As one of the oldest cities in South Carolina, Conway is what many might picture when thinking of a distinct Americana atmosphere, with its historic downtown district and year-round community events. Home to Coastal Carolina University and 15 miles from Myrtle Beach, the city has around 20,000 residents. The Horry County School District, local government and Coastal Carolina University are the city’s most prominent employers. “I’ve been serving this city for 40 years and am so proud of how much we’ve grown. We used to be just a stop along the way to get to Florence or Myrtle Beach,” says Conway's Mayor Barbara Jo Blain. “What’s special about our little city is that we’ll always show up for each other and try to listen when there’s demand for something.” In hopes of preserving the city’s infrastructure and contributing to beautification efforts, Conway offers tax incentives for preservation and redevelopment. Additionally, the city is creating priority investment zones to draw in new neighborhood developments and affordable housing.
The Conway Water Tower has a paddle boat mural in Conway.
Just a short drive down highway 501 south and you arrive in Myrtle Beach in Conway.
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Understanding Conway's median housing prices and local weather patterns
Homes in the city sit on at least a quarter of an acre, even downtown. The oldest homes date back to the 1940s, while contemporary housing has begun to pop up on the outskirts. The area's median sales price is about $300,000, which has increased over the last year by almost 2%. However, Conway still trends below the average for Horry County. In nearby Myrtle Beach, the median single-family home price is about $100,000 higher, a top reason for Conway’s continued population growth. The city experiences flood risk from the Waccamaw River, and property disclosures in South Carolina require homeowners to inform potential buyers of any water damage or FEMA flood claims. In general, Conway experiences hot summers and mild winters.
Many small restored Bungalows can be seen throughout Conway.
Traditional-styled homes are forever popular in Conway.
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Green spaces and future plans at the Waccamaw River
The Conway Parks and Recreation Department maintains 12 parks and facilities, from the water views at Riverfront Park to the all-ages classes at Conway Sports and Fitness Center. “We want everyone in this city to have access to nature and communal spaces,” Blain says. “There were corners of Conway where, back in my day, you were told to avoid. We turned them into parks and areas for the college kids to gather and play yard games.” She talks about plans for the Waccamaw River, specifically a recreational ferry, that will focus on river tours and connect to other communities across the river.
The Riverwalk is a great place to go for to enjoy nature in Conway.
Along the Waccomaw River is Conway Riverwalk Park that is a relaxed waterfront path and park.
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The local businesses of downtown Conway
Historic downtown Conway is lined with independently owned restaurants, boutique shops and other small businesses. “We have a restaurant for every palate and every price range. Many restaurants provide live entertainment on the weekends and outdoor seating when weather permits,” explains Daved Kinard, owner of The Daisy Fair and president of Conway Downtown Alive. Just 3 miles north of the city center off Highway 501 are several commercial areas, with big-box stores, national grocers and popular retailers.
A favorite sandwich shop with a wide variety to choose from can be found in Conway.
The Crooked Oak Tavern has a large main dining room and a private room for events in Conway.
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Navigating via Route 501
Residents can reach Myrtle Beach in 15 miles via Route 501. However, seasonal tourism at the beach impacts travel times significantly. The C7 bus connects Conway to Myrtle Beach, and the Coast Rapid Transit Authority’s routes extend from Georgetown in the east to Loris in the west. The nearest commercial airport is Myrtle Beach International, just off Route 17, which offers direct flights to over 50 cities as far west as Denver.
Home to Coastal Carolina University
Students in Conway attend Horry County Schools. Conway’s elementary and middle schools are among the Top 10 in the Myrtle Beach metropolitan area. Home to Coastal Carolina University (CCU), Conway sees an influx of college students during the fall and spring semesters. CCU is ranked as the seventh-best university in South Carolina by Niche.
South Conway Elementary School has a grand entrance in Conway.
Conway High School has a large modern football stadium in Conway.
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October is dedicated to Halloween in Conway
Holidays are big affairs in Conway, with Halloween being the star of the show every year. “We kept trying to win awards for having a beautiful Christmas set-up, but other cities across the country have that formula down,” Blain says. “So I thought, what’s a holiday that no one might expect that we can go all-out on? And that was Halloween. It’s become our thing; thousands of people come to see what we've done every year. Some of the older members in the community say I worship the devil, but hey, I got us nationally recognized.” In October, Conway transforms into a spooky spectacle. Huge fake skeletons line the riverfront, alleys transform into mysterious tunnels and every weekend features themed community events.
Crime statistics in Conway
According to FBI statistics, the violent crime rate in Conway is 4.25 per 1,000 residents, while the property crime rate is 33.83 per 1,000 residents. The Conway Police Department supports Crime Watch groups throughout the city and implements a text-based CodeRED system for emergencies.
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