Located between the sandy stretches of the Atlantic Ocean and the marshy intracoastal waterway, North Myrtle Beach claims a 60-mile section of uninterrupted coastal beachfront known as the Grand Strand and has a year-round population of about 20,000 people. Art deco resorts and coastal homes in pastel hues line Ocean Boulevard, the main seaside thoroughfare from North Myrtle Beach down to the southern tip of Murrells Inlet. Major employers here include the healthcare and hospitality industries and Horry County Schools. "North Myrtle has a lot more retirees and snowbirds. A lot of properties are either second homes or rentals," says Brian Piercy, a Realtor with ERA Real Estate who's lived in Myrtle Beach for nearly 25 years. "The land between the intracoastal waterway and beach is narrow, so you're almost guaranteed waterfront. It's pricier, but it's also quieter in general."
Barefoot Landing is right on the Intracoastal Waterway in North Myrtle Beach.
The sunsets can be spectacular along the beach in North Myrtle Beach.
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Tidewater Golf Club and city parks exploration
The North Myrtle Beach Parks and Recreation Department maintains 11 parks and 240 beach access points. The 160-acre North Beach Park and Sports Complex is one of the most prominent outdoor recreation areas in North Myrtle Beach. The complex also hosts events throughout the year, such as the Sounds of Summer Concert Series and The Great Christmas Lights Show. Golf is one of the most popular pastimes in the area, and The Tidewater Golf Club was named South Carolina's Golf Course of the Year by the South Carolina Golf Course Owners Association in 2022.
North MB Park and Sports Complex has an outdoor theater for events.
Barfoot Resort & Golf course is locate along the Intracoastal Waterway in North Myrtle Beach.
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Shopping, good eats and live entertainment at Barefoot Landing
Retail plazas filled with big-box stores, clothing shops and dining options line Main Street and Highway 17. Barefoot Landing, right along the intracoastal waterway, is a large entertainment district with local shops and restaurants. House of Blues and the Alabama Theatre are two main event venues for live music and performances. Lake View Commons, set to be finished in 2025, is a new upscale strip mall near Robert Edge Parkway featuring commercial offices, restaurants and apartments.
There is a large boardwalk that spans the lake at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach.
Barefoot Landing has many shops and restaurants in North Myrtle Beach.
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From coastal Mediterranean homes to modern condos
The area's housing options include single-family homes and condos, with properties often purchased as vacation homes and rented out to tourists. In North Myrtle Beach, buyers can find a mix of coastal dwellings in new traditional styles alongside Mediterranean and Spanish Revival-inspired architecture. Over the past decade, housing prices in North Myrtle Beach have remained consistently higher than in the rest of the county. The median price for single-family homes is around $605,000, while two-bedroom condos settle at a median of $268,000. The median selling price for similar single-family homes in Myrtle Beach proper is about $410,000. Coastal residences with direct beach access can sell as high as $800,000 to $2 million. "North Myrtle is our higher-selling area," says Stacy Stoll, a Realtor with Realty One Group Dockside who began visiting Myrtle Beach a decade before deciding to live there. "But it avoids the largest parts of our tourism strip, and you're never more than five minutes away from water."
There are custom built homes along the Intracoastal Waterway in North Myrtle Beach.
Some residents enjoy condo living in North Myrtle Beach.
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Navigating the coast via Highway 17
Highway 17 and Ocean Boulevard are two main thoroughfares, and the nearest Interstate 95 interchange is around 60 miles away. Myrtle Beach International Airport, a 20-mile drive, is serviced by major airlines like American Airlines, Delta and United. For emergencies, North Strand ER is located off Highway 17, and McLeod Seacoast Hospital is just north off Highway 9.
Education with Horry County Schools
Most children living in North Myrtle Beach will get public education with Horry County Schools, rated an A-minus on Niche. The city has a main elementary, middle and high school. Parents also have private options, including faith-based Risen Christ Academy or Holy Trinity Catholic School.
North Myrtle Beach Middle School has covered walkways for students.
North Myrtle Beach High School has a large football stadium and track in North Myrtle Beach.
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Crime rates in North Myrtle Beach
The city's police department reported just over 1,000 property crime offenses in 2021. According to FBI statistics, the chances of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 223 or 1 in 23 for property crime. Along with an influx of visitors in summer, the peak season, tourist areas may experience higher crime rates.
Preparing for inclement weather by the Atlantic Ocean
Myrtle Beach has the advantage of hot summers and mild winters. "It feels like you almost get four seasons – people enjoy that it's not blazing hot all the time," Stoll says. Storm surges and tidal flooding are common in North Myrtle Beach, and the city government encourages locals to know their evacuation routes in case of significant weather occurrences. Homes constructed in Special Flood Hazard Areas require an Elevation Certificate to minimize damage and determine flood insurance rates.
My husband and I purchased our home in lower Brunswick County in 2015 with the long term plan of moving permanently to the area within 7 years. With every visit, we found our timeline getting shorter and shorter as we both fell in LOVE with the area! Our 7 year plan quickly turned into a 2 year plan and we have now relocated from Connecticut. I retired as a Materials Manager/Supply Chain Manager in CT and we could not be happier about our decision!
We have vacationed in the area for many years with our children; enjoying the gorgeous beaches, golfing, shopping and wonderful restaurants the area has to offer!
I decided to join Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage Realty to start my Real Estate business. This firm possesses many of the qualities that are so important to me; “family” culture, superb training, giving back to the community and much more! I would love the opportunity to discuss your Real Estate needs with you, your family and friends! I am very enthusiastic and committed to providing you with exceptional service and professionalism.
I realize you have many options when deciding with whom to buy or sell and hope you will let me show you how I can help you make this a positive experience.
Thank you for your time and I look forward to working with you soon!
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
