Moving to Myrtle Beach: Mistakes to Avoid

Thinking About Moving to Myrtle Beach? Read This First!

So, you’re dreaming about moving to Myrtle Beach—who can blame you?

Myrtle Beach has miles of sandy beaches, year-round sunshine, and a laid-back coastal lifestyle…it’s no wonder so many people are packing up and heading south.

But here’s the thing: moving here isn’t just about finding a house near the beach and calling it a day.

After helping many relocation buyers find their perfect home, I’ve seen the same mistakes pop up over and over again. Whether it’s choosing the wrong neighborhood, underestimating flood risks, or making a quick or sight unseen decision, these missteps can turn your dream move into a disaster.

Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen to you!

Here are the five biggest mistakes people make when moving to Myrtle Beach—and how to avoid them.

Not Researching the Best Area to Live in Myrtle Beach

One of the biggest mistakes people make?

Picking a neighborhood based on a vacation experience instead of what you need for your everyday life. Myrtle Beach isn’t just one big tourist destination—it’s made up of a number of communities with unique vibes and style of living.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the best areas to live in Myrtle Beach based on lifestyle:

Carolina Forest

This has a lot of new construction homes in neighborhoods that really go all out on amenities such as parks, playgrounds, walking trails, sports courts, and one of the neighborhood community pools is actually the largest residential pool in South Carolina.

Market Common

This is the place for you are looking for a community that is trendy and full of energy. It is full of walkable streets (many that are tree-lined) with boutiques, coffee shops, and lots of dining options. There are beautiful parks, lakes, and biking trails perfect for those sunny days that call for getting outdoors.

North Myrtle Beach

This would be a great choice for someone who wants to avoid the hustle and bustle of the main tourist areas of Myrtle Beach. You will get a laid-back coastal vibe, gorgeous beaches, and plenty of shopping and amenities.

Central Myrtle Beach

You are want to be close to all the action? Choosing a home in Myrtle Beach will give you the boardwalk, lots of entertainment options, and nightlife.

Surfside Beach

This town is a great mix of fun and relaxation with a local, small-town feel. It can get pretty busy during tourist season, but you definitely get the beach-town feel when you live in Surfside Beach.

Conway

Want to be near the beach but prefer a slower-paced lifestyle? Conway, only about 20 minutes inland, offers historic Southern charm, lower home prices, and a tight-knit community feel. This is a great community for buyers looking for more space, historic homes, and a quieter environment than the tourist areas of Myrtle Beach.

Little River

This area is located on the north side of the Grand Strand by North Myrtle Beach and offers waterfront views, boating access, and a laid-back, small-town feel.

For some more insight into some of these areas, check out my other article about Where to Live in Myrtle Beach.

💡 Pro Tip: Before making a final decision, spend time in different areas—and visit at different times of the day and week. That quiet neighborhood might have a different energy on Saturday night!

Assuming Everything Is Oceanfront

A lot of people move here expecting to live right on the beach—until they realize that oceanfront homes aren’t the only (or always the best) option.

While beachfront living is amazing, it does come with:
❌ Higher home prices
❌ More expensive insurance (especially in flood-prone areas)
❌ Heavy tourist traffic during peak seasons

Great Alternatives to Beachfront Living:

🏡 Carolina Forest – 15 minutes from the beach, but full of modern amenities and beautiful homes.
🏡 Waterway Communities (like The Bluffs on the Waterway) – Homes on the Intracoastal Waterway with boating access.
🏡 Golf Course Communities (like Legends Resort or Grande Dunes) – Stunning views and resort-style amenities without the beachfront price tag.

💡 Pro Tip: Being near the beach is just as enjoyable as being on it! Many communities offer golf cart access to the beach, so you can enjoy the sand without the hefty price tag. Cities such as Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach offer free parking in their public parking lots for city residents.

Ignoring Flood Zones & Insurance Costs

Myrtle Beach is a coastal paradise, but with that comes hurricane season and flood zones. One of the biggest mistakes I see buyers make is falling in love with a home without checking the flood risk.

Now, all of Horry County is considered a flood risk…it just depends on the extent of that risk.

The most common flood zones are X and AE.

✔ Flood Zone X – Low risk, no flood insurance required (but still recommended).
✔ Flood Zone AE – Higher risk, flood insurance usually required.

Why This Matters:

Higher risk zones mean higher insurance premiums (which can add hundreds to your monthly payment).

Some homes require flood insurance as a loan condition. Even homes outside of flood zones can flood during heavy storms!

💡 Pro Tip: Always check a property’s flood history and insurance quotes before making an offer. And if you’re unsure, I can help you with that!

Underestimating the Cost of Living

Yes, South Carolina has lower property taxes and no state income tax on Social Security (which is great for retirees!). But that doesn’t mean Myrtle Beach is super cheap. Many new residents don’t budget for some of the hidden costs of coastal living.

Unexpected Costs to Consider:

HOA Fees

There are so many communities that have HOAs, especially gated and resort-style neighborhoods. The monthly price can go from about $40 to over $1200 depending on the community and amenities available.

Golf Cart Expenses

If you want the classic Myrtle Beach golf cart lifestyle, you’ll need to budget for registration, insurance, and maintenance.

Hurricane Prep & Home Maintenance

If you’re in a coastal or wooded area, regular upkeep (like tree trimming or storm-proofing) is a must.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re relocating, ask a local real estate expert (hey, that’s me! 👋) to help you understand the true costs of living in your desired neighborhood.

Moving Without a Game Plan

The #1 mistake? Jumping into the home search without a solid plan. Myrtle Beach is a competitive market, and homes in the best areas don’t sit for long. If you want to avoid missing out, here’s what you need to do:

Get Pre-Approved First

This will give us a realistic budget so we only focus on homes that fit into that budget. This is also important to have when we go to submit an offer.

Work with a Local Agent

There are so many different agents in the area that you can choose to work with. However, not all are created equal. An experienced agent can help you navigate flood zones, HOAs, and find hidden gem neighborhoods. If you are ready to get started, I would be happy to set up a time to chat.

Have a List of Must-Haves

Before you even start touring homes, it is important to take some time to think about what you must have in a home and what would just be nice to have. Knowing your non-negotiables helps speed up the search process.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re moving from out of state, I can set up virtual tours and walk you through the entire process remotely. No need to fly in for every showing!

Grab my free Packing & Moving Guide where I walk you through all the tips I have learned over the past 7 moves I have had to make.

Let’s Make Moving to Myrtle Beach a Breeze!

Moving to Myrtle Beach should be exciting—not stressful. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll set yourself up for an easy, enjoyable transition to coastal living.

Want expert guidance? I specialize in helping relocation buyers find the best area to live in Myrtle Beach for their lifestyle and budget.

Click here to download my FREE Myrtle Beach Relocation Guide and let’s start planning your move!