The first time you cross the Barefoot Resort Bridge off Highway 17 Business, you might hit traffic at the four-way stop. Tourist season or not, that entrance seems to stay crowded. But once you're through, the noise drops away. You're surrounded by championship golf courses, tucked-away neighborhoods, and walking paths along the Intracoastal Waterway. This isn't the high-rise beach strip people picture when they think of Myrtle Beach. It's quieter, more spread out, and built around resort-style living instead of oceanfront density.

Barefoot Resort sits in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, just minutes from Cherry Grove Beach, Little River, and the North Carolina border. You're close enough to Barefoot Landing Entertainment Center to catch a show at the House of Blues or grab breakfast at Blueberry's Grill, but far enough inside the resort gates to feel like you've left the tourist corridor behind. The resort holds 13 different communities offering condos, townhomes, bungalows, and single-family homes. Prices run from the high $200s for older condos to over $1 million for half-acre estate homes with private pools. HOA fees range from $73 a month in some single-family sections to $575 in full-service condo buildings.

What makes Barefoot Resort different is the mix. You can buy a 1,000-square-foot condo with Intracoastal views for under $280,000, or a 3,500-square-foot custom home on a golf-course lot for seven figures. Every resident gets access to the private beach cabana via shuttle service, plus resort amenities like walking trails, coffee shops, a juice bar, and even an urgent care clinic on-site. The golf courses are award-winning, and the membership packages transfer at a fraction of the cost if you buy from an existing owner. We'll walk through what's available right now, what each community offers, and how to save thousands on that golf membership if you decide this is where you want to land.

Table of Contents

• Barefoot Resort: 13 Communities, One Resort Lifestyle
• What It's Like Living Here: Walkability, Traffic, and Nearby Conveniences
• Condos and Townhomes: What $274K to $469K Gets You
• Single-Family Homes: From $540K to Over $1 Million
• The Private Beach Cabana and Resort Amenities
• What It's Like Living Here: Walkability, Traffic, and Nearby Conveniences
• Golf Membership Savings: How to Keep Thousands in Your Pocket
• Conclusion

Barefoot Resort: 13 Communities, One Resort Lifestyle

Barefoot Resort isn't one neighborhood. It's a collection of 13 separate communities spread across a golf-course-lined property in North Myrtle Beach. Some sections are condo buildings with elevators and assigned parking. Others are single-family streets with brick colonials, solar panels, and half-acre lots. The resort layout means you're always surrounded by fairways, water features, or walking paths, even if your home sits a mile from the next pocket of development.

The Ironwood section holds older condo buildings near the Intracoastal. Tuscan Sand runs single-family homes with brick fronts and three-car garages. Leatherleaf offers quiet residential streets where you can walk to the resort's internal coffee shop or urgent care without getting in the car. Each community sets its own HOA fee and architectural style, but they all share access to the same shuttle service, beach cabana, and golf courses. That's the trade-off: you're buying into a resort system, not a standalone neighborhood. If you want total independence, this might feel too managed. If you want amenities without maintaining them yourself, it works.

Prices reflect the variety. Condos start at $274,900 for a two-bedroom, two-bath unit just over 1,000 square feet. The HOA on those runs $525 a month, covering exterior maintenance, landscaping, and access to the shuttle and cabana. Townhouse-style condos with garages and 2,200 square feet push closer to $470,000, with HOA fees around $575. Single-family homes begin in the low $540s for 2,800 square feet and climb past $1.1 million for custom builds on larger lots. HOA fees on the single-family side drop to $73 to $352 a month, depending on the section and what's included.

Right now, there are about 30 condo listings on the market. Square footage ranges from just over 1,000 to 2,276 square feet. Some units sit on the ground floor with walk-out patios. Others are second-floor corner units with Intracoastal views. A few of the older condos need updating, original kitchens, builder-grade carpet, that kind of thing. The newer townhouse-style condos come with garages, sunrooms, and granite counters already in place. Single-family inventory is tighter, maybe a dozen active listings, with a handful of new construction lots still available. Those new builds are priced under $900,000 for around 3,200 square feet, and the HOA stays low at $73 a month.

The resort also offers new construction on lots up to half an acre. We looked at one listed just under $900,000 that's still in the framing stage. It'll be a three-bedroom, 3.5-bath home with 3,261 square feet and a $73 monthly HOA. The builder provides mockups and lot photos, but no finished interiors yet. If you want to customize finishes or pick your own layout, new construction gives you that option without leaving the resort system.

What It's Like Living Here: Walkability, Traffic, and Nearby Conveniences

The Barefoot Resort Bridge is the main entry point, and it's also the main bottleneck. There's a four-way stop at the bridge entrance, and it backs up during tourist season. I've driven through at different times of day, and there's almost always a line. Once you're inside the gates, though, the roads open up. You can walk to the Barefoot Market for coffee, hit the juice bar, or stop by the urgent care if you need quick medical attention. The resort feels self-contained in a way that cuts down on errand trips.

You're minutes from Barefoot Landing Entertainment Center, which sits just across the bridge. That's where you'll find the House of Blues, Alabama Theater, Alligator Adventures, and a handful of restaurants like Blueberry's Grill and the Flying Fish Market. The Crooked Hammock has an artificial turf area where you can lounge outside with a drink. It's a solid spot if you want live music or a casual dinner without driving into the main Myrtle Beach strip. The Dublin Winery is there too, if wine tastings are your thing.

North of the resort, you're close to Little River and Calabash, North Carolina. I call Calabash the seafood capital of the world, and I'm not exaggerating. It's one of my favorite places to eat, and it's maybe a 15-minute drive from Barefoot Resort. If you want to explore North Carolina beaches, Ocean Isle Beach is just over the state line. South of the resort, you have easy access to Cherry Grove Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Crescent Beach. The private beach cabana gives you a dedicated spot with chairs and shade, but you're not limited to that. You can hit any of the public beaches within a 10- to 15-minute drive.

Shopping and errands are covered. Tanger Outlets sits a few minutes away, along with a Walmart Supercenter, a movie theater, and Bass Pro Shop. Hamburger Joe's is right across the bridge, one of my favorite spots for deep-fried hot dogs. I dare you to eat just one. They also have a location in Murrells Inlet or Pawleys Island, I forget which, but the North Myrtle Beach truck always has a line. The parking lot stays packed, which tells you everything you need to know.

The Intracoastal Waterway runs along the eastern edge of the resort. There are walking paths where you can watch boats pass or just get some air without leaving the property. The resort's internal layout makes it easy to walk between communities if you're up for it, though most people drive. The main roads inside the resort are quiet. You'll see golf carts, joggers, and the occasional shuttle bus heading to the beach cabana, but it doesn't feel crowded the way the main beach strip does.

Condos and Townhomes: What $274K to $469K Gets You

We looked at six condo listings during the tour, and they cover a wide range of layouts and price points. The least expensive was a two-bedroom, two-bath unit listed at $274,900. It's 1,550 square feet, which is bigger than some of the three-bedroom condos we saw. The HOA is $525 a month. This one sits near the Intracoastal, so you get water views and access to the walking paths. It's on the ground level with a private garage and a storage locker. If you want space without paying for a third bedroom you won't use, this is a solid option.

Another two-bedroom, two-bath condo came in at $278,900 with just over 1,000 square feet. The HOA is also $525. This one's on the ground level, and the photos show it's close to the resort's main amenity areas. You're a short walk from the shuttle pickup and the beach club. The unit itself is older, original finishes, basic appliances, but it's priced accordingly. If you're planning to renovate or just want a low entry point into the resort, this works.

We also looked at a three-bedroom, two-bath condo listed at $329,000. It's 1,400 square feet with an HOA of $525. This one's in the Ironwood section, which sits near the Intracoastal and surrounded by golf courses. The layout is more traditional condo style, stacked floors, shared hallways, but you get the third bedroom for guests or an office. Another three-bedroom unit came in at $319,000, also 1,400 square feet, with the same $525 HOA. The difference is the view. This one faces the Intracoastal directly, so you're looking at water instead of a parking lot.

The townhouse-style condos are a different category. We toured one listed at $469,900. It's a three-bedroom, 2.5-bath unit with 2,276 square feet and a $575 HOA. This one has a garage, a corner lot, and a second-level layout that feels more like a single-family home than a condo. There's a sunroom off the main living area, and the primary suite takes up most of the top floor. If you want condo amenities without the apartment feel, this is the style to look for. The HOA is higher because it covers more services, but you're also getting more square footage and privacy.

All the condos we looked at include access to the beach cabana, the shuttle service, and the resort's internal amenities. The older units may need cosmetic updates, but the bones are solid. The newer townhouse-style condos are move-in ready with upgraded finishes and attached garages. HOA fees run $525 to $575 depending on the building and what's covered. That's higher than some standalone neighborhoods, but you're paying for the shuttle, the cabana, and the resort maintenance.

Single-Family Homes: From $540K to Over $1 Million

Single-family homes at Barefoot Resort start around $540,000 and climb past $1.1 million depending on lot size, square footage, and location within the resort. We looked at a four-bedroom, three-bath home listed at $550,000. It's 3,100 square feet with a $272 monthly HOA. The home has solar panels, a brick front, and a layout that puts the primary suite on the main floor. The backyard isn't huge, but it's fenced and private. This one sits in a section where the streets are quiet and the golf course views are unobstructed.

Another four-bedroom, three-bath home came in at $540,000. It's 2,802 square feet with a $227 HOA. This one also has solar panels and a brick exterior. The interior shows well, updated kitchen, walk-in closets, a sunroom that's bigger than most I've seen in this price range. The lot is smaller than the higher-priced homes, but you're still getting three full baths and enough space for a family or guests.

We also toured a three-bedroom, 3.5-bath home listed at $750,000. It's 3,500 square feet with a $73 HOA. This one sits in the Tuscan Sand section, which tends to have larger lots and more custom builds. The home has a three-car garage, a formal dining room, and a backyard that backs up to a golf course. The HOA is low because the section doesn't include as many shared services. You're paying for the resort access and the shuttle, but not the landscaping or exterior maintenance.

At the top end, we looked at a four-bedroom, four-bath home listed at $1.1 million. It sits on half an acre with a private pool, a covered patio, and views of the golf course and water features. The square footage wasn't listed, but the photos show a custom build with high-end finishes, a chef's kitchen, and a primary suite that takes up an entire wing. The HOA is $352, which is higher than the mid-range homes but still reasonable for what you're getting. The pool alone adds significant value, and the lot size gives you privacy you won't find in the condo sections.

New construction is still happening in a few sections. We looked at a lot listed just under $900,000 where they're building a three-bedroom, 3.5-bath home with 3,261 square feet. The HOA will be $73 a month. The builder provides mockups and site photos, but the home isn't finished yet. If you want to pick finishes or adjust the layout, this is the time to do it. The lot is cleared and framed, so you're looking at a few months before move-in.

Single-family homes give you more control over your space and lower HOA fees, but you're still part of the resort system. You get the shuttle, the cabana, and access to the golf courses. The trade-off is you're responsible for your own lawn care and exterior maintenance unless your section includes that in the HOA. Most buyers I work with prefer the single-family side if they want a yard, a garage, and the option to add a pool later.

The Private Beach Cabana and Resort Amenities

The private beach cabana is one of the main selling points at Barefoot Resort. It's not on the resort property, it's at the actual beach, a few miles away. The resort runs a shuttle service that picks you up and drops you off at the cabana. Once you're there, you have access to beach chairs, umbrellas, and covered seating areas. It's not a massive facility, but it's private to resort residents, so it doesn't get as crowded as the public beach access points.

The cabana itself is a simple setup. You've got a shaded area with seating, a few picnic tables, and direct beach access. The chairs and umbrellas are already set up, so you don't have to haul your own gear. If you're someone who goes to the beach a few times a week, the shuttle and cabana make it easy. You're not fighting for parking or dragging coolers across a quarter-mile of sand. You show up, sit down, and you're done.

Inside the resort, you have walking paths along the Intracoastal, a coffee shop, a juice bar, and the Barefoot Market. There's also an urgent care clinic on-site, which is more convenient than it sounds. If you need a quick check-up or a prescription refill, you don't have to leave the property. The resort also has internal shuttle service for getting around the larger sections, though most people drive or walk.

The golf courses are the centerpiece. Barefoot Resort is home to four championship courses designed by big names in golf architecture. If you're a golfer, this is a major draw. If you're not, the courses still add value because they create open space and views that you won't get in a standard subdivision. The fairways run between communities, so even if your home doesn't directly face a course, you're usually within sight of one.

The resort amenities are included in your HOA, but the level of access depends on which community you're in. Condo owners tend to have higher HOA fees because they're covering more services, exterior maintenance, landscaping, shuttle access, and building upkeep. Single-family homeowners pay less because they're only covering the shared amenities like the cabana, the shuttle, and the golf course access. Either way, you're paying for a resort lifestyle, not just a house.

What It's Like Living Here: Walkability, Traffic, and Nearby Conveniences

I'm a big stat guy, so I pay attention to who's moving here and where they're coming from. Right now, I'm working with a lot of people relocating from Ohio. The cost of living difference is significant, and the beach access is a major draw. Most of them are looking for single-family homes in the $500K to $700K range, which puts them in the middle of the Barefoot Resort market.

The walkability inside the resort is better than most beach-area developments. You can walk to the coffee shop, the market, and the urgent care without getting in the car. The Intracoastal walking paths are well-maintained, and you'll see people out there most mornings. If you're someone who likes to walk or bike for exercise, the resort gives you safe, scenic routes that don't require leaving the property.

The downside is the traffic at the bridge. That four-way stop backs up during peak times, and there's no real way around it. If you're commuting daily or running errands during tourist season, you'll hit delays. Once you're inside the resort, the roads are quiet, but getting in and out can be frustrating. It's not a dealbreaker, but it's something to know going in.

Nearby conveniences are solid. You're minutes from Barefoot Landing, which covers most of your dining and entertainment needs. Tanger Outlets, Walmart, and the movie theater are all within a 10-minute drive. If you need a bigger grocery run or want to explore the main Myrtle Beach strip, you're looking at 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic. Little River and Calabash are close enough for weekend seafood runs, and the North Carolina beaches are an easy day trip.

The resort itself feels tucked away even though you're close to everything. That's the appeal for most buyers. You're not on the main drag, you're not dealing with high-rise congestion, but you're still within reach of the beach, the entertainment, and the conveniences that make living here practical.

Golf Membership Savings: How to Keep Thousands in Your Pocket

Here's how you can save thousands of dollars when buying at Barefoot Resort: the golf membership packages. Typically, when you purchase a home in the resort, the golf membership runs $10,000 to $20,000 as a one-time fee. That's the standard rate for new buyers who want access to the four championship courses.

But if you buy a home from an owner who already has a membership, they can transfer it to you for $2,500. That's it. You're saving anywhere from $7,500 to $17,500 just by buying from someone who's already in the system. The membership is transferable, and the process is straightforward. You pay the $2,500 transfer fee, and you're in.

Even if you're not a golfer, I'd suggest taking the membership. It adds resale value to your home. When you go to sell, you can offer the same deal to the next buyer: transfer the membership for $2,500 instead of making them pay the full $10,000 to $20,000. That's a selling point that sets your home apart from others on the market. Buyers see it as a bonus, and it can move your listing faster.

The membership itself covers access to all four courses, plus discounted tee times and priority booking. If you're someone who golfs regularly, the savings pay for themselves in the first year. If you're not, you're still adding value to your home and keeping your options open. The courses are well-maintained, and they're part of what makes Barefoot Resort a destination community instead of just another beach neighborhood.

When you're looking at listings, ask if the current owner has a transferable membership. Not every home comes with one, but enough do that it's worth checking. If the home you want doesn't have a membership, you can always buy one later, but you'll pay the full $10,000 to $20,000. The transfer option is the smarter move if it's available.

Conclusion

Barefoot Resort gives you options. You can buy a condo for under $300,000 and get resort amenities, beach access, and Intracoastal views. You can buy a single-family home for $550,000 and get a yard, a garage, and golf-course living. You can build new construction on a half-acre lot and customize the whole thing. The resort system works if you want amenities without maintaining them yourself. It doesn't work if you want total independence or if you're not willing to deal with the bridge traffic.

The 13 communities inside the resort mean you're not locked into one style or price point. Ironwood offers older condos near the water. Tuscan Sand offers custom single-family homes on larger lots. Leatherleaf offers quiet residential streets with easy access to the resort's internal services. You're buying into a lifestyle, not just a house, and that lifestyle includes the shuttle, the cabana, the golf courses, and the walking paths.

If you're relocating to the Myrtle Beach area and you want resort-style living without the high-rise density, Barefoot Resort is worth a look. The inventory moves, especially on the single-family side, so if you see something that fits, don't wait. The golf membership transfer alone can save you enough to cover closing costs or upgrades. I'm happy to walk you through what's available right now, show you the different sections, and help you figure out which community fits your budget and your lifestyle. Let's set up a time to talk.