Moving to Conway: What To Know Before Calling Conway Home

Thinking about moving to Conway, SC? Let me tell you—this town just holds a special place in my heart.

It’s got all the charm of a small town, but you’re still close enough to the beach to enjoy the best of both worlds. Picture oak-lined streets, a laid-back vibe, and a downtown filled with cool little shops and restaurants where people remember your name.

Whether you’re looking for a fresh start, a slower pace, or just a great place to call home, Conway has a little bit of everything.

Why Move to Conway, SC? Here’s the Scoop

Located just 15 miles from Myrtle Beach, Conway gives you the best of both worlds—a peaceful, historic town with all the perks of the beach lifestyle.

Here’s why Conway is worth a spot on your radar:

It’s More Affordable. You get way more house for your money here compared to Myrtle Beach. Whether you want a historic home with character or a brand-new build, your budget stretches further. You can also find larger lots or land if you want more space.
It’s Hallmark-worthy. Conway isn’t just another beach town—it’s full of charm, history, and a downtown that looks straight out of a postcard, complete with giant oak trees and cute little shops. The city goes all out decorating for the different seasons and walking downtown is the thing to do! It really should be in a Hallmark movie it’s so cute!
It’s Close to the Beach (But Not Too Close). You’re about 20-30 minutes from the ocean, so you can enjoy beach days whenever you want—without dealing with all the tourists when you just need to grab groceries.
Outdoor Life is a Big Deal. Kayaking on the Waccamaw River, biking through scenic trails, or just strolling along the Riverwalk—there are plenty of ways to get outside and soak it all in.
It’s Growing in All the Right Ways. New restaurants, shops, and neighborhoods are popping up, but it’s still managed to keep that small-town feel.
Recommended Places to Eat. I highly recommend visiting the Rivertown Bistro or Chantis for a great meal, Stellas Ice Cream for dessert, and A Cup Full for the best coffee.

Top Neighborhoods in Conway

When moving to Conway, SC, you’ll find neighborhoods that suit every lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat or a place near all the action, Conway has you covered.

Downtown Conway: Conway is a historic town so of course there are plenty of homes with character to be found downtown. If you love historic homes, walkable streets, and a vibrant arts scene, I would be happy to show you around!
Shaftesbury Glen: Looking for a golf course community? Well, you must check this one out. Golf enthusiasts will love this neighborhood and all the amenities including pool, clubhouse, and of course the golf course.
Wild Wing Plantation: This is located closer to the beach off Highway 501. If you are looking for a community with awesome amenities such as multiple pools, a clubhouse, tennis courts, and a private boat dock. It does have a section of new homes currently under construction.
Heritage Preserve: Wake up to the sounds of birds chirping, spend your afternoons lounging by the zero-entry pool, and enjoy peaceful evening walks through the tree-lined streets. This is a great neighborhood if you are looking for something tucked away and quiet but still convenient to all the action.

Looking for what homes are currently available in Conway? Here is a list: Conway Homes For Sale.

Life in Conway: What to Expect

So, what’s life really like when you’re living in Conway?

It definitely has a slower pace of small-town life but there are so many events and outdoor activities so you won’t get bored. Here’s a glimpse:

Morning Coffee Along the Riverwalk: Start your day with a stroll along the Waccamaw River and a cup of coffee from A Cup Full Cafe. They just completed an extension of the Riverwalk boardwalk…you’ll want to check it out!
Saturday Farmers Markets: Stock up on fresh produce and handmade goods every Saturday morning from April through December under the bridge downtown. They switch to a holiday market leading up to Christmas.
Outdoor Adventures: Explore the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge, or spend a day kayaking along the river. Lots of fishing and boating happens on the Waccamaw River. Its a great way to spend the day if you are looking for something besides the beach for water fun.
A College Town Feel/Teal Tuesdays: Coastal Carolina University is a big part of Conway local life. Go Chanticleers! Every Tuesday we wear Teal to support CCU!
Lots of Events: There seems to always be something going on in Conway. From Riverfest to Waccamaw Outdoorsmen Expo and then all the different seasonal decor and events throughout the year, there is no shortage of things to keep you busy.

Schools in Conway

Conway is part of the Horry County School District and is served by several highly-rated schools:

Conway Elementary School
Conway Middle School
Conway High School
Horry-Georgetown Technical College
Home to Coastal Carolina University

For more updated demographic information and community scores, click here to check out niche.com.

FAQs About Moving to Conway

Q: Is traffic a big deal? A: It is all relative. If you are moving from a large city, you won’t be phased. Main street in downtown does back up as it goes over the bridge. Also, Conway extends down Highway 501 which is the main artery into Myrtle Beach and that is probably the busiest road around. Skip Highway 501 during rush hour. If you need to get to Myrtle Beach, take Highway 90 or Highway 544 instead.

Q: How far is Conway from Myrtle Beach? A: Conway is about a 20-30 minute drive from Myrtle Beach, depending on traffic.

Q: What’s the weather like? A: Conway enjoys a mild climate with warm summers and pleasant winters, perfect for year-round outdoor activities. We rarely get snow or ice. I highly recommend avoiding the beach in the middle of the day when you have the heat of the summer…locals like the morning or evening. It is much more pleasant and then you deal with fewer tourists.

Q: Are there a lot of bugs? A: Yes! Conway is right there on the river in addition to the entire area of South Carolina being a big swamp, mosquitos are part of life here. Also, palmetto bugs are like rodents. They are all over the place. Get a great pest control person…I have a few recommendations I can give you.

Q: What is downtown Conway like? A: It is the cutest little area! So many restaurants and shops…lots of character. There are lots of festivals and events that happen year round. You definitely don’t want to miss the Conway Riverfest or the Christmas Parade. Over the last few years they have done a great job of fixing up downtown and making it a highly sought after area to spend an afternoon walking around…especially to check out how all out the city goes for decorating for each season.

I can help you navigate all of these aspects of moving to Conway and adjusting to your new home. Let’s get started by simply scheduling a time I can give you a call. Click here to schedule.

Moving to Conway: A Checklist for Success

Choose Your Neighborhood Wisely: Spend some time exploring different areas to find the best fit for your lifestyle. Whether you are looking for something on a golf course, out on some land, or near the historic downtown, we can find a house for you to call home.
Plan Your Move in the Off-Season: Avoid the summer heat and tourist traffic by scheduling your move in the fall or winter.
Meet Your Neighbors: Conway’s community is one of its greatest assets, so don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You’ll get to experience southern hospitality at its greatest!
Work with a Local Expert: A real estate agent who knows Conway inside and out can help you find the perfect home and guide you through the process. My office is right in the middle of downtown Conway and I call this community home…I can help you navigate what will work best for you!

Make Conway Your New Home—Let’s Get Moving to Conway!

If you’re ready to trade the hustle and bustle for the charm of Conway, SC, I’m here to help you every step of the way. From finding the right neighborhood to securing the perfect home, I’ll make your transition seamless and stress-free.

Contact me today to start your journey to Conway, where history meets opportunity and every day feels like home. Let’s make your move to Conway, SC, unforgettable!