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Everything you need to know about relocating to South Carolina's premier coastal region — from neighborhoods and schools to cost of living and lifestyle.
The Grand Strand stretches across 60 miles of pristine Atlantic coastline, from the charming fishing village of Little River in the north to the historic Lowcountry beauty of Pawleys Island in the south. This isn't just a vacation destination — it's one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the United States, and for good reason.
With a population that has surged past 500,000 residents, the Myrtle Beach metropolitan area offers an exceptional quality of life that combines coastal living with affordable housing, no state income tax on retirement income, and a welcoming community that draws families, professionals, and retirees from across the country.
Whether you're relocating from the Northeast, Midwest, or anywhere in between, this guide will walk you through everything you need to make an informed decision about calling the Grand Strand home.
One of the biggest draws for relocating families is the Grand Strand's favorable cost of living. Overall, living expenses here run approximately 7% below the national average, with housing costs offering the most significant savings.
South Carolina offers additional financial advantages for residents. The state has relatively low property taxes compared to northeastern states, and retirement income including Social Security benefits is not taxed at the state level — a major incentive for retirees choosing the Grand Strand.
| Expense | Grand Strand | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $325,000 median | $412,000 median |
| Groceries | $307/mo (single) | $400/mo (single) |
| Healthcare | Slightly below avg | Baseline |
| Transportation | At national avg | Baseline |
| State Income Tax | 0–6.5% | Varies by state |
The Grand Strand is made up of distinct communities, each with its own character and appeal. From bustling beachfront towns to quiet inland retreats, here's a look at the areas that draw the most relocating families and professionals.
The heart of the Grand Strand with world-class dining, entertainment, and oceanfront living. Home to Grande Dunes, Market Common, and Kingston Plantation.
A quieter beach town with a strong sense of community. Cherry Grove, Barefoot Resort, and Tidewater Plantation are popular choices for families.
The Grand Strand's top family community with highly rated schools, master-planned neighborhoods, and easy access to the beach and shopping.
Historic Lowcountry charm with exclusive gated communities like DeBordieu Colony. Known for its laid-back, "arrogantly shabby" character.
The "Seafood Capital of South Carolina" with the famous MarshWalk, waterfront dining, and family-friendly neighborhoods like Prince Creek.
The charming county seat with a historic Riverwalk, lower prices, and a growing downtown scene. Great for buyers seeking value and character.
Other popular areas include Surfside Beach (the "Family Beach"), Garden City Beach (affordable oceanfront), Little River (waterway living and fishing culture), and Litchfield (exclusive golf and beach communities near Pawleys Island).
The Grand Strand is served primarily by Horry County Schools, the third-largest school district in South Carolina with over 45,000 students across 56 schools. The district performs above state averages in both math and reading proficiency.
Beyond public schools, the area also offers several private and charter school options, including Myrtle Beach Christian Academy, and Coastal Montessori Charter School. Coastal Carolina University and Horry-Georgetown Technical College provide local higher education opportunities.
Families relocating with school-age children often gravitate toward Carolina Forest and the St. James area (Murrells Inlet/Litchfield) for their highly rated school clusters.
The Grand Strand enjoys a humid subtropical climate with abundant sunshine year-round. Summers are warm with temperatures averaging 83–91°F, while winters are mild at 57–61°F — a stark contrast to the harsh winters many relocators are leaving behind.
The region averages around 215 sunny days per year, making it ideal for outdoor activities, golf, fishing, and beach days nearly year-round. Hurricane season runs from June through November, though direct hits to the Grand Strand are relatively infrequent.
Beyond the beach, Grand Strand residents enjoy over 80 golf courses, extensive Intracoastal Waterway boating, world-class fishing, state parks like Huntington Beach and Myrtle Beach State Park, and a thriving restaurant and entertainment scene. The area supports a full calendar of festivals, farmers markets, and community events that foster a strong sense of belonging.
The Grand Strand is primarily a car-dependent area, though improvements continue to expand transportation options. Major arteries include Highway 17 (the main north-south coastal route), Highway 501 (connecting Conway to Myrtle Beach), and Highway 31 (the Carolina Bays Parkway, a faster inland route).
Traffic patterns shift significantly with the seasons. Summer months bring heavier tourist traffic, especially near the beach and along Highway 17. Many locals learn to use Highway 31 and back roads to avoid congestion during peak season. Outside of summer, traffic is generally manageable throughout the region.
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) provides convenient access with direct flights to many major cities. The Coast RTA public transit system offers bus routes throughout the metro area, and ride-sharing services are widely available.
The Grand Strand is served by several major healthcare systems. Tidelands Health operates multiple facilities including Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital and Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital. Grand Strand Health (an HCA Healthcare facility) is the area's largest hospital with comprehensive services including a heart center, cancer center, and Level II trauma designation.
McLeod Health also serves the region with facilities in the Conway and Loris areas. Specialty care, urgent care clinics, and medical practices are well-distributed throughout the metro area, ensuring residents have convenient access to quality healthcare regardless of which community they choose.
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