Moving to Myrtle Beach, SC: A Practical Relocation Guide for Buyers, Sellers, and Investors

Myrtle Beach, a city in Horry County, South Carolina, offers beach access, varied housing styles, a short reported city commute, and a growing job base, but buyers also need to weigh insurance, property taxes, association costs, seasonal traffic, school assignment, and storm preparation. If you already own a home, the sale of that property and what you do with it are part of the plan too. This guide outlines the practical questions to answer before relocating to Myrtle Beach.

Myrtle Beach Relocation Quick Reference

Home-price context: Single-family homes in Myrtle Beach ZIP codes 29572 and 29577 had a median sales price of $550,000 in August 2026, up from $515,000 a year earlier. Condos in the same ZIP codes had a median sales price of $199,000, down from $224,950. Across the wider regional MLS market, the September 2026 median sales price was $452,000, up from $438,000. Source: local and regional MLS market data, August and September 2026.

Household income: Myrtle Beach city's median household income was $60,394 in 2024 dollars for the 2020-2024 Census estimate period. That figure describes the city only. Source: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, 2020-2024.

Population: The city of Myrtle Beach had an estimated 40,937 residents as of July 1, 2025, a 14.7% increase from the April 2020 estimates base. City limits, ZIP codes, and the larger metro area describe different populations, so keep them separate when comparing figures. Source: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, Vintage 2025.

Commute time: Myrtle Beach city workers had a mean travel time to work of 17.7 minutes in the 2020-2024 Census estimates. Seasonal visitor traffic and the route to a specific workplace can still change the experience.

Job market: Nonfarm payroll employment in the Myrtle Beach metro area grew 3.2% over the year in August 2026, tied for the largest percentage gain among U.S. metropolitan areas. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, August 2026.

Big relocation draw: Lifestyle is the clearest draw. Beach access, golf, boating, dining, and year-round outdoor recreation combine with employment in accommodations, retail, healthcare, construction, education, and local services.

Myrtle Beach Market Snapshot

Metric	Value	Period
Single-family median sales price (ZIP codes 29572 and 29577)	$550,000	August 2026
Condo median sales price (ZIP codes 29572 and 29577)	$199,000	August 2026
Regional median sales price	$452,000 (+3.2% year over year)	September 2026
Median household income, Myrtle Beach city	$60,394	2020-2024
Median gross rent, Myrtle Beach city	$1,261	2020-2024
Population estimate, Myrtle Beach city	40,937	July 1, 2025

Sales figures come from local and regional MLS market data. Income, rent, and population figures come from U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts for Myrtle Beach city. A ZIP-code sales median, a regional sales median, and a Census estimate measure different things and should not be substituted for one another.

Why People Are Moving to Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach attracts relocators with a coastal routine, several housing formats, and an economy that serves both visitors and full-time residents. The area supports condo living near the water, detached homes in established neighborhoods, townhomes, golf-oriented communities, and newer inland development.

Tourism remains a major economic force, but it is not the only source of work. Accommodations and food service, retail, healthcare, construction, education, and property-related services all shape local employment. Major regional anchors include Horry County Schools, Coastal Carolina University, Grand Strand Health, local government, and hospitality businesses. The metro area's 3.2% year-over-year job growth in August 2026 placed it among the fastest-growing employment markets in the country for that month.

Healthcare professionals are a meaningful part of that picture. Hospital systems, outpatient clinics, and senior-care providers continue to serve a growing year-round population, and it helps to map your likely commute to a facility before narrowing your home search. If you work in medicine or nursing, our overview of hospital and medical access across Horry County covers the main facilities and what they mean for where you live.

The city's reported mean commute was 17.7 minutes in the 2020-2024 Census estimates, which can appeal to households seeking a shorter routine. Actual travel time depends on the address, employer location, bridge crossings, and seasonal congestion.

Climate and recreation also influence relocation decisions. Beaches, golf courses, boating access, and the Intracoastal Waterway support an outdoor-focused lifestyle for much of the year. Buyers should balance those benefits with coastal ownership planning, especially insurance terms, wind coverage, flood exposure, and evacuation preparation.

What It Costs to Own or Rent in Myrtle Beach

A single, dated official cost-of-living index for Myrtle Beach was not available, so the most useful approach is to look at what households in the city report spending on housing and then adjust for the specific property you are considering.

Cost measure	Myrtle Beach city figure	Period
Median value of owner-occupied homes	$388,800	2020-2024
Median monthly owner costs, with a mortgage	$1,707	2020-2024
Median monthly owner costs, without a mortgage	$519	2020-2024
Median gross rent	$1,261	2020-2024
Assessment ratio, qualified owner-occupied primary residence	4%	Current county rule
Assessment ratio, most non-primary properties	6%	Current county rule

Census figures are five-year survey estimates, so they include many owners who bought years ago at lower prices and rates. A buyer purchasing in the $400,000 to $600,000-plus range today should expect monthly costs above the Census median and should run numbers for the exact home. Horry County states that qualified owner-occupied primary residences use a 4% assessment ratio, while many non-primary properties, including most rentals and second homes, use a 6% ratio before millage is applied. Source: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, 2020-2024; Horry County Taxpayer Services FAQ.

Housing Market Overview

Myrtle Beach offers buyers condos, townhomes, and detached homes, but the purchase experience varies more by location and building type than by one citywide number. Condos can provide lower-maintenance ownership and convenient access to coastal activity, while detached homes may offer garages, yards, and more privacy. Townhomes can be a practical middle option for buyers seeking attached-home convenience with additional living space.

Recent local data shows the single-family and condo markets moving in different directions. In Myrtle Beach ZIP codes 29572 and 29577, the August 2026 single-family median reached $550,000, up from $515,000 a year earlier. Homes for sale rose to 322 from 281, an increase of nearly 15%, and new listings ticked up to 96 from 90. Even with more choices on the market, single-family homes averaged 98 days on market, down from 122 days in August 2025.

Condos tell a different story. The condo median fell to $199,000 from $224,950, condo inventory rose to 1,469 units from 1,413, and closed condo sales dipped to 120 from 138. Condos still sold faster than a year earlier, averaging 125 days on market compared with 166.

For buyers, that mix means more room to compare options and negotiate, especially on condos with higher association costs or deferred building maintenance. For sellers, it means pricing and presentation matter, since buyers have more listings to weigh against each other. Across the broader regional market, September 2026 closed sales totaled 1,384, compared with 1,451 a year earlier, while inventory held near 7,100 homes. Source: local and regional MLS market data, August and September 2026.

Newer development continues to be part of the market conversation, particularly beyond the busiest oceanfront corridors. For homes in the $400,000 to $600,000-plus range, compare the complete monthly ownership picture rather than the purchase price alone. Browsing current homes for sale in Myrtle Beach by property type is a practical way to see how those monthly costs shift between a condo, a townhome, and a detached home. First-time buyers may also want to review the grant and loan options available for Myrtle Beach buyers before setting a budget.

Neighborhoods and Communities in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is best approached as a collection of distinct residential settings, each with different ownership costs and daily rhythms. Current, verified neighborhood-level price ranges were not available, so buyers should confirm active pricing for the exact property type and location they are considering.

Oceanfront and near-ocean condo districts suit buyers who value beach access and a lock-and-leave format. Downsizers, second-home buyers, and owners planning rental use often compare association budgets, reserves, rental rules, building maintenance, and insurance responsibilities closely.

Grande Dunes is known for larger homes, golf, marina access, and amenity-oriented living. It can fit buyers seeking a more upscale residential setting, entertaining space, and proximity to coastal recreation.

Carolina Forest has a more inland residential character, with detached homes, townhomes, retail access, community amenities, and newer development. It may appeal to households that want an everyday routine less tied to the beachfront corridor.

Market Common provides a mixed-use environment near shops, restaurants, green space, and the redevelopment of the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. It can suit buyers who prioritize nearby errands, events, and a connected neighborhood setting.

Established central residential areas can work for buyers seeking access to healthcare, dining, employers, and city services. Street-by-street differences in traffic, home condition, association requirements, and insurance costs make an in-person comparison especially important.

Myrtle Beach Jobs and Economy

Myrtle Beach's economy is anchored by hospitality, retail, healthcare, construction, education, and public services. Tourism strongly influences the local rhythm, while year-round resident needs support medical providers, schools, local government, property services, and retail operations.

Regional employment anchors include Horry County Schools, Coastal Carolina University, Grand Strand Health, local governments, hospitality businesses, and retail employers. That mix matters for relocating households because employment is not limited to beachfront work, although visitor activity can affect schedules and seasonal demand.

The Myrtle Beach metro area added jobs at a 3.2% annual pace as of August 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, tying for the largest percentage gain among U.S. metro areas that month. Myrtle Beach city's median household income was $60,394 in 2024 dollars for the 2020-2024 Census estimate period. These figures use different geographies and should not be treated as a single market measure.

Remote workers should verify broadband availability, backup-power options, and service reliability at the specific address. Census estimates show 92.7% of Myrtle Beach city households had a broadband subscription in 2020-2024, but connectivity can still vary by neighborhood, building type, and provider.

Schools and Education

Myrtle Beach households are primarily served by Horry County Schools, and attendance assignment is determined by the property address. Families should confirm school boundaries directly with the district before choosing a home because nearby streets and communities can feed into different schools.

The local area includes public, charter, private, and career-focused options. Examples include Myrtle Beach Elementary School, Ocean Bay Elementary School, Carolina Forest High School, Myrtle Beach High School, Socastee High School, Bridgewater Academy Charter, and the Academy for Arts, Science, and Technology. Christian Academy of Myrtle Beach, St. Andrew Catholic School, and Chabad Jewish Academy are among the private-school options.

School ratings from third-party services can change and do not represent a districtwide conclusion. A property search should include direct review of attendance boundaries, program availability, transportation, student-support services, and the school's official information.

Coastal Carolina University and Horry-Georgetown Technical College add higher-education and workforce-training options to the wider area.

Climate and Lifestyle

Myrtle Beach has a warm coastal climate that supports outdoor routines for much of the year. NOAA climate normals use 30-year observation periods to provide a baseline for expected temperature and precipitation patterns, rather than a forecast for a specific season. Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration climate-normal guidance.

Daily recreation can include the oceanfront, Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade, Myrtle Beach State Park, the Intracoastal Waterway, golf courses, and neighborhood green spaces. Summer heat and humidity often make early-morning walks, evening outings, shade, and air-conditioned breaks practical parts of everyday life.

Coastal storm planning is a core ownership consideration. Buyers should review the specific property's flood-zone information, wind and flood insurance options, deductibles, roof condition, evacuation route, and any association responsibilities. Those details can affect both monthly costs and the financial reserves needed after moving.

Winter snow removal is rarely a central planning issue compared with storm readiness, drainage, cooling costs, and seasonal traffic. The best lifestyle fit often comes down to whether you prefer beachfront activity, inland neighborhoods, golf and marina access, or a mixed-use setting closer to errands and dining.

Selling Your Current Home Before the Move

For many relocating homeowners, the equity in their current home shapes the Myrtle Beach budget. A few decisions are worth making early:

Sequence: Decide whether you need to sell before you buy, or whether you can carry two properties for a short period. Selling first gives you a firm budget but may require temporary housing. Buying first can make the move smoother but adds overlapping costs.

Timing: Line up your closing dates with school calendars, job start dates, and the peak visitor season, when moving logistics and short-term housing can be harder to arrange.

Value: Knowing what your current home could sell for before you shop helps you set a realistic price range, compare down-payment scenarios, and avoid falling for a home that only works on paper.

Keep or sell: Some owners keep their current home as a long-term rental instead of selling. That can build a portfolio, but it also means landlord responsibilities from a distance, so it is worth running rental income, vacancy, repairs, and management costs before deciding.

Thinking About Renting Out a Myrtle Beach Property

Investors, second-home buyers, and owners who may rent their home later should understand the local rules before they buy, not after.

Short-term rental zoning: The City of Myrtle Beach defines a short-term rental as any rental of less than 90 days. Zoning districts that begin with "R" for residential do not allow short-term rentals, with the exception of the RMV (Residential Multifamily Visitor) zone, and fewer than 30 houses in traditional residential zones are grandfathered. If a property is not already in a zone that allows short-term rentals, it cannot be converted to that use. Source: City of Myrtle Beach.

Business license: The city requires a business license for rental properties, so build that step into your plan whether you rent short-term or long-term.

Association rules: Many condo and community associations set their own minimum rental terms, leasing caps, or registration steps. Review the governing documents before you make an offer.

Taxes: Rentals and second homes generally fall under Horry County's 6% assessment ratio rather than the 4% primary-residence ratio, which can make a noticeable difference in annual property taxes.

Long-term rental demand: The city's median gross rent was $1,261 in the 2020-2024 Census estimates. Because that figure blends older leases with newer ones, compare it with current rents for similar homes before projecting income.

Management: Hurricane preparation, seasonal maintenance, tenant screening, and vacancy planning all take more effort when you live out of the area. Owners who plan to rent from a distance often line up property management before closing. Our guide to investing in Myrtle Beach real estate goes deeper on property types and return considerations.

What to Budget Beyond the Purchase Price

Property taxes: Qualified owner-occupied primary residences in Horry County use a 4% assessment ratio. Many non-primary properties use a 6% ratio before millage is applied. Source: Horry County Taxpayer Services.

Homeowners insurance: Wind, flood, roof age, construction type, distance from water, deductible structure, and claims history can all affect the quote. Obtain address-specific estimates before setting a final budget.

HOA and condo fees: Planned communities and condos can have recurring association fees. Review the current budget, reserve funding, insurance obligations, rental rules, and any announced assessments.

Utilities: Budget for seasonal cooling demand and verify providers and billing history for the specific property.

Vehicle registration and driver's license: New South Carolina residents have 45 days to transfer an out-of-state vehicle registration and 45 days to apply for a South Carolina driver's license. Vehicle property taxes must be paid to the county before the vehicle can be registered. Source: South Carolina DMV, Moving to SC guidance.

Myrtle Beach Relocation Decision Framework

Factor	What to check in Myrtle Beach
Housing reference point	$550,000 single-family and $199,000 condo medians in ZIP codes 29572 and 29577, August 2026
Monthly ownership costs	Insurance quotes, association dues, and the 4% or 6% assessment ratio for the property
School research	Horry County Schools attendance boundaries for the exact address
Commute to employment areas	17.7-minute city mean, 2020-2024, plus seasonal traffic on your actual route
Climate risk	Flood zone, wind coverage, roof condition, and evacuation route
Rental plans	Zoning district, business license, and association rental rules
Lifestyle fit	Oceanfront condo, golf and marina community, inland neighborhood, or mixed-use setting

Sales data is from local MLS market data for August 2026. The commute measure is from U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts for 2020-2024. Tax ratios are from Horry County Taxpayer Services, and rental zoning details are from the City of Myrtle Beach.

Talk Through Your Myrtle Beach Move

Joshua Haas is a REALTOR® and Broker Associate licensed in both New Jersey and South Carolina, so he can help with both sides of a move: Selling or renting out the home you have now and finding the right fit in Myrtle Beach. If you would like to compare property types, ownership costs, rental rules, or neighborhoods for your situation, call or text Joshua at (856) 296-1093 or email joshua.c.haas@gmail.com.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Myrtle Beach

Is Myrtle Beach a good place to live?

Myrtle Beach can suit people who want coastal recreation, varied housing formats, a growing job market, and a shorter reported commute. The Census estimated a 17.7-minute mean travel time to work for city workers in 2020-2024, though seasonal traffic and employer location can change an individual routine. Source: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, 2020-2024.

How much do homes cost in Myrtle Beach?

It depends heavily on property type. In Myrtle Beach ZIP codes 29572 and 29577, the August 2026 median sales price was $550,000 for single-family homes and $199,000 for condos. Insurance, association fees, and whether the home qualifies as a primary residence for the 4% assessment ratio can change the monthly cost significantly. Sources: local MLS market data, August 2026; Horry County Taxpayer Services.

What are the job prospects in Myrtle Beach?

Myrtle Beach employment extends across hospitality, retail, healthcare, construction, education, and public services. The metro area's nonfarm employment grew 3.2% over the year in August 2026, tied for the largest percentage gain among U.S. metro areas. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, August 2026.

Can I rent out a home I buy in Myrtle Beach?

Long-term rentals are possible in many areas with a city business license, but short-term rentals of less than 90 days are not allowed in most traditional residential zones within city limits. Check the property's zoning district and any association rental rules before you buy. Source: City of Myrtle Beach.

What should I know about schools in Myrtle Beach before moving?

The key school question is which campus serves the exact address under Horry County Schools attendance boundaries. The area includes public, charter, private, and career-focused options, so families should compare programs, transportation, services, and official school information rather than relying on a single third-party score.

What are the biggest costs to budget for when relocating to Myrtle Beach?

Plan for property taxes, homeowners and flood insurance, association dues, utilities, moving expenses, and vehicle-related costs in addition to the purchase price. Qualified owner-occupied homes use a 4% assessment ratio in Horry County, while many non-primary properties use 6% before millage is applied. Source: Horry County Taxpayer Services.