The Myrtle Beach area is more than a stretch of coastline with piers and boardwalks. It is a network of distinct towns and neighborhoods, each offering a different lifestyle. Whether you want the energy of beachfront attractions, quiet streets lined with live oaks, award-winning schools, or easy access to golf courses and seafood restaurants, this guide will help you decide which is the best place to live in Myrtle Beach, SC for your situation.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Myrtle Beach — City Limits
• North Myrtle Beach — Relaxed Beach Town
• Surfside Beach — The Family Beach
• Murrells Inlet — Marshside Living
• Carolina Forest — Suburban Family Haven
• Conway — Historic Small Town with Big Growth
• Socastee — Mixed Suburban with Water Access
• Longs — Rural with Larger Lots
• Loris — Quiet Country Living
• Little River — Coastal and Marina Life
• How to Decide Which Neighborhood is the Best Place to Live in Myrtle Beach, SC for You
• Practical Tips When Searching
• Local Highlights Worth Visiting
• FAQs
• Final Thoughts

Introduction

I use the airport as a central landmark when thinking about distances and driving times across the region. That gives a simple way to compare how close each neighborhood is to the beach, shopping, hospitals, and the airport. For each area below you’ll find the vibe, the practical benefits, typical home price ranges, and who tends to love living there.

Myrtle Beach — City Limits

For people who want to be in the middle of the action, the city limits of Myrtle Beach are hard to beat. This is where most attractions, amusement parks, the boardwalk, and central beachfront hotels are located. Homes range from modest condos in the low six figures to multimillion-dollar beachfront estates along North Ocean Boulevard.

Most year-round residents tend to avoid the boardwalk on busy summer nights, but living in the city is ideal if you want walkable restaurants, entertainment, and easy beach access. There are pockets of established single-family neighborhoods within walking distance of the sand, and if you live inside city limits you qualify for a city parking pass for the public spots near residential stretches of beach.

• Vibe: Touristy, lively, great for people who want everything nearby
• Average price: Wide range — condos from about $160k to beachfront homes in the millions
• Best for: Investors, second-home buyers, people who want beachside living

VIEW HOMES FOR SALE IN MYRTLE BEACH, SC

North Myrtle Beach — Relaxed Beach Town

North Myrtle Beach feels calmer than central Myrtle Beach. It’s a favorite for people who want a beach day with fewer crowds; Cherry Grove Point is a standout—picturesque and rarely packed. Barefoot Landing is a local hub with restaurants, shops, the Alabama Theater, and a lively riverside boardwalk.

Homes in North Myrtle Beach include raised beach houses, older ranches, townhomes, and condos, and many communities sit near championship golf courses. Expect to see elevated homes closer to the shore for insurance reasons and a mix of new construction and established neighborhoods inland.

• Vibe: Relaxed beach town, strong golf culture
• Average price: Around $390,000
• Best for: Golfers, families who want calm beaches, retirees wanting a quieter shore

VIEW HOMES FOR SALE IN NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC

Surfside Beach — The Family Beach

Surfside Beach is often called the family beach for a reason. It’s smaller, quieter, and the town takes rules and community standards seriously. The new Surfside Beach Pier is a modern focal point with shops and eateries nearby, and the Dogwood Lake observation area adds calm, natural spaces away from the sand.

Most homes near the shore are elevated. Further inland you’ll find older, established neighborhoods with single-family homes and modest yards. Compared with Myrtle Beach, Surfside offers a more neighborly atmosphere and fewer late-night disturbances during the busy season.

• Vibe: Family oriented, orderly, very walkable near the pier
• Average price: About $430,000
• Best for: Families, people who want safety and community enforcement

VIEW HOMES FOR SALE IN SURFSIDE BEACH, SC

Murrells Inlet — Marshside Living

Murrells Inlet trades busy beachfront attractions for marshland, seafood, and a celebrated waterfront dining scene. The MarshWalk is the main attraction: a lively boardwalk lined with restaurants and bars, plus access to Brookgreen Gardens and nearby Huntington Beach State Park.

Murrells Inlet is popular with retirees seeking a quieter life near nature and good fishing, and the average home price reflects that hospitable market. If you want waterfront marsh views and great local seafood, this area is tough to beat.

• Vibe: Marshside, scenic, restaurant-driven
• Average price: Around $450,000
• Best for: Retirees, nature lovers, people who enjoy waterfront dining

VIEW HOMES FOR SALE IN MURRELLS INLET, SC

Carolina Forest — Suburban Family Haven

Carolina Forest is a large master-planned community popular with growing families. Schools are a major draw here, and the community offers a broad range of amenities: pools, parks, and multiple new developments. It’s also close to shopping along 501 and to Coastal Carolina University.

Two gated waterway communities—Waterway Palms Plantation and Carolina Waterways Plantation—offer boat ramps, on-site boat storage, and direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway for owners who want to keep watercraft nearby.

• Vibe: Suburban, family focused, amenity-rich
• Average price: About $350,000
• Best for: Families seeking strong schools and long-term stability

VIEW HOMES FOR SALE IN CAROLINA FOREST, SC

Conway — Historic Small Town with Big Growth

Conway blends history and charm in its downtown riverfront area. The Riverwalk, Cypress Inn, and frequent local events create a small-town feel with a strong sense of community. Builders are actively developing new neighborhoods in Conway, which keeps it affordable compared with beachfront towns.

The average price in Conway is about $275,000, and many buyers appreciate being roughly 30 minutes from the beach while getting more house and yard for the money. Schools and Coastal Carolina University are local assets, and Conway offers direct access to 501 for shopping and services.

• Vibe: Historical, community-oriented, growing
• Average price: Around $275,000
• Best for: Buyers who want affordability, young families, people seeking small-town charm

VIEW HOMES FOR SALE IN CONWAY, SC

Socastee — Mixed Suburban with Water Access

Socastee, sometimes shown on maps with varying spellings, sits between the beach and the inland suburbs. It often looks like a butterfly on the map. The area has strong schools, access to the Intracoastal in pockets, and a good mix of older neighborhoods and new builds.

Market Common and nearby shopping centers make Socastee an attractive, walkable base for families. You’ll find both waterfront living options and traditional subdivisions here, with mid-range pricing that stays competitive.

• Vibe: Mixed — suburban with water access in parts
• Average price: About $275,000 to $280,000
• Best for: Families wanting schools and convenient shopping

VIEW HOMES FOR SALE IN SOCASTEE, SC

Longs — Rural with Larger Lots

Longs is more rural and offers larger lots, which means more yard and privacy for your money. Builders are expanding this area steadily, so you can choose between new construction with modern layouts and resale homes on big lots, sometimes approaching an acre.

Although Longs is further from the airport and beaches, it sits close to roads that take you to charming spots like Cherry Grove Point and Barefoot Landing. If you want space, quieter evenings, and value, Longs is worth considering.

• Vibe: Rural with growing residential pockets
• Average price: Around $300,000
• Best for: Buyers wanting larger lots and quieter neighborhoods

VIEW HOMES FOR SALE IN LONGS, SC

Loris — Quiet Country Living

Loris is farther inland than Longs and is ideal for buyers who want a country feel without too much new development on the horizon. Expect older resales and a slower pace of life. It takes a bit more driving to reach major shopping or the beach, but you get privacy and lower prices.

• Vibe: Quaint, country living
• Average price: About $250,000
• Best for: Buyers seeking quiet rural living and value

VIEW HOMES FOR SALE IN LORIS, SC

Little River — Coastal and Marina Life

Little River sits right on the South Carolina–North Carolina border and is a popular choice for retirees and people who want quiet, scenic living near marinas and waterfront restaurants. The Big M Casino boats launch from Little River for offshore casino runs, and there is easy access to both South Carolina and North Carolina beaches.

Little River has golf courses, waterfront neighborhoods, and attractions like the Vine Memorial Park and boardwalk trails. It is well positioned for folks who want to be close to the border and enjoy a relaxed coastal lifestyle.

• Vibe: Quiet coastal, marina and retirement friendly
• Average price: About $310,000
• Best for: Retirees, boating enthusiasts, people wanting two-state access

VIEW HOMES FOR SALE IN LITTLE RIVER, SC

How to Decide Which Neighborhood is the Best Place to Live in Myrtle Beach, SC for You

Ask yourself these practical questions:

1. Do you want to be beachside or are you willing to trade proximity for bigger yards and lower prices?
2. Are top-rated schools essential? If yes, start your search with Carolina Forest, Conway, Socastee, and certain parts of Carolina Forest.
3. Do you prioritize golf and marina access? North Myrtle Beach, Little River, and Murrells Inlet have strong options.
4. Are you looking for an investment or a second home? Condos in Myrtle Beach and short-term rental-friendly towns like Surfside and North Myrtle Beach are common choices.

Use commute times to the airport and hospitals as tie-breakers. For example, many inland neighborhoods are 20 to 30 minutes from the airport, while Longs and Loris can be 40 to 50 minutes away depending on traffic. If quick access to a regional hospital matters, look at Longs and Little River for proximity to medical centers.

Practical Tips When Searching

• Check elevation and flood insurance requirements. Homes close to the beach are often elevated to reduce insurance costs.
• Look beyond the beach. Inland communities can offer resort-style amenities, excellent schools, and better value per square foot.
• Try different beaches. Cherry Grove Point, Surfside, and Huntington Beach State Park each offer a different feel; visiting them helps clarify your priorities.
• Consider seasonal traffic. The area gets busier during holidays and summers; if you prefer quieter off-season living, inland towns can be ideal.

Local Highlights Worth Visiting

• Barefoot Landing: dining, shopping, and live entertainment
• Marsh Walk in Murrells Inlet: waterfront restaurants and events
• Brookgreen Gardens: sculpture gardens and nature trails
• Huntington Beach State Park and Myrtle Beach State Park: great places to explore nature with a season pass

Download Our FREE Myrtle Beach New Construction Guide

FAQs

How do prices compare across the top neighborhoods?

Prices vary: Conway and Loris are among the most affordable with averages around $250,000 to $275,000. Carolina Forest and Longs average roughly $300,000 to $350,000. North Myrtle Beach averages near $390,000. Murrells Inlet and Surfside Beach tend to be higher, often in the $310,000 to $450,000 range depending on proximity to the water.

Which area is best for families with school-aged children?

Carolina Forest stands out for schools and family amenities. Conway and Socastee also offer strong school options and family-friendly neighborhoods.

Where do retirees tend to move?

Murrells Inlet and Little River are popular with retirees due to quiet neighborhoods, waterfront dining, and a relaxed pace. Surfside Beach draws retirees seeking quieter beach access.

Is it better to buy near the beach or inland?

That depends on your goals. Beachfront gives lifestyle and rental potential but often costs more and requires raised foundations. Inland neighborhoods deliver more space and value, better schools, and quieter streets.

Which towns are best for golf lovers?

North Myrtle Beach, Longs, Conway, and Little River are surrounded by many of the area’s best golf courses. Barefoot Resort near North Myrtle Beach is a major draw.

How close is everything to the airport?

Distances vary. Myrtle Beach city and North Myrtle Beach are closest. Carolina Forest, Conway, and Socastee are often 20 to 30 minutes away. Longs and Loris can be 40 to 50 minutes depending on traffic.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best place to live in Myrtle Beach, SC requires balancing lifestyle, budget, and priorities. If you want amenities and attractions within walking distance, the city limits of Myrtle Beach or North Myrtle Beach are excellent. If safety, family rules, and a neighborly atmosphere are priorities, Surfside Beach and Carolina Forest should be high on your list. For retirees and quiet coastal living, Murrells Inlet and Little River offer a peaceful rhythm and easy access to dining and nature.

Visit the neighborhoods that catch your eye at different times of the day to get a real feel for traffic, noise, and community energy. Evaluate schools, flood zones, and commute times. With a little exploration, you’ll find which part of the Grand Strand truly feels like home.

Need help buying a home? Call or text me at 833-867-4376  or book a one-on-one Zoom call and I’ll help you find the perfect neighborhood and home.

READ MORE: Moving to Conway, SC: Top New Construction Communities Buyers Love