The Ultimate Guide to Moving to Myrtle Beach, SC

Perhaps better known to visitors for its beaches and golf courses, Myrtle Beach also proves an attractive home for year-long residents. Residents have the benefit of living in a tourist’s paradise, bolstered by culinary and entertainment scenes as strong as any you’ll find across the east coast.

Understandably, the popularity of Myrtle Beach also affects the average cost of living. The average cost of housing, healthcare and basic amenities is sometimes more expensive than national averages — not surprising given the proximity to the coast.

Consult the below details for even more information on how Myrtle Beach prices compare to what you’ll find across the United States.

• Home prices in Myrtle Beach average $208,956, which is actually below the $269,039 national average. While home prices near the Atlantic Ocean are considerably more expensive, a natural 8.7 percent increase in home value over last year makes Myrtle Beach real estate a sound investment.
• Rent in Myrtle Beach depends on the size of the property you’re looking for, and its proximity to the coast and local golf communities. At an average of $1,194 per month for an apartment, Myrtle Beach rent saw a 4 percent increase over last year’s figures. This rates well above the South Carolina state average of $894 per month.
• Gas pricing in Myrtle Beach ranges from $2.27 to $2.35 per gallon, depending on relative location. This ranks well below the current $2.85 per-gallon national gas price average.
• A gallon of milk in Myrtle Beach costs an average of $3.66 — depending on your local grocery store’s pricing — well above the $3.13 national average.
• A carton of eggs in Myrtle Beach costs $1.87 on average, which is $0.58 below the national retail average.
• The cost of a doctor’s visit in Myrtle Beach will vary, depending on the treatment needed, insurance coverage and the specifics of your healthcare professional. One source identifies $100 to $140 as the average cost of a doctor’s visit in Myrtle Beach, providing adequate insurance coverage.
• A dentist’s visit in Myrtle Beach will vary in cost based on individual dental office pricing, insurance coverage and required treatment. On average, dental cleanings can cost $73, with $1,389 denture installation with sufficient insurance coverage.

Pricing for healthcare, housing, utilities and other basic items in Myrtle Beach will vary based on an individual’s location, necessity and other factors. Fortunately, prices themselves are more than reasonable, given your proximity to some of the nation’s finest beaches and other world-class attractions.

It’s hard to go wrong when it comes to Myrtle Beach neighborhoods. No matter where you choose to live, you’ll enjoy proximity to the unique eateries, coastal attractions and recreational opportunities that make Myrtle Beach one of the greatest South Carolina destinations to call home.

Learn more about some of the best Myrtle Beach neighborhoods below:

• Cherry Grove Beach — often shortened to “Cherry Grove” —  is located in northern Myrtle Beach, along South Carolina Highways 9 and 65. Home to one of America’s top beaches, Cherry Grove Beach offers rows upon rows of beach homes. From Tanger Outlet retailers to the Duffy Street Seafood Shack, this neighborhood is only seconds from the Atlantic shoreline.
• The Dunes redefines elegant, coastal real estate in Myrtle Beach. While homes are oftentimes more expensive, estates offer unbeatable access to the coast, and to the restaurants and shops that further characterize the location. Acres of protected wildlife, two golf courses and a 126-slip marina further cement The Dunes as a deserving destination for full-time living in Myrtle Beach.
• Withers Heights plays host to several popular vacation rentals in the area, in addition to suburban neighborhoods. Ideal for younger individuals and families seeking to reap the benefits of townhome living, Withers Heights maintains an unbeatable distance to the Atlantic Ocean, and is close to grocery stores, various restaurants, and Family Kingdom Amusement Park.
• Yaupon Circle offers a more affordable take on Myrtle Beach real estate, without compromising the quality you’d come to expect from the area. A variety of single-family homes are for sale in the area, with one and two-story homes available for prices considerably below some of the other local neighborhoods.
• Arcadian Shores is home to the Arcadian Shores Golf Club, and features access to the Waterway Hills Golf Club just across Kings Highway. Even if you’re not an avid golf lover, residences in Arcadian Shores still offer the chance to experience luxury living, close to Bennett’s Calabash Seafood, Original Benjamin’s and other quality eateries.
• Barefoot Resort offers access to one of the most popular communities in northern Myrtle Beach. Residents can experience full golf immersion packages, together with various restaurants and nightlife opportunities. Local healthcare options mean you’ll never have to travel far for the help you need, for inhabitants of the villas, homes, condos and townhomes within Barefoot Resort.

Whether you’re looking for a single-family home, a near-oceanfront villa, or a suburban escape, Myrtle Beach offers a variety of neighborhoods that combine high-quality retail and cuisine for an immersive South Carolina experience.

Working in Myrtle Beach comes with definitive perks. Strong construction, retail and healthcare industries drive a healthy local job market, despite an unemployment rate slightly higher than the state average.

Myrtle Beach employees enjoy an average yearly income of $52,036, or $25.02 per hour. This ranks just above the median United States income of $51,168.

• Occupational therapists — $65,500 to $87,930
• Family practitioners — $33,810 to $192,010
• Surgeons — $$110,420 to $235,370
• Electrical engineers — $56,300 to $109,840
• Personal financial advisors — $29,050 to $100,340
• Construction managers — $50,240 to $83,220

A wide variety of potential job openings means that no matter your career pursuits or long-term job ambitions, you’ll be able to find an outlet for your creative skills in Myrtle Beach.

Top employers in Myrtle Beach include various school and government enterprises, as well as industrial businesses. Specific salary amounts for some of these businesses can include:

• Conway Hospital (Healthcare), $47,500 to $225,000
• Horry County School District (Education), $43,000 to $223,000
• Coastal Carolina University (Higher education), $24,000 to $130,000
• Horry County Government (Government),  $31,000 to $79,000
• Conbraco Industries, Inc. (Flow control products), $38,000 to $276,000

As a well-traveled tourist town every year, Myrtle Beach offers no shortage of local attractions, eateries and excuses for constant enjoyment. No matter your taste in entertainment, you’ll find adventure around every corner near the South Carolina coast. 

Outdoor Activities

Reference the below information for specifics on some of the best outdoor attractions that Myrtle Beach can offer.

• Myrtle and Grand Strand Beach: Sixty pristine miles of uninterrupted coastline makes for amazing outdoor activities, and that’s exactly what you’ll receive from the Myrtle and Grand Strand Beach experience. Supplement your beach-walking with a little shopping along the Grand Strand, and you’re in for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that begins and ends with sand between your toes.
• Ripken Baseball: Home to a variety of baseball tournaments and heralded as one of the greatest baseball vacations available, Ripken Baseball introduces individuals of all ages to the joys of the sport of baseball. From baseball camps to spring training, collegiate leagues to local competition, Ripken Baseball represents the peak of baseball in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and the nation.
• Horry County Bike & Run Park: Seven miles of protected land spread out across 72 total acres, Horry County Bike & Run Park sits between the Intracoastal waterway and Carolina forestry. With separate bike and run paths, it’s a trailhead that offers something to every resident and passerby.
• Wee Wonderland: Decorated with fairytale gnomes, elves, fairies and other whimsical elements, the Wee Wonderland offers recreation and adventure at a pace that’s comfortable for you.
• Local surfing: There is no shortage of surfing opportunities in Myrtle Beach. Surfing in Myrtle Beach is typically limited to 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during summer months, in limited locations. Locals and visitors alike can enjoy bodysurfing, bodyboarding and surfing with both longboards and shortboards.

Parks and Attractions

Residents looking for a thrill in Myrtle Beach can also benefit from a variety of outdoor parks and attractions. Whether you’re in the mood for a roller coaster or a literal walk in the park — a state park — the following list of attractions can help you fall deeper in love with everything that Myrtle Beach offers.

• Family Kingdom Amusement Park: Roller coasters, bumper cars, games and an immersive arcade only begin to describe all of the fun your family could be having at Family Kingdom Amusement Park in Myrtle Beach. 
• Broadway at the Beach: As arguably the most popular tourist attraction in all of Myrtle Beach, Broadway at the Beach offers an ideal blend of retail, restaurants, casual socialization and invigorating entertainment. Mirror mazes, face painting, fireworks, scheduled shows, casual dining and more mean a comprehensive “out on the town” experience, no matter how much time you have to spare.
• SkyWheel Myrtle Beach: With a matching wheel in Florida’s Panama City Beach, the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel offers tourists and residents the opportunity to sit in one of 42 temperature-controlled gondolas. Achieve awe-inspiring views of the Atlantic from a wheel that takes you nearly 200 feet above the ground.
• Myrtle Beach State Park: Protected land alongside Myrtle Beach’s Grand Strand coastline, the Myrtle Beach State Park represents South Carolina’s commitment to preserving some of the state’s finest land. Residents can escape from the hustle and bustle of shoreline living, thanks to the state park’s nature trail, fishing opportunities, ocean views and more.
• Myrtle Waves Water Park: One of the state’s premier water parks, the Myrtle Waves Water Park offers attendees the chance to immerse themselves in all sorts of water attractions. From tube and water slides to massive pools and other family attractions, a Myrtle Beach water adventure perfectly combats hot summer days.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet walk among state-protected grounds or a social stroll only seconds from oceanfront shops, the wide variety of attractions in Myrtle Beach serves to entertain both one-day visits and lifelong South Carolina residents.

Food and Drink

An authority in all things seafood, Myrtle Beach offers a variety of eateries that simply can’t be experienced in a single visit. Residents benefit from a widespread portfolio of local restaurants, many of which combine seafood flavors with other southern staples — including peaches, sweet tea, and strong barbecue undertones — for a food and drink scene you need to sample for yourself.

Reference the below restaurant options for a taste of true Myrtle Beach flavors:

• New South Brewing: Since 1998, New South Brewing has served up strong flavors — including fresh ales brewed on-site — for anyone smart enough to walk through their front doors. Fan-favorite ales include their White Ale and Nut Brown Ale varieties, available both in cans and on draft. New South Brewing also features seasonal exclusive brews, like their Oktoberfest and Dark Star Porter.
• Boardwalk Winery: Everything you could hope to find in a quality winery, Boardwalk Winery offers beloved options like their dry Malbec, semi-dry Red Raspberry and Sweet Summer Nights. Taste seven wines for only $4! 
• International Culinary Institute of Myrtle Beach: This educational institute believes that food may hold the key to our future. Students operate their onsite restaurant, Fowler Dining Room, where they’re proud to show off recent culinary creations and deliver dining room staples. Residents with online reservations can enjoy seafood, bakery items and locally-grown produce.
• Barefoot Landing: Set right on the water, Barefoot Landing in Myrtle Beach offers special promotions, live music and the opportunity for residents and tourists to enjoy a series of restaurants that deliver authentic, powerful Myrtle Beach flavors. No matter what you’re in the mood for, restaurants at Barefoot Landing can deliver a casual or upscale experience perfect for any individual.
• Hook and Barrel: As you might have guessed from the name, Hook and Barrel in Myrtle Beach offers residents the opportunity to enjoy seafood items that pair well with high-quality spirits. Menu items like their seared tuna quinoa salad, seafood tower, pan-seared scallops and steamed mussels are further accentuated with Saintsbury, Barone Fini, and other barreled wines and beers.

Moving to Myrtle Beach is an important life decision. That’s why we’ve taken the time to outline a few things to know before your move, to frame your expectations and answer questions before you finalize your moving decision. From public transportation to weather specifics, consult the below details for extra information on your potential new South Carolina home.

• A hot, subtropical climate means year-round sunshine, but it can also mean temperatures that reach the mid- to upper-90° Fahrenheit during summer months.
• While a majority of Myrtle Beach residents drive personal vehicles, Coast RTA public transit does offer 10 regularly scheduled routes to and from popular destinations.
• A surprisingly strong history characterizes the Myrtle Beach area, originally an area renowned for rice production before the popularity of its coastline grew.
• The music scene in Myrtle Beach could be the strongest of any town in South Carolina. With strong connections to the Long Bay Symphony and the nearby Legends in Concert series, it’s a city that reaps the benefits of strong musical talents.
• As the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina,” Myrtle Beach has certainly earned its reputation as a destination for fish that’s caught and served on the same day.
• Wedding season is a popular time in Myrtle Beach. If you’re considering booking a venue or making a reservation, it’s worth checking ahead to verify availability during a time when restaurants are frequently cooked by wedding parties.

Any successful move — even one to an idyllic location like Myrtle Beach — can be stressful. From protecting your valuables to ensuring the safety and comfort of all family members, the logistics of a move are oftentimes complicated. That’s why convenient storage options are critical during every stage of the moving process: you’ll have the opportunity to keep possessions safe in secure, temperature-controlled storage areas, waiting for you whenever you need them.

In Myrtle Beach, storage options near you include:

• Dick Pond Road;
• Jesse Street.

Thanks to multiple storage options, new and established residents can keep valuables safe, without cluttering up valuable home space in Myrtle Beach.