Why residents enjoy Aynor’s slower pace and large lots
Aynor is a quiet, rural community with homes on spacious lots, located about 30 miles from Myrtle Beach. Residents enjoy a small town lifestyle with local schools, parks and restaurants, while relying on nearby Conway, Florence and Myrtle Beach for larger employment, shopping and entertainment options. With easy access to major highways and a strong sense of community, Aynor appeals to those seeking more space, affordability, and a slower pace of life while staying close to the beach.
Mixed home styles on generous lots define this rural town
Homes in Aynor are a mix of New Traditional, manufactured, ranch-style and new construction with Craftsman or Cape Cod influences. Lot sizes are large and yards are spacious, with grass and mature trees. Stephen Hand, a Realtor and team leader at Re/Max Southern Shores who sells throughout the Grand Strand, says these large lot sizes are the reason Aynor is poised to be the next up-and-coming community in the Myrtle Beach area. “It’s going to grow because people are going to realize they can get so much more for their money,” he says. Aynor’s residential streets are rural and quiet, and some have sidewalks, making it easy to walk the dog or take an evening stroll. The median price for homes is around $315,000.
Employment ranges from local retailers to commutes to larger hubs
In 2013, PTR Industries relocated to Aynor and is a local employer. Other jobs are at retailers in town or on family-owned farms. For more employment options, residents commute to Florence, Marion or Myrtle Beach.
Car travel is common with major highways close to town
Aynor is car-dependent and close to several major roadways. U.S. Route 501 runs through town and connects to Myrtle Beach. South Carolina Highway 22 (SC-22) is another popular option. Hand says that while it’s more miles, SC-22 makes the drive to Myrtle Beach quicker because there’s often less traffic. Myrtle Beach International Airport is about 30 miles via US-501 and about 50 via SC-22. Several hospitals are within 20 miles from town, including Conway Medical Center and MUSC Health Marion Medical Center.
Kids attend local Aynor schools with choice options
Horry County Schools serves the area, is well rated on Niche and offers choice through themed magnet programs and transfer options. Admissions and transfers depend on program criteria and available space. Kids can attend Aynor Elementary School, Aynor Middle School and Aynor High School. Another option for families is through South Carolina Virtual Charter School, which provides structured online classes for kids from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Groceries and casual dining are easy to find in town
There are several options for grocery shopping in town, including KJ’s Market and DG Market. Dollar General and Dollar Tree are also there.
For dining out close to home, there is a mix of chain and local restaurants, including:
- Ned’s Sandwich Shop, a community staple loved for its burgers, fries and sweet tea
- Santino’s Pizza, serving subs, pasta, salads and pizza
- Biggby Coffee, a regional chain coffee shop that offers espresso drinks, smoothies and baked goods
- National chains like Waffle House, Bojangles and McDonalds
For big box stores and other shopping, dining and entertainment options, Hand says locals head to Conway, about 15 miles away. “Conway is making a name for itself because they’ve really revitalized their downtown,” Hand says. “For date nights, you don’t have to go all the way to Myrtle Beach, you can go to Conway. In fact, I think Conway would be a better pick for that.”
Residents use Aynor Park and a local gym for exercise
Residents head to Aynor Park for fresh air and exercise. The park features a large playground, covered picnic tables, a basketball court and an open field. For indoor exercise, The Scrapyard is a gym that offers personal training, sports training and fitness camps.
Seasonal festivals and farm events bring residents together
Residents gather for the Harvest Hoe-Down Festival every September for a day of food vendors, arts and crafts, kids’ activities, live music and a parade. Southern Palmetto Farms, a family-owned farm about 6 miles from town, also hosts regular events, including egg hunts at Easter, summer camps and a corn maze and pumpkin patch during the fall.
