Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

What's the cost of living in Myrtle Beach, SC?

The cost of living in Myrtle Beach is lower than what the average American pays, largely due to the region's affordable housing. The median sale price of a home in Myrtle Beach is several thousand dollars lower than the national median. However, the metro area's growing population – not to mention its growing popularity among those in the market for vacation homes – has caused prices to climb in recent years. Additionally, Myrtle Beach residents tend to pay higher utility prices than the average American.

What's the best way to get around Myrtle Beach, SC?

You will need a car to get around Myrtle Beach. The region is crisscrossed by several major thoroughfares. Route 17 runs north to south, connecting the downtown area to communities like North Myrtle Beach, Litchfield and Pawleys Island, and Highway 31 parallels 17 a few miles further inland. Route 501 runs east to west to the heart of town from points further inland, like Conway. The area's growing population has made traffic an issue; however, regional authorities have taken steps to alleviate congestion, such as providing signs for alternative routes.

Making central Myrtle Beach more pedestrian- and bike-friendly is a priority for area leaders, who are working to add and extend sidewalks in communities like Carolina Forest, Socastee and along Kings Highway. Additionally, several bus routes operated by Coast RTA serve Myrtle Beach and provide limited coverage in the nearby communities of Conway and Georgetown.

Travelers coming into and out of Myrtle Beach usually fly into Myrtle Beach International Airport, which is serviced by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines and other carriers. The region is also accessible by bus via Greyhound.

Who lives in Myrtle Beach, SC?

Thanks to its pleasant weather, abundant activities, affordable housing and plentiful health care options, Myrtle Beach is a popular retirement spot. As a result, the population is generally older. However, the region's many job opportunities have attracted plenty of younger residents, too. 

The majority of residents are religiously unaffiliated, although the majority of those who are religious tend to identify as Protestant. Meanwhile, there has been a growth in nondenominational places of worship. Churches like NewSpring and Wellspring offer nontraditional, modern services within a casual environment and focus on community involvement through volunteer work.

What is there to do in Myrtle Beach, SC?

If there’s a benefit to living in a tourist town, it’s that you can always find an attraction to visit, a new restaurant to try or a festival to attend.

Myrtle Beach caters to its outdoorsy residents with two state parks – Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington Beach State Park – that feature hiking and biking trails, but the main draw here, without a doubt, is the sprawling beaches. Residents can take advantage of the nearly 60 miles of shoreline that run along the Grand Strand, spending the warm days swimming, fishing, boating or sunbathing. In addition to its coveted coastline, the Myrtle Beach area is peppered with golf courses, many of which were designed by golf greats like Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman and Arnold Palmer.  

Residents also have access to hundreds of restaurants, many of which are locally owned.

Families with kids will find many ways to fill school breaks and weekends, from miniature golf to amusement parks to the zoo at Brookgreen Gardens. Meanwhile, live music and cultural events are never hard to find, with the boardwalk and The Market Common hosting many free shows.