Florence School District 1
#1
SC City to Retire (also great for families)
29501
The Community Hub
A breakdown of public, private, and charter school options for Florence families.
A-rated district serving the majority of Florence County families with excellent academic programs.
West Florence High School
9-12 · Public
South Florence High School
9-12 · Public
John W. Moore Elementary
K-5 · Public
Several private and religious schools offering alternative educational approaches for families.
Christian Heritage School
K-12 · Private
Grace Christian School
K-12 · Private
St. Anthony's School
K-8 · Catholic
Strong higher education options right in Florence for degree programs and continuing education.
The neighborhoods parents consistently recommend for raising kids in Florence.
Central, established neighborhood with mid-century brick ranch homes, large oak-canopied streets, and larger-than-average lot sizes. Below-average crime scores.
One of Florence's most prestigious neighborhoods with Colonial, Cape Cod, and traditional Southern-style homes featuring towering oaks. Close-knit community with larger lots and top-rated schools.
Florence's newest planned community from D.R. Horton with modern, energy-efficient homes featuring open-concept layouts, granite countertops, and planned pool & pickleball courts.
From free outdoor adventures to rainy day options — Florence keeps families busy.
Story time, summer reading programs, robotics clubs, and free Check Out SC backpacks for park adventures.
Learn More →Historic 150-acre park with walking trails, tennis courts, playground, and the iconic Henry Timrod Schoolhouse.
Learn More →Baseball, soccer, basketball, and more through Florence Parks & Recreation department.
Learn More →Childcare, pediatric care, family services, and community support programs in the Pee Dee.
Quality childcare centers, family daycares, and before/after school programs across Florence.
McLeod Children's Hospital and pediatric specialists serving the Pee Dee region.
Government programs, nonprofits, and community organizations supporting families in need.
Parks & Recreation leagues, travel sports, dance, gymnastics, and community programs.
"
We moved here from Charlotte when our kids were 8 and 10. Within six months, they had more friends here than they ever did there. Florence just welcomes families.
— Jennifer R.
Forest Creek · 4 years
"
The schools are genuinely good, and what I love most is that teachers here actually know my kids by name. That doesn't happen in bigger districts.
— Marcus T.
West Florence · 6 years
"
As a single mom, the community support here has been incredible. People just show up — bringing meals, offering help, including my kids. Florence is different.
— Deanna L.
West Florence · 2 years
One of the most important factors for families choosing where to put down roots.
Florence offers one of the most affordable costs of living in the Southeast, making it possible for families to own homes, afford childcare, and build a comfortable life without the financial stress common in larger metros.
Housing costs remain well below state and national averages, with quality homes available in the $200,000-$350,000 range for most neighborhoods. Rent is equally accessible, with modern apartments starting around $1,000/month for families.
Childcare costs are significantly lower than Charlotte, Columbia, or Myrtle Beach — making it possible for dual-income households to build savings rather than spend them entirely on daycare.
Median Home Price
$245,000
25% below SC average
Average Rent (2BR)
$1,050/mo
Affordable for families
Childcare (Infant)
$750/mo
40% below Charlotte avg
Property Tax Rate
0.52%
SC avg is 0.57%
Florence is served by Florence School District One, one of the most established school districts in the Pee Dee region. The district includes elementary, middle, and high schools serving thousands of students. Families will also find access to higher education through Francis Marion University and Florence-Darlington Technical College.
Florence-Darlington Technical College offers vocational training and continuing education for families.
Help other families discover the best schools and educational programs in Florence.
Browse More ResourcesFinding quality childcare is one of the first challenges for families with young children. Florence has a range of childcare options from licensed daycare centers to faith-based programs to in-home providers. The South Carolina ABC Quality program rates childcare facilities statewide and is a trusted resource for Florence families.
Share your experience with local childcare providers to help other families.
Browse More ResourcesFlorence has a strong youth activity scene — sports leagues, arts programs, scouting, after-school activities, and summer camps. The City of Florence Parks and Recreation Department runs many of the core youth programs, and local churches, schools, and nonprofits add dozens more throughout the year.
Help other families find the best programs for sports, arts, and more.
Explore Parks & EventsFlorence is well-served by McLeod Health, which includes pediatric services, and there are multiple pediatric practices and family medicine providers across the Pee Dee. Mental health support for children and adolescents is also available through local providers.
McLeod Health is the region's primary healthcare system and includes pediatric services at McLeod Children's Hospital.
Hope Health at 360 N Irby St offers affordable, accessible family medicine and pediatric care. Contact: (843) 667-9414
Pee Dee Healthy Start at 314 W Pine St supports maternal and infant health. Contact: (843) 662-1482
Circle Park Behavioral Services provides mental health support for children and adolescents. Contact: (843) 665-9349
Florence gives families room to breathe. Veterans Park is one of the most beloved family spaces in the city. The area also offers easy day trips to state parks and one hour to the beaches of Myrtle Beach.
Find family-friendly parks, playgrounds, and community events throughout Florence.
View Parks & EventsFlorence has a consistent calendar of family-friendly events throughout the year — festivals, farmers markets, holiday events, and outdoor concerts. The best way to stay current is the Today in Florence section.
Florence has a full calendar of family events year-round
Visit our Today in Florence page for this week's specific family events.
This page is built for Florence families — which means it gets better when Florence families contribute to it. If you know of a school program, youth activity, childcare provider, or family resource that belongs here, we want to hear about it.
Share a Family ResourceEverything your family needs to get settled fast — schools, neighborhoods, resources, and community.