Deciding where to live is the hardest part of any move. If you are searching for the top neighborhoods in Myrtle Beach, you want a clear, practical guide that cuts through hype and shows what life really looks like in each area. Below is a neighborhood-by-neighborhood breakdown based on local knowledge, resident feedback, and years of helping people relocate. Each section answers the five questions most buyers ask: who the area is best for, what people love, the biggest complaint, the price vibe, and the one thing to check before you buy.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• 1. Conway — Value, Space, and Small-Town Character
• 2. Carolina Forest — Master-Planned, Family-Friendly Living
• 3. Market Commons — Walkability and a Neighborhood City
• 4. North Myrtle Beach and Little River — Beach Towns with Local Flavor
• 5. Surfside Beach, Garden City Beach, and Murrells Inlet — Calmer Coastal Living
• Quick Cheat Sheet: Choose by Lifestyle
• Practical Steps Before You Commit
• Final Thoughts
• FAQs

Introduction

I looked at what people actually search for, which neighborhoods come up most often, and the common questions on Google, Reddit, Discord, and neighborhood groups. The focus is on places within a 15 to 40 minute drive of central Myrtle Beach so you get coastal access without living in the busiest tourist strip. If your priority is one of the top neighborhoods in Myrtle Beach, this guide will help narrow your search quickly.

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1. Conway — Value, Space, and Small-Town Character

Who is Conway best for? Conway is ideal for families who need space on a budget and for people who want a more local, quieter base while still being within reach of the beach. If you need a larger home (five bedrooms and up) without paying beach-front premiums, Conway is often the best value among the top neighborhoods in Myrtle Beach.

What people love

• Downtown Conway. The historic downtown area and Riverwalk give Conway a genuine small-town feel — weekend strolls, mom-and-pop restaurants, seasonal decorations, and live events.
• Space and newer subdivisions pushing the town boundary outward. You get more lot and square footage for the same money as closer-in neighborhoods.
• Local favorites like Rivertown Beastro and Leon Deli make Conway a place with personality.

Biggest complaint

Neighborhood quality can vary. Some pockets are beautifully maintained and welcoming; others feel neglected or have an older vibe. Expect to spend time driving neighborhoods during home hunting so you can spot the differences.

Price vibe

The median sale price in Conway sits comfortably lower than beach-adjacent neighborhoods, making it one of the best choices for buyers focused on value. Expect to see mid-$300k median numbers as you shop.

Things to check before buying

• Flood zones and elevation on any coastal-adjacent parcel.
• Commute time to your work or school — some parts of Conway are 20–40 minutes from big-box shopping and employment centers.
• Visit the area in different seasons to confirm the vibe year-round.

VIEW HOMES FOR SALE IN CONWAY, SC

2. Carolina Forest — Master-Planned, Family-Friendly Living

Who is Carolina Forest best for? This is the classic modern suburb: families who want newer homes, neighborhood amenities (pools, playgrounds, walking trails), and convenient shopping. If you want a community with a consistent new-construction feel, Carolina Forest is high on the list of top neighborhoods in Myrtle Beach.

What people love

• Easy access to grocery stores, big-box retail, and Tanger outlets along Highway 501 and International Drive.
• A modern, planned feel that’s built for families and active lifestyles.
• Schools and frequently updated community amenities that make it straightforward to meet neighbors.

Biggest complaint

Traffic during school drop-off, rush hour, and holidays. Carolina Forest Boulevard is busy at peak times, and getting out of neighborhood gates can be slow when schools are releasing. If you commute daily, test your exact route at the times you will be traveling.

Price vibe

Carolina Forest falls in the mid-range among the top neighborhoods in Myrtle Beach: more expensive than Conway but typically more affordable than walkable, curated districts. Expect a median price around the high $300k range depending on inventory and new builds.

Things to check before buying

• Actual drive times for school drop-off and your commute during peak hours.
• Community amenity access and HOA rules if you want pools, tennis courts, and playgrounds.

VIEW HOMES FOR SALE IN CAROLINA FOREST, SC

3. Market Commons — Walkability and a Neighborhood City

Who is Market Commons best for? Buyers who want a walkable, polished neighborhood with shops, restaurants, and entertainment all within a short ride or golf cart trip. Professionals who travel often will also love being close to the airport. If walkability ranks high on your list of the top neighborhoods in Myrtle Beach, Market Commons should be on your shortlist.

What people love

• A curated, almost urban feel: movie theaters, breweries, farmers markets, coffee shops, and restaurants clustered together.
• The ability to use a golf cart for short trips and to access Myrtle Beach State Park for beach time without navigating the busiest parts of town.
• Public amenities and community events that make this area feel like a small city within Myrtle Beach.

Biggest complaint

You pay for the lifestyle. Homes in Market Commons are pricier, and stricter HOA rules and extra fees are common. If you prefer laid-back governance, expect some friction with tighter neighborhood standards here.

Price vibe

Among the top neighborhoods in Myrtle Beach, Market Commons sits on the higher end for median pricing because of the walkable lifestyle and proximity to services. Expect median pricing above many suburban alternatives.

Things to check before buying

• HOA documents and any additional neighborhood rules that may affect daily life.
• Specific subdivision differences — some pockets have amenities and rules that others do not.

VIEW HOMES FOR SALE IN LITTLE RIVER, SC

4. North Myrtle Beach and Little River — Beach Towns with Local Flavor

Who these areas are best for

If you want beach town energy without the Myrtle Beach resort crowds, North Myrtle Beach and Little River offer a coastal town pace with local pockets and year-round residents. Retirees who favor calm beaches and families seeking a coastal lifestyle away from the busiest strips often land here on lists of the top neighborhoods in Myrtle Beach.

What people love

• A coastal town atmosphere: more local businesses, family-run restaurants, and beach access that feels coastal rather than resort commercial.
• Barefoot Landing and nearby attractions give good local dining and shopping without the tourist center energy.
• Proximity to the North Carolina border for families who want easy access to relatives or prefer a location near two states.

Biggest complaint

Prices run higher than Conway and many inland communities. Also, pockets with heavy vacation rental activity can feel different in peak season than in the off-season. Be clear whether you want year-round quiet or a neighborhood with short-term rental turnover.

Things to check before buying

• HOA rules and parking restrictions near the beach, where street parking can be tightly regulated.
• Seasonal vibe at peak tourist times if you plan to live year-round.

VIEW HOMES FOR SALE IN NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC

5. Surfside Beach, Garden City Beach, and Murrells Inlet — Calmer Coastal Living

Who these areas are best for

These southern beach towns are for buyers who want coastal living without the concentration of Myrtle Beach activity. Retirees, second-home buyers, and families who prefer a slower tempo often pick Surfside, Garden City, or Murrells Inlet from the list of top neighborhoods in Myrtle Beach.

What people love

• Laid-back beaches and quieter streets compared to the resort strip.
• Excellent local food scenes — Murrells Inlet’s MarshWalk is a local favorite for seafood and live music.
• Golf communities and waterfront neighborhoods with mature landscaping and a relaxed pace.

Biggest complaint

Flood zones and hurricane exposure can increase insurance costs for properties closer to the water. Many beach-adjacent homes are elevated, and flood insurance adds a monthly/annual file to your housing budget.

Things to check before buying

• Flood maps and elevation on a house-by-house basis.
• Insurance quotes before committing. Some homes carry steep premiums that materially change monthly costs.

VIEW HOMES FOR SALE IN SURFSIDE BEACH, SC

Quick Cheat Sheet: Choose by Lifestyle

• Value and space: Conway
• Master-planned suburb: Carolina Forest
• Walkable, curated lifestyle: Market Commons
• Beach town energy, local pockets: North Myrtle Beach and Little River
• Calm coastal living: Surfside Beach, Garden City Beach, Murrells Inlet

All of these neighborhoods are considered some of the top neighborhoods in Myrtle Beach depending on what you prioritize: price, walkability, family amenities, beach access, or a slow coastal pace. Use the cheat sheet to match how you live now with how you want to live after your move.

VIEW HOMES FOR SALE IN GARDEN CITY BEACH, SC

Practical Steps Before You Commit

Use these steps to make the decision with confidence:

1. Visit multiple times during different seasons and at different times of day. Driving the commute or visiting weekend traffic at peak season gives a clear picture of day-to-day life.
2. Get flood maps and insurance quotes early. For coastal communities, insurance cost can swing a purchase from affordable to unaffordable.
3. Request HOA documents and read them. Walkability and curated districts often come with stricter covenants and higher HOA fees.
4. Walk neighborhoods and check nearby amenities: grocery stores, medical facilities, and local restaurants matter for convenience and long-term satisfaction.

VIEW HOMES FOR SALE IN MURRELLS INLET, SC

Final Thoughts

Each of the top neighborhoods in Myrtle Beach offers a distinct lifestyle. Conway gives value and room to grow. Carolina Forest delivers newer homes and family-centered amenities. Market Commons supplies walkability and a curated city-in-miniature. North Myrtle Beach and Little River blend beach-town character with easy coastal living. Surfside, Garden City, and Murrells Inlet are the pick for a calmer seaside tempo.

Identify your must-haves, test the commute, and factor in insurance and HOA costs. Those few checks will save time and stress and help you land in the neighborhood that fits not only your budget but the lifestyle you want to live.

Need help buying a home? Call or text me to get started: 833-867-4376 . Or schedule a Discovery 1-1 Zoom call .

FAQs

How do I choose between price and proximity to the beach?

If budget is primary, prioritize Conway or inland pockets of Carolina Forest. If beach proximity is critical, plan for higher purchase prices and insurance in North Myrtle Beach, Surfside, and Garden City. Create a list of non-negotiables (school district, commute, HOA tolerance) and use the cheat sheet to match neighborhoods to those priorities.

How important are flood maps when looking at these neighborhoods?

Extremely important. Flood zone designation affects insurance cost, mortgage qualification, and long-term resale. Request elevation certificates and insurance estimates before making an offer, especially in Surfside, Garden City, Murrells Inlet, and some North Myrtle Beach parcels.

Are homeowners associations strict in walkable neighborhoods?

Often yes. Walkable, curated areas like Market Commons typically have more rules to maintain a polished look. Read HOA covenants thoroughly for restrictions, assessments, and rules that could affect renovations, rentals, and everyday living.

Which neighborhood is best for families with young kids?

Carolina Forest is commonly chosen by families for its newer developments, amenities, and school district. Conway also works well for larger, budget-conscious families who want more space.

Can I find rental-friendly neighborhoods among these options?

Yes, but rules vary. North Myrtle Beach and some sections of Market Commons tolerate short-term rentals more than stricter homeowner communities. Always check HOA rules and municipal ordinances for short-term rental restrictions.

How long should I test-drive a neighborhood before buying?

Aim for at least one extended visit during both peak season and off-season, plus a few visits during the times you will commute. If possible, spend a week or stay in a short-term rental to experience mornings, evenings, and weekends firsthand.

READ MORE: Moving to Myrtle Beach, SC: What New Yorkers Really Need to Know