Florence Tower (FLO)

📍 About FLO & Florence

Florence Tower is located at Florence Regional Airport (FLO) in Florence, South Carolina. The city is known for its affordability, southern hospitality, and small-town charm with easy access to larger cities and the beach. It's an ideal location for controllers seeking a slower pace without sacrificing convenience.

🏡 Where to Live

Florence – Singles & Couples

• Downtown Florence – Walkable with restaurants, coffee shops, and renovated apartments.
• West Florence – Newer developments, close to shopping and dining.
• Oakdale – Quiet, affordable, good rental market.

Florence – Families

• West Florence – Excellent schools, suburban feel.
• Ebenezer – Safe, family-friendly with parks and good schools.
• Quinby – Peaceful, quiet, short drive to airport.

🚗 Commute Times to FLO

• 5–15 min: Downtown Florence, West Florence, Ebenezer
• 15–25 min: Quinby, Timmonsville, Oakdale

🎓 Top School Districts

• Florence 1 Schools – Main public district
• Trinity-Byrnes Collegiate – Private college prep
• Southside Christian Academy – Faith-based option

🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round

🌲 Outdoor Activities

• Parks: Timrod Park, Florence Rail Trail, Lynches River County Park
• Day Trips: Myrtle Beach (~1.5 hrs), Congaree National Park (~2 hrs)

🏛️ Indoor & Cultural

• Art & History: Florence County Museum, Performing Arts Center
• Local Events: SC Pecan Festival, Downtown Night Markets
• Shopping: Magnolia Mall, downtown boutiques

✈️ Nearby Airports

• Florence Regional Airport (FLO): On-site – American Airlines service to Charlotte
• Myrtle Beach International (MYR): ~1.5 hours – More commercial options
• Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE): ~1.5 hours – Major regional airport

🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers

• City of Florence
• SC DMV – Registration & License
• Florence 1 Schools
• Visit Florence

🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Websites

• West Florence: Known for safer neighborhoods and low crime
• Ebenezer: Quiet, suburban, well-rated for safety
• Use: Florence PD and SpotCrime for latest data

🔗 Town Websites

• Florence, SC
• Timmonsville, SC
• Quinby, SC

💰 Cost of Living

• Home prices: Median ~$190,000 in Florence
• Rent: 1-bedroom averages $900–$1,100/month
• Groceries: Slightly below national average
• Gas: ~$3.20–$3.50/gallon
• Utilities: ~$160–$200/month for apartments

🌆 Neighborhood Highlights

• Downtown Florence: Revitalized, artsy, local dining and breweries
• West Florence: Quiet neighborhoods, good schools
• Ebenezer: Suburban community with parks

☀️ Seasonal Weather

• Summer: Hot and humid, 90–95°F average
• Fall: Warm, low humidity, colorful trees
• Winter: Mild, brief cold snaps, rarely any snow
• Spring: Warm and rainy with blooming flowers

🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic

• Car-dependent: Public transport limited
• Traffic: Minimal congestion city-wide
• Roads: I-95, US-76, and US-52 run through the city

🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care

• MUSC Health – Florence Medical Center
• McLeod Regional Medical Center
• Urgent Care: Doctors Care, McLeod Urgent Care

🫂 Social Life & Community

• Young Adults: Breweries, music venues, local markets
• Families: Parks, sports leagues, rec centers
• Church/Volunteering: Strong community networks

🍽️ Dining & Food Scene

• Downtown: Town Hall, King Jefe, Victors
• Local Eats: Roger’s BBQ, Julia Belle’s, Da Massimo
• Breweries/Cafes: Seminar Brewing, Bean Bar Coffee

🛫 ATC-Specific Tips

• Commute: Living within Florence keeps commute under 20 mins
• Shifts: Typical rotating shift schedule – quiet nights
• Size: Small facility – tight-knit group

📦 Moving Tips

• Timing: March–May and August best rental turnover months
• Heat: Avoid peak heat moving months (July–August)
• Storage: Affordable storage options throughout Florence

❓ FAQs

• Is Florence safe?
  Yes, especially in West Florence and Ebenezer neighborhoods.
• Can I live outside the city?
  Yes – Quinby and Timmonsville are quiet nearby options.
• Do I need AWD?
  No, winters are mild with little to no snow.