South Carolina

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach SC Restaurants
Published on December 7, 2013

Known as one of America’s best tourist towns, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is the perfect place for endless vacation living! The Grand Strand stretches over 60 miles along the coast; allowing infinite exploration and relaxation among uncrowded beaches. White, sandy dunes populated by lush vegetation provide a majestic backdrop to the sparkling water of the Atlantic Ocean. 

The subtropical climate of Myrtle beach attracts over 14 million visitors during vacation season, and a plethora of events and festivals bring life to the otherwise tranquil beach town. The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, voted by National Geographic as #3 Boardwalk In the Nation, lights up with live music during the summer months. Restaurants, cafes, and shops fill the vibrant atmosphere of the boardwalk center while artworks and sculptures accentuate the strip. 

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is a golfer’s gold mine with over 50 professional grade golf courses to choose from! Other outdoor recreations include hiking, biking, and fishing at Myrtle Beach State Park on the Grand Strand. 

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is one of the best places to retire if you're looking for lots of things to do. Perfect weather upon endless activities. Live life to the fullest on the pristine sands of Myrtle Beach! 

MORE ABOUT MYRTLE BEACH

A quick overview of popular Myrtle Beach neighborhoods:

  • BRIARCLIFFE ACRES: Located just north of downtown Myrtle Beach, the waterfront properties of Briarcliffe Acres are perfect place to settle down. A wide array of home styles are available in this community; such as split-level homes, one or two story homes, and country-style ranches. As a fairly new neighborhood, the homes of Briarcliffe Acres encompass modern architecture with a Mediterranean flair. Take advantage of private beachfront parking, and a neighborhood cabana on the ocean.
  • CAROLINA FOREST: Carolina Forest is in the center of it all! Minutes from the Coastal Grand Mall, and surrounded by award-winning gold course, Carolina Forest is speckled with gated communities and peaceful subdivisions. Choose from the newly built estates at Arrowhead Grand, or enjoy traditional living in a classic colonial-style home at The Farm.  Over 46% of the area is still a designated conservation area, protecting the privacy and tranquility of Carolina Forest. 
  • GRANDE DUNES: The name says it all in the Grande Dunes community. Stunning waterfront properties with a picturesque backdrop. The newly constructed neighborhoods of Villa Firenze and Villa Marbella offer maintenance-free living. A collection of onsite activities, such as a golf course, club house and Fitness Center are all within the Villa Marbella community. For a more exclusive living option, Castillo del Mar’s new neighborhood of Calais offers 28 new homesites with 2,512 to 4,810 air-conditioned square feet located only a block away from the ocean. 
  • LAKESIDE CROSSING: Lakeside Crossing is a residential community only minutes from the beach, fine dining, and nearby to major shopping centers. This suburban community attracts residents with its tranquil setting and affordable single-family homes. Some features of Lakeside Crossing housing include cathedral ceilings, oversized kitchens, and luxurious walk-in closets. Lakeside Crossing resident’s enjoy a private Clubhouse and Spa complete with a year-round heated pool. 
  • PINE LAKES ESTATES: One of the oldest most prestigious communities in the area, Pine Lakes Estates is also home to the first golf course built in Myrtle Beach. Even though Pine Lakes Estates is located on the northern strip of Myrtle Beach, the area is called ‘Uptown’ by its residents because of its easy access to all amenities and necessities. This culture rich community has exquisite oceanfront views without all the clutter of condos and hotels. 
  • PLANTATION POINT: Populated by custom-built homes, Plantation Point has a variety of real-estate options for new residents. Choose from properties with golf views, or waterfront properties complete with a private dock. Located in the middle of Myrtle Beach, Plantation Point is within walking distance to nearby grocery stores and has easy access to main roads. 
  • RIVER OAKS: Luxury condos line the River Oaks community. Choose from a balcony view of the intracoastal waterway, or a quiet backyard porch. Located among a championship golf course and only 5 minutes from Myrtle Beach International Airport, this tranquil community has the best of both worlds. 

If you’re searching for where to retire in coastal South Carolina, here are reasons to consider Myrtle Beach real estate:

ARTS AND CULTURE

Festivals and events throughout the year highlight the rich culture of this quiet beach town. As one of the most popular destinations in South Carolina, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk offers a variety of arts and cultural activities. Enjoy the spirits at the annual Downtown Myrtle Beach Oktoberfest and Myrtle Beach Wine Festivals. Taste hundreds of delicious craft beers, and discover the perfect blend for your palette. Popular food festivals include Lip-Rippin’ Chilympics Chili Cook-Off and the Little River ShrimpFest. 

Another cultural gem in Myrtle Beach is the Hopsewee Plantation, also known as the birthplace of Thomas Lynch, Jr. Once a low country rice plantation, the estate is now recognized as a historic landmark and is also admired for its West Indian influenced architecture.

CLIMATE

Myrtle Beach’s humid subtropical climate comes with abundant sunshine, warm summers, and breezy winters. The average temperature December through February is in the mid 40’s. May through September, the average temperature ranges from a high of 90 degrees to a low of 70. The city of Myrtle Beach has higher precipitation during the fall months, but retains about 70% sunshine year-round. With earthquake and tornado activity well below the nation’s average, the only weather worry is the rare occasion of a tropical cyclone. Myrtle Beach statistics show the area is more likely to be brushed by a Tropical Storm than hit by a hurricane. The last hurricane in the area causing significant damaged occurred over 20 years ago, Hurricane Hugo. Large dunes along the coast are covered in vegetation; protecting rural areas from high tides and storm surges.

LIFELONG LEARNING CENTERS

There are 20 public schools and 5 private school located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The Horry School District ranks #17 in South Carolina’s Public School Performance. The district incorporates new technologies into their educational systems to provide ideal learning opportunities for its students. Coastal Carolina University is a liberal arts institution offering 66 areas of study. Attend a theater or musical performance at the Wheelwright Auditorium, Edwards Black Box Theatre, or 79th Avenue Theatre.

MEDICAL AND HEALTH CARE

The Grand Strand Regional Medical Center is an acute care hospital located in Horry and Georgtown counties offering the only cardiac surgery program. The hospital has been designated a level II trauma center by DHEC and the American College of Surgeons. From 2010 through 2013 the hospital ranked #1 and received a five star rating for cardiac surgery and coronary bypass surgery in South Carolina. The hospital also hosts community flu clinics, safe-sitter classes, and community CPR classes throughout the year. 

RECREATIONAL SPORTS

Myrtle Beach’s sparkling waters make it a hotspot for water sports! Banana boat rides, water skiing, and jet skis are just a few of the options available in this beautiful beach town. Known as one of the best golf havens in the nation, Myrtle Beach has over 50 courses in the area. Among the 50 sit award-winning and championship courses. Head over to the Myrtle Beach Speedway for a race around the track, or witness the Myrtle Beach Pelicans hit a home run at the Pelicans Ballpark.

SHOPPING AND DINING

Myrtle Beach is one of the largest shopping destinations in the Southeastern United States; surrounded with boutique shops, large shopping malls, and outlet stores. The Dunes Shopping Center, Grand Strand Plaza Shopping Center, and Myrtle Square Mall Shopping Center are only a few of the shopping centers where you can find all the large retail stores. The newly built Grand Costal Mall is also located in Myrtle Beach, and its extravagant architecture draws visitors and residents alike. Visit the Tanger Oulet Center and find popular brand items for the lowest prices.

Dining in Myrtle Beach is an experience of its own. Choose from five star oceanfront restaurants and chic curbside cafes. On a warm summer’s day residents flock to the best ice cream shop in North Myrtle Beach, Sweet Frog. For a rockin’ coffee experience, head over to KISS Coffeehouse along the strip for the best dark roast in the city.

HOME AFFORDABLE AND TAXES

The average home price for Myrtle Beach is $231,000. The exquisite views and luxurious beachfront that accompany a Myrtle Beach property is priceless. Choose from beachfront hi-rise condominiums or a single family homes overlooking a golf course. Nestled among Horry County, the city of Myrtle Beach has an estimated property tax rate of $6.60 per $1000 of the home's assessed value. The estimated Horry County tax rate is $4.52 per $1000 of valuation without school taxes.

Population: 28,000
Median State Property Tax: 0.50%
State Sales Tax: 6%
State Income Tax: 0% to 7%
Airports
  • Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)
  • Grand Strand Airport (CRE)
  • Florence Regional Airport (FLO)
Arts & Culture
  • Art & Soul Gallery
  • Franklin G Burroughs - Simeon B. Chaplin Art Museum
  • Long Bay Symphony
  • The Howard Gallery
  • South Carolina Hall of Fame
  • The Carolina Opry
Events & Festivals
  • Palmetto Regional FIRST Robotics Competition - FEB
  • Annual Dragon Boat Festival - APR
  • Rivertown Music & Arts Festival - JUN
  • Aynor Harvest Hoe-Down Festival - SEP
  • Pawleys Island Festival of Music and Art - SEP
  • Fall Fashion Show & Luncheon - SEP
  • Lip-Rippin’ Chilympics Chili Cook-Off - OCT
  • Little River ShrimpFest - OCT
  • Downtown Myrtle Beach Oktoberfest - OCT
  • Myrtle Beach Wine Festival - OCT
Hospitals & Healthcare
  • Grand Strand Regional Medical Center
  • Conway Medical Center
  • Waccamaw Community Hospital
Colleges & Universities
  • Coastal Carolina University
  • Francis Marion University
  • Horry-Georgetown Technical College
Shopping & Retail
  • Broadway at the Beach
  • Coastal Grand Mall
  • Dunes Shopping Center
  • Grand Strand Plaza Shopping Center
  • Market Common
  • Myrtle Square Mall Shopping Center
  • Seventieth Avenue North Shopping Center
  • Sixth Avenue South Shopping Center
  • Tanger Outlets
Sports
  • Myrtle Beach Pelicans
  • Myrtle Beach Speedway
State & National Parks
  • Myrtle Beach State Park
Top Employers
  • Horry County School District
  • Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
  • Grand Strand Regional Medical Center
  • Coastal Carolina University
  • Conway Medical Center
  • McLeod Loric Seacoast