Welcome to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Relocation Guide
Myrtle Beach is one of the fastest-growing coastal communities in the U.S., offering beautiful beaches, southern hospitality, a sunny climate, and an active lifestyle. This guide will help you get settled, explore neighborhoods, and make your move smooth and enjoyable.
1. Executive Summary:
Myrtle Beach is a vibrant coastal city known for its sunny beaches and legendary entertainment scene. From the lively Boardwalk downtown to the trendy venues at Broadway at the Beach, this area thrives on fun and beachfront energy. The local real estate market has shifted to a more balanced tone – inventory is up from last year, giving buyers more breathing room, yet home values continue to show steady resilience. What stands out is how Myrtle Beach offers an upbeat lifestyle at a relatively approachable price point, making it a uniquely appealing destination for both new residents and investors seeking that Grand Strand buzz.
2. Real Estate Market Overview:
– Price Ranges: Homes here span from budget-friendly beach condos under $150K to luxury oceanfront estates exceeding $1M. A typical single-family home sits in the mid-$300s, while modern 3-bedroom townhomes near nightlife hubs often range around $250K–$400K.
– Housing Supply: Months of inventory ~3.5, notably higher than the frenzy of recent years. Active listings hover around 3,300, roughly stable month-to-month – indicating a healthier selection for buyers.
– Buyer Competition: Moderate. Bidding wars are less common now (only ~12% of recent sales closed above asking), but desirable properties in prime locations can still attract multiple offers. Most homes sell with some negotiation, at about 96–98% of the list price on average.
– Short-Term Forecast: The market is holding steady. With mortgage rates easing slightly and continued demand from relocating buyers, prices are expected to remain flat to gently rising in the coming months – absent any major economic shifts.
– Recent Averages (Past 6 Months): Median list price \~$365,000; median sale price \~$345,000. Typical Days on Market has stretched to about 120 days, up from last year, as buyers take their time. Sale-to-list ratio averages 95–97%, reflecting a bit more give in negotiations. New listings and pendings are arriving in tandem – roughly 1 new listing for every 1 sale pending, tempering drastic inventory swings.
– Additional Metrics: Price per square foot has eased to around $230 (down slightly year-over-year as more inventory hits the market). We’re also seeing a slight uptick in seller concessions – builders and motivated sellers are more often offering closing cost help or rate buydowns to attract buyers in this cooler climate. Notably, cash purchases remain common (thanks to retired and second-home buyers), comprising roughly a third of recent sales in the wider Myrtle Beach area.
3. Schools Serving the Area:
| School | Level | Approx Distance | Public Rating | Source | Rating Notes |
| Myrtle Beach Elementary School | Elementary (Grades 2–3) | ~2.5 miles | 6/10 | GreatSchools | Gifted & Talented program; STEM “Project Lead the Way” curriculum. |
| Myrtle Beach Middle School | Middle (Grades 6–8) | ~3.0 miles | 7/10 | GreatSchools | Above-average performance; offers 22 athletic teams and robust arts. |
| Myrtle Beach High School | High (Grades 9–12) | ~3.0 miles | 5/10 | GreatSchools | Range of AP courses and career academies; modern campus near sports center. |
4. Restaurants, Coffee, Daily Needs:
| Name | Category | Location | Typical Rating | Reviews | Takeaways | Distance |
| The Bowery | Historic Bar & Live Music | Myrtle Beach Boardwalk (9th Ave N) | 4.3★ | 200+ TripAdvisor reviews | An iconic honky-tonk bar where country supergroup Alabama got their start. Low-key, cash-only, with live bands and a true local vibe. | 0.1 mi |
| Tin Roof | Rooftop Bar & Grill | 14th Ave Pier, Oceanfront | 4.0★ | 90+ reviews | Trendy rooftop hangout with ocean views. Serves casual Southern bar food by day, transforms into a live music venue and dance scene at night. | 0.3 mi |
| Crocodile Rocks | Piano Bar | Broadway at the Beach | 4.5★ | 360+ TripAdvisor reviews | Dueling pianos and audience sing-alongs every evening. A favorite for groups – high-energy entertainment with drinks flowing in the heart of the nightlife district. | 2.9 mi |
| Tidal Creek Brewhouse | Brewery & Coffeehouse | Market Common District | 4.6★ | 70+ reviews | Unique local hotspot brewing craft beer and their own coffee. Dog-friendly patio, food menu all day, and a community feel that draws morning latte sippers and evening craft beer lovers alike. | 4.5 mi |
| Publix Super Market (Myrtle Beach) | Grocery | 38th Ave N & Kings Hwy | 4.7★ | 500+ Google reviews | The go-to supermarket chain beloved by locals. Known for its friendly service, fresh produce, and bakery subs – making everyday shopping pleasant and convenient. | 3.2 mi |
5. Parks and Things To Do:
| Place | Type | Highlights |
| Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade | Oceanfront Boardwalk | 1.2-mile beachfront walkway lined with arcades, shops, eateries, and bars. Hosts summer concerts and festivals, capturing the classic lively beach town atmosphere. |
| Broadway at the Beach | Entertainment District | Major outdoor complex with over 75 shops, 30 restaurants, theaters, mini-golf, and the Ripley’s Aquarium. Fireworks light up the lake on summer nights – a central hub for nightlife and family fun alike. |
| Myrtle Beach SkyWheel | Observation Wheel | Soaring 187-foot Ferris wheel overlooking the ocean. Climate-controlled gondolas make for a smooth ride. A signature landmark – spectacular views by day, and a dazzling LED light show after dark. |
| Family Kingdom Amusement Park | Seaside Amusement Park | Old-fashioned oceanfront fun with 30+ rides, including a wooden roller coaster and Ferris wheel. Open seasonally, it’s a charming spot for families with easy beach access right across the street. |
| Myrtle Beach State Park | State Park & Beach | A peaceful natural escape on the south end of town. Offers a quiet beach, fishing pier, nature trails through maritime forest, and campgrounds – a favorite for picnics, birding, and experiencing the undeveloped coastline. |
6. Neighborhood Profile:
Myrtle Beach offers an energetic coastal lifestyle with a surprisingly friendly, small-town undercurrent. On any given day, you might see folks zipping around in golf carts or on bicycles, heading from a quiet residential street to grab lunch at a boardwalk cafe. The vibe is an eclectic blend – part beach vacation, part everyday community. In the downtown and Ocean Boulevard areas, life is very walkable: residents can stroll to sandy beaches, souvenir shops, and nightly live music. Just a few miles away, newer areas like Market Common provide a more modern, master-planned feel with parks, biking trails, and local boutiques. Throughout the city, there’s an emphasis on outdoor enjoyment – from countless golf courses to weekly festivals and car shows – and a general ease of access via Highway 17 and Kings Highway for when you do need to drive. Public transit is limited, but most neighborhoods are a short hop to conveniences, and the airport is within a 10-minute drive, keeping travel simple.
Who’s buying in Myrtle Beach? It’s a diverse mix. Many are relocating professionals and young families drawn by the affordable cost of living and year-round recreation (imagine finishing work and taking your kids to the beach at sunset). There’s also a prominent wave of retirees who have made this the fastest-growing metro area for seniors – they love the mild winters, low taxes, and plethora of social activities from golf leagues to volunteer groups. Additionally, investors and second-home seekers are active here, given the steady stream of vacationers that keeps rental income flowing. Despite their different backgrounds, residents form a welcoming community bonded by a shared love of the ocean and the casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere. Myrtle Beach is a place where neighbors chat at the local diner, seasonal events bring everyone together, and there’s a palpable pride as the city evolves from its “Dirty Myrtle” party-town past into a more well-rounded coastal hometown – all while keeping the fun heart and soul that put it on the map.
Notes and Sources: Local MLS and Redfin housing data (September–October 2025); Coastal Carolinas Association of REALTORS® market reports; GreatSchools.org; TripAdvisor and Google for venue ratings and reviews; City of Myrtle Beach and VisitMyrtleBeach.com guidelines.
