Living in Myrtle Beach means enjoying long summers, abundant sunshine, and comfortable year-round seasons. Historically, Myrtle Beach homeowners are retirees, which keeps the cost of living and affordability low, making the area an ideal locale for relocation and economic adventure. The breathtakingly beautiful Myrtle Beach comprises 60 consecutive miles of pristine beach from Little River, South Carolina, to Georgetown.
Myrtle offers a small-town atmosphere coupled with a tourism economy. Over 19 million visitors annually visit Myrtle Beach alone, taking this cozy American beach town from roughly 41,000 residents to 350,000+ in the peak season. Consequently, tourism is the area’s leading income source; the local job market reflects the influx, and most of the workforce relates to hospitality, real estate, and healthcare.
Speaking of adventure, Myrtle wouldn’t be Myrtle without golf. The area is known as an affordable golfing paradise. As evidence of this golfing nirvana, 90+ golf courses encompass the area. Its championship courses and beautiful fairways attract birdie seekers from around the world. The attractions and entertainment options in Myrtle Beach seem endless, as their amusement parks, theatres, shopping, and world-class dining options are proof of this. Let’s explore the relaxing nature and endless adventures living in Myrtle Beach offers and connect with a mortgage lender who can finance a dream home.
Here Are Our Top 5 Benefits to Living In Myrtle Beach
Living in Myrtle Beach is Affordable
Myrtle is surprisingly affordable for East Coast beach living compared to most eastern beach towns. Primarily, tourism provides income for the Myrtle Beach area, making the primary job market opportunities visitor-centric. According to Forbes, the household cost of living in Myrtle Beach is 12% lower than the national average, and housing costs are 39% lower than in other American cities. Currently, the U.S. Census Bureau reports the average median household income in Myrtle Beach is $50,558.
Additionally, taxes are low since South Carolina has a graduated individual income tax and a flat 5.00 percent corporate income tax rate. South Carolina has a 6.00 percent state sales tax, a max local sales tax rate of 3.00 percent, and an average combined state and local sales tax rate of 7.43 percent. According to The Tax Foundation, South Carolina’s tax system ranks 31st overall on our 2023 State Business Tax Climate Index.
Living in Myrtle Beach is Beautiful
Imagine endless gorgeous weather coupled with miles of sandy beaches; that’s precisely what Myrtle Beach offers most days of the year. Remarkably, residents enjoy an average of 215 sunshine-filled days each year. Picture owning a dream home with 215 days of sun-filled outdoor adventure.
With sixty miles of uninterrupted Grand Strand beaches, including North Myrtle Beach, Litchfield Beach, Surfside Beach, Cherry Grove Beach, Garden City, Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island, and Surfside Beach, who needs Florida? Beyond its beachfront, Myrtle is also home to two state parks – Huntington Beach State Park and Myrtle Beach State Park, which house loggerhead turtles, alligators, minks, and many other endangered plant and animal species. It’s time to break out the camping gear and embark on the next adventure.
Living in Myrtle Beach is Easy
From beachfront condos to single-family homes and gated communities, Myrtle has a solution for the housing needs of its residents and visitors, making the adventure of scouting out new neighborhoods enjoyable. Take the Market Commons, for example, which has over thirty shops and boutiques, theaters, over fifteen dining options, an endless event schedule, and residences. It’s time to call a realtor; this is a one-stop-shop for living.
Living in Myrtle Beach is Fun
Beyond the ever-fun beaches within the Grand Strand are hundreds of attractions and entertaining options. Myrtle has four boardwalks, each offering a unique experience for all ages. From shopping and retail stores to Broadway at the Beach in the heart of downtown to the fireworks at Barefoot Landing. Myrtle isn’t just a beach town; there is so much to do, even in the winter when the weather isn’t beach-friendly. The restaurants, boutiques, interactive science exhibits, ziplines, aquariums, live theatre, and the House of Blues will surely entertain.
Living in Myrtle Beach is Relaxing
Myrtle Beach SC, is renowned for its sparkling waters, boating, and laid-back vibe. It’s no wonder so many memories originate from this stunning landscape. Beachgoers looking to unwind can grab a seaside lawn chair and witness the beauty of a South Carolina sunset. Afterward, they can pair that sunset with a beachside yoga class. If fresh air is needed, a long beach walk or hike through a tranquil national park will surely deliver. With various public services and hospitals nearby, Myrtle has safety and healthcare covered, so relaxing and enjoying the adventure of living is easy.
Here are the Pros and Cons of Living in Myrtle Beach
Flooding
South Carolina alone comprises about a half-million acres of marshland and low-lying areas teeming with thriving wildlife and bird-watching opportunities. While birdwatchers and enthusiasts enjoy the intricate ecosystem of these marshlands, homeowners and residents understand that hurricanes are always eminent. Homeowners should consider adding flood insurance to their policy, as most Myrtle Beach properties are within a floodplain.
Popularity
As Myrtle becomes more popular, the influx of new home buyers and investors scooping up real estate and converting the properties into short-term rentals is causing the area to become more costly overall. In the current climate, many long-time residents scoff at the uptrend of remote workers and new residents moving south from northern states like New York and Virginia who are taking advantage of lower home prices in the area. Although many residents appreciate the rise of their home equity, others fear the loss of southern hospitality and charm that the area has historically been known for.
Embracing the stereotype; Dirty Myrtle and the Redneck Riviera.
While many families and lighthearted visitors enjoy the gorgeous coastlines, others enjoy the beach-centric party-going atmosphere. Although Myrtle Beach has many cherished nicknames, such as the “Golf Capital of the World,” it has also attracted some unsightly titles. A case in point is when the country music singer-songwriter John Rich trademarked the phrase “Redneck Riviera,” labeled it as Myrtle Beach, and crafted an entire lifestyle line around it.
Additionally, in the 90s, Myrtle Beach used to be riddled with seedy bars, nightclubs, nightlife, and party scenes that left some reflecting the vibe of a Vegas getaway, thus earning the title the Dyrtle, or Dirty Myrtle. Currently, Niche gives Myrtle Beach a C- ranking based on violent and property crime rates. Other U.S. cities with similar crime rates are San Francisco, Seattle, Charlotte, Tampa, Tallahassee, San Diego, and Boston.
Smart Living in Myrtle Beach
Since choosing the best schooling option for children is a decision that profoundly impacts their future and creates better future leaders, nothing beats a top-notch education. Moreover, educational facilities with solid academic reputations positively contribute to the overall quality of life in the area. With this intention, here are the highest-ranked schools in Myrtle and the surrounding areas.
St. James High School in Murrells Inlet, SC, is part of the Horry County School District. Ranked #1 in Myrtle Beach, SC Metro Area Rankings, and boasts an 85% graduation rate.
Carolina Forest High School in Myrtle Beach, SC, is in the Horry County School District. Ranked #2 in Myrtle Beach, SC Metro Area Rankings and boasts an 82% graduation rate.
Green Sea Floyds High School in Green Sea, SC, is in the Horry County School District. Ranked #3 in Myrtle Beach, SC Metro Area Rankings and boasts a 79% graduation rate.
North Myrtle Beach High School in Little River, SC, is part of the Horry County School District. It is ranked #5 in Myrtle Beach, SC Metro Area Rankings.
The Coastal Carolina University is in Conway, near Myrtle, and offers over 115 undergraduate and 30 graduate-level fields of study, including specialized concentrations.
The Horry-Georgetown Technical College is close to Myrtle. It is a small institution with an enrollment of 3,575 undergraduate students. According to Niche, The Horry-Georgetown Tech acceptance rate is 100%. Popular majors include Liberal Arts and Humanities, Nursing, and Business. Thirty-one percent of graduating Horry-Georgetown Tech alums earn a starting salary of $22,400.
Brunswick County Early College in Bolivia, NC, ranked #4 in Brunswick County Schools with a 95% graduation rate.
Ready to Move to Myrtle Beach, S.C.?
Myrtle Beach is known for its strong community spirit and southern hospitality. In comparison to the population of Charleston, SC, Myrtle is a charming little touristy beach town. Just hours away from Charlotte, North Carolina, Myrtle has just about anything a visitor or resident could need. The welcoming community atmosphere is contagious, and making friends isn’t hard to do. The strong sense of pride and camaraderie make Myrtle an ideal place to call home.
Are you ready to start the next adventure? There is no time like the present to improve your quality of life, and funding the next chapter of your life is a click or a phone call away. Beyond doubt, Myrtle Beach is a tropical paradise. “Why not get the ball rolling, connect with a lender, and make your beachside dreams a reality?”
The steps are simple:
1. Schedule a Call: An experienced loan officer can discuss your lending needs and guide you through the possibilities.
2. Get Approved: We’ll help you through the mortgage application process and facilitate the steps for approval.
3. Exhale: Put your feet up and feel secure knowing you made the best decisions about your home loan.
With proper guidance, you can get your first home, accommodate your growing family, and start that renovation project—whatever goal is on the horizon. An alliance with Mortgage Insider will give you the confidence to know that your mortgage loan is setting you up for financial success. Mortgage Insiders offers today’s latest financial news and mortgage trends. Check out their channel for current events.
