Have you always dreamed of living the beach lifestyle?
Do you often wonder what it would be like if the ocean was only a few steps or a quick drive away?
If you're interested in the beautiful South Carolina beaches, then it's likely that you've already started researching some of the most famous and well-loved Myrtle Beach neighborhoods.
You've likely also looked into some of the more long-term residential towns near Myrtle Beach.
But with so many wonderful options to choose from, it can be tough to determine what the best places to live near Myrtle Beach actually are for you and your family.
This post is here to help.
In it, we'll break down some of the most popular Myrtle Beach neighborhoods, towns, and suburbs.
1. Briarcliffe Acres
This Horry County town is one of the very best Myrtle Beach neighborhoods.
Especially if you enjoy the small-town vibe, you'll be pleased to know that Briarcliffe Acres has less than 1,000 residents. It's only about four miles to the middle of North Myrtle, and about eleven miles from the middle of Myrtle beach itself.
Additionally, it used to be known as an excellent area for farming, as the crops on sand dunes thrived from the sea air. Farmers from nearby towns would come to Briarcliffe Acres in the summer, to escape the extreme heat of the farms where they lived throughout the year.
Interestingly, Briarcliffe Acres started off as a retirement community, primarily because developers saw opportunity in the farming community that flocked there.
Things evolved from there, and now, families of all ages and sizes call Briarcliffe Acres home.
If you want a combination of oak forests and the beach, then this is the perfect place for you.
2. Pawleys Island
If you're looking for some of the best towns near Myrtle Beach to call home, then you've probably already started checking out the famous Pawleys Island.
Not only is it an incredibly popular destination for tourists all over the world, it's also becoming an increasingly popular area for families in love with the beach lifestyle to relocate to.
With so many things to love about Pawleys Island, it's not hard to see why.
There are only about 100 year-round residents, which means that you'll certainly be able to enjoy the quieter beach lifestyle in the off-season.
If you're into the "shabby chic" aesthetic, then there are few places better for you than Pawley's Island. It's also a popular area for those who love to play golf, as the town is home to several famous courses.
And for those who can't seem to get enough of good Southern cooking? Pawleys is a good idea.
You'll enjoy Lowcountry cuisine, irresistible seafood, and so much more.
Plus, Pawleys is only about 70 miles away from Charleston, which means that bigger city living is only a quick drive away. It's closest to Litchfield Beach, but is only about 25 miles from Myrtle Beach.
It's beloved as a destination for those who want to get away from the crowds of Myrtle, but who don't want to be completely isolated during the high season.
3. Cherry Grove
Sandwiched neatly between North Myrtle Beach and Little River, Cherry Grove is the perfect place for those who want to live slowly and quietly.
It's one of the smaller towns, but because it's still somewhat untapped, it's not in any way overcrowded. You'll enjoy evenings out on the pier -- the same place where the largest tiger shark in the world was caught!
While sharks certainly aren't the norm, fishing for just about everything else here is.
It's also an ideal space for avid golfers. After your day on the course, you should make it a point to enjoy a meal at the world famous Duffy Street Seafood Shack, which is a cultural icon in South Carolina and beyond.
Residents and visitors alike will also enjoy doing the famous shag dance at Harold's on the Ocean, a famous oceanfront bar in the area.
It's also ideal for those who don't mind spending the afternoon antiquing, as it's home to many fabulous antique shops perfect for helping you to decorate your new condo.
4. Ocean Drive
If you want to live in the epicenter of the most popular Myrtle Beach neighborhood, then you simply have to call Ocean Drive home.
This neighborhood is right in the middle of North Myrtle Beach, and serves as the "meeting point" for both tourists and residents alike. This means that there's always something going on in this area!
You can participate in shag dancing festivals and competitions that take place here throughout the year, or just try out your moves on the famous pier.
Main Street in the Ocean Drive area is home to stages for outdoor shows and music festivals, art exhibitions, food festivals, and so much more.
You'll have countless boutiques to shop at and many more restaurants to dine in. Plus, best of all, you'll be right on the water!
5. Windy Hill
If you're interested in a beach that's a popular area for families with younger children, then you should certainly take a closer look at Windy Hill.
It's one of the quieter neighborhoods in the area, and it's packed with inlet coves. This is perfect for teaching small children how to swim, and allows you to relax without having to keep an eye on them all the time.
Look for a condo in the area, as it's likely going to be one of the smartest investments that you can make when it comes to buying property in the Myrtle Beach area.
It's also just five minutes away from US 17, which is where you can find groceries, banks, and everything else that you need.
6. Crescent Beach
If the busy, more developed vibe of Myrtle Beach just isn't right for you?
Then you might want to look into the much quieter Crescent Beach neighborhood. It's one of the best-kept secrets in the area, and is especially well-known for being one of the cleanest beaches in South Carolina.
If you like taking your morning walks on the sand, then this is the area that you should consider moving to.
There is certainly no shortage of things to do in Crescent Beach. If you're more of a thrill seeker, then we know that you'll love giving parasailing on the beach a try.
You can play putt-putt with your younger children and even go scuba diving to get to know exactly what you're swimming with.
The area also offers beautiful sunrise kayak tours, so that you can always take in the most beautiful part of the day.
7. The Market Common
Of course, no article on the best neighborhoods in Myrtle Beach would be complete without a mention of the famous Market Common.
This area is especially popular among younger Myrtle Beach residents and potential condo owners, and has a more modern feel than some of the other areas.
Think of The Market Common as less of a "beach town" and more of a village. Though of course, the beach is only a few moments away!
The area is packed with all different kinds of stores, movie theatres, and famous clothing stores.
It's also well-known for the many farmers' markets and music festivals that take place here throughout the year. You can even take a ride on the historic trolley to get an excellent idea of what the town looks like!
8. Murrells Inlet
Murrells Inlet is unquestionably one of the best places to live near Myrtle Beach, SC.
It's ideal for those who want to kick back, relax, and enjoy a more laid-back lifestyle. The town does get busy in the summer, but you'll find that the tourists at Murrells Inlet are much less rowdy than those in Myrtle Beach proper.
Plus, it's well-known for being a fishing destination and town, which means that you'll be able to enjoy local and fresh seafood throughout the year.
As a resident, you'll also enjoy walking through the town's famous Brookgreen Gardens. The gardens contain not only stunning flowers and live oaks, but also art exhibitions and sculptures throughout the year.
It's also near to the Huntington Beach state park, which is a wonderful public space that you and your whole family will be able to enjoy.
If you feel like heading out on the town, then you can visit the Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk, which is dotted with fabulous restaurants and bars. Be prepared to dance the night away to the live music that's so often playing.
9. Georgetown
Georgetown is, unquestionably, one of the most well-loved Myrtle Beach suburbs.
One stroll through this historic and beautiful town, and it's certainly not hard to see why. It was first established in the early 1700s, but it's one of the rare suburbs that hasn't become overly developed since then.
Georgetown's history revolves around its lucrative rice trade, which at one time made about half of the rice for the entire United States. It was also a famous port city, and pieces of the port culture still certainly exist today in Georgetown.
Expect to see many boats docked in at the harbor in Georgetown.
It's also home to countless food and music festivals, so even in the off-season, you'll always find something to do.
You can enjoy shopping and dining on the famous Harborwalk, and even take boating tours on the public dock.
Visit the Gullah Museum, the Rice Museum, and the countless adorable shops and fine dining restaurants throughout the town.
10. Little River
Last on our list of the best places to live near Myrtle Beach, SC?
The dreamy town of Little River, which sits right on the Intracoastal Waterway. This means that it's right on the border between North and South Carolina.
Little River is primarily known as a historic spot, and is famous for being a fishing village. It's only about 15 miles outside of Myrtle Beach.
It's also nearby to a gambling boat, the Vereen Memorial Gardens, and most famously, Waties Island. Waties is completely undeveloped for close to three miles, so it's ideal for those long walks on the beach.
Waties is most famous for its sea turtles, and the community takes protecting them very seriously. Its shoreline is dotted with sea oats, live oak trees, beautiful dunes, and offers stunning sunset views.
Of course, we're also certain that you'll enjoy the annual Blue Crab Festival -- so make sure that you come hungry!
Ready to Move to One of These Myrtle Beach Neighborhoods?
We hope that this post has you excited about buying property in any of the Myrtle Beach neighborhoods and surrounding towns mentioned in this post.
Not only are all of these areas excellent spaces to live in. They're also ideal for those who are interested in getting the perfect investment property.
Of course, once you've found the right neighborhood or suburb for you and your family? You also need to find the right real estate agent to help you find the condo or property of your dreams!
We can help you with that.
As one of the highest rated real estate agents in Myrtle Beach, we'll offer you the local expertise and industry experience that you'll need to make the right move.
Ready to learn more -- and to find the condo you've always wanted?
Get in touch with us today to get started. We can't wait to connect you with the perfect beach condo for your family and lifestyle.