Moving to Myrtle Beach: What to Know Before You Relocate

What to expect when moving to Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a coastal city in Horry County with a year-round population around 30,000 that swells dramatically during summer and spring break. The cost of living is lower than many U.S. coastal cities, but housing prices have risen steadily over the past decade. The job market centers on tourism, hospitality, healthcare, and retail, with seasonal employment common. Traffic on U.S. 17 and Kings Highway can be severe during peak tourist season (May through August), and hurricane season runs June through November, which affects insurance costs and building codes.

The city sits 90 miles northeast of Charleston and 140 miles south of Wilmington, North Carolina. Most neighborhoods cluster near the oceanfront, along the Grand Strand, or inland toward Highway 501. Schools fall under Horry County Schools, and property taxes are among the lowest in South Carolina. Utilities, groceries, and dining tend to be moderately priced, though beachfront and downtown properties command premium rents and sale prices.

Key Takeaways

• Myrtle Beach's job market is dominated by tourism and hospitality, with many positions seasonal, so confirm year-round work before relocating if steady income matters to you.
• Summer traffic is severe enough that locals often avoid the beach and downtown during June through August, so plan your commute and errands around tourist season.
• Hurricane season runs June through November, and flood insurance is required in many neighborhoods, adding to your housing costs.
• Housing prices have risen significantly, but remain lower than Charleston or Outer Banks; renting is often cheaper than buying if you are uncertain about staying long-term.
• The city has no public transportation system, so a car is essential for daily life.

Housing options and neighborhoods

Beachfront and downtown properties command the highest prices and attract tourists and retirees. North Myrtle Beach, just north of the city limits, offers a quieter beach atmosphere with slightly lower prices. Barefoot Landing and Barefoot Resort are planned communities with golf courses and amenities. Inland neighborhoods along Highway 501 and toward Conway offer more affordable rentals and purchases, with less tourist traffic but longer drives to the beach.

Rental inventory is abundant year-round, with furnished short-term leases common for seasonal workers and tourists. Long-term rentals (six months or more) typically cost less per month than short-term agreements. Buying requires navigating flood zones, which determine insurance costs and mortgage terms. The Horry County Property Appraiser's office and local real estate agents can tell you whether a specific address falls in a flood zone and what that means for your insurance and resale value.

Employment and cost of living

Tourism and hospitality employ the largest share of the workforce, with hotels, restaurants, attractions, and retail stores hiring year-round but with peak demand May through August. Healthcare is a growing sector, with Tidelands Health and other hospital systems hiring nurses, technicians, and administrative staff. Retail and customer service roles are plentiful but often part-time or seasonal. Remote work has drawn professionals who want lower living costs and beach access without relying on local jobs.

Groceries, dining, and entertainment are moderately priced compared to major metropolitan areas. Gas and utilities are comparable to state averages. Homeowner's insurance is higher than inland South Carolina due to hurricane risk, and flood insurance is mandatory in designated zones and can cost hundreds of dollars per year. Renters insurance is inexpensive and recommended, especially in older buildings or flood-prone areas.

Getting around without public transit

Myrtle Beach has no public bus system, so a personal vehicle is necessary for work, shopping, and errands. U.S. 17 is the main north-south corridor and becomes gridlocked during summer weekends and holidays. Highway 501 inland offers an alternative but adds drive time. Parking is free in most neighborhoods and paid in downtown and beachfront areas during peak season.

Biking is viable in some neighborhoods, particularly North Myrtle Beach and planned communities with dedicated paths, but the flat terrain and summer heat make it impractical for most daily commutes. Ride-sharing services operate in the city but are more expensive than in larger metros and surge during peak tourist times. Taxis and shuttle services serve the airport and hotels but are not practical for regular commuting.

Schools and education

Horry County Schools operates all public schools in the area, including elementary, middle, and high schools serving Myrtle Beach. School performance varies by neighborhood; some schools rank above state average, while others fall below. The district publishes school ratings and test scores on its website. Families relocating with school-age children should research specific schools before choosing a neighborhood.

Private schools include Coastal Christian Academy, St. James Lutheran School, and others offering religious or alternative curricula. Coastal Carolina University is the main higher education institution, located in Conway about 20 minutes inland. Community College of Horry-Georgetown offers two-year degrees and workforce training programs. Adult education and continuing education courses are available through the school district and community college.

Healthcare and services

Tidelands Health operates the main hospital system, with Tidelands Medical Center as the primary acute-care facility. Doctors' offices, urgent care centers, and specialty clinics are distributed throughout the city and surrounding areas. Healthcare costs are generally lower than national averages, and many providers accept most insurance plans. Prescription costs are comparable to state and national rates.

Dental and vision care are available through private practices and some community health centers. Mental health services and addiction treatment are offered by Tidelands and private providers, though wait times can be long during peak seasons. Veterinary clinics serve pet owners throughout the area. Most services are accessible without long waits outside of peak tourist season.

Recreation and entertainment

The beach is the primary draw, with public access points along the oceanfront and a boardwalk featuring restaurants, shops, and attractions. Fishing, surfing, paddleboarding, and boating are popular water activities. Myrtle Beach State Park offers camping, hiking, and nature trails. Golf courses number in the dozens, ranging from championship courses to public par-3 layouts.

Inland attractions include the Huntington Beach State Park, Conway's historic downtown with shops and restaurants, and the Murrells Inlet marshlands. Live entertainment venues, theaters, and music venues operate year-round, with increased programming during peak season. Dining ranges from casual beachfront shacks to upscale restaurants, with fresh seafood widely available. The city hosts festivals and events throughout the year, including the Myrtle Beach Bike Week and various holiday celebrations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a car to live in Myrtle Beach?

Yes. The city has no public transportation system, and most jobs, shops, and services are spread across a wide area. A personal vehicle is essential for daily life unless you live and work within walking distance, which is rare outside downtown and the immediate beachfront.

What is the best time of year to move to Myrtle Beach?

September through April offers lower traffic, cooler weather, and lower rental prices. May through August brings peak tourism, congestion, and higher accommodation costs. Winter (December through February) is mild but can be rainy. Spring (March through April) is pleasant but marks the start of the busy season.

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Myrtle Beach?

Rental prices vary widely by location and season. Beachfront and downtown rentals are significantly more expensive than inland neighborhoods. Long-term rentals (six months or more) typically range from $800 to $1,500 per month for a one-bedroom, depending on proximity to the beach and amenities, but prices fluctuate based on demand and availability.

Is Myrtle Beach safe?

Safety varies by neighborhood. Downtown and beachfront areas have increased police presence and are generally safe during the day, though petty theft occurs in tourist areas. Inland neighborhoods have lower crime rates. Check crime statistics by neighborhood through the Myrtle Beach Police Department and local crime mapping websites before choosing where to live.

What should I know about hurricane season?

Hurricane season runs June through November, with peak activity August through October. Flood insurance is required in designated flood zones and can cost hundreds of dollars annually. Building codes require elevated structures and storm-resistant materials in coastal areas. Homeowner's and renter's insurance premiums are higher due to hurricane risk. Most residents prepare with emergency supplies and evacuation plans.