So you want to move to Myrtle Beach? What to know before packing your bags

With its soft, sandy beaches and stunning coastal views of the Atlantic Ocean, Myrtle Beach is a tempting city for visitors and those who want to relocate to some place where it’s warm just about all year.

It has been a welcoming location for the thousands of newcomers who make the move to the beach town each year.

But before you pack your things and head south, there may be a few questions about what it’s like to live in South Carolina’s city by the ocean.

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Using AI, we found answers to some of the most asked questions about Myrtle Beach and what to expect when you move here.

I’m moving to Myrtle Beach. What is city’s culture and what can I expect when living there?

Southern hospitality is abundant as sweet tea. Locals are known for their friendliness and warmth, and don’t be surprised when you’re answered with “yes ma’am” and “no sir” no matter how old you are when asking a question. It’s also one of the few places where people are willing to let you slide into a long line of traffic without a second thought.

Long dubbed as “Dirty Myrtle” for its raucous biker rallies and rowdy tourist activity, Myrtle Beach’s vibe has transformed into calm dining spots, golf and pickleball communities. That lends to the city being the fastest-growing metro area for retirees in the U.S. Seniors now make up over 25% of the population.

However, while the core community skews older, the tourist season brings big energy. But all those visitors come with tradeoffs such as congested traffic, crowded beaches and restaurants during the peak summer season, which usually runs from May through Labor Day. Locals find daily commutes harder when tourist volume peaks and there have been complaints about overdevelopment in the Myrtle Beach area, especially areas like Carolina Forest.

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(Sources: AP News, Wall Street Journal, Rent.com, Reddit, The Sun News)

I’m moving to Myrtle Beach. Where are the best neighborhoods to move to?

Now that you’ve made plans to relocate to the coastal city, you’re going to need some place to live.

With all the development happening in Horry County, there’s no shortage of homes, apartments or condos to buy or rent. But just like any city, there are some areas that can be considered a better option for relocation.

Some of the top neighborhoods listed for Myrtle Beach are:

Grand Dunes. This gated community on the north end of the city has luxury homes, condos, apartments and golf courses. It’s known for its scenic beauty, close proximity to the beach, low crime and resort-style lifestyle. Median sale price: $820,000. Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,699

The Market Common. Described as a vibrant, mixed-use development near downtown, it features shops, restaurants, entertainment, parks and easy beach access. The community, which was once the Air Force Base in Myrtle Beach, is perfect for young professionals, empty nesters and those looking for urban-style living. Median sale price: $350,000. Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,500 to $2,200.

Myrtlewood. This neighborhood is conveniently located near popular attractions such as Broadway at the Beach, Ripley’s Aquarium and Myrtlewood Golf Club. There are single-family homes, townhouses and condos in styles ranging from traditional Southern designs to modern coastal aesthetics. Median sale price: $262,500. Average rent for two-bedroom apartment: $1,200 to $1,600

South Myrtle Beach. Located just west of the downtown area, the neighborhood is home to public beaches, tourist attractions, resorts and near the Myrtle Beach International Airport. There is also several mini golf courses and the Whispering Pines Golf Club. Median sale price: $300,000. Average rent for two-bedroom apartment: $1,200 to $1,800.

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(Sources: The Harrelson Group, UpHomes.com, Redfin.com)

I plan on renting in Myrtle Beach. What is the cost for rent?

There are all different price points in Myrtle Beach. It is possible to get a rental unit for under $1,000, but it may not be in the best livable condition.

As of July 2025, the average rent cost in Myrtle Beach is $1,368 month. According to Apartments.com, a studio averages $1,257 a month, $1,368 for a one bedroom, $1,614 for two bedroom and $1,883 for a three bedroom.

How easy is it to get a job in Myrtle Beach and what can I expect to make?

Tourism and hospitality are the top employers with a demand for seasonal workers in hotels, restaurants and retail. The average server receives $17.50 an hour and about $100 in tips a day.

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Higher paid jobs are found in healthcare, technical, finance and management, which average about $60,000 a year.

As of July 2025, the average hourly rate in Myrtle Beach was as low as $15 an hour to a high of $24.

(Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Zip Recruiter, Indeed.com)

How expensive is Myrtle Beach? What will I have to make to pay my bills and still afford to go out on the weekends?

Myrtle Beach’s cost of living is about 7% to 8% below the U.S. average, which makes it affordable compared to many other metro areas across the country, according to Payscale.com.

Housing is also about 32% lower than the national average, including rent.

Groceries are about 4% higher than across the U.S. You can expect to pay more in utilities, which are about 17% higher because of regional factors such as air conditioning needs.

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A single person with no dependents would need to make about $51,276 a year to live comfortably in Myrtle Beach, according to Apartments.com. That breaks down to budgeting about $8,000 in groceries and about $13,000 for other goods and services. Healthcare is also cheaper than the national average.

For a two-adult household with two children and one income, that goes up to about $80,000 a year, according to previous reporting by The Sun News.

When it comes to those extras, such as a drink out with friends or late night pizza, Myrtle Beach is on par with national costs. However, surprisingly, pizza is much higher in Myrtle Beach than across the country, coming in about $2 more.

Plan to spend about $30 to $50 if enjoying a couple of drinks during a night out for two, according to Budget Your Trip. And TripAdvisor says a typical sit-down dinner with drinks for two costs an average of $45 to $60.

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(Sources: Apartments.com, Redfin, TerraBellaSeniorLiving.com)

I’m looking forward to all the restaurants in Myrtle Beach. What are some of the top foods eaten in the area?

The Lowcountry has a number of must-eat dishes that highlight the local culture and coastal cuisine.

In addition to fresh seafood, Myrtle Beach offers such favorite dishes as shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, Lowcountry boil, chicken bog, Carolina-style barbecue and oysters.

(Sources: Discover South Carolina, MyrtleBeach.com)

My family and I are relocating to Myrtle Beach. Where can we live that my children will attend the best schools?

Many of the best-rated schools in Horry County, the county where Myrtle Beach is located, is outside the coastal city.

Carolina Forest. Often cited as a top area for families with several schools that are rated an A, including Ocean Bay Elementary and Middle School and Carolina Forest High School, according to Niche.com.

Socastee/Forestbrook area. Forestbrook Elementary, Socastee Middle and Socastee High School.

Socastee/Burgess area. St. James High School, which is located west of Myrtle Beach, has an excellent arts and athletics programming, as well as an A rating.

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(Sources: Niche.com, Homes.com)

The beaches are great in Myrtle Beach, but what else is there to do?

You won’t be bored in Myrtle Beach. Yes, there are a lot of tourist things to do in the city, but what’s wrong with living like you’re on vacation?

There’s 60 miles of beaches along the Grand Strand that are perfect for sunbathing, swimming and shelling. And while some of those beaches can be crowded with tourists, there are some secluded and quiet beaches way away from the hustle of visitors.

Here are some other must dos in Myrtle Beach:

Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and promenade. It spans 1.2 miles and has restaurants, bars, parks and piers. It has been rated the top 3 U.S. boardwalk by National Geographic.

SkyWheel. An 187-foot observation wheel that is a landmark offering panoramic ocean and city views.

Ripley’s Aquarium. Features thousands of aquatic and marine animals, as well as hands-on experiences and shark tunnel.

Two state parks. The Grand Strand is home to two oceanfront state parks – Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington Beach State Park.

Mini golf. Myrtle Beach is known as the mini golf capital of the world. There are hundreds of mini golf courses along the Grand Strand, each featuring different themes and levels of difficulties.

Golf. Myrtle Beach is renowned as top golf destination in the world.

Shopping. The Myrtle Beach area is known for great shopping, including Broadway at the Beach, Tanger Outlets and Barefoot Landing.

Beach bar scene. Myrtle Beach has many oceanfront bars and restaurants that offer great cocktails and drinks.

Sunset views. A trip to South Carolina isn’t complete without watching a sunset over the Atlantic Ocean. And Myrtle Beach offers some of the best along the coast.

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(Sources: Southern Living, Visit Myrtle Beach)

Will my grandchildren enjoy visiting me if I retire to Myrtle Beach?

Survey says: Absolutely. Myrtle Beach is packed with family and grandparent-friendly activities that appeal to all ages.

Several sources offer things to do that go beyond the beach or the tourist attractions such as the SkyWheel or water park. Think outside the box such as the Horry County Museum, WonderWorks, MarshWalk in Murrells Inlet, Brookgreen Gardens or seeing the alligators at Huntington Beach State Park.

(Source: Mommy Poppins, Conde Nast Traveler, Visit Myrtle Beach)

What’s with all the pancake houses in Myrtle Beach?

Myrtle Beach could truly be called the “pancake capital” of the world.

Visitors and those relocating to Myrtle Beach are quick to notice the number of pancake houses that fill the landscape across the Grand Strand.

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Many local pancake houses were established by Greek immigrant families looking to meet tourist demand with comforting, hearty breakfasts. Breakfast is also a budget-friendly meal, perfect for vacationers who may want to sleep in and eat late.

What areas should I avoid in Myrtle Beach?

Myrtle Beach historically has had higher crime rates than the national average.

While city officials have reported that violent crime has decreased over the last five years, property crimes, such as theft and burglary, are still high.

There are particular areas in Myrtle Beach that have higher crimes than others.

The city has received a grade of D for its overall crime, including violent and property crimes, according to CrimeGrade.org. FBI stats show that the violent crime rate for Myrtle Beach in 2023 was about 49 per 1,000 residents.

Is it always hot in Myrtle Beach?

Although it’s known for its hot and humid summers, Myrtle Beach’s autumn through spring offers more comfortable temperatures. The area has mild winters, which make it a perfect spot for year round visits.

Winter and spring usually have highs that range from mid 60s to 70s. Summers can reach in the 90s and higher.

While some attractions and restaurants generally close down for the season, there are still plenty of outdoor activities and festivals that offer fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures.

It should be noted that Myrtle Beach is prone to hurricanes.

Hurricane season runs from June through November, which can bring high winds, storm damage and flooding risks, especially closer to the coast.

Have other questions you want answered? Send them to [email protected].

AI , including ChatGPT, was used to compile research in this story. It was fact-checked by a reporter.