Top 3 Suburbs of Myrtle Beach SC [Most Affordable]
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- New Construction Homes in Longs SC
- Country Living in Loris SC
- Small Town Charm Living in Conway SC
- Finding the Best Suburb Near Myrtle Beach
- Planning Your Trip to Tour Longs, Loris, and Conway Neighborhoods Near Myrtle Beach
- FAQs About These Top Suburbs of Myrtle Beach, SC
- Final Thoughts
Introduction
If you're seriously thinking about moving to Myrtle Beach in 2026, this guide breaks down the three suburbs giving the most value for your money: Longs, Loris, and Conway. Each offers a different balance of price, space, and lifestyle—acre lots and room for an RV or boat, quieter streets, and in some cases, little to no HOA restrictions. Below you'll find a practical map of what each town delivers, who typically moves there, and how to pick the right spot for your life.
New Construction Homes in Longs SC
Longs is the go-to if you want the coastal lifestyle without beachfront prices. When people think about moving to Myrtle Beach and want space plus access, Longs often tops the list. It sits close enough to North Myrtle Beach to enjoy the shoreline, but far enough away to avoid the daily tourist traffic during the busy season.
Typical commute times: depending on where you are in Longs, you're generally 5 to 40 minutes from the beach and 30 to 40 minutes from the airport. Longs has several new construction neighborhoods clustered around Highway 9, which connects directly to North Myrtle Beach.
What buyers get in Longs:
- Brand-new homes with modern open floor plans and high-end finishes.
- Larger lots than you'd find inside Myrtle Beach city limits—space for backyards, covered patios, and two-car garages.
- Lower HOAs compared to coastal gated communities.
Amenities and essentials: smaller shopping centers, a Kroger, a few fitness centers and quick access to big box shopping along Highway 17 if needed. The area also has medical facilities within a reasonable drive, so essentials are close even if nightlife and walkability are not the focus.
If you are moving to Myrtle Beach and want a newer home, more square footage, and quieter streets, Longs is likely a top contender.
Ready to start your search? Browse current homes for sale in Longs SC on our site to view interactive maps and up‑to‑date listings.
Longs lifestyle checklist
- Value: bigger home for less money
- Drive time: you need a car; daily errands are easy by car
- Best for: buyers who want new construction and space
Many of the new builds in Longs sit on larger lots than houses inside municipal Myrtle Beach limits. That extra lot size is the reason buyers who are moving to Myrtle Beach often choose Longs first.
Country Living in Loris SC
Loris feels like classic small-town America. If your list for moving to Myrtle Beach includes lots of land, freedom to park an RV or boat, and a slower pace, Loris deserves a hard look.
Loris is a little farther from the airport—expect about a 45 to 50-minute drive—but it gives you farmland, mature trees, and larger acreages at prices far below coastal properties. You’ll meet locals who’ve been around for generations and newcomers who moved here specifically for space.
Examples you can find in Loris:
- A new construction home on a 5.35-acre lot listed around $359k.
- Resale homes with character—wraparound porches, barns, and older houses on one acre or more.
- Properties with 5+ to 9+ acres for hobby farms or workshops.
Why people choose Loris when moving to Myrtle Beach: less HOA oversight, room to store boats and RVs, and the ability to build or run small projects without restrictive subdivision rules. That freedom is a major draw for buyers relocating from the Northeast looking for affordability and acreage.
Trade-offs: big box shopping and some services are a drive away, usually along Highway 9 toward North Myrtle Beach. If proximity to nightlife, walkable restaurants, or very quick access to medical centers is essential, Loris might feel too rural.
Loris lifestyle checklist
- Value: maximum land for your money
- Drive time: longer drives to major shopping and airport
- Best for: buyers who want freedom, privacy, and room for equipment
Ready to explore Loris listings? View homes for sale in Loris SC on our interactive maps and up‑to‑date listings to help you plan your move.
Small Town Charm Living in Conway SC
Conway mixes the best of both worlds. Historic downtown streets, a vibrant riverwalk, local breweries and restaurants, plus new communities with modern finishes and competitive pricing. If moving to Myrtle Beach means you don't want to give up town charm, Conway is the balance point you’re looking for.
Downtown Conway is the heartbeat: festivals, farmers markets, weekly events, and a Riverwalk that makes neighborhood living feel lively and walkable in parts. That sense of community is why Conway attracts retirees, college staff, students, and a steady stream of relocators from the Northeast.
Conway sits conveniently along Highway 501 with shopping, a hospital, grocery stores, and Tanger outlets nearby. Depending on where you land in Conway, drive times to the beach range from 15 to 40 minutes, making it a practical middle ground for those moving to Myrtle Beach who want culture and convenience.
What you can buy in Conway: modern four-bedroom homes in the high $300k range, historic homes with character, or larger new construction communities that preserved trees and walking trails. Prices here are attractive compared to northern markets and provide strong value for buyers relocating down south.
Conway lifestyle checklist
- Value: strong mix of historic charm and modern new builds
- Drive time: close to shopping, hospital, and university amenities
- Best for: buyers who want community life plus reasonable beach access
Ready to explore Conway listings? View homes for sale in Conway SC on our interactive maps and up‑to‑date listings to help you plan your move.
Finding the Best Suburb Near Myrtle Beach
Choosing between Longs, Loris, and Conway comes down to three main priorities: space, convenience, and community.
- If you want newer homes, shorter commutes to North Myrtle Beach, and big yards without extreme drive times, pick Longs.
- If your priority is acreage, privacy, and few HOA restrictions (ability to park an RV or boat), Loris is the answer.
- If you want small-town charm, walkable restaurants and festivals, and still reasonable access to beaches and shopping, go with Conway.
Practical questions to ask yourself when moving to Myrtle Beach:
- Do I need an airport within 30 minutes?
- Do I want new construction or a historic house?
- Will an HOA restrict my plans for RVs, boats, or workshops?
- How often will I need to drive to big box stores or medical facilities?
Planning Your Trip to Tour Longs, Loris, and Conway Neighborhoods Near Myrtle Beach
When you visit, be efficient. The three areas cover a lot of ground and it’s easy to end up zigzagging. Prepare a list of must-sees and map them by area:
- Start with one suburb per day: Longs day, Loris day, Conway day.
- Compare similar house types side by side: new construction vs resale, lot sizes, and HOA rules.
- Visit downtown Conway in the evening to feel the community vibe.
- Check drive times during peak season to the beaches and major stores.
If you plan to move to Myrtle Beach, set up a custom map and neighborhood tour before you arrive. It saves time and clarifies your priorities when you’re comparing towns that each offer value in different ways.
FAQs About These Top Suburbs of Myrtle Beach, SC
How far is each suburb from the beach and airport when moving to Myrtle Beach?
Distances vary by exact address, but generally: Longs is 5 to 40 minutes to the beach and about 30 to 40 minutes to the airport. Conway can be 15 to 40 minutes to the beach and roughly 30 to 45 minutes to the airport. Loris is the farthest—expect closer to 45 to 50 minutes to the airport and 30+ minutes to the beach depending on location.
Which suburb has the lowest HOAs for people moving to Myrtle Beach?
Loris and certain parts of Conway have options with low or no HOAs—especially properties outside subdivisions. Longs has low HOAs compared to beachfront communities but most new neighborhoods will have some fees. Always review HOA documents before buying.
Can I park my RV or boat in these towns if I'm moving to Myrtle Beach?
Loris is the most permissive for RVs and boats due to larger lots and fewer subdivision rules. Conway and Longs may allow it in some areas, but many HOAs restrict outside parking—check specific HOA rules or look for properties outside HOAs.
Are there good healthcare and shopping options when moving to Myrtle Beach suburbs?
Yes. Conway and Longs have hospitals and grocery stores within a reasonable drive. For large retail, both Conway and Longs are closer to big box shopping corridors; Loris requires a longer drive to reach major retailers.
Which suburb is best for retirees moving to Myrtle Beach?
All three attract retirees, but your lifestyle matters. Conway offers social activities and conveniences; Longs provides newer homes and quiet neighborhoods; Loris gives space and a rural pace. Prioritize what matters most—walkability, community events, or acreage.
Final Thoughts
Moving to Myrtle Beach doesn’t mean you have to pay beachfront premiums to enjoy the coast. Longs, Loris, and Conway each deliver different forms of value: new construction and convenience in Longs, acreage and freedom in Loris, and community and charm in Conway. Think through how much you value space versus convenience, and plan a focused visit that compares the neighborhoods side by side.
If you are moving to Myrtle Beach in 2026 and want a clear path forward, pick one or two suburbs to explore deeply during your visit. Compare lot sizes, HOA rules, commute times, and local amenities. With the right plan, you’ll find a place that gives you the coastal lifestyle without breaking the bank. If you want personalized guidance, book a FREE one‑on‑one Zoom discovery call or call us anytime at (833) 867-4376 and we’ll build a custom tour based on your priorities.
READ MORE: Affordable New Construction Homes in Conway SC (Near Myrtle Beach)
Cris & Alysia
A husband-and-wife team with a passion for helping people find their perfect home in sunny Myrtle Beach. Together, we bring decades of experience, a whole lot of heart, and a shared commitment to making real estate an exciting, stress-free journey for our clients.
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