Myrtle Beach

Few places in the American South can match the magnetic pull of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Stretching along 60 miles of Atlantic coastline, this sun-soaked city has evolved far beyond its reputation as a summer tourist destination. Whether you’re drawn by the warm weather, the relatively affordable lifestyle, or the steady pace of a mid-sized coastal community, Myrtle Beach deserves a serious look as your next home. Here’s what you genuinely need to know before making the move.

A City That Fits Multiple Lifestyles

With a population of around 37,000 permanent residents, Myrtle Beach has the feel of a tight-knit community even as it handles millions of visitors each year. The median age sits at 47, which tells you something important: this is a city that attracts retirees and established adults, but it’s by no means exclusively a retirement enclave. Younger families and remote workers have been steadily discovering neighborhoods like Carolina Forest, a master-planned community inland from the beach that offers excellent schools, newer construction, and a quieter suburban feel. Meanwhile, areas like the Market Common — built on the site of a former Air Force base — offer a walkable, urban village atmosphere with restaurants, boutiques, and green space that appeals to a broad range of residents. The North Myrtle Beach area and Socastee offer their own distinct personalities, giving newcomers real options when choosing where to plant roots.

Cost of Living and Housing

Housing affordability is one of Myrtle Beach’s genuine selling points, though the market has tightened in recent years. The median home price currently sits at around $347,700 — notably lower than coastal markets in Florida or the Carolinas’ Research Triangle. For that price, buyers can realistically find a three-bedroom home with a yard in Carolina Forest or a well-maintained condo within walking distance of the ocean. The median household income in Myrtle Beach is approximately $53,679, which is something to factor in honestly: wages here tend to run below national averages, so if you’re relocating without a remote income or a pension, research your specific field carefully. South Carolina’s relatively low property taxes and no tax on Social Security income make it particularly attractive for retirees stretching fixed incomes.

Employment and Economy

The local economy is heavily anchored in tourism and hospitality, which means the job market reflects that reality. Major employers include Coastal Carolina University, Conway Medical Center (serving the broader Horry County region), and a sprawling hospitality industry that encompasses hotels, golf courses, and entertainment venues like Broadway at the Beach and the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk area. Healthcare, retail, and construction have all seen growth as the population expands. Remote workers and entrepreneurs have found Myrtle Beach increasingly welcoming, with coworking spaces and improving infrastructure. If you’re in a specialized professional field, be prepared to commute occasionally toward the Conway area or work primarily remotely.

Lifestyle and Recreation

This is where Myrtle Beach truly earns its reputation. More than 100 golf courses dot the Grand Strand, making it arguably the most golf-dense region in the country. The beach itself is a daily amenity rather than a weekend luxury. Brookgreen Gardens, one of the largest outdoor sculpture gardens in the world, sits just south of the city. Fishing, kayaking, and watersports are woven into everyday life, and the Intracoastal Waterway offers endless exploration. Winters are genuinely mild, with average January temperatures in the low 50s, making year-round outdoor living very achievable.

The Bottom Line

Myrtle Beach rewards people who come in with clear eyes. It’s not a cosmopolitan city, and the summer tourist crowds require patience. But for those seeking a coastal lifestyle at a reasonable price, with a welcoming community of established neighbors and an abundance of natural beauty, it offers something increasingly rare: a beach town you can actually afford to live in. Do your homework on employment, visit in both January and July to experience the full range, and you may find exactly what you’ve been looking for.