Where to Live in Myrtle Beach

Thinking About Moving to Myrtle Beach? One of the first things you should figure out is where to live in Myrtle Beach. There are so many different communities that each have their own vibe, you are sure to find a place that matches your lifestyle. Here are some of the areas to check out…

Picture this: you wake up to the sound of waves crashing, sip your morning coffee on your back porch, and spend your afternoons soaking up the sun on the beach. Sounds like a dream, right?

Well, if you live in Myrtle Beach, this could be just another day in paradise.

But here’s the catch—Myrtle Beach is bigger than you think. With so many neighborhoods, communities, and hidden gems to choose from, how do you know which is the best area to live in Myrtle Beach for your lifestyle?

That’s where I come in!

Let’s break it down so you can find your perfect slice of coastal heaven.

1. I am looking for peaceful living with a small-town feel

You will definitely want to check out 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.

My Highlights of North Myrtle Beach:

The beaches are less crowded with plenty of public access points. There are a lot of public parking lots along with bathrooms and outside showers to make those beach trips easier.
It is home to Barefoot Landing which is great for shopping, dining, and entertainment. You can even choose from a few different restaurants that have patio seating right there on the Intracoastal Waterway.
Of course, it is a golf lover’s paradise with top-notch courses like Tidewater and Barefoot Resort.
It has a strong sense of community with local events, farmer’s markets, and all activities for all ages.
For housing, there is a mix of beachfront condos, townhomes, and single-family homes so we have a lot of options to choose from for your perfect home.

Insider Tip:

If you want to be near the beach but still have a little space, check out Cherry Grove. Especially if you are looking for beautiful water views, it’s a hidden gem with homes on the marsh, canal, or oceanfront. You will find a more relaxed feel in this community at the north end of North Myrtle Beach.

2. I am looking for suburban convenience and close to everything

If you want to be near Myrtle Beach without living in the middle of all the action, Carolina Forest is a top pick.

This area is located just 10-15 minutes from the beach. It is a fast-growing community that has a lot of parks, playgrounds, walking trails and is close to many shopping centers.

What Makes Carolina Forest Great?

There are tons of new neighborhoods going in with lots of options of new construction homes. Many of these communities have really nice amenities such as pools, fitness centers, playgrounds, sports courts, etc.
An important fact is that you have quick access to Highway 31 for easy commuting up and down the Grand Strand.
There are so many parks, walking trails, and outdoor activities that you will be able to enjoy the wonderful weather of Myrtle Beach.
The homes typically have lower insurance costs compared to direct beachfront properties but you are still only 10-15 minutes from the beach.

The Waterway Palms Plantation and The Farm at Carolina Forest are two of the most popular neighborhoods, offering everything from custom-built homes to resort-style pools and clubhouses.

Waterbridge is a community that features the largest residential pool in South Carolina and is definitely worth checking out if you are looking for a custom home or new build.

3. I am looking for a community that is trendy, walkable, and full of energy.

If you love the idea of having restaurants, shops, and entertainment just steps from your front door, Market Common might be the best area to live in Myrtle Beach for you. This vibrant community feels like a mini-city within the city and you are just a short ride to the beach.

Why Market Common is a Hot Spot:

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.
It has a mix of modern condos, townhomes, and single-family homes so there are many different housing options available.
This area is very close to the beach but without the amount of touristy chaos you will find closer to the Boardwalk.
There seems to always be something going on. There are regular events like farmers’ markets, outdoor movies, and festivals year-round.

Insider Tip: If you want a home with charm, look for properties in Sweetgrass Square—adorable Charleston-style houses with front porches perfect for sweet tea sipping!

4. I am looking for historic charm with a small-town feel.

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.

Why Conway is Worth Considering:

You can beautiful historic homes with riverfront views.
You may find lower home prices and property taxes since this community is further away from the ocean than other areas of Myrtle Beach.
Talk about a quaint downtown right out of a Hallmark move…with unique shops and restaurants
The city decorates the downtown area for each season and hosts many different events and activities for all ages.
There is definitely less tourist traffic but still close to Myrtle Beach
Conway has plenty of acreage homes for those who want extra space

Insider Tip: Look for homes along the Waccamaw River if you love water views and charming scenery.

Let’s Find Your Perfect Place in Myrtle Beach!

So, what’s the best area to live in Myrtle Beach for you? Whether you’re looking for oceanfront luxury, a community with lots of amenities, or a peaceful retreat, I’d love to help you navigate the options.

📩 Let’s chat! Send me a message or grab my FREE Myrtle Beach Relocation Guide to get started. I’ll help you find the perfect home that fits your lifestyle—stress-free!