Best Places to Live in Myrtle Beach 

Are you looking for the best neighborhoods in Myrtle Beach, SC? Check out these seven great places to live in Myrtle Beach. 

Myrtle Beach is a fantastic place to call home in South Carolina for its beautiful weather and fun things to do. Home to miles of beautiful beaches, top-rated restaurants, and over 80 award-winning golf courses, it is no wonder that so many people decide to live here and visit throughout the year. 

Considered one of the best places to live in South Carolina, Myrtle Beach features prime real estate and is known for having sought-after neighborhoods perfect for raising a family or relaxing during retirement. Often described as a vacation resort on the Atlantic Coast, many residents quickly find that the low cost of living, an abundance of activities, and small city charm make Myrtle Beach a one-of-a-kind place to live.

If you are moving to Myrtle Beach and are ready to learn more about its highly-rated communities and what each one offers, then you are in the right place. Providing information on local favorites, finding the home of your dreams in a Myrtle Beach neighborhood that best fits your lifestyle could not be easier with the help of this neighborhood guide. 

Here are the best places to live in Myrtle Beach

Cherry Grove Beach

Cherry Grove Beach is a beautiful neighborhood located in the northern area of North Myrtle Beach in Horry County. Best known as a quiet place to live, this family-friendly neighborhood is one of the best places to live in Myrtle Beach for its access to the ocean, scenic views, great fishing spots, delicious restaurants, fun water sports activities, and charming homes. 

Found near South Carolina Highway 9 and South Carolina Highway 65, Cherry Grove Beach is in a convenient location with easy access to other nearby areas and amenities. Home to the popular Cherry Grove Pier, there is always something fun to do for the whole family. Whether you are exploring Cherry Grove Beach for the first time or are ready to move to this historic community, Cherry Grove Beach is the perfect place to call home for nature lovers. 

Local Favorites: 

Duck Dive Bar and Grill: Dine at this casual eatery for delicious American dishes with live music, happy hour, outdoor seating, and friendly service. 

The Shack: Enjoy classic southern food in this old-school cafe that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the week. 

Buoys on the Boulevard: Visit this lively bar and grill on the oceanfront for delicious burgers and seafood. Providing dine-in, takeout, and delivery options, this restaurant is a must-visit for happy hour and live entertainment. 

Crescent Beach 

Crescent Beach is another wonderful community in North Myrtle Beach that is found between Ocean Drive and Atlantic Beach. Considered to be the smallest of four neighborhoods, Crescent Beach has much to do and see for all ages. This popular Myrtle Beach neighborhood is quiet, relaxing, and offers some of the most beautiful beach houses and vacation homes in the area. 

Offering exclusive access to white sandy beaches, great restaurants, and some of the best entertainment Myrtle Beach offers, it is no surprise that Crescent Beach is highly-ranked as one of the best neighborhoods in Myrtle Beach. There is no better place in this South Carolina city to enjoy beach life. 

Local Favorites:

Molly Darcys Irish Pub and Restaurant: Order shepherd's pie, macaroni and cheese, and other great traditional Irish fare at this beloved Irish tavern in a fantastic location. 

The Grumpy Monk North Myrtle Beach: Best known for its friendly staff, great food, cold beer, and craft cocktails, this favorite local restaurant is among the best in North Myrtle Beach. 

Sugrue's Pub and Eatery: This small local restaurant is a great place for burgers, cocktails, excellent service, and happy hour specials. 

Westwood Estates 

Westwood Estates in Myrtle Beach is a small suburban neighborhood that is comprised of single-family homes. Considered an established area, many homes were constructed in 1982 and have an average square footage of 1,612. Featuring large lot sizes, affordable prices, gorgeous homes, and no Homeowners Association fees, Westwood Estates is a great community for first-time homebuyers. 

For those moving with school-aged children, some of the best schools in the area include River Oaks Elementary School, Ocean Bay Middle School, and Carolina Forest High School.  

Local Favorites:

Broadway at the Beach: This famous shopping center and outdoor entertainment center is best known for its top-rated restaurants, local shops, live shows, and family attractions. 

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament: Located in an 11th-century-style castle, this two-hour experience features medieval games of skill, sword fighting, and a four-course meal. 

Skywheel Myrtle Beach: Standing at 187 feet tall, the infamous Myrtle Beach Skywheel first opened in 2011 and features beautiful coastline views from air-conditioned gondolas. 

Grande Dunes 

Grande Dunes is a beautiful community comprised primarily of single-family homes and condominiums. This master-planned community spans 2,200 acres and is considered one of the most secure neighborhoods in Myrtle Beach since it is gated. A perfect place to live for families and avid golfers, Grande Dunes features many private and public amenities that residents can take advantage of, including a members club and golf course, the Resort Club at Grande Dunes, the Grande Dunes Tennis Center, a pool complex, and a marina. 

Since Grande Dunes stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Intracoastal Waterway, this community offers breathtaking views and homes close to the ocean. Most homes in this neighborhood feature low country and Mediterranean-style architecture, which add to its appeal and charm. 

Local Favorites:

Pirates Voyage Dinner Show: Enjoy pirate-themed performances and stunts alongside a great four-course dinner for the whole family. 

The Original Benjamin's Calabash Seafood: Serving Myrtle Beach since 1986, this all-you-can-eat seafood restaurant is a fantastic place to enjoy seafood that is fried, boiled, and steamed. 

Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach: This popular family-friendly attraction is home to over 10,000 exotic sea creatures and features marine exhibits, dive tours, and live shows.

North Myrtle Beach

North Myrtle Beach is a top-rated place to live in Myrtle Beach for its family-friendly atmosphere and laid-back way of life. Home to many vibrant and lively communities, the neighborhood of North Myrtle Beach is safe and offers plenty of amenities and entertainment options. As part of the Grand Stand, which is a 60-mile stretch of beaches on the Atlantic Ocean, North Myrtle Beach has no shortage of sandy days by the water and stunning sunsets. 

Stretching for nine miles, this beloved beach community was first formed in 1968 when the existing communities of Cherry Grove, Windy Hill, Crescent Beach, and Ocean Drive combined. Today, North Myrtle Beach is a frequented destination for visitors and residents alike for its fun things to do, delicious seafood restaurants, and nice accommodations for the whole family. 

Best known for its affordable housing options and outdoor activities, North Myrtle Beach is perfect for young professionals, families, and beach lovers. Considered to be a walkable place to live, many residents take advantage of this by walking to the nearest beach access. Also home to the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, a 1.2-mile-long oceanfront boardwalk, this is a popular place to be in the summer. 

Local Favorites:

LuLu's North Myrtle Beach: Enjoy seafood, sandwiches, burgers, salads, cocktails, beer, and wine in this vibrant and lively Intracoastal Waterway restaurant with amazing views. 

21 Main at North Beach: A great place to eat for a special occasion, this world-class fine dining experience serves seafood, vintage wines, and high-quality steaks in a Southern setting. 

Blueberry's Grill: Located in Barefoot Landing, this beloved small restaurant is best known for serving classic breakfast dishes made from delicious ingredients. 

Carolina Forest 

Carolina Forest is a census-designated place in Horry County, South Carolina, and a relatively new neighborhood. Situated between Myrtle Beach and Conway and North of U.S. 501, Carolina Forest is a great place to live, just 10 minutes from the Atlantic Ocean. This growing residential area is a master-planned community with many beautiful homes and commercial developments. 

Since more than 35,000 people call Carolina Forest home, the area is exploding with new growth and buildings to accommodate this popularity. There is always something new to explore when living in Carolina Forest, featuring a growing business district, top-rated public schools, golf courses, community centers, restaurants, churches, and local shops. 

Local Favorites:

The Sneaky Beagle: This laid-back restaurant offers a great Sunday brunch, burgers, tacos, and finger foods with excellent service and an outdoor patio. 

Tavern in the Forest: Providing excellent food and fantastic cocktails, this casual tavern serves burgers, pizzas, and steaks in a low-key atmosphere with live music and trivia. 

Hook and Barrel: This popular seafood restaurant is warm and welcoming and is a great spot to dine for Sunday Brunch and happy hour. 

Market Common

Market Common in Myrtle Beach is the place for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Found on the city's south end, this lively community offers some of the best real estate Myrtle Beach has to offer. Featuring single-family homes, condos, and townhomes, Market Common is an ideal neighborhood to live, work, and play. 

Offering a welcoming atmosphere, residents take advantage of the music-filled streets, well-maintained public parks, beautiful landscaping, trendy restaurants, local shops, and retail chain stores. Providing uptown living for all lifestyles, this neighborhood is an ideal place to live for young professionals and families.

There is always something fun to do when living in Market Common. Since this neighborhood is located near award-winning golf courses and close to the beach, most residents love living an active lifestyle. Whether you enjoy fishing or participating in water sports activities, you will never be bored once you decide to call Market Common home. 

Local Favorites:

810 Billiards and Bowling - The Market Common: This classic bowling alley features 20 bowling lanes, seven billiard tables, two full-service bars, an extensive lunch and dinner menu, an arcade, and mini golf. 

Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant: This brewery serves fresh-made food and craft beer in a modern atmosphere and is a great place for friends and family to enjoy a nice meal and a cold drink. 

Travinia Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar: Enjoy authentic Italian food and American favorites for lunch and dinner at this top-rated kitchen and wine bar. 

FAQs 

If you are deciding between moving to North Carolina or South Carolina, Myrtle Beach might be the place for you. Here are some commonly asked questions about the best places to live in Myrtle Beach, SC. 

What is the nicest area of Myrtle Beach? 

Any area around Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach is considered nice for its amazing ocean views, white sand beaches, and sought-after amenities. 

What is the safest area of Myrtle Beach to live? 

The safest area to live in Myrtle Beach is North Myrtle Beach which has beautiful real estate and hotels. 

Is it better to stay in North Myrtle Beach or South Myrtle Beach? 

North Myrtle Beach is considered a better place to stay since it is safer and best known for its family-friendly atmosphere. 

What part of Myrtle Beach is less crowded? 

The beaches in Cherry Grove are considered less crowded than other areas in Myrtle Beach, making it a great area for spending time with the family or relaxing. 

The Best Neighborhoods in Myrtle Beach, SC - Final Thoughts 

Whether you are moving to South Carolina for a new job opportunity or its beautiful coastline, Myrtle Beach is a unique place to live that offers something for everyone. Full of many safe neighborhoods, make sure to connect with one of our amazing Real Estate Specialists when searching for homes for sale in Myrtle Beach. Please feel free to contact us today.