News Summary
Myrtle Beach is emerging as a vibrant destination for newcomers and golf enthusiasts alike. This coastal city offers stunning beaches, a welcoming community, and a flourishing lifestyle centered around golf, dining, and leisure activities. While it faces challenges such as seasonal tourist congestion, its genuine local charm and affordable living costs make it a sought-after location for retirees and those looking to relocate. With a variety of neighborhoods and local amenities, Myrtle Beach stands out as a prime choice for a new home.
Myrtle Beach: A Growing Destination for Newcomers Despite Challenges and Changes
Myrtle Beach is rapidly becoming a hot spot for newcomers, allured by its soft, sandy beaches and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. This vibrant coastal city is not just a haven for tourists seeking sunny escapes but also a welcoming community for those looking to lay down roots.
A Side of Hospitality
Known for its genuine friendliness, Myrtle Beach residents are often eager to greet newcomers with the respectful phrases like “yes ma’am” and “no sir.” This local charm, coupled with a scenic lifestyle, is part of what draws people to this lovely area.
An Evolution in Identity
Once infamous as “Dirty Myrtle,” owing to its raucous biker rallies and rowdy tourist crowds, Myrtle Beach has successfully transformed into a more peaceful community. Today, it boasts a focus on dining, golf, and even pickleball, making it a place where relaxation and fun go hand in hand.
The Retiree Magnet
Interestingly, Myrtle Beach has become the fastest-growing metro area for retirees in the United States, with seniors now making up over 25% of its population. This demographic shift indicates a great desire for a laid-back lifestyle that the area generously provides.
Vacation Chaos vs. Local Calm
Although the tourist season from May through Labor Day is a boon for local businesses, it can create congestion in traffic and overcrowded beaches and restaurants. Many residents express concerns about overdevelopment, particularly in areas like Carolina Forest, as they try to balance the influx of visitors with maintaining their community’s charm.
Where to Live in Myrtle Beach
If you’re considering a move, you’ll find a variety of neighborhoods catering to different tastes and budgets:
- Grand Dunes: A luxury community with a median home price around $820,000 and two-bedroom rent averaging $1,699.
- The Market Common: Great for young professionals, homes here average $350,000, with two-bedroom rents ranging from $1,500 to $2,200.
- Myrtlewood: Close to attractions, this neighborhood boasts median house prices of $262,500 and two-bedroom rents between $1,200 and $1,600.
- South Myrtle Beach: Just a stone’s throw from public beaches, median home prices hover around $300,000, with two-bedroom apartments renting from $1,200 to $1,800.
Cost of Living Insights
The average rent in Myrtle Beach as of July 2025 is about $1,368 per month, varying for different types of units—$1,257 for studios, $1,368 for one-bedroom places, $1,614 for two-bedroom, and about $1,883 for three-bedroom units. Thankfully, the cost of living here is approximately 7%-8% below the U.S. average, and housing prices run about 32% lower than the national average. To live comfortably, a single person would need an annual income of around $51,276, which takes into account groceries, healthcare, and other necessities.
Work and Play
You’ll find that the tourism and hospitality sectors are the main employers, with seasonal workers earning around $17.50 per hour, while jobs in higher education pay closer to $60,000 a year. Healthcare costs are also lower than the national average, but groceries can be about 4% higher and utility costs around 17% higher.
Culinary Delights and Activities
Foodies will love Myrtle Beach, which serves up delicious local dishes like shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and Carolina-style barbecue, reflecting the unique lowcountry flavors. Beyond dining, there’s more fun to be had! With 60 miles of stunning beaches, the famous SkyWheel, Ripley’s Aquarium, and even two oceanfront state parks, there’s something for everyone. Plus, let’s not forget that Myrtle Beach is called the mini golf capital of the world!
Climate and Safety
For those worried about the weather, Myrtle Beach enjoys a mild climate year-round, characterized by hot summers and pleasantly cool winters. However, be prepared for hurricane season from June through November, as storms can cause damage. In terms of safety, while the crime rates were historically higher than the national average, there’s been a recent decline in violent crime, although property crimes still pose a concern.
The New Frontier
According to recent trending reports, Myrtle Beach is emerging as a top choice for relocations, particularly appealing to individuals from the Northeast and West Coast regions. Its affordability, friendly atmosphere, and stunning natural beauty make it an enticing prospect for those considering a new place to call home. So why not check it out? You might just find your slice of paradise!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Renovations Enhance Golf Experience at Grand Strand Courses
Myrtle Beach Prepares for Abundant Oyster Season
Myrtle Beach Welcomes New Virtual Reality Center
Knowledge Perk Coffee Company Introduces Drive-Thru in Little River
Golf Enthusiasts Anticipate the Open Championship in Portrush
Myrtle Beach to Open New Luxury Golf House
The Outpost to Open at Conway Marina
Myrtle Beach Restaurants Face Health Violations
Myrtle Beach Secures $18.75 Million Loan to Boost Tourism
Knowledge Perk Coffee Company to Open Drive-Thru in Little River
Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online: Local News
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach
- Travel + Leisure: Most Popular Places to Move
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach local news
- WSJ: Myrtle Beach Home Buyers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Myrtle Beach
- My Horry News: Black Bear Relocation
- Google News: Myrtle Beach relocation
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
