Table of Contents

• Introduction
• 1. Visiting in February and Buying on the Spot
• 2. Assuming Near the Beach Means Peace and Quiet
• 3. Skipping Flood Zone and Insurance Research When Relocating to Myrtle Beach
• 4. Underestimating the Power of the HOA in Myrtle Beach Communities
• 5. Choosing a Community That Doesn’t Match Your Lifestyle
• 6. Forgetting About DMV Fees and Local Taxes in Myrtle Beach
• 7. Trusting Zillow Like It’s Gospel
• 8. Underestimating the “Everyone Wants to Visit” Factor
• 9. Moving Without a Local Plan or Local Help
• 10. Forgetting to Enjoy the Ride
• Quick Checklist Before You Sign Anything
• Want a Head Start?
• FAQs

Introduction

Thinking about moving to Myrtle Beach, SC? Welcome—this coastal town has sun, shrimp boils, golf carts, and a seriously tempting lifestyle upgrade. But like any great romance, the honeymoon can blind you to a few dealbreakers. Below is a practical, sometimes funny, and always honest guide to the top 10 mistakes people make when relocating to Myrtle Beach, SC and exactly how to avoid them.

VIEW HOMES FOR SALE IN MYRTLE BEACH, SC

1. Visiting in February and Buying on the Spot

February shows off the best weather and the calmest streets, which makes impulse decisions dangerous. If you fall in love with a neighborhood during a mild winter day, you might be surprised when July arrives. Summer in Myrtle Beach brings intense humidity, heavier traffic, and neighborhoods that transform into vacation zones.

• Do: Visit in at least two seasons—winter and summer.
• If you can’t visit: Get a local walkthrough via video call and ask about summer traffic, parking, and noise.

2. Assuming Near the Beach Means Peace and Quiet

Walking to the beach with a coffee is idyllic—but living a block from the sand often means living in the middle of the party circuit. Rentals, spring break groups, live music, motorcycles, and fireworks can make "beachside living" louder than expected.

If you want sand access without the 24/7 soundtrack, consider neighborhoods like Carolina Forest or Forestbrook—close enough for daily beach trips but far enough for quiet nights.

3. Skipping Flood Zone and Insurance Research When Relocating to Myrtle Beach

Homes with marsh views look like a dream until the insurance bill arrives. Flood zones are sneaky: properties a mile inland can still carry high risk. Flood insurance and additional wind and hail coverage can add thousands to yearly costs.

• Ask for an insurance estimate before you write an offer.
• Factor flood, wind, and hail into your monthly budget—these are common out-of-pocket expenses in Coastal Carolina.

4. Underestimating the Power of the HOA in Myrtle Beach Communities

Homeowners' associations control a lot more than you think. Some HOAs keep things pristine and calm. Others read like a reality show full of petty fines and oddly specific rules.

• Read the HOA covenants, conditions, and restrictions from cover to cover.
• Check HOA Facebook groups or community pages to get a sense of enforcement and local culture.

5. Choosing a Community That Doesn’t Match Your Lifestyle

Myrtle Beach has communities for retirees, young families, golf enthusiasts, and everyone in between. The problem is when lifestyles collide—retirees next to trampoline-loving kids, or a young family in a 55-plus community.

Start with lifestyle questions: Do you want social events or privacy? Amenities like pickleball courts, boat access, or golf nearby? Once those priorities are clear, search neighborhoods that fit the vibe—not just the price tag.

6. Forgetting About DMV Fees and Local Taxes in Myrtle Beach

Changing your address in South Carolina often means facing vehicle property taxes and a new resident fee. That new SUV may bring yearly taxes close to hundreds of dollars, and the DMV requires a stack of paperwork.

• Budget for vehicle property taxes and the new resident fee.
• Gather proof of insurance, VIN info, and ID documents in advance to avoid a long DMV wait.

7. Trusting Zillow Like It’s Gospel

Online listings sell emotion with curated photos. Cropped images, sunsets that hide ugly backyards, and stale photos from years ago are common. Don’t assume photos tell the full story.

Use virtual tours with a local guide who can point out surrounding uses, noise sources, and what the listing conveniently omits.

8. Underestimating the “Everyone Wants to Visit” Factor

Living at the beach makes your home the new family resort. Expect surprise guests, borrowed golf carts, and a spike in grocery bills during peak seasons. If you value boundaries, set them early and budget for extra hosting costs.

• Decide in advance how often you’ll allow long stays and whether you’ll charge for utilities or cleaning.
• Create house rules for guests so your home doesn’t become a free AirBnB for relatives.

9. Moving Without a Local Plan or Local Help

Relocation is easier with local expertise. Misunderstanding comps, missing builder incentives, or overlooking flood or HOA pitfalls can cost thousands. A local agent helps translate the market, timelines, and hidden details so you don’t make an avoidable mistake.

• Ask for neighborhood map tours, insurance estimates, and timelines for new construction.
• Make sure your agent represents your goals, not a builder's incentives.

10. Forgetting to Enjoy the Ride

Relocating to Myrtle Beach, SC is a major life move and it should feel like an upgrade. It is OK to be practical, but don’t get so caught up in logistics that you miss the moment: your first beach sunrise, the marsh walk, and that neighbor shrimp boil invite.

Plan well, but leave space for spontaneous joy—this is not just a new address, it is a new chapter.

Quick Checklist Before You Sign Anything

• Visit during high season and low season or schedule a summer/ winter walkthrough via video.
• Get a flood and wind insurance estimate.
• Read HOA documents and community groups.
• Confirm local taxes, DMV fees, and paperwork.
• Use local agents to verify listings and neighborhood fits. Book a free Zoom call 

Want a Head Start?

If you are seriously considering moving to Myrtle Beach, SC, assemble a relocation packet: community comparisons, insurance estimates, HOA summaries, and an arrival checklist for DMV and utilities. Planning this way reduces surprises and keeps the excitement alive. If you need help buying a home, contact me — call or text 833-867-4376.

Download Our FREE Myrtle Beach New Construction Guide

FAQs

How important is visiting Myrtle Beach in summer before committing?

Very important. Summer exposes humidity, heavier traffic, rental turnover, and neighborhood activity levels that you won’t see during a quiet winter visit. If an in-person summer visit is impossible, arrange a guided video tour and ask targeted summer questions.

Do I always need flood insurance near the coast?

Not always, but flood risk extends beyond waterfront properties. Many inland areas can flood during heavy storms. Always request a flood insurance estimate and review FEMA flood maps before buying.

What should I look for in HOA documents?

Look for rules that affect daily life: rental restrictions, holiday decorations, exterior paint rules, fines, and maintenance responsibilities. Review the budget and reserve funds to ensure the HOA is financially healthy.

How much should I budget for DMV and vehicle taxes when relocating?

Budget for a one-time new resident fee plus annual vehicle property tax. Costs vary by vehicle value, but planning for several hundred dollars in the first year is wise. Bring proof of insurance, VIN info, and other documents to avoid repeated trips.

Can I rely on online listings to choose a home?

Listings are a starting point, but they often omit key details. Work with a local agent for accurate neighborhood context, and do an in-person or guided virtual tour to confirm what listings don't show.

Moving to Myrtle Beach, SC is an exciting decision. With a little planning and the right local knowledge you can skip the common mistakes, protect your budget, and start enjoying beach life as soon as you unpack.

READ MORE: Myrtle Beach Real Estate: BEST 9 New Construction Communities