Moving to Myrtle Beach? This South Carolina city offers affordable housing, delicious local cuisine, plenty of family fun, and more. Check out these 14 things to know about living in Myrtle Beach!
Find Affordable Living in Myrtle Beach
Photo via @hightidecontent
If you’re moving to The Palmetto State, Myrtle Beach may just be what you’ve been looking for! When compared to Charleston, the cost of living in Myrtle Beach is 25.6% lower, and the median home sales price is 111.3% lower. Plus, groceries and transportation cost less overall, making Myrtle Beach rank as one of the best places to live in South Carolina. To top it off, residents looking to buy or rent in Myrtle Beach can find affordable real estate, with median housing sales sitting at $173,000—and budget-friendly monthly rent prices around $824!
Explore the Strong Job Market
Photo via @grandecaymanresort
Known for being a popular tourist destination—and so one of the best cities for investing in Airbnb as a host—Myrtle Beach has plenty of jobs in hospitality and tourism at resorts such as Sands Resorts, Breakers Myrtle Beach Resorts, and Grande Cayman Resort. However, the tourism industry isn’t the only place you can find a job in Myrtle Beach! There are employment opportunities in industries like aerospace, manufacturing, technology, and more at companies like Myrtle Beach International Technology & Aerospace Park, Apollo Valves, or Systems Technology, Inc. And if you are looking for healthcare jobs in Myrtle Beach, you can join the exceptional teams at Grand Strand Medical Center, Conway Medical Center, McLeod Health, or Tidelands Health.
Big-City Amenities With a Small-Town Feel
Photo via @ccuchanticleers
As one of the top beach towns in America, Myrtle Beach is a beloved tourist destination—but it’s more than just a place to visit. Living in Myrtle Beach means taking advantage of its community atmosphere while still having access to amenities typically reserved for larger metros. Find quality higher education in Myrtle Beach at Horry-Georgetown Technical College. Earn a degree in programs like counseling, business administration, and more at Webster University—or enroll in the East Coast’s largest undergraduate marine science program at nearby Coastal Carolina University. Head to work or school using public transportation in Myrtle Beach—like Coast RTA, which operates a fixed bus route 362 days a year using climate-controlled buses with accessibility accommodations. Or fly locally, nationally, or across the world from the Myrtle Beach International Airport.
Enjoy Perfect Beach Weather
Photo via @kathydowlingphotosofsc
Considered one of the best places to live near the ocean, it’s no surprise Myrtle Beach has great weather year-round! That said, the Grand Strand’s hurricane season typically starts in June and goes through November, so you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared. Otherwise, you can expect a subtropical climate while living in Myrtle Beach, with temperatures averaging between the mid-40s and upper 80s. Visit the Brookgreen Gardens—one of the most gorgeous botanical gardens in America—or Huntington Beach State Park. Stop by the Nature Center, walk along the Sculptured Oak Nature Trail, or buy ice cream on the pier at Myrtle Beach State Park. And with 60 miles of uninterrupted beaches in Myrtle Beach, you’ll definitely want to soak up the sun at pristine locations like Cherry Grove Beach, Litchfield Beach, Surfside Beach, and more.
Retire in a Close-Knit Community
Photo via @senior_living
Retiring soon? Consider retiring in Myrtle Beach! The average cost of independent living is lower than the national average, and the city has been named one of the best places to retire in the U.S. Seniors can qualify for a homestead exemption, and state taxes are based on 4% to 6% of the home’s market value. Is downsizing or moving to a retirement community more your speed? In addition to affordable housing, Myrtle Beach’s retirement communities are thriving thanks to easy access to excellent healthcare and the state’s lack of Social Security taxing and significant retirement income deductions. Plus, if you’re looking for things to do, the city is perfect for touring the local museums, enjoying sunshine at the beach, seeing shows, and more!
Tee Off in the Golf Capital of the World
Photo via @myrtlebeachgolftrips
A top tourist destination and place to live for retirees, Myrtle Beach is home to over 90 golf courses—making it pretty easy finding a place to place in the Golf Capital of the World! While the city hosts plenty of golf events and tournaments throughout the year, residents can join leagues, visit driving ranges, and tee off at some of the most well-designed courses in the world. Experience Arnold Palmer’s signature designs on three separate courses at Myrtle Beach National. Enjoy a game of 18 holes across 800 well-manicured acres at River Oaks Golf Club. Immerse yourself in the native scenery of towering pine trees while playing a round with friends at Whispering Pines Golf Course. Nestled right along the Intercoastal Waterway and Myrtle Beach, play a quiet game of golf at recently-renovated Myrtlewood Golf Club. Attend VIP Golf Academy in the summer months to learn top-of-the-line golf techniques, strategy, and routines. Or compete with the family on a 36-hole miniature golf course designed after the lost city of Atlantis, featuring waterfalls, mazes, and caves at Mt. Atlanticus Minotaur Goff.
Tour Myrtle Beach Museums
Photo via @mrsyoonique
Outside of activities centered around tourism, you’ll have to add the museums in Myrtle Beach to your sightseeing list. Take a walk through the ages by exploring the museums in Myrtle Beach! Bring the kids to visit the Lite Brite & Lego Mural, Publix Supermarket, Toddler Beach, and more at EdVenture Children’s Museum. Find classic games like Bounty Hunter, Domino’s Spectacular Pinball Adventure, Monopoly, Pirates of the Caribbean, and more at the Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum. Explore a collection of over 150 classic and vintage muscle cars before stopping by the gift shop to buy collectibles, memorabilia, and other items at the Wheels of Yesteryear. Walk through rotating exhibits like The Wonderful World of Sea Turtles and Gene “Swink” Laughter, The Creator of SOS, and learn about the rich history of Myrtle Beach at the North Myrtle Beach Area Historical Museum. And plan a visit to see important people who made an impact on South Carolina through literature, Civil Rights, education, and more at the South Carolina Hall of Fame.
Immerse Yourself in the Arts
Photo via @officialmyrtlebeach
In addition to visual art, Myrtle Beach has a robust humanities scene for everyone in the family. View the Waccamaw Arts & Crafts Guild Collection, Burgess-Dinkelspiel Collection of Southern Art, and rotating exhibitions at the Myrtle Beach Art Museum. Buy tickets to see impressive choreography, beautiful vocals, and more at the historical Alabama Theatre, which has provided the Grant Strand area with 30 years of iconic performances. Named as one of the best things to do in Myrtle Beach, see world-class, award-winning shows like The Carolina Opry, the Myrtle Beach Performing Arts Series, or The Christmas Show of the South at The Carolina Opry Theatre.
Take Pride in the LGBTQ Community
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It’s no surprise Myrtle Beach has a flourishing queer community since it’s been named one of the top three LGBTQ-friendly cities in South Carolina. Find resources and support like healthcare, transgender medical care, legal advice, and more at Pride Myrtle Beach. This group also hosts a 3rd Monday Social every month where attendees have a safe space to talk, plan events, and even get free health services. Be loud and proud while you eat delicious food truck cuisine, rock out to live music, and more during Myrtle Beach Pride Week at Pride in the Park. Stop by popular gay bar in Myrtle Beach St George for trivia nights and karaoke with your friends. And cheer on your local drag queens while they put on a dazzling performance that will take your breath away at the Pulse Ultra Club.
Have Fun with the Family
Photo via @sunraysoul19
There is no shortage of fun activities for the whole family in the Grand Strand. Soar high and see the breathtaking view of Myrtle Beach in private gondolas when you get tickets to ride the SkyWheel. Plan for a day of fun with the kids and ride the Dodgems Bumper Cars, Swamp Fox Roller Coaster, Log Flume Water Ride, and Thunderbolt at Family Kingdom. Compete for first place and race each other in the best go-karts in Myrtle Beach, try for a hole-in-one on the mini golf course, or aim for the high score in the Grand Prix arcade at the Broadway Grand Prix Family Race Park. Participate in the Ride a Dinosaur, Play in the Dino Pit, Discover Fossils, and Design a Dino activities at Dino Park. Walk around Planet Jellies, interact with penguins in the Penguin Playhouse, or splash around with stingrays in Ray Bay with your little ones at Ripley’s Aquarium. Live like a tourist and rent a Myrtle Beach Segway or rent a bike from Trailblaze Adventure. Or snack on peanuts and crackerjacks when you catch a game at the Pelicans Ballpark to watch the Myrtle Beach Pelicans hit a home run.
Buy Fresh Produce at the Farmer’s Market
Photo via @waccamawmarkets
Given South Carolina’s warm climate, Myrtle Beach’s market scene is open year-round. Find fresh and delicious fruits, vegetables, and even seafood when visiting the various Myrtle Beach farmer’s markets! Shop for homegrown vegetables like okra and turnip greens along with homemade jams and sauces by the ocean at Myrtle’s Market. Customers can snack on BBQ from Piggy Wiggly and other local stores while they buy fresh local seafood and baked goods at the Market Commons Farmers Market. A part of the Waccamaw Market Cooperative, you can find local honey, flowers, and artisanal soaps at the Little River Farmers Market, and three days a week you can purchase fruits, veggies, and more at the North Myrtle Beach Farmers Market. Or enjoy the breeze while you browse produce, check out clothing and housing decor, and more when you stop by Surfside Farmers Market, an open-air market right by the beach.
Eat Your Fill at Local Favorites
Photo via @10foldbiscuits
Start your morning by ordering a Cookies and Cream Frappe or Caramel Macchiato to pair with a freshly baked pastry at Hi-Fi Coffee. For a great breakfast in Myrtle Beach, order a Cinnaroll Waffle, Steak & Onion Benedict, or Chipotle Bacon Skillet at Johnny D’s. Try unique dishes like the Taylor-Made Benedict, Low Country BLT, or the Sunday Supper at 10 Fold Biscuits. Prepare your belly with your choice of over 170 dishes including Jumbo Shrimp and Scallop Cakes before visiting the museum at The Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood. Take in the rustic atmosphere when biting into the Famous Monk Burger, Oyster Po’Boy, or California BLT Grilled Cheese at The Grumpy Monk. Or order traditional Italian food like Eggplant Parmesan, Lowcountry Saute, and Seafood Pomodoro when you make a reservation at Midtown Bistro.
Discover Unique Beers, Ciders, & Wines
Photo via @grandstandbrewco
No matter if you enjoy a nice cold brew, refreshing ciders, or fruity wines, you can find what suits your tastes in Myrtle Beach. Sip on a Rainy Day Hefeweizen, Sandy Cheeks West Coast IPA, and Conway Coffee Ale at Grand Strand Brewing Company. Order a Java the Nut, Dirty Myrtle, Lulu Lemon, and other rotating flavors at New South Brewing. Try small-batch specialty craft beers like Pollywog Porter, Backwater Brown, or Mean High Water at Tidal Creek Brewhouse. Pick a chilled craft beer like a Water Malone, Cybernetic Organism, or Tourist Saison at Independent Republic Brewing Company, a Myrtle Beach microbrewery located along the Intercoastal Waterway. Or make a day trip to sample a variety of wines like Blueberry Cotton Candy, Mothervine Wine, Traditional Scuppernong, and more at the oldest and largest winery in the south, Duplin Winery.
Take Part in the Vibrant Nightlife
Photo via @tinroofmyrtlebeach
There are fun things to do in Myrtle Beach that are not limited to the daytime! Experience an immersive murder mystery show where you solve the case in a 1930s speakeasy at Riga-Tony’s Murder Mystery and Dinner Show. Prepare yourself for a night full of laughter when you buy tickets to see local and traveling comedic talent at the Comedy Cabana. Sing along to live music and entertainment, hit the dance floor, and try delicious Southern-style food at the Tin Roof. Chow down on tasty food and cold drinks while you watch local musicians like The Bounty Hunters at The Bowery. Sit down and listen to piano performances of old and new at the popular club Crocodile Rocks. Or bring the family and enjoy popular dinner shows at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament and Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show.
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