a great place for quality of life
In addition to being an ideal location for growing a business, TheLINK Region is a great place to raise a family. With a population of more than 125,000 residents, this region has the population to support most big city amenities like museums, theatres, and music venues while maintaining a feel of Small Town, USA.
affordable living
Family Friendly
TheLINK Region is home to an arts and cultural scene that has seen a lot of growth in recent years. For instance, Sumter’s Little Theatre recently completed a million-dollar expansion, while the City of Sumter began hosting live comedy shows at the Historic Opera House.
Bishopville in Lee County is the home of world-renown topiary artist Pearl Fryar. Fryar has won regional and national awards as he masterfully creates art with the use of vegetation and foliage.
great
schools
TheLINK region features two public school districts instructing more than 18,000 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of about 24:1. Lee and Sumter counties operate 33 schools with a combined staff level of about 3,500.
There are four high schools in the region (Sumter, Crestwood, Lakewood and Lee Central), 7 middle schools, and 20 elementary schools. Additionally, both districts feature career centers to get students ready for the world of work.
There are numerous private schools in TheLINK region, including both secular and religious schools. Wilson Hall School, Thomas Sumter Academy, and Robert E. Lee Academy are examples of local secular schools, while St. Francis Xavier and Sumter Christian School offer education with religious teachings.
Student
Enrichment
Developing our talent pipeline is critical to the continued success of this region. Therefore, we are taking great strides to safeguard the competitive advantage by creating programs that train and develop the talent necessary to fill the highly-skilled, highly-technical requirements of today’s manufacturing. After hosting a spirited Education Summit to align and develop a community-wide strategy, several ongoing programs have been implemented to introduce, educate, and enrich the workforce agenda.
Manufacturers and Technology Expo — an annual experience for 8th grade students in Sumter and Lee Counties to expose them to the advanced technology in modern manufacturing.
Emerging Leaders – a year-round leadership program for high school juniors through monthly interactive sessions. At the completion of the program, students graduate into community leadership roles during the senior year of high school.
eSTEAM Sumter – https://esteamsumter.com/
SHOPPING
Boasting Southern Flavor and Southern Charm, theLINK Region is home to more than a few restaurants and local hotels that offer savory meals, decadent desserts, warm beds, and wi-fi. A bustling and revitalized downtown area is at the core of growth and vitality and hosts treats from casual and comfortable to upscale and unique.
SILVER PAPER
C. ANTHONY’S MENSWEAR
SIMPSONS HARDWARE & SPORTS
restaurants &
Hospitality
Boasting Southern Flavor and Southern Charm, theLINK Region is home to more than a few restaurants and local hotels that offer savory meals, decadent desserts, warm beds, and wi-fi. A bustling and revitalized downtown area is at the core of growth and vitality and hosts treats from casual and comfortable to upscale and unique.
SIMPLY SOUTHERN BISTRO
HAMPTONS
WATFORD’S BAR-B-QUE
WILLIE SUES RESTAURANT
Outdoor Recreation
& Fitness Community
From the shores of Lake Marion, to the greens at Lakewood Links, to our many parks and trails, there is always something to do here. With more than 30 recreational and passive parks, there is a wide range of both outdoor and indoor activities for young and old alike.
The Sumter County Parks and Recreation Department offers thousands of children each year the opportunity to learn
The world-famous Swan Lake-Iris Gardens feature all eight known swan species and the most intensive plantings of Japanese Iris in the United States. Manchester State Forest is home to Poinsett State Park, annual equestrian events, mountain biking and ATV trails, the High Hills Extension of the SC Palmetto Trail, and some of the best hunting in the state. The Lynches River and Woods Bay State Natural Area offer a breathtaking trip for paddling enthusiasts.
CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSES
PALMETTO TENNIS CENTER
NETWORK OF BICYCLE TRAILS
PARKS TO POWERWALK OR STROLL
festivals &
fellowship
Sumter’s Iris Festival is South Carolina’s oldest continuous festival and is consistently ranked among the top festivals in the Southeast. The 3-day festival includes concerts, an arts and crafts show, a flower show, a quilt show, car shows, and a number of contests and children’s activities.
Hear the thunder and feel the power at the Shaw Air Expo, hosted by Shaw Air Force.
Pearl Fryar’s Topiary Garden is one of the most unique garden experiences and is a must see for anyone interested in either art or gardening.
Iris Festival
Shaw Air Expo
Pearl Fryar’s Topiary
Scenic Lakes, Rivers,
Parks & COUNTRYSIDE
Sumter County is also home to some world-class nature-based amenities, like Manchester State Forest, Poinsett State Park and Woods Bay State Natural Area. These public places feature equestrian activities, hiking, boating, kayaking and other healthy, family friendly activities.
ELLIOT’S CAMPGROUND LAKE MARION
POINSETT STATE PARK
SWAN LAKE
LAKE ASHWOOD
GREAT HUNTING,
FISHING & WILDLIFE
Fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching are big in TheLINK area. Our rich farmland and wetland provide abundant wildlife for both the sports and nature enthusiasts to enjoy the long seasons in the beautiful countryside.
Waterfowl
SC White-Tail Deer
Dove & Turkey
Striped Bass & Catfish
Quality
Healthcare
For more than 100 years, Tuomey has been synonymous with quality health care in Sumter, Lee and Clarendon counties. The hospital joined forces with Palmetto Health on Jan. 1, 2016. Locally, it is anchored by Palmetto Health Tuomey, a 301-bed, Joint Commission-accredited institution that delivers the industry’s most advanced technological care. Avatar International and Press Ganey have each honored the facility with some of their highest awards for Exceeding Patient Expectations and Patient Satisfaction.
From a small community hospital born out of Timothy Tuomey’s gift in 1913, to today’s modern healthcare system, Palmetto Health Tuomey’s history has been one of compassion and resolve. It is propelled by a long-term vision for healthcare and enhanced by a deeply philanthropic mission.