Shoreham Towers: A Historic Oceanfront Condo Community in Myrtle Beach

What Shoreham Towers is and where to find it

Shoreham Towers is a mid-rise oceanfront condominium complex located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, positioned along the central stretch of the Grand Strand. The property consists of two connected towers that rise above the beach, offering direct Atlantic Ocean views and beach access to residents and owners. The complex sits within walking distance of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade, placing it near restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues that define the area's character.

The towers were built during Myrtle Beach's expansion in the 1970s and 1980s, a period when oceanfront development accelerated along the coast. The architecture reflects that era—concrete construction, balconies facing the water, and a footprint designed to maximize ocean views from individual units. The property has undergone renovations and updates over the decades as ownership and management have changed hands.

Key Takeaways

• Shoreham Towers offers direct oceanfront access with two connected towers in central Myrtle Beach, near the Boardwalk and Promenade.
• Units range from one-bedroom to three-bedroom floor plans, with most featuring ocean-view balconies and access to shared amenities.
• The complex includes a pool, fitness center, and beach access; some units come furnished as vacation rentals or unfurnished for primary residence.
• Ownership involves condo fees that cover building maintenance, insurance, and amenity upkeep, which vary by unit size and current building needs.
• The property's oceanfront location means exposure to salt air, hurricane season considerations, and higher insurance costs typical of coastal South Carolina properties.

Unit types and floor plans available

Shoreham Towers units range from one-bedroom, one-bath layouts to three-bedroom, two-bath configurations. Most units include a balcony or patio facing the ocean or the sound side, and many retain the original floor plans from the 1970s and 1980s, though individual owners have updated kitchens, bathrooms, and finishes over time. This means unit conditions and amenities vary considerably depending on when the owner last renovated.

Some units are marketed and managed as vacation rentals, generating income for owners through short-term bookings. Others are held as primary residences or long-term rental properties. A few owners occupy their units year-round, while others use them seasonally during winter months or summer vacation periods. This mixed-use character means the building experiences turnover in occupancy throughout the year.

Amenities and building features

The complex provides a swimming pool, fitness center, and direct beach access—standard amenities for oceanfront Myrtle Beach condos. Common areas include lobbies, hallways, and outdoor spaces maintained by the homeowners association. The two towers are connected, allowing residents to move between buildings without going outside, a practical feature during inclement weather or extreme heat.

Parking is available on-site, though spaces may be limited during peak season when vacation renters and visiting family members occupy units. Some owners rent parking spaces separately to guests or nearby businesses, a common practice in densely developed oceanfront areas. Elevator service connects all floors, and the buildings include security features typical of mid-rise condos, though the level of security monitoring varies depending on management decisions.

Homeowners association fees and costs

Condo ownership at Shoreham Towers includes monthly homeowners association fees that cover building maintenance, property insurance, common area utilities, and amenity upkeep. These fees vary by unit size and floor level—higher floors and larger units typically carry higher fees. Fees also fluctuate year to year based on the building's maintenance needs, insurance rate changes, and reserve fund contributions.

Beyond monthly fees, owners may face special assessments when major repairs or replacements are needed—roof work, foundation repairs, elevator maintenance, or hurricane damage recovery. Oceanfront properties in South Carolina face higher insurance premiums than inland properties, and flood insurance is often required by lenders. Owners should review the condo association's financial statements and reserve study before purchasing to understand the building's long-term funding picture.

Oceanfront living considerations in Myrtle Beach

Shoreham Towers sits in an active hurricane zone. South Carolina's Atlantic coast experiences tropical storms and hurricanes during the June-through-November season, and oceanfront properties face wind, storm surge, and flooding risks. The building's concrete construction provides structural resilience, but windows, balconies, and mechanical systems require regular maintenance and storm preparation. Insurance costs reflect this exposure, and lenders typically require flood insurance as a condition of financing.

Salt air and moisture accelerate corrosion of metal fixtures, HVAC systems, and exterior surfaces. Balconies, railings, and air conditioning units require more frequent maintenance and replacement than they would in inland locations. The constant exposure to ocean spray means painting, caulking, and protective coatings need attention every few years. Owners should budget for these ongoing coastal maintenance costs beyond the standard condo fees.

The Myrtle Beach location and nearby attractions

Shoreham Towers' central Myrtle Beach position places it within steps of the Boardwalk and Promenade, a 1.4-mile pedestrian path lined with restaurants, arcades, shops, and live entertainment venues. The area draws millions of visitors annually, particularly during summer months and spring break season. This proximity to tourism infrastructure means constant activity, noise, and traffic during peak seasons—a trade-off for oceanfront convenience.

The surrounding neighborhood includes numerous golf courses, water sports outfitters, and family attractions like the Myrtle Beach Aquarium and Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum. Barefoot Landing, a shopping and entertainment complex, sits about two miles north. The area's restaurant scene ranges from casual beachfront cafes to upscale dining. For residents seeking quieter settings, downtown Myrtle Beach and the quieter North Myrtle Beach communities lie within a 15-minute drive.

Purchasing and ownership considerations

Buying at Shoreham Towers involves standard condo purchase steps: making an offer, securing financing, conducting a home inspection, and reviewing the condo association documents. Lenders typically require a condo review—a report on the building's financial health, insurance coverage, and pending litigation or special assessments. This review protects the lender and gives you a clear picture of the building's condition before you commit.

Oceanfront properties in South Carolina appreciate over long periods, but short-term values fluctuate with tourism cycles, hurricane seasons, and broader real estate market conditions. Some owners purchase for personal use and hold long-term; others buy as investment properties for vacation rental income. The mixed-use nature of the building means you may have neighbors who rent their units frequently, affecting noise levels and community stability. Understanding the building's rental policies and enforcement practices is important before purchasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent out my Shoreham Towers unit as a vacation rental?

Many units at Shoreham Towers are rented short-term to vacationers, and the condo association permits this use. However, rental policies, minimum stay requirements, and restrictions on the number of rentals per year vary depending on current association rules. Review the condo documents and speak with the property management company about rental restrictions before purchasing if rental income is part of your plan.

What is hurricane season like for oceanfront Myrtle Beach properties?

Hurricane season runs June through November, with peak activity in August and September. Oceanfront properties face wind, storm surge, and flooding risks. Shoreham Towers' concrete construction provides good structural protection, but owners should maintain insurance, prepare balconies and windows for storms, and understand evacuation procedures. The building's management typically coordinates storm preparation and post-storm repairs.

How much do condo fees typically run at Shoreham Towers?

Monthly condo fees vary by unit size and current building needs but generally range from several hundred to over a thousand dollars per month for oceanfront Myrtle Beach properties. Fees cover building maintenance, insurance, common area utilities, and amenity upkeep. Request the most recent 12 months of fee statements and the condo association's budget from the property management company to see current costs and any planned increases.

Is the Boardwalk area noisy during tourist season?

Yes. Shoreham Towers sits in the heart of Myrtle Beach's tourism district, and the Boardwalk and surrounding area experience heavy foot traffic, vehicle traffic, and nightlife noise during summer months and spring break. If quiet is important to you, higher floors and units facing away from the street may be quieter. Winter months are noticeably calmer. Visit the building during peak season before purchasing to experience the noise level firsthand.

What happens to my property value after a hurricane?

Oceanfront property values typically recover after hurricanes, but recovery takes time and depends on damage severity and broader market conditions. Insurance costs and special assessments for repairs may rise temporarily. Long-term, oceanfront properties in South Carolina have appreciated, but short-term volatility is common. Speak with a local real estate agent about historical price trends after past storms to understand the local market's recovery pattern.