Moving to Myrtle Beach
Relocating to the
Grand Strand.
40% of Myrtle Beach buyers come from out of state. We have a proven remote buyer process that gets most clients to closing without making more than one trip.
Relocation FAQ
Do I need to visit Myrtle Beach before buying?
Not necessarily before making an offer, but we strongly recommend one in-person visit before closing. We do live video walkthroughs of neighborhoods and properties before you travel so the trip is efficient. Most of our out-of-state buyers find their home on a single 2-day visit.
How does a remote closing work in South Carolina?
SC law allows remote closings. You sign documents through a notary in your home state and submit them electronically to the closing attorney in South Carolina. We coordinate between the closing attorney, your lender, and you so the process is seamless.
Which Myrtle Beach neighborhoods are best for relocators?
Carolina Forest is the most popular landing spot for families relocating to the Grand Strand. It has the best schools in Horry County, approximately 30 sub-neighborhoods across a range of price points, and an active resale market. Market Common is the top pick for professionals who want walkability. Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island attract those looking for a quieter lifestyle away from the tourist corridor.
How is Myrtle Beach's cost of living compared to the Northeast?
Overall cost of living in Myrtle Beach runs approximately 7% below the national average. Housing is significantly lower than markets in NC, NY, NJ, and PA. There is no state income tax on Social Security in SC, and property taxes are among the lowest in the region. The main cost surprises are coastal insurance and HOA fees on condos, which buyers from inland markets do not expect.
What should I know about schools in Horry County?
School quality varies significantly by location in Horry County. Carolina Forest has the strongest school performance, including River Oaks Elementary and Carolina Forest High. Conway, Socastee, and Saint James districts are also solid options. Myrtle Beach city schools trend lower in performance ratings. If schools are a priority, filter your search to the Carolina Forest and North Myrtle Beach areas.
Mistakes Relocators Make
Buying in the wrong neighborhood for their lifestyle
The Grand Strand is not one market. A family relocating from the suburbs of Charlotte who buys an oceanfront condo in Myrtle Beach city often finds the area too touristy and lacking the suburban feel they expected. Spend time in multiple neighborhoods on your visit before narrowing down. We build a neighborhood tour into every relocation plan.
Underestimating coastal insurance costs
Buyers from inland markets are accustomed to one homeowners insurance policy. In coastal SC you need three: homeowners, wind/hail, and flood. Together these can add $400 to $700 per month to your housing cost. Get insurance quotes during your due diligence period, not after.
Not getting pre-approved before shopping
Out-of-state buyers sometimes start touring before completing their pre-approval, assuming they can transfer a pre-approval letter from their current state. SC lenders underwrite coastal properties differently, particularly for condos, flood-zone properties, and investment purchases. Get your pre-approval with a SC-licensed lender before you tour.
Relying on Zillow neighborhood data instead of local knowledge
Zillow's neighborhood ratings do not reflect the nuance of the Grand Strand market. A zip code that looks average on paper may contain a top-rated school district, a golf-cart-friendly community, or a high-performing STR corridor. Ask your agent for a block-by-block breakdown before drawing conclusions from online ratings.
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
Where do most people relocating to Myrtle Beach come from?
The largest inbound groups come from the Northeast and Ohio Valley, with New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Ohio consistently among the top origin states.
Are property taxes lower in South Carolina?
For a primary residence, usually yes. Owner-occupied homes in South Carolina are assessed at 4 percent and exempt from school operating taxes, which keeps effective rates among the lowest in the country.
Can I buy in Myrtle Beach before I move?
Yes. Remote purchases are routine on the Grand Strand, with video tours, digital signing, and a mail-away or remote closing coordinated through a South Carolina attorney.