The first time Alysia and I moved to Myrtle Beach, we bought a condo sight unseen. I was staring out the window at another New York winter, retired from the fire department, and thought: I don't need to be here anymore. So we pulled the trigger on a place we'd only seen on video. That decision taught us the hard way that buying a house before understanding the area is a mistake you only make once.

After more than 300 relocation Zoom calls and helping over 200 families settle into the Grand Strand, one thing has become crystal clear: most people aren't looking for a different house. They're looking for a different lifestyle. And around here, Conway, Carolina Forest, Little River, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, and the rest of the Grand Strand can offer completely different ways of living, even though they're all within a 30-minute drive of each other.

In this guide, we're going to map your move. We'll cover beach access, shopping and restaurants, larger lots, new construction, golf cart communities, HOA versus no HOA, quieter areas, walkability, and how far you really want to be from everything. Stick around because there's one area I call the Super City that offers something pretty unique compared to anywhere else around Myrtle Beach.

Table of Contents

• Little River: Quiet Coastal Living Near the North Carolina Border
• Longs: Affordable New Construction with Space to Breathe
• North Myrtle Beach: residential Beaches and Golf Cart Access
• Myrtle Beach: The Heart of the Action (and What We Learned the Hard Way)
• Carolina Forest: Suburban Convenience in a Master-Planned Setting
• Forestbrook: Established Neighborhoods Close to Everything
• Socastee: Suburban Living with Golf Cart Access to Market Commons
• Surfside Beach: Small-Town Charm Blocks from the Ocean
• Which Myrtle Beach Area Is Right for You?
• Conclusion

Little River: Quiet Coastal Living Near the North Carolina Border

If you love gambling and seafood, Little River is going to feel like home. Sitting right on the North and South Carolina border, this area is quieter and more laid-back than the tourist-heavy stretches further south. You don't get nearly as much of that vacation traffic, and that's exactly the appeal for a lot of retirees who end up here.

We had a client whose family lived in Carolina Shores, North Carolina, just across the border. They wanted to stay close for visits but live in South Carolina for financial reasons, lower taxes, better cost of living. Little River gave them the best of both worlds. Easy access to family, but they got to keep the South Carolina benefits.

The Big M Casino is one of the big draws here. They run two boats that take you out into the ocean, and once you hit international waters, gambling is legal. We've been on a few of those cruises. It's a fun time if you're into that sort of thing. Right by the casino, you'll find a bunch of seafood restaurants and charter fishing operations. If you like being on the water, this area delivers.

Little River also puts you close to Calabash, North Carolina, the seafood capital. There's a place called The Boundary that we hit up sometimes. They make one of the best surf and turf plates around. You'll also have access to North Carolina beaches like Ocean Isle and Sunset Beach, which tend to be less crowded and more tranquil than the South Carolina side.

Down at Cherry Grove Point , you'll find one of my favorite beaches in the area. It's super clean, really nice, and a lot of people don't want to walk all the way out to the point from the pier, so Alysia and I usually have it to ourselves. If you like hiking, check out Vereen Memorial Gardens . It's a quiet, beautiful spot where you can walk and get your steps in or just sit and meditate.

The median price point in Little River is reasonable, and the area is popular with retirees who want that tranquil coastal vibe without the hustle. If you're a seafood and gambling enthusiast who values peace and quiet, this is worth a serious look.

Longs: Affordable New Construction with Space to Breathe

Longs is all about growth and value. This area is expanding like you wouldn't believe, and if you don't mind being 20 to 40 minutes from the beach and big box stores depending on where you are, you can save a serious amount of money on new construction.

All the development here is happening along Highway 9. Builders tore down the trees and built these communities along 9 because that road feeds straight into Highway 17, where you'll find all your shopping, hospitals, clinics, and fast food. You do have a Food Lion in Longs if you need to grab groceries without making the drive, and there's the Long Bay Golf Club if you're into golf.

Here's the thing about Longs: we got a client into the exact same floor plan she was looking at closer to the beach, but she saved $90,000 by being 30 minutes from the ocean instead of 15. She didn't mind the commute because she was getting way more bang for her buck. That's the trade-off here. You get more space between neighbors, newer homes, and better value, but you're going to drive a bit further to get to the beach and the major shopping areas.

The commute isn't bad, honestly. Coming from New York, where I used to spend two hours getting to my firehouse in Suffolk County, a 30-minute drive to the beach feels like nothing. There can be a little traffic on Highway 9 from time to time, but it's not crazy compared to what you'd deal with in a major metro.

Longs is rapidly expanding, and all the new construction is brand new, there's not much established landscaping yet, so if you're someone who wants mature trees and that lived-in neighborhood feel, this might not be your spot. But if you want affordable new construction with more space and you're okay with a longer commute, Longs offers some of the best value on the Grand Strand.

North Myrtle Beach: residential Beaches and Golf Cart Access

North Myrtle Beach gives you access to just about everything without feeling quite as busy as Myrtle Beach. You get quieter beaches, local schools, tons of entertainment at Barefoot Landing , and the best area for golf cart access to the beach. If that golf cart lifestyle is something you're after, we can show you exactly which subdivisions and communities let you drive your cart straight to the sand.

This area sits between Little River and Myrtle Beach, and along Highway 17 you'll find all your fast food, restaurants, hospitals, shopping, and miniature golf. You've got access to the Intracoastal, the Surf Golf and Beach Club , and a Walmart Supercenter. Down on Main Street, there are some great breakfast spots, one right on the corner of North Hill Drive that everybody goes to.

Cherry Grove Beach is in North Myrtle Beach, and I keep mentioning it because it's one of my favorites. Alysia and I walk all the way out to the point and set up our beach chairs. A lot of people don't like walking that far from the pier, so we usually have it to ourselves. It's clean, less crowded, and just a beautiful spot.

Barefoot Landing is the entertainment hub here. You've got the Flying Public Fish with a great raw clam bar, the Crooked Hammock Brewery with outdoor games like cornhole and life-size checkers (I'm terrible at cornhole, by the way), and the Blueberry Grill , which is my favorite breakfast joint in the area. Barefoot Resort and Golf has about 13 subdivisions, condos, townhomes, and residential homes, so there's a lot of variety depending on what you're looking for.

North Myrtle Beach is popular with buyers who want that coastal lifestyle but don't want to be right in the middle of the tourist chaos. You're close to everything, the schools are solid, and the beaches are quieter. If you want the convenience of Myrtle Beach without the intensity, this is a great middle ground.

Myrtle Beach: The Heart of the Action (and What We Learned the Hard Way)

Myrtle Beach is for people who don't mind being right in the middle of the action. You get the iconic boardwalk, tons of entertainment, vibrant nightlife, and plenty of oceanfront condos to choose from. This is the most touristy area on the Grand Strand, and that comes with both perks and trade-offs.

When Alysia and I first moved here, we bought a condo in Myrtle Beach sight unseen. I was looking out the window at another New York winter and thought, I don't need to be here anymore. So we pulled the trigger on a place we'd only seen on video. That was our only regret. We weren't familiar with how HOA fees and city taxes worked, and we ended up paying more than we expected.

Here's what you need to know: if you live within the city limits of Myrtle Beach, there's an extra city tax. And if you're buying a condo, you need to understand the HOA structure. HOA fees and assessments can increase dramatically in condos, way more than you'd see in residential areas. We learned that the hard way, and now we make sure our clients understand all of that before they buy.

That's not to say Myrtle Beach isn't the right place for you. It might be. But you have to go in with your eyes open. There are some residential homes on beach blocks, so you're not limited to condos. And you do have easy access to everything: Broadway at the Beach , the Grand Prix , Legends Concert Theater , the mall, movie theaters, and all the big box stores, Sam's Club, Costco, Target.

The airport is 10 to 15 minutes away, which is super convenient. And Market Commons is like its own city within Myrtle Beach. It has about 11 subdivisions, each one different, plus restaurants, bars, breweries, a movie theater, and a bookstore. You don't have to leave Market Commons if you don't want to. I did a deep dive on Market Commons a few videos back if you want to check that out.

Myrtle Beach is the heart of the action. If you want beachfront living, tons of entertainment, and easy access to the airport, this is it. Just make sure you understand the HOA and tax situation before you buy. Learn from us so you don't have to move twice.

Carolina Forest: Suburban Convenience in a Master-Planned Setting

Carolina Forest is very popular with families looking for that suburban lifestyle. You get a lot of master-planned communities with great amenities, local schools, and easy access to shopping and medical facilities. This is where Alysia and I ended up moving after we outgrew the condo, and we absolutely love it because of its convenience to everything.

Carolina Forest Boulevard runs right through the middle of the area. It connects International Drive , where you have tons of shopping and a brand new hospital with an ER center, to Highway 501, where you'll find all your big box stores and Conway Medical Center . So on each side of Carolina Forest, you've got medical facilities. That's a big deal if healthcare access is important to you.

Whatever you're looking for, you don't have to commute 30 minutes to go shopping. You've got Publix, Food Lion, Lowe's Foods, pizzerias, bagel shops, everything is right here. That's why people love living in Carolina Forest. You get that suburban feel with all the convenience of being close to everything.

Depending on where you are in Carolina Forest, you're 10 to 15 minutes from the airport. The area is continuing to grow, and we're going to be taking deeper dives into specific subdivisions and new construction communities in upcoming videos. If you're seriously thinking about moving to the Myrtle Beach area, make sure you follow along because we're going to dig into the details.

Carolina Forest offers that amenity-filled, residential lifestyle without feeling too far from the action. If you want local schools, easy access to shopping and medical care, and a suburban vibe, this is one of the top areas to consider.

Forestbrook: Established Neighborhoods Close to Everything

Forestbrook is for people looking for a more established neighborhood with mature trees and landscaping. One of the biggest complaints we get from people who buy in new construction areas is that everything looks bare, no trees, no shade, just dirt and new houses. Forestbrook doesn't have that problem.

This is a small pocket area right off Highway 501, on the south side. Carolina Forest is on the north side of 501, and Forestbrook is on the south side, right off Highway 31 . And let me tell you, Highway 31 is one of those roads that's never congested unless there's an accident. It's the anti-Long Island Expressway. If you know, you know. The LIE in New York is always packed, no matter what time of day. Highway 31 is smooth sailing.

If you want to get to North Myrtle Beach quickly, you can get there in about 20 to 25 minutes living in Forestbrook. You're also 5 minutes from the airport, close to Market Commons , the mall, and Myrtle Beach State Park . If you're going to be moving here and you like the state parks, get the season pass. It's about $100, and you can park at 60-some state parks across South Carolina. If you park daily, it's going to cost you way more.

Forestbrook is mostly resale homes, and don't sleep on those. Sometimes you'll find the best value when someone else has already paid for all the upgrades. We recently helped a client buy a 5-year-old home with an in-ground pool and all the pavers. The seller had a life-changing event and needed to move, so my client jumped on it. The home had all the upgrades, and it went pretty quickly because it was priced well.

You're also close to Gino's Pizza , which is my number two favorite pizza spot in the area. Coming from New York, I'm a pizza snob, but Gino's is legit. Forestbrook gives you that established feel with mature landscaping, local schools, and everyday convenience. You're close to everything without the new construction premium.

Socastee: Suburban Living with Golf Cart Access to Market Commons

Socastee is another great option if you're looking for a suburban lifestyle. You'll find a good mix of established neighborhoods, new construction, riverfront homes, and even some historic homes. The schools are solid, and you're close to the airport, the mall, and Myrtle Beach State Park, just like Forestbrook, since the two areas are neighbors.

But here's what makes Socastee different: golf cart access to Market Commons . We had a client whose biggest priority was being able to take their golf cart shopping, to restaurants, to the movie theater, and to the bookstore. There's a Barnes & Noble in Market Commons, the only one in the area, and they wanted to be able to golf cart there.

Instead of focusing on a house, we focused on their lifestyle. We found them a brand new home in Saybrook , a community that gave them exactly what they wanted. They could take their golf cart right down to Market Commons, hit up the breweries, the restaurants, the bookstore, the movie theater, everything. They also had a middle school right outside the community, which was perfect for their kids.

Socastee is continuing to grow with new development, and it offers that suburban family lifestyle with better schools and golf cart access to one of the best shopping and dining areas on the Grand Strand. If you're still not sure whether this area is right for you, I recommend renting for six months first. See what it's like to live here on an everyday basis. Do the things you would normally do and see if it feels right.

We've had five clients rent first. Four of them loved it and bought. One of them decided the area wasn't for them and ended up looking somewhere else. Myrtle Beach isn't for everybody, and that's okay. Better to figure that out before you buy.

Surfside Beach: Small-Town Charm Blocks from the Ocean

Surfside Beach is known as the Family Beach for a reason. It's super popular with families and vacationers who want that small-town charm and laid-back coastal feel. And here's the thing: it's surprisingly affordable.

In the last two years, I've relocated two firefighters I worked with in New York City. They'd been vacationing in Surfside for years, coming down three or four times a year. They ultimately bought second homes here, vacation homes, because they were spending so much time in the area anyway. One of them is three blocks from the beach, the other one is a block away. They got their dream vacation homes, and now they have a place to come to whenever they want.

Surfside Beach offers that relaxed beach atmosphere without the hustle and bustle of Myrtle Beach. You're blocks from the ocean, and the vibe is way more chill. If you're looking for a second home or a vacation property, or if you just want that residential beach lifestyle, Surfside is worth a serious look.

And don't forget Hamburger Joe's if you're down here. Great spot. The median price point in Surfside is surprisingly affordable given the location and the family beach reputation. It's one of those areas that offers more value than you'd expect.

Which Myrtle Beach Area Is Right for You?

Now that we've covered the major areas, let's talk about how to actually choose. Because the biggest mistake you can make is picking the house first and the area second. You need to start with your lifestyle, then find the area, then find the house.

Here's how to think about it:

Choose Little River if you want quiet, tranquil coastal living near the North Carolina border. You're close to seafood, gambling, and less touristy beaches. Popular with retirees who want that laid-back vibe.

Choose Longs if you want affordable new construction and you don't mind being 20 to 40 minutes from the beach. You can save $90,000 on the same floor plan just by being a little further out. Great for people who want more space between neighbors and better value.

Choose North Myrtle Beach if you want residential beaches, local schools, and golf cart access to the beach. You're close to everything without feeling as busy as Myrtle Beach. Barefoot Landing gives you tons of entertainment and dining options.

Choose Myrtle Beach if you want to be right in the middle of the action. Iconic boardwalk, tons of entertainment, vibrant nightlife, and easy access to the airport. Just understand the HOA and city tax situation before you buy.

Choose Carolina Forest if you want a suburban lifestyle with master-planned communities, local schools, and easy access to shopping and medical facilities. You're 10 to 15 minutes from the airport and close to everything.

Choose Forestbrook if you want established neighborhoods with mature trees and landscaping. You're 5 minutes from the airport, close to Market Commons, the mall, and Myrtle Beach State Park. Great for people who want that lived-in feel and don't want to wait for trees to grow.

Choose Socastee if you want a suburban lifestyle with golf cart access to Market Commons. local schools, a mix of resale and new construction, and easy access to shopping and dining.

Choose Surfside Beach if you want small-town charm blocks from the ocean. residential, laid-back, and surprisingly affordable. Great for second homes and vacation properties.

The key is to match the area to your lifestyle. If you're not sure, rent for six months first. See what it's like to live here before you commit. We've helped over 200 families relocate to the Myrtle Beach area, and the ones who are happiest are the ones who took the time to figure out which area fit their lifestyle before they started looking at houses.

Conclusion

After conducting more than 300 relocation Zoom calls, one thing has become pretty clear: most people aren't looking for a different house. They're looking for a different lifestyle. And around the Grand Strand, you can find just about any lifestyle you want, from quiet coastal living in Little River to the suburban convenience of Carolina Forest to the small-town charm of Surfside Beach.

But there's one more area we need to talk about, and I call it the Super City. Conway has expanded more than any other area on the Grand Strand in the last few years. The old map of Conway was small. The new map is massive. You've got historical homes, established neighborhoods, and tons of new construction. You've got homes outside of subdivisions for people who don't want to pay HOA fees. And the price points are all across the board.

One of the major selling points is Conway's southern charm, which is kept alive by its downtown. There's the Riverwalk right by the Waccamaw River, a bunch of mom-and-pop shops, and Anto's , the number one pizzeria in the area, in my opinion. They use natural ingredients, and they sell out pretty quickly. If you don't get there early enough, by 3 o'clock they'll be out of dough. Coming from New York and being a pizza snob, I give it an A+.

Conway offers you shopping up and down Highway 501, Tanger Outlet, Kohl's, Kroger, Walmart Supercenter, and Conway Medical Center . You've got Coastal Carolina University if you're into college sports. The football and baseball teams are both pretty good. And if you're anywhere in Conway, you can jump on Highway 22 and get to North Myrtle Beach in 25 to 30 minutes. If you're in the southern part of Conway, you're 15 minutes from the beach.

Conway gives you the opportunity to be away from everything and still have access to civilization. You can purchase a home from the $200s all the way up to the million-dollar price points. If you want a historic home with a wraparound porch, you can find that. If you want new construction, you can find that too. It's the most versatile area on the Grand Strand, and that's why we've sold the most homes here.

If you're thinking about relocating to Myrtle Beach, don't start with the house. Start with the lifestyle. Then find the area. Then find the house. And if you want help mapping your move, schedule a call with us. We'll go over your price point, pinpoint the area that's the best fit for you, and make sure you don't have to move twice.