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Florence, SC & the Pee Dee Region
Your Community Guide
Front Porch Talk
Yes — Florence, SC is a good place to move to for most people. It offers a cost of living below the national average, commutes under 20 minutes, strong healthcare, and top public schools. Most residents find the affordability and slower pace more than outweigh the smaller entertainment scene. Here is the honest, complete guide to moving here.
Start Here →Schools, childcare, youth programs, parks, and family health — everything Florence families need before and after the move, all in one place.
See the Florence Families Guide →A complete guide to every public, private, and charter school in Florence — with addresses, grade levels, and everything parents need to know before enrolling.
Explore Florence Schools →Schools, childcare, youth programs, parks, and family health resources — everything in one place.
See the Florence Families Guide →Before you move, read what newcomers actually discover after twelve months of living in Florence, SC. The honest version.
Read the Honest Review →What newcomers actually notice after the move — in their own words.
Read the Complete GuideAlso worth reading:
Retiring in Florence SC means living in the #1 city to retire in South Carolina. Learn about affordable housing, tax benefits, healthcare, and what retirement life looks like here.
Read the Retirement GuideFlorence's location is one of its most underrated advantages. Living here means you're within an hour of the beach, two hours of Charlotte, and three hours of the mountains—all while enjoying a lower cost of living than those destinations require.
See how close Florence is to everything →Florence has a strong network of community support. See our full Local Resources guide.
How does Florence stack up on housing, rent, and everyday costs? A real, honest side-by-side comparison of four Carolina cities for 2026.
Read the ComparisonFlorence has a reputation for making newcomers feel at home faster than they expect. Find out why — and what that actually looks like in everyday life.
Read: Florence Lets You Be From HereFlorence has a strong network of community support. See our full Local Resources guide.
Here's where to continue exploring life in the Pee Dee:
Get a feel for downtown Florence →
Here is exactly who to call to turn on water, electricity, and internet when you arrive — one of the first things every relocating family asks.
The City of Florence Public Works provides water and sewer service within city limits. Start service online or by phone before your move-in date.
(843) 665-3213
City of Florence Public Works
Your power provider depends on where you live. Most of Florence uses Duke Energy; nearby rural areas are served by Pee Dee Electric. Call to confirm which serves your address and set up your start date.
Duke Energy: (800) 777-9898
Pee Dee Electric: (843) 665-4076
Fiber and high-speed cable are available across most of the city. Spectrum is the largest local provider; check coverage by address for the fastest available plan at your new home.
Spectrum: (855) 707-7328
Confirm availability by address
Dominion Energy South Carolina supplies natural gas for homes that use it. Also schedule your garbage pickup and recycling through the City, and transfer your mailing address with the post office.
Dominion Energy: (800) 251-0544
Also: USPS change of address (usps.com)
DMV, schools, trash pickup, and more — all in one place.
Thousands of people have made this move. Here's everything they wish they'd known.