Conway

Tucked along the banks of the Waccamaw River in Horry County, Conway, South Carolina has a way of surprising people. While its neighbor Myrtle Beach gets most of the coastal fanfare, Conway quietly offers something many beach towns can’t: authentic Southern character, genuine community roots, and a pace of life that doesn’t feel manufactured for tourists. If you’re weighing a move to the Palmetto State, Conway deserves a serious look before you make your decision.

A City That Fits Multiple Lifestyles

With a population of just over 26,000, Conway strikes a comfortable balance between small-town charm and everyday convenience. The city is home to Coastal Carolina University, which gives it an unexpectedly vibrant energy — think live music, local events, and a younger demographic that keeps things lively. The median age sits at 34.3, reflecting that mix of students, young professionals, and established families who’ve planted roots here. The historic downtown along Main Street is genuinely walkable, lined with locally owned restaurants, antique shops, and the iconic Riverwalk that stretches along the Waccamaw. Neighborhoods like Bucksville and areas near Conway Medical Center attract families looking for quieter residential streets, while properties closer to downtown appeal to those who want to be in the middle of things.

Cost of Living and Housing

One of Conway’s strongest selling points is affordability. The median home price of $236,300 is notably lower than what you’d find in Myrtle Beach proper or many comparable coastal markets across the Southeast. That number gets you real space — think three-bedroom homes with yards, not cramped condos. The median household income in Conway is around $54,841, and while wages in the region aren’t extravagant, the cost of living stretches that income further than it would in larger metros. Renters also fare reasonably well, with apartment options near the university and along Highway 501. Property taxes in South Carolina are among the more favorable in the nation, which is a detail worth factoring into your long-term budget planning.

Employment and Economy

Conway’s economy leans on a handful of reliable anchors. Conway Medical Center is one of the largest employers in the area, making healthcare a stable career sector for nurses, administrators, and allied health professionals. Coastal Carolina University itself employs a significant number of residents and supports the surrounding service economy. Horry County government and local school districts round out the public sector employment picture. The proximity to Myrtle Beach — just about 15 miles east — expands your job options considerably, particularly in hospitality, retail, and tourism-adjacent industries. Remote workers have increasingly discovered Conway as a sensible base, trading high rent in bigger cities for a home office with a front porch.

Lifestyle and Recreation

Life in Conway moves with a certain ease that’s hard to replicate. The Waccamaw Riverwalk is the crown jewel of outdoor recreation — a beautiful boardwalk perfect for morning runs, evening strolls, or kayak launches. Cypress Swamp Park and the surrounding Horry County forests give nature enthusiasts plenty to explore. When you want salt air and sand, the Grand Strand beaches are a short drive away. The Conway Downtown Market on weekends pulls in locals for fresh produce and community connection. Conway’s historic district also hosts festivals throughout the year that feel genuinely homegrown rather than commercialized.

The Bottom Line

Conway, South Carolina won’t dazzle you with a skyline or overwhelm you with big-city amenities — and that’s precisely the point. What it offers is something increasingly rare: an affordable, friendly, river-town community with real history, growing opportunity, and easy access to the coast. If you want a place where your money goes further, your neighbors know your name, and the drive to the beach takes less than twenty minutes, Conway is worth making your home.