10 Best Independent Living Communities in Florence, SC

Independent Living

If you or your loved one would benefit from the peace of mind of having housekeeping and chores handled while living your life at your own pace, consider an Independent Living Community. Basic chores such as meal planning and housekeeping are handled by staff and a calendar of recreational and social activities is maintained, allowing residents the autonomy to use their time as they wish, free from daily obligations. Along with their daily needs being met, residents can enjoy an opportunity to live among peers, in a community with others of similar ages and interests. Residents’ quarters consist of a private living space with their own kitchen. The independence of apartment life is still enjoyed, offering an opportunity to socialize with guests and visitors in a private and personal setting. While policies differ between communities, a number of residences allow cats and dogs as well. If medical or nursing assistance is desired, residents may always utilize the services of private health care professionalls. There are a number of costs and benefits to balance when deciding on an independent living community. It is important to learn if these amenities are covered in your service plan: field trips, utilities, private phone, meals, housekeeping, move-in fee, transportation, and laundry. The luxuries associated with independent living include game/TV room, transportation, private rental hall, laundry service, fitness center & swimming pool, golf course, security guards, and restaurant-style dining hall.

Cost of Living

Cost of living can be a motivating factor when determining what location meets the needs of your loved one. The rent burden for Florence is about 16.9% of the average monthly income. Florence has a median home value of $155,681 and the median cost of rent is around $945 per month per month.

Demographics and Values

Based on gender, 44.5% are male and 55.5% are female. The median age of Florence is 38 years old. Florence has a population density of 655 people per square mile. In Florence, 7.6% of the citizens are veterans. Of the population of Florence 31.1% have a college degree, 27.9% have a high-school diploma, and 11.6% have a graduate degree. Racially, the population of Florence is 49.6% white, 0.1% Native American, 2.0% mixed race, 0.2% Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 0.1% other or not specified, 2.6% Hispanic, 45.5% black, and 2.4% Asian. Out of the total population of Florence, 64.7% participate in the labor force, 7.5% consider themselves widows, 17.4% live in poverty, and 14.6% have some form of disability.

State Information

An overview of South Carolina

The natural beauty of South Carolina is ranked 34th in the nation. In total, South Carolina has 71 general hospitals and 189 health centers that provide care for 5,147,823 citizens. GHS Greer Memorial Hospital, Bon Secours-st Francis Xavier Hospital, and Roper Hospital are among the top three highest ranked hospitals in the state. South Carolina is ranked 42nd in quality of life and 36th in healthcare. The state of South Carolina has a cost of living index of 98.3 where a score of 100 is the national average, and anything below 100 is considered less expensive than the national average. The state has a grocery index rating of 101.9 and a housing index rating of 85.1.

Social demographics of the state

In terms of religious values, 47% of South Carolina’s population regularly attend some form of service and there are in total 8,051 different congregations. The top three non-Christian denominations in the state are Jewish-<1%, Muslim-<1%, and Buddhist-<1%, with the most common Christian denominations consisting of Evangelical Protestant-35%, Mainline Protestant-16%, and Historically Black Protestant-15%. In South Carolina there are 658 masonic lodges. The state of South Carolina ranks 24th in the country for diversity. The median age in the state is 40, and 31% of the population is over the age of 55. During the latest presidential election, 55% voted for the Republican candidate while 41% voted for the Democratic candidate.

State-wide weather information

The average humidity across the state is 69%. The highest monthly average humidity rating is 72% in the month of August. The most precipitation occurs in August with an average of 7.64 inches of precipitation a month. On average, the state receives 4.10 inches of precipitation a month. On average, South Carolina has an air quality index rating of around 35.3 AQI. The highest seasonal air quality index rating occurs in the month of April with a rating of 42.6 AQI. During the summer, the average temperature in South Carolina is around 79F. Over the summer months the average high temperature peaks at around 95F during the month of July. The average low summer temperature is around 59F in the month of June. During the winter, the average temperature in South Carolina drops to around 46F. During the winter, the average high temperature peaks at around 66F during the month of February. In the winter months, the average low temperature falls to around 26F during the month of January. While residents of South Carolina mostly enjoy pleasant conditions, it’s important to be aware of inclement weather as well, which in South Carolina can include hurricanes, earthquakes (moderate), tornadoes, and and floods.

Wildlife to be found in South Carolina

The state of South Carolina has a diverse array of plant and animal life. Local plant life can consist of common leopard bane, devil’s walking stick, sweet birch, and butterfly weed. While venturing throughout the state, you might see animals such as the manatee, the wild hog, or the southern fox squirrel. The state animal of South Carolina is the white-tailed deer.