Jul 26 2025

Coastal Corners of Myrtle Beach You’ll Love Living In (2025)

Why Move to Myrtle Beach?

Moving to Myrtle Beach isn’t just about changing your view—it’s about upgrading your lifestyle. With miles of sandy beaches, a low cost of living, and over 200 sunny days each year, it’s easy to see why more people are swapping snow boots for flip-flops and heading to South Carolina’s Grand Strand.

So, where should you live? That’s the big question. Myrtle Beach has many different neighborhoods, each offering something special. From luxury homes on the water to quiet small towns full of charm, there’s truly something for everyone.

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the top areas to live near Myrtle Beach in 2025. We’ll focus on lifestyle, convenience, local amenities, and what makes each place unique—so you can find the perfect fit for your next move.

Carolina Forest: Master-Planned & Convenient

Located just west of the Intracoastal Waterway, Carolina Forest is one of the most in-demand places to live in Myrtle Beach. With shopping centers, restaurants, top-rated schools, and plenty of parks. Additionally it feels like its own city—yet it’s only a short drive to the beach.

Top neighborhoods: The Farm, Waterford Plantation, Traditions, and Plantation Lakes
For luxury buyers: Check out Waterway Palms Plantation and The Bluffs on the Waterway—gated, custom-home communities with Intracoastal access
Why people love it: A strong sense of community, excellent amenities, and something for every budget

Whether you’re seeking a starter home, lakefront living, or a gated neighborhood with all the extras, Carolina Forest continues to be a top pick for year-round residents.

Market Common: Walkable, Stylish, and Urban

Market Common redefines beach living with its urban village vibe. Additionally, it is built on a former Air Force base, it blends modern design with classic southern charm. You’ll find tree-lined streets, boutique shopping, great restaurants, and miles of walking trails.

Popular neighborhoods: Emmens Preserve, Sweetgrass Square, Cresswind (55+), and The Battery
What makes it unique: Walkability, architecture, community events, and proximity to Myrtle Beach State Park
Ideal for: Anyone who loves low-maintenance, high-style living with convenience to everything.

It’s not just a place to live—it’s a place to be.

North Myrtle Beach: Coastal Living Without the Crowds

If you want beach access and charm without the bustle of central Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach is the perfect option. This separate city has a more relaxed, local feel.

Neighborhood highlights: Cherry Grove (canal-front homes), Ocean Drive (beach music and golf carts), Seabrook Plantation, Robber’s Roost, and Grande Dunes North Village
Who it’s for: Those craving a quieter lifestyle
Best features: Quieter beaches, more residential neighborhoods, and a strong sense of community

North Myrtle gives you all the coastal benefits without the constant tourist traffic.

Surfside Beach: Family-Friendly Beach Town

Nicknamed “The Family Beach,” Surfside is all about community and comfort. With its own pier (currently being rebuilt), laid-back neighborhoods, and strong local culture, it’s a favorite for year-round living and second homes alike.

Top picks: Deerfield, Mallard Landing Village, Ocean Pines, Lakewood Heights
Why people choose Surfside: Easy beach access, affordable housing, and strong community pride
Bonus points: Golf cart-friendly, low-key atmosphere

If you want that “old-school” beach-town vibe with modern convenience, this is it.

Little River: Coastal Living at a Slower Pace

Just north of North Myrtle Beach is Little River which offers peaceful surroundings and a historic marina. As well as a mix of old charm and new development.

Hot neighborhoods: Bridgewater, Cypress Village, Lighthouse Cove
Lifestyle: Laid-back, fishing village meets modern suburbia
Appeals to: Boaters and anyone seeking tranquility close to the action

With marinas, waterfront restaurants, and scenic marshland, Little River is one of the Grand Strand’s best-kept secrets.

Conway: Historic Charm & Affordable Living

Head inland just a bit, and you’ll find Conway, a riverfront town with mossy oaks, a walkable downtown, and plenty of Southern character.

Best communities: Ridge Pointe, Coastal Point West, Tiger Grand, and The Reserve at Wild Wing
Great for: Budget-conscious buyers and folks who want a slower pace
Features: Farmer’s market, riverwalk, festivals, and a blossoming local scene

Yes, the drive to the beach can be longer (especially in summer), but the value and charm Conway offers are hard to beat.

Final Thoughts: Choose a Community That Fits Your Lifestyle

From the master-planned convenience of Carolina Forest to the walkable charm of Market Common, the beachy calm of North Myrtle to the classic coziness of Conway, Myrtle Beach offers a wide range of places to call home.

Ask yourself:

Do I want to be close to the beach or farther inland?
Do I prefer a gated community or a neighborhood with more freedom?
Is walkability or golf cart access important?
Do I want a strong social scene or more peace and quiet?

Whatever your goals, there’s a spot here waiting for you.

Ready to Explore Homes in These Myrtle Beach Areas?

Visit MyrtleBeachHomesBlog.com to explore detailed community guides, browse current listings, and get insider tips on relocating to the Grand Strand. Additionally, if you’re considering a move to the Myrtle Beach area and want personalized guidance, head over to JeremyBlanton.com to schedule a call and start planning your relocation with confidence.

Jul 23 2025

What Retirees LOVE About Myrtle Beach Living

Why Retire in Myrtle Beach? Sunshine, Savings & a Laid-Back Lifestyle

When it’s time to enjoy the next chapter of life, more and more retirees are choosing Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. In fact, it’s easy to see why. With its warm weather, low taxes, active lifestyle, and coastal charm, this beach town offers much more than just ocean views.

Stretch Your Retirement Dollars

One of the top reasons retirees love Myrtle Beach? Your money goes a lot further here. South Carolina doesn’t tax Social Security income, and if you’re 65 or older, you can deduct up to $15,000 of other retirement income. Plus, property taxes are some of the lowest in the country.

Additionally, homeowners over 65 get a big break thanks to the Homestead Exemption, which cuts property taxes on the first $50,000 of your home’s value. As a result, there’s more room in the budget for fun—like eating out, golfing, or enjoying the good life at the beach.

Say Goodbye to Harsh Winters When Retiring To Myrtle Beach

The weather in Myrtle Beach is a huge draw. With over 200 sunny days a year and mild winters (rarely dipping into the 30s), you can enjoy four seasons without shoveling snow. Though summers do get hot, but the ocean breeze helps cool things down. You’ll find that beach walks, patio dining, and early morning tee times are part of everyday life.

Golf, Beaches & Outdoor Fun

Known as the Golf Capital of the World, Myrtle Beach is home to over 80 golf courses. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s a course for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slower pace, there are also miles of beaches, scenic walking trails, and peaceful parks like Myrtle Beach State Park—perfect for fishing, birdwatching, or simply relaxing under the trees.

Quality Healthcare Close to Home

Healthcare is a major concern for retirees, and Myrtle Beach doesn’t disappoint. The area is served by trusted hospitals like Tidelands Health, McLeod Health, and Grand Strand Medical Center. There are also clinics, specialists, wellness centers, and VA facilities nearby, making it easy to stay on top of your health.

A Lifestyle That Fits You

Living by the beach isn’t just about sand and waves. Myrtle Beach offers a fun and easy lifestyle, with great restaurants, shopping at Market Common, Tanger Outlets, and Coastal Grand Mall, plus plenty of ways to stay active. From pickleball and yoga to art classes and social clubs, there’s something for everyone.

Community That Feels Like Home

While Myrtle Beach can be busy with tourists in summer, the local community still feels like a small town. In neighborhoods just a few miles inland in places like Carolina Forest, you’ll find friendly people, regular events, and welcoming groups for newcomers. Whether it’s joining a book club, attending a local festival, or volunteering, it’s easy to feel at home.

Myrtle Beach: Retirement, Your Way

With low taxes, warm weather, quality healthcare, and tons of ways to enjoy life, Myrtle Beach is a top spot for retirees. But the real magic? You get to live the life you want—whether that means golfing every week, relaxing on the porch, or trying something new like painting or gardening.

If a relaxed, affordable, and coastal lifestyle sounds like your dream retirement, Myrtle Beach might just be calling your name.

Ready to explore available homes, learn more about 55+ communities, or get tips on relocating to the coast?
Visit http://jeremyblanton.com to schedule a call with Jeremy Blanton to take the first step toward your beachside retirement.

Jun 18 2025

Living in Myrtle Beach: Hurricane Prep Guide

living in myrtle beach during a hurricane

Hurricane Season in Myrtle Beach: How to Be Prepared

Living in Myrtle Beach means enjoying ocean breezes, world-class beaches, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle. But if you call this slice of paradise home, it’s important to understand what comes with it—including hurricane season. From June 1 to November 30 each year, residents must stay alert, informed, and prepared to protect their homes, families, and peace of mind.

Whether you’re new to the Grand Strand or a long-time homeowner, this guide will walk you through exactly how to prepare for hurricane season while enjoying the benefits of living in Myrtle Beach.

How to Prepare for Hurricane Season in Myrtle Beach

Step 1: Create a Hurricane Preparedness Plan

Start with the basics: determine your Horry County evacuation zone (A, B, or C). Authorities will issue zone-based evacuation orders depending on storm strength. Know your zone in advance, map out your evacuation route, and have a destination ready if you need to leave quickly. If you have pets, make arrangements for pet-friendly accommodations early, as most emergency shelters do not allow animals.

Step 2: Assemble a Complete Emergency Kit

Every home in Myrtle Beach should have a stocked emergency kit ready before a storm is even on the radar. Your kit should include:

Three days’ worth of non-perishable food and two gallons of water per person, per day
Flashlights, batteries, a battery-operated radio, and phone chargers
First-aid kit, prescription medications, and hygiene items
Cash, important documents in waterproof containers, and clothing

boarding your myrtle beach home for hurricane

Step 3: Secure Your Home and Property

Protecting your home from high winds and flooding is crucial. Trim trees, clean gutters, and secure or store outdoor furniture and decorations. Install storm shutters or board up windows with plywood if a storm is approaching. Check the roof for loose shingles and secure entry points, especially garage doors, to reduce wind intrusion.

Step 4: Review Your Insurance Coverage

If you’re living in Myrtle Beach full-time, understanding your home insurance is a must. Standard policies typically don’t include flood coverage. Look into a separate flood insurance policy and make sure your coverage limits reflect current property values. Take photos or videos of your home’s interior and exterior in advance for claims documentation.

Step 5: Know When to Evacuate

When evacuation orders are issued, don’t wait. Leave early to avoid traffic and worsening weather conditions. Fuel up your vehicle in advance, and have a go-bag ready. If you’re not required to evacuate and choose to shelter in place, stay indoors, monitor local news, and avoid driving through flooded roads.

Step 6: Stay Safe After the Storm

After the storm has passed, proceed with care. Watch for downed power lines, broken glass, and flood-contaminated water. Wear protective gloves and boots when cleaning debris. Take photos of any damage before beginning repairs, and work only with licensed contractors to avoid scams.

Living in Myrtle Beach Means Being Prepared

Part of living in Myrtle Beach is learning how to balance paradise with preparedness. While hurricanes aren’t guaranteed each season, being ready gives you confidence and peace of mind. A little planning now will protect your property, your family, and your lifestyle on the coast.

Final Thoughts

Hurricane season is simply a part of coastal living, and with the right steps in place, you can continue enjoying everything Myrtle Beach has to offer without worry. Make your preparations early, review your plan regularly, and stay connected to local alerts and weather forecasts.

If you’re relocating or considering a move, our team at Myrtle Beach Homes Blog is here to help you find a safe, beautiful home that fits your lifestyle and your long-term plans for coastal living.

Thinking of making a move to Myrtle Beach in the near future? Book a Call with Jeremy to discuss your upcoming move to Myrtle Beach!

Mar 18 2020

How To Avoid Wire Fraud When Buying a Myrtle Beach Home

When buying a home in Myrtle Beach, there are tons of things you have to pay attention to. This is why it is so vital to have a real estate agent to help you through the transaction. The agent is going help you with the purchase price, the inspections, financing, appraisals, and so much more.

After we have finally finished all negotiations and get that final notice that we are ready for closing, the attorney will send you instructions to make send money to make the purchase. Nowadays attorneys will not take money orders, certified checks or anything of the like for the purchase but instead want the funds to be wired straight to their account.

Because of this, it has caused more and more issues with hackers trying to grab these funds. One of the worst things that could happen is to wire $100,000 for the purchase of a home and have it accidentally go to the wrong account and be lost forever. Unfortunately, we have heard stories of this happening multiple times.

How The Hackers Do It

The typical way the hackers get you to send them the money actually comes through the agents email. What they do is use a phishing scam on the agent to access their account. They normally send us an email with something that appears to be a pre-approval letter where we have to log into a system to get the information that looks like it is requiring our email credentials.

Once they have our email credentials, they access the agents email from other places and monitor it sometimes for weeks until they see emails regarding wiring money for closing. Then they will send an email to the buyers saying that banks were changed and the wiring instructions have been updated with new routing & account numbers.

The email comes from their agent and so they think it’s official and true because they have no reason not to believe their agent who has been trustworthy the entire time through the transaction, so they simply take the new instructions, take it to the bank and wire to the new account.

You then show up the next day at the closing table ready to sign papers and close on a new home to find out the attorney never received your money. Bye the time everyone figures out what has happened, the money has been moved into multiple accounts and is never to be seen again.

How To Protect Your Wire

Whenever there is information sent like wiring instructions, you need to always double check that they came from the person you think they are from and that the numbers are correct. The absolute best way to confirm this is to pick up the telephone and call the attorney directly and ask them to confirm everything. Don’t simply send them an email asking if they are right because if their email is hacked, of course you are going to get a quick response saying they are accurate. Also, I’d refrain from texting as well as hackers can clone someone’s phone number for text messaging.

Next, don’t ever accept wiring instructions from your agent. As a Myrtle Beach REALTOR® I am never going to send you wiring information or get involved with this segment of the transaction. In fact in the footer of ever one of my emails is the following:

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Never trust wiring instructions sent via email. Cyber criminals are hacking email accounts and sending emails with fake wiring instructions. These emails are convincing and sophisticated. Always independently confirm wiring instructions in person or via a telephone call to a trusted and verified phone number. Never wire money without double-checking that the wiring instructions are correct.

So when you get instructions, always confirm with the person by hearing their voice and making sure they are correct.

What If

So what do you do if you wire money to the wrong place? Well, the first step would be to reach out immediately to your bank and see if they can track things. Sometimes they can if it is soon enough and they can reverse things back into your account. But too many times the hackers are watching the account closely for the minute it registers they send from there to another account and then to another and another. When this happens it becomes virtually impossible to track and get your money back.

Once you speak to the bank, next contact your attorney right away and let them know of the mishap so that they can then alert all parties involved. Unfortunately, when these things happen, it usually means that the buyers can no longer afford to purchase and the sellers need to know quickly as well so that they can get on to trying to find a buyer for their home. You also will want to then reach out to local authorities and file a report. Who knows if they will be able to recover anything, but it definitely wouldn’t hurt to get police involved too.

Hopefully this never happens to you that the hackers get your money. Be careful, remember to always verify on the phone and you should be good to go. If it does happen by chance, make sure to act swiftly and recover what you can.

Mar 28 2018

Winning In Multiple Offer Situations

Our spring real estate market in Myrtle Beach is here! That means that more and more buyers are heading to the area to look for a home to purchase. The snow has melted enough up northeast to allow the buyers to escape and head to Myrtle Beach to start the process of finding their new home in the area. With the increase in number of buyers, this also means an increase in number of offers being made on property in Myrtle Beach.

In more and more cases, these means that we are having multiple offer situations for our buyers. When I meet with a buyer for the first time I explain to them how our market is very strong at the moment and that if they see something while here in Myrtle Beach that there is a high possibility for the property they see to be in a multiple offer situation.

Today I am going to share with you some tips on how you can win in a multiple offer situation. As a Myrtle Beach real estate agent now for over 17 years, I’ve had a lot of experience dealing with these situations and have put together 5 tips that I think can help differentiate your offer from the rest when submitting and hopefully help you win in a bidding war.

The Price

Ok, so when it comes to multiple offers, the number one thing that the sellers are going to look at in most situations is the price. They are going to see who is giving the most amount of money for their property so that they can put the most amount of money in their pocket.

It is important that you put your best foot forward when doing this but not overpay for the property, especially if you are looking at doing financing. Many times, the selling agent will notify all parties with an offer on the property that the seller has called for a highest and best offer. When this happens, the seller is giving all potential buyers the ability to make one last change to their offer if they really want to win the residence. When this happens, sometimes a buyer pulls out, sometimes a buyer stays with their original offer, and sometimes a buyer will increase their amount, remove stipulations from their offer, or make other major changes to get their offer selected over the other ones.

The Closing Date

The second thing that you want to pay attention to in a multiple offer situation to give you the best opportunity to win is the date of closing. As I share a few weeks back, the closing date is a major component in an offer to buy and sell real estate.

If the seller of that property needs to move out and find a property to move to, they may want a longer time in order to find the property they need. If they own it and it is vacant and they want to get it sold quickly to reduce their expenses. Sellers who own vacant homes in Myrtle Beach have large expenses going out each month for utilities, taxes, and HOA dues. The quicker they can close and reduce their expenses, is normally better for a seller.

What I like to do from time to time is to find out that information ahead of time from the selling agent so that when I’m putting together my offer and presenting it we are setting a date that’s going to work best for both parties. I’ve even asked the selling agent before to find out from the seller what date would work best for them in situations where my buyer is flexible with closing on any date.

The Contingencies

The third thing that you want to pay attention to in a multiple offer situation is the contingencies that you add to your offer. Are you writing this offer contingent upon selling another home? Is it contingent upon a home inspection? Is it something where you are trying to get the seller to give you closing costs? Or you are trying to have them fix a bunch of things in the house?

If those things are happening, they are all contingencies that make more work for the seller. The less of those you have in your offer, the better likelihood you are to be picked over some of the other offers they receive. If the sellers have three offers on their Myrtle Beach home and two have contingencies for things to be repaired and inspections to be done while the other offer is willing to purchase the property AS IS, the AS IS offer will be much more appealing to the seller since it involves less work on the home, less questions whether the buyers will actually purchase. If all other parts of the contract are similar, 9 out of 10 times the seller will take this offer over the others.

The Qualifications To Buy

The fourth thing that you want to pay attention to is your money side of things. If you are paying cash for this property, get you a proof of funds letter ahead of time from your bank and submit it with your offer. If you are doing financing, you can still buy the property and win it when you are doing financing if you have a pre-approval ahead of time. I’ll share with you guys at the end how I recently won a multiple offer situation where we had financing over a cash offer.

It is extremely important to include this documentation when submitting your offer to the selling agent. This is the proof showing that you are actually qualified to make the purchase and have actually started the process which makes your offer MUCH more appealing over someone else who the seller does not even know if they can get the money to make the purchase.

The Earnest Money

So the fifth tip I want to talk about today is earnest money. Earnest money is the down money you are putting down with your offer to show that you have interest in this property. While someone else might put only $500 or $1,000 down, if you were to put maybe $2,000, $3,000, $5,000 down you are going to make your offer look more appealing over your competition.

Now you do run a risk of losing that money if you were to walk away from the deal, but if everything goes as planned, and you end up closing on the property, it’s going to help set you apart from someone else. The sellers will look at a deal with more money down as a major appeal over one with less. Just know if for some reason the deal goes south, you do run a risk of losing this money.

How I Win Multiple Offers

So I hope you found a lot of value in these five tips today. And as I mentioned a few minutes ago I wanted to share with you a story recently where I had a multiple offer situation and my buyers were able to win. We were in a multiple offer situation, the agent told us there were other offers on the table make sure you bring your highest and best offer in.

So I spoke with my buyers and we did what these 5 tips said. We got a pre-approval ahead of time, we got a strong earnest money that was higher than what normally people would give, we allowed the sellers to pick the date we are going to close, and we wrote it with basically no contingencies in our offer.

Our offer was picked over other ones and the agent shared with me that the items I suggested to my buyers to make as appealing as possible were the reasons we got our offer picked. Were we probably the highest number one? Maybe not. But, having those four other items in place for us was able to help us win over the others. I know for a fact, one of those other offers even was a cash offer. But our financing one was taken over it because these four other factors made is look like a better option to the sellers. We will actually be closing on this property here in the next few weeks.

Take these five tips to heart, put them into practice and you will be able to win in a multiple offer situation. If you are looking to buy a home in Myrtle Beach and want someone to help you to get the home in a bidding war, feel free to contact me here or call me directly at 843-222-9402. I’d love the opportunity to work with you in buying your next home in Myrtle Beach.

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