Sumter, S.C., home to the world-famous Swan Lake Iris Gardens, offers visitors a home-town feel while providing multiple venues for history, culture and shopping.
Sumter is in the center of South Carolina, just 44 miles east of Columbia. Home to Shaw Air Force Base, a big supporter of the local economy, the city enjoys a thriving tourism industry with Swan Lake Iris Gardens, the "Crown Jewel" of Sumter, as the number one attraction. Golf, festivals and a mild climate helped land Sumter a spot on the Top 10 Places to Retire by Retirement Lifestyle Magazine.