Moving to North Myrtle Beach? Here’s Why Locals Love Living in North Myrtle Beach
Thinking about moving to North Myrtle Beach?
If you moved here, you could start your mornings with a beach walk and coffee, spend the afternoons exploring local shops, grab a bite to eat while sitting on the outdoor patio at a restaurant along the waterway, and end the day with your toes in the sand, watching the sky turn pink and orange.
Sounds dreamy, right?
That’s what life could be like for you if you moved to North Myrtle Beach, SC. It’s truly a city that blends the coastal lifestyle with the comforts of a close-knit community.
If you’re thinking about moving to North Myrtle Beach, SC, you’re about to discover my favorite place along the Grand Strand…a place where life feels like a permanent vacation.
Here’s what I wish I would have known about North Myrtle Beach before moving here…
Why People Are Moving to North Myrtle Beach, SC
North Myrtle Beach isn’t just a destination; it’s a lifestyle. Here’s are some of my favorites about living in North Myrtle Beach.
You Get Unlimited Beach days
You can go to the beach any time you want! It can get busy in the summer with tourists, but no where near the crowds that you will find down in Myrtle Beach. The miles of quiet, sandy shoreline in North Myrtle is great for swimming, paddleboarding, or just soaking up the sun. Cherry Grove Beach is a local favorite, and if you’re into shark tooth hunting, this is the spot to go! Vereen Gardens is also a great place for shark tooth hunting.
There is Always Something To Do
There are many different theaters and entertainment spots that are always running shows. You also have live music at Barefoot Landing, seafood fests, and summer concerts on Main Street. Don’t miss the Music on Main series every Thursday in the summer!
Easy to Stay Active and Be Outside
Tee off at Tidewater Golf Club, kayak through the Cherry Grove marsh, or hit the scenic trails at Vereen Memorial Gardens. If you love being on the water, check out Great Escapes Kayak Expeditions for a guided paddle.
It Has A Laid-back and Friendly Lifestyle
Friendly neighborhoods, great schools, and that small-town coastal feel. Grab breakfast at Hoskins Restaurant, a North Myrtle Beach staple since 1948, or stop by Joe’s Bar and Grill for a great atmosphere with saltwater marsh views.
It is Close to Everything
More peaceful than Myrtle Beach, but just minutes from shopping, dining, and all the action. Spend the afternoon at Tanger Outlets, catch a show at Alabama Theatre, or take a stroll around the shops at Barefoot Landing ending the evening there with waterfront dining on the waterway.
Top Neighborhoods in North Myrtle Beach
When moving to North Myrtle Beach, SC, finding the right neighborhood is key. Here’s my take on the different areas of North Myrtle Beach.
There were 4 beach towns that were combined to create the city of North Myrtle Beach. Each has their own unique personality and you really can’t go wrong with any of them. I added Barefoot Resort after the 4 because it is a huge community that has become its own area of North Myrtle.
Cherry Grove
Known for its charming beach cottages and proximity to the iconic Cherry Grove Pier. Charleston Landing is a great neighborhood if you are looking for a home with the southern coastal charm along the marsh. Tidewater Plantation is great if you want a golf course community with lots of amenities along the waterway…they also have a cabana at the beach.
Ocean Drive
This is in the heart of North Myrtle Beach, offering a mix of condos, restaurants, and live music venues. Definitely don’t want to miss the Music on Main in the summer. Robbers Roost and Tilghman Estates are two highly sought-after neighborhoods that are just a golf cart ride away from the beach.
Windy Hill
This is probably my favorite area to go to when I want a day on the beach. It is mainly quiet and residential but does have quick access to the shopping and dining at Barefoot Landing. There are multiple condo high rises along the beach, but it never feels overcrowded or wild during tourist season.
Crescent Beach
I feel like this area often gets overlooked in North Myrtle. It is such a friendly area with beautiful homes and a relaxed vibe. I always see people out walking along the streets and the beach is on the quieter side.
Barefoot Resort
Barefoot Resort is a large community just over the Intracoastal Waterway from Barefoot Landing. It is a golfer’s paradise with multiple golf courses. It has condos, single-family homes, and luxurious homes. There is easy access to Barefoot Landing for all your shopping and dinning needs…sometimes going over the swing bridge there can take a while.
For homes that are currently for sale in North Myrtle Beach, click here to see what this wonderful city has to offer.
What Makes Life in North Myrtle Beach Special?
Living in North Myrtle Beach means embracing a unique blend of fun, relaxation, and community. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Beach Days, Every Day in North Myrtle
Whether it’s building sandcastles, paddleboarding, or fishing off the pier, the beach is always calling. Anytime you want to go to the beach, you can head that way! Think: mornings walking the shoreline, afternoons catching waves, and sunset strolls with your toes in the sand. Its all possible!
Spend time fishing at Cherry Grove Pier or along the Intracoastal Waterway. My boys have loved catching crabs when they were supposed to be catching fish…apparently they are more entertaining.
Searching for shark teeth is another fun thing my family has enjoyed. During our beach days, we’ve also been able to see several dolphins jumping in the ocean.
Local Events
There are a lot of events that go on year-round. There is an amazing St. Patrick’s Day Festival and Parade that is something you definitely do not want to miss.
Farmer’s Markets start up the beginning of April and go through October.
If you are a music fan, they do Music on Main and Sounds of Summer during the summer season.
The Cherry Grove Pier puts on a great Fireworks display over the ocean every 4th of July.
At Christmas you have the Intracoastal Waterway Regatta and the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex goes all out with a Christmas display.
Shopping and Dining
North Myrtle Beach may be a lifestyle centered around the beach, but there is no shortage to shopping and dining options.
Explore Barefoot Landing for boutique shopping and waterfront restaurants like Greg Norman’s Australian Grille, Lulu’s, or Taco Mundo.
Main Street also has many boutique shops that are worth the visit. There are also the normal big box stores such as Hobby Lobby, Kohls, Dicks, Lowes, etc.
Nature Lovers’ Paradise
Yes…there is no shortage to the miles of beach that makes up North Myrtle Beach. But you have to check out the rest of what this town has to offer.
My favorites are to visit the Heritage Shores Nature Preserve where you can take little walking paths and have a picnic. Take a kayak tour through the salt marshes. North Myrtle Beach Parks and Sports Complex also has a number of walking trails that are worth exploring.
That Small-Town Coastal Feel
If you are looking for a place where neighbors know your name, local businesses that feel like home, and a community that truly looks out for each other, North Myrtle Beach will not disappoint. From farmers’ markets to youth sports leagues, there’s a strong sense of belonging here.
Activities for Kids
North Myrtle Beach is well known as a retirement location, but there are actually a lot of families in the area as well. North Myrtle Beach is home to a number of playgrounds, a waterpark, ball fields, and lots of youth sports and activities. The North Myrtle Beach Parks and Sports Complex is a great place to check out…and they are in the process of doubling the size of it! My family spends many evenings a week out there between the soccer and baseball fields.
Schools in North Myrtle Beach
North Myrtle Beach is part of the Horry County School District and includes highly-rated schools:
- Ocean Drive Elementary School
- Riverside Elementary School
- North Myrtle Beach Middle School
- North Myrtle Beach High School
- Risen Christ Christian Academy
- North Myrtle Beach Christian School
- Holy Trinity Catholic School
- Valorous Academy
For higher education, Coastal Carolina University and Horry-Georgetown Technical College are within commuting distance.
Check out Niche.com for more information about schools and other demographic information.
Insider Tips for Moving to North Myrtle Beach, SC
To make your move as smooth as a day on the waves, I recommend that you:
Pick the Right Neighborhood
Like I have already mentioned earlier, each area of North Myrtle Beach has its own vibe, so take time to explore what fits your lifestyle best. Are you looking for a condo, golf course community, or a single-family home within walking distance to the beach? Make sure you are crystal clear on what you are looking for before you go house hunting. I would be happy to help you through this process to find an area that has the type of lifestyle you are dreaming about.
Plan for Traffic in Peak Season
Summer brings tourists, so plan routes and errands accordingly. The traffic starts to pick up in March, gets heavier between May and September, and decreases in October. However, it is all relative. It still is not the traffic you will get in a large city. Highway 17 can get crowded, but it pretty much is always moving. If you need to get down to other areas of the Grand Strand like Myrtle Beach or Murrells Inlet, I recommend taking Highway 31 instead.
Stay Hurricane Ready
Like any coastal town, North Myrtle Beach experiences hurricane season, so have a plan in place. The city has a great hurricane resource if you visit their welcome center. It is important to know what your evacuation zone is in case you would every have to evacuate. I lived in the midwest before moving here, so from my perspective, it is nice that you typically have a week or more heads up with a hurricane unlike the tornadoes in the midwest. Just be aware.
FAQs About Moving to North Myrtle Beach, SC
Q: Does North Myrtle Beach have youth sports? A: Absolutely! The North Myrtle Beach Parks and Rec have a great youth sports program. My boys have enjoyed their baseball, soccer, and basketball seasons. They also offer flag football, lacrosse, and volleyball.
Q: Are there good schools in North Myrtle Beach? A: Yes, Horry County Schools provide excellent education options for families. You have Ocean Drive Elementary, Waterway Elementary, North Myrtle Beach Middle and North Myrtle Beach High School which are all ranked well. Check out Niche.com for more information.
Q: How is North Myrtle Beach different from Myrtle Beach? A: North Myrtle Beach is it’s own city. It is quieter and more residential, while Myrtle Beach offers more nightlife and tourist attractions. It’s the best of both worlds!
Q: What is North Myrtle Beach known for besides the beach? A: This is the hometown of Vanna White. North Myrtle Beach is also the birthplace of the Shag (a dance).
Q: How are the hospitals and doctors in North Myrtle Beach? A: McLeod Seacoast Hospital is located over the waterway from North Myrtle Beach in Little River and provides top healthcare services.
Moving to North Myrtle Beach, SC: Your Checklist
- Visit First: Spend time exploring neighborhoods, restaurants, and beaches to get a feel for the area. I would be happy to show you the ropes of life around here.
- Connect with a Local Real Estate Expert: A knowledgeable agent can help you find the perfect home in North Myrtle Beach. Me 🙋🏻♀️! I would be happy to help you in your move. I’ve been there, I know the stress of relocating and I want to be the one to make it easier on you.
- Budget for Beach Living: Consider the costs of flood insurance and beachfront property upkeep. It is important to know the different areas of North Myrtle and where you money can go further. I know the area well and can help you navigate the hidden costs of location.
- Embrace the Lifestyle: From beach yoga to shag dancing, dive into everything the community has to offer.
Ready to Move to North Myrtle Beach, SC? Let’s Make It Happen!
If you’re ready to start your coastal adventure in North Myrtle Beach, I’m here to help. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy beach bungalow or a luxurious waterfront property, I’ll guide you every step of the way.
Contact me today at 843-790-4450 (or schedule a time here), and let’s turn your dream of moving to North Myrtle Beach, SC, into reality. Your perfect home by the ocean is waiting!
Download my MOVING TO MYRTLE BEACH guide where I share the inside scoop on moving to the area…from DMV information and tax information to where the locals go for shopping and dining, I share what I have learned from when I relocated to the area.