Moving to Myrtle Beach: A Locals Guide to What to Know Before

The idea of moving to Myrtle Beach probably conjures up images of endless summer, the sound of waves crashing on the shore, and beautiful sunsets. Maybe you’re dreaming of waking up on the beach every morning or trading in your cold winters for a warm coastal climate.

When we made the decision to move our family from the heart of farm country in Iowa to the beach, I was drawn into the charm of a small beach town with a big heart.

But as exciting as it is was to see my kids running around on the sand when we first pulled into town, there are a few things I wish we would have known before packing up and calling this coastal paradise home.

If you’re seriously considering relocating, there’s more to the move than just finding a great beach house (though that’s certainly a priority).

Here are a few things you’ll want to know before making the move to Myrtle Beach.

1. What To Know About The Myrtle Beach Job Market

The job market here is a little different than in larger cities. As a popular tourist destination, the economy revolves heavily around the tourism, hospitality, and service industries. That means there are plenty of jobs in restaurants, hotels, real estate, and entertainment, but fewer opportunities in corporate or tech fields.

Key Points to Consider About the Myrtle Beach Job Market:

Tourism-Centric Economy

A large portion of the local economy is tied to tourism, with many people working in hospitality, retail, or entertainment. The tourism boom is great if you’re in the service industry, but it’s not as diverse as major metropolitan areas.

Seasonal Nature

Many tourism jobs are seasonal, meaning there’s a spike in employment during the summer months, but the off-season (fall and winter) can be slower. Many businesses shut down or dramatically reduce hours during the off-season. So, make sure you have something to fall back on during these slower months if the seasonality might affect your income and job stability.

Growing Sectors

There are also growing job markets in healthcare, education, and real estate. If you work in one of these fields, you may find better opportunities. The Myrtle Beach area is one of the fastest-growing areas in the country. This leads to a bigger demand for healthcare. There is always a need for more healthcare workers in the many different capacities around the area.

Many of the schools are at or even over capacity. They are in the process of building more schools to meet this demand, which opens up more jobs in education. We also have Coastal Carolina University and Horry-Georgetown Technical College if you are looking for opportunities in higher education.

All this growth means we need more in real estate and helping those who move here find a place to call home.

Remote Work Opportunities

As anywhere, Myrtle Beach is great if your career choice allows you to work from home. I’ll take a day working from the beach! If your current job allows for remote work, moving to Myrtle Beach could be the perfect change of scenery—just be sure you have the technology and internet speed you need to stay productive.

Pro Tip:

Before moving to Myrtle Beach, I recommend networking and checking out local job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, or local listings to get a sense of the types of positions available in your field. If you’re not sure about job prospects, consider visiting Myrtle Beach for a few weeks to explore potential employment options. I would be glad to put you in touch with any of my local contacts.

2. When Moving to Myrtle Beach, What Are The Different Areas to Live in?

Myrtle Beach is part of the Grand Strand area that offers over 60 miles of beaches to choose from for you to live. It also has inland cities such as Conway, Aynor, and Loris if you are looking for a little more of a country feel.

Overall, Myrtle Beach offers a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm and vibe. Whether you’re looking for a beachfront property, a suburban home, or something in between, there’s something for everyone.

Popular Neighborhoods to Consider in Myrtle Beach

The Market Common

The Market Common is located near the Myrtle Beach Airport and offers a very charming place to call home. This area is known for its cute shops, palm tree-lined streets, lots of parks, and youth athletic areas.

The Market Common is a highly desirable area in Myrtle Beach. It’s close to the beach and offers a more urban feel with a mix of condos, townhomes, and single-family homes. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a walkable neighborhood with lots to see and do.

Carolina Forest

If you’re looking for a more suburban lifestyle with family-friendly neighborhoods, Carolina Forest might be the place for you. This area is a bit farther from the beach but offers larger homes, top-rated schools, and plenty of parks and amenities. It’s a popular choice for families and retirees alike.

Murrells Inlet

For a quieter, more laid-back atmosphere, Murrells Inlet offers a beautiful waterfront lifestyle. Known for its seafood restaurants, marsh views, and charming vibe, it’s a great option for those who want to be close to the water but prefer a slower pace of life. You will feel part of the beach lifestyle living here.

North Myrtle Beach

North Myrtle Beach is made up of 4 different beaches: Windy Hill, Crescent Beach, Ocean Drive, and Cherry Grove. Each little area has its own vibe. If you want to be in an area more focused on the beach lifestyle and just a golf cart drive from any shopping, this might be the place for you.

When moving to Myrtle Beach, this is what I loved most about the lifestyle:

Weather and Outdoor Activities

Myrtle Beach offers mild winters and warm summers, which makes it a welcome change to the colder Iowa days. I was so ready for a lifestyle where I could be outside pretty much all year round. The lifestyle here is so focused on outdoor activities, so if you’re moving to Myrtle Beach, expect plenty of golf, water sports, and beach days year-round. One thing you will want to be aware of is the summer weather…it gets pretty hot with high humidity. You will notice the locals show up at the beach first thing in the morning or evening to avoid that afternoon sun beating down on you. Oh, and there is the occasional afternoon thunderstorm that might pop up. It won’t last long…so don’t run too far away from the beach!

Low Cost of Living

Compared to many other beach towns on the East Coast, Myrtle Beach offers a relatively affordable cost of living. Housing is less expensive than other beach towns (but they are catching up with all the people moving to the area), and groceries, utilities, and entertainment are more budget-friendly. Property taxes are pretty inexpensive as well. Be sure to check with your real estate agent (me!) to make sure you get the best deals when you purchase your home.

The Community

Myrtle Beach has a friendly, small-town feel. Yes, between spring break and Labor Day, it is very busy with tourists, but it’s also home to many year-round residents. You do get to know the locals and it is not uncommon for me to get stuck at the grocery store every time chatting with friends. You’ll find a strong sense of community, with plenty of local events, farmers’ markets, and family-friendly activities. Plus, with its close-knit vibe, making friends and getting involved in local activities is easy.

Pro Tip:

Take the time to visit different neighborhoods to get a feel for the area before making a decision. Myrtle Beach is a sprawling city. Each area has its unique vibe so it’s important to check them all out to see which one truly feels like it could be home. I’d be happy to help you get to know each area so you can be sure to choose a location that suits your lifestyle and daily needs.

3. The Myrtle Beach Real Estate Market: What to Know Before Buying A Home

If you’re moving to Myrtle Beach with plans to buy a home, you’ll want to take a good look at the local real estate market before diving in. This is where I come in! I would be happy to give you all the ins and outs to guide your entire move to Myrtle Beach. It is always nice to have someone in your corner to show you the ropes!

Now, about the real estate market. The market here is dynamic and has seen a lot of growth in recent years, especially with more people relocating from out of state. There is a huge demand for homes and the supply really hasn’t been keeping up. While we are still considered a sellers market, it has become more balanced over the past 2 years.

When it comes to the types of homes possible in this area, there are many different options to choose from such as townhomes, beach-front condos, country estates, and single-family homes. Plus, there is so much new construction going on, you are sure to find something you would love to call home.

Just a tip: if you are interested in new construction, make sure you have a real estate agent that is representing you before you go look at your options. The sale reps in the new construction communities are representing the builders. You need someone looking out for your interests. I would be happy to help you through this process.

Key Things to Know About the Myrtle Beach Real Estate Market:

Strong Demand for Homes

There’s no shortage of buyers in Myrtle Beach, but the supply hasn’t been able to keep up. The city’s population is growing rapidly, and many people from colder states are flocking here to enjoy the warm weather and coastal lifestyle. As a result, home prices have been on the rise, especially in popular neighborhoods.

Seasonality in the Market

Just like the tourism industry, the real estate market in Myrtle Beach can be a little seasonal. In the spring and summer, there’s often a lot of activity with home sales, as people move to the area in time for the school year or to settle in before the busy tourist season. Fall and winter can be slower, with fewer homes on the market.

Flood Zones and Insurance

As a coastal city, homes in Myrtle Beach are in flood zones, so flood insurance may be required when buying a home. Every area is under at least a “minimal flood risk”, but not every area involves flood insurance. It’s important to understand which areas are more prone to flooding and to factor flood insurance costs into your budget when looking at homes. I would be able to help you with identifying homes with higher flood risk and I have many contacts to help us navigate the flood insurance (if needed) aspect of buying a home.

Property Taxes and HOA Fees

South Carolina’s property taxes are relatively low, which can be a huge draw for people moving to Myrtle Beach. This is probably one of the things my clients moving down from the Northeast are most excited about. However, there is a little drawback around here. There are A LOT of neighborhoods that have homeowners association (HOA) fees, so be sure to ask about those when considering a property. HOA fees can vary widely, so they’re something to factor into your budget.

Pro Tip:

If you’re considering buying a home, there are a lot of little things that are unique to purchasing a home in the Myrtle Beach area. You will want to get connected to a local real estate agent who knows the ins and outs of the market as soon as you start planning to move. I can help you navigate the process and find the perfect home that fits your needs and budget. Feel free to reach out to me at 843-790-4450 to get started!

Are you Ready for the Myrtle Beach Lifestyle?

If you’re moving to Myrtle Beach, it’s important to understand the local job market, your neighborhood options, and the ins and outs of the real estate market.

This is such a welcoming community with an affordable cost of living and endless opportunities for outdoor activities. Myrtle Beach is truly a gem on the East Coast.

We are so happy with our decision to move to this beautiful beach community!

But moving to Myrtle Beach requires careful planning and consideration. Whether you’re relocating for work, retirement, or just a change of scenery, I’m here to help guide you through the process. From finding the perfect neighborhood to securing your dream home, I’ll be with you every step of the way.

Ready to start your next chapter? Reach out to me at 843-790-4450, and let’s make your move to Myrtle Beach as smooth and stress-free as possible!

FAQs About Moving to Myrtle Beach

1. Is Myrtle Beach a good place to live year-round?
Yes! While Myrtle Beach is known for its tourism, it’s also a great place to live year-round. With its warm climate, low cost of living, and friendly community, many people choose to make it their permanent home.

2. Are there good schools in Myrtle Beach?
Yes, Myrtle Beach is home to several excellent schools, including public, private, and charter schools. Many families are attracted to the area for its great education options.

3. How is the healthcare system in Myrtle Beach?
Myrtle Beach has a robust healthcare system, with multiple hospitals and medical facilities in the area. The healthcare services continue to grow as the population increases, so residents have access to a wide range of medical care.