Thinking about making North Myrtle Beach your new home?
You’re in for a treat!
I am loving my life in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, but there are a few things I wish I knew when I first moved here instead of learning by experience.
Nestled along the South Carolina coast, this charming community offers a laid-back lifestyle, stunning beaches, and a whole lot of fun. It is definitely unique from the busier areas of the Grand Strand area, especially Myrtle Beach itself.
But before you dive in, let me share a few insider tips to help you truly embrace life in North Myrtle Beach:
First Up: Keep an Eye on the Swing Bridges
Picture this: you’re cruising along, eager to explore the town, when suddenly, you hit a roadblock—a swing bridge. Don’t fret; it’s just part of the charm of living here. There are two of these bridges that span the Intracoastal Waterway in North Myrtle Beach and they occasionally open up to let boats pass through.
One of the bridges is at the Barefoot Resort area. This neighborhood is a very popular place to live and has all types of homes in there. Definitely check this one out on your home search, but keep in mind that there is a swing bridge that leads into it. You may only be 5 minutes from Barefoot Landing, but if you get stuck at the bridge, it could take you 10-15 minutes to get there. There is a back way out of the neighborhood if you don’t want to mess with the bridge. My boys loved to check on any boats in the waterway so we took the bridge more often than not and never were late to church.
The other swing bridge is at the north end of North Myrtle Beach and connects North Myrtle with Little River. It is not very high above the water, so it swings for pretty much any bridge. The Barefoot one typically only has to swing for large boats or sailboats. This one is very busy and I believe it is the busiest bridge in South Carolina. Apparently it originally was rotated by donkeys. Who knew?!
So, if you’re in a hurry, plan your route accordingly to avoid getting stuck. It’s all about embracing the coastal pace!
Next Up: Snag Your Beach Parking Pass
One of the perks of being a local? You can grab a beach parking pass. This is free for city residents, but you do need to register your vehicle as they go off of license plates instead of a physical sticker/pass. This will allow you to park in the public parking lots along the beach without having to pay hourly. There are limited options for Horry County residents if you would like to purchase a parking pass but live outside the city limits. Whether you’re catching waves or soaking up the sun, having your pass in hand makes beach days a breeze.
Dodge the Restaurant Rush
Ah, tourist season—the time when our favorite eateries get packed to the rafters. If you’re planning a night out, brace yourself for waits of two hours or more at the hottest spots. Pro tip: get take-out or eat at off times. I personally don’t have the patience or desire to mess with eating out during the summer months with all the tourists so I get creative. Save your date nights for the winter months to help the local businesses during the off season.
Can’t forget about the Furry Friends
Got a four-legged friend in tow? You’re in luck! North Myrtle Beach is super pet-friendly. There’s even a dog park at the Parks and Recreation Sports Complex where your furry pal can run free. Plus, certain times of the year, our sandy shores are open to pups, so you can enjoy some quality beach time together.
Kids’ Sports Galore (YES! Families are Here!)
Don’t let our retiree reputation fool you—families thrive here too! Our Parks and Recreation Department hosts an awesome youth sports program. There are so many different options each season that there’s something for every little athlete to get involved in. They have soccer, lacrosse, baseball/softball, basketball, football, and many others. The sign-ups typically open up for city residents before they open it to all others. My biggest tip is to make sure you get your kids signed up early because these leagues are in high demand.
If you have been research North Myrtle for a little while, I am sure you have come across the Parks and Rec Sports Complex. It is such a nice place. Baseball/softball fields, soccer fields, playgrounds, dog park, water parks, and they do so many different activities there year round. I am sure you will find yourself there quite a bit.
Moving to North Myrtle Beach? Here’s What To Do Now…
So, there you have it—your insider’s guide to life in North Myrtle Beach. Whether you’re navigating swing bridges, soaking up the sun with your furry friend, or cheering on the little ones at their sports game, this coastal paradise has something for everyone. Welcome home, neighbor!
If you are looking for the best neighborhood for you and your family, I can help you navigate North Myrtle Beach and the surrounding areas to find a place you LOVE. Schedule a quick call with me to get you started on your home search today!