Myrtle Beach
Relocation Guide
Everything you need to know about Moving to Myrtle Beach
I. Introduction
Imagine Living in Myrtle Beach...
More than 14 million visitors per year know the Grand Strand as a vacation destination. With its 60 miles of white-sand beaches and oceanfront hotels, thousands of restaurants and shopping outlets, and more than 100 golf courses and attractions, it’s easy to see why so many people love the Myrtle Beach area.
But what if life could be like a vacation every day?
Well it can. More than 330,000 permanent residents now call the Grand Strand home and a growing number of visitors are now finding out that the Myrtle Beach area is also a great place to live.
If you’re interested in becoming a full-time or part-time resident, then this guide is designed for you. It’s filled with everything from detailed info on our communities and getting around the area to tips on buying homes and investing and even useful info on health care, education and recreation.
Get your Guide!
Want to grab a copy of the Myrtle Beach Relocation Guide? Just fill out the form below with your e-mail to download it:
II. Area Information
The benefits of moving to Myrtle Beach
There are many advantages to living in the Myrtle Beach area, including the weather, the attractions and some of the lowest property taxes and fuel prices in the nation.
Because the Grand Strand is built to accommodate millions of vacationers during the peak summer months, we also have a favorable poporationality of public services and facilities (such as hospitals and transportation). It’s like living in a small town with all the amenities of a big city.
But don't take our word for it, the data speaks for itself. Take a look benefits of living in Myrtle Beach below:
ECONOMY
The Myrtle Beach area’s cost of living is slightly lower average according to the ACCRA Cost of Living Index, which rates on a scale where 100 represents the U.S. Average. Myrtle Beach rates as more expensive than average in groceries (104.3) and utilities (119.7), while measure significantly below average for real estate costs (72.7).
- Sales Tax: 8%, includes 6% S.C. state tax, 1% Horry County education tax and City of Myrtle Beach’s 1% tourism tax
- Unemployment Rate: 6.9%, average from July 2013-July 2014; Due to seasonal labor, rates rise steadily in offseason (Sept.-Jan.)
- Median Household Income: $35,779 (2012)
- Median Home Value: $158,900 (2012)
- Poverty: 26.5% of residents living below poverty line
DEMOGRAPHICS
The Myrtle Beach-North Myrtle Beach-Conway metro area ranks 168th in the U.S. as of 2012. The city of Myrtle Beach has a population density of 1,213 people per square mile and boasts an estimated population of 28,292 residents. Horry County, the largest county by area in S.C., accounts for more than 6 percent of the state's population and is expected to grow to more than 315,000 residents by 2020.
- Race: 81.1% white, 12.7% African-American, 4.6% Hispanic, 1.2% Asian
- Median age: 36.7 years old, ranking 235th of 368 S.C. cities
- Education: 31.8% college degree, 31.5% high school diploma, 14.6% no diploma
- Crime rate: 13.8 crimes per 1,000 residents, 4.3 x national avg.
CLIMATE
Average highs in Myrtle Beach vary by season, spiking around 87 degrees in the warmest month (July) and going as low at 56 degrees in the coolest month (January). The record high was 104 degrees in 1990 and with a record low of 5 degrees in 1994.
- Climate: 30 out of 100 on Sperling’s comfort index, which measures humidity on a scale where higher is more comfortable (U.S. average is 44).
- Precipitation: Average of 218 sunny days per year, 94 days with any measurable precipitation
- Rainfall: 49 inches per year (U.S. average is 37)
- Snowfall: 1 inch per year (U.S. average is 25)
Sources: The Council for Community and Economic Research’s ACCRA Cost of Living Index, Q2 2014; Wolfram|Alpha knowledgebase, 2014, U.S. Census Bureau, Sperling’s Best Places, city-data.com, Wikipedia
III. Communities
Finding the right Myrtle Beach community
From the towering sand dunes of southeastern North Carolina to the historic port city of Georgetown, S.C., the Grand Strand offers a variety of locations and lifestyles for those considering a change of scenery.
Wake up to sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean every morning in Myrtle Beach, or opt for quiet nights in the countryside in Conway. The diversity of communities here allows transplants to pick the perfect place to raise a family, pursue a career or education, enjoy the beach bum life, or live out their retirement in comfort.
IV. Real Estate
Buying Real Estate in Myrtle Beach
The secret is out, the Grand Strand is the ninth fastest-growing metropolitan area in the nation, according to the 2010 U.S. Census.
A recent study by Pitney Bowes Software projected more than 7,000 new households on the Grand Strand from 2012 to 2017, and the surging real estate market is ahead of pace — a positive indicator for the region’s continued growth and economic opportunities in the future.
This means relocating to the Grand Strand is not only a great move for your quality of life; it's also a wise investment in your future. To search all the current Myrtle Beach real estate listing or find an agent or visit our Real Estate page.
V. Education
Finding the right schools in Myrtle Beach
Finding the right school system or institution of higher learning for you and your family can be an important part of relocating.
Luckily, the Myrtle Beach area offers several great education options, including primary, middle and high schools, secondary options such as Coastal Carolina University and several adult learning and career training centers as well.
VI. Banks
Which Myrtle Beach bank should you use?
Of course, it’s always good to know if your bank of choice is located in Myrtle Beach before moving here, so here’s a list of banks in the area. Don’t see your current bank on the list? Consider choosing one of these local or national banks to handle your hard earned money when you move to the Grand Strand.
Where to get a mortgage in Myrtle Beach
In addition to banks that offer loans, there are also companies along the Grand Strand that specialize in all of your mortgage necessities. Check out the following local businesses that can help you with your mortgage questions and concerns:
Insurance Providers in Myrtle Beach
One of the most important steps in relocating to a new place is making sure that you have insurance in place for your new home. Myrtle Beach is home to many insurance companies that offer homeowners insurance, life insurance, and auto insurance.
Health Care options in Myrtle Beach
Everyone needs a good doctor for the occasional check-up or sickness, but for some with health care needs, finding an area with excellent care facilities is a crucial decision.
The Grand Strand has several top-notch health care facilities including Myrtle Beach hospitals ranked among the best in the nation for heart care, strokes and many other medical specialties.
Most of the area’s facilities are growing to meet the needs of more and more residents and several have added multi-million dollar, state-of-the-art facilities within the past few years.
Getting around in Myrtle Beach
Whether you’re traveling by land, air or sea, there are plenty of ways to get to the beach and even more options for getting around Myrtle Beach once you’re here.
Of course, if you’re planning to make a move to the area, you’ll want to get familiar with all the major highways and through roads — not to mention those extra special shortcuts to help you avoid traffic jams during the tourism season.
If you’re more into recreation, you can explore the area’s waterways, take a cruise on the Grand Strand’s many bike routes or find the best spots for a scenic ride on your motorcycle.
And if you want really adventurous things to do you can even zip across the Atlantic Ocean on a jetski, cruise down Ocean Boulevard on a scooter or see the sights via helicopter ride.
XI. Recreation
Finding things to do in Myrtle Beach
Sure, cheap taxes, good schools and top-notch health care facilities are all important factors, but the real reason many people move to the Grand Strand is the quality of life.
There are so many amazing things to do in Myrtle Beach that you really can get lost in all the exciting activities, attractions and sights here.
Whether you’re into playing pristine golf courses, dining at exquisite eateries or being part of a vibrant nightlife scene, we’ve got it all right here.
XII. Resources
Learn more about the Myrtle Beach area
Relocation Info
Get Real Estate Updates!
Sign-up for our newsletter and get updates on the area's best new listings, vacation deals and news!
