Carolina Forest has grown into a substantial suburban community in Horry County
The Carolina Forest may have started as a forest owned by International Paper, but the area has evolved since the 1990s into a bustling community of 23,000 near coastal attractions, schools and plenty of shopping and dining locations. “The whole area is relatively young,” says Mark Gouhin, Realtor with Today Homes Realty SC and a 20-year resident. “The master development plan has many communities, single-family homes with amenities, with reasonable HOAs, really nice pools and clubhouses.”
Carolina Forest is known for its preserved green spaces and family-friendly neighborhoods.
Carolina Forest offers over 9,000 acres of preserved forest and proximity to Myrtle Beach.
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A mix of single-family homes and condos
The median price for homes in Carolina Forest is $439,000, higher than national and state medians. Condos are also available. Housing is primarily new traditionals, with HOAs present. Gouhin says the area has attracted many people, including first-time home buyers, young families, retirees and transplants from all over the U.S. “When I first started selling real estate, it just seemed like [people] from the northeast, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, but we were seeing a lot of people coming here from California, Colorado, and Arizona,” Gouhin says.
Townhomes in Carolina Forest offer affordable options for first-time buyers and seasonal residents.
Carolina Forest is known for its planned neighborhoods, offering modern homes and green spaces.
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Hurricane and flooding risk
Hurricanes can be a factor, but the area has during recent storms dodged most of the severe flooding or significant damage. Flood maps from Horry County and FEMA do not place the area in a flood zone. There has been forest fire activity near the community in 2025.
Carolina Forest occasionally faces hurricanes and tropical storms due to its coastal location.
Carolina Forest enjoys a mild coastal climate with warm summers and mild winters.
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Horry County Schools and Coastal Carolina University
Carolina Forest’s students attend Horry County Schools and are rated A-minus on Niche. Private schools in the area include the B-graded Christian Academy of Myrtle Beach. B-rated Coastal Carolina University is 12 miles north of the community.
Students at Carolina Forest High School have access to several outdoor sports fields.
Coastal Carolina University is a top-rated college located 12 miles north of Carolina Forest.
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Local parks, golf courses and classic cars
The International Drive Ballpark & Fields has four baseball diamonds in the northeastern corner of the community and hosts soccer games. The Carolina Forest Recreation Center has an indoor gymnasium, fitness room and playground. A branch of the Horry County Memorial Library is next door. Local golf courses include the Man O’War Golf Club, a public facility with a 7,200-yard layout around a 100-acre lake. Immediately north, the Arnold Palmer-designed Myrtle Beach National has three courses and children under 16 can play for free with an adult. On Highway 501, the Wheels of Yesteryear displays over 150 classic cars. Myrtle Beach and its coastal attractions are 6 miles south.
The International Drive Fields in Carolina Forest offers various outdoor activities.
Man O’ War Golf Club in Carolina Forest features water on all 18 holes, including back-to-back island greens.
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Dining and shopping in Carolina Forest
Local restaurants peppered throughout Carolina Forest include Scotch Bonnet, which serves authentic Jamaican dishes. Tavern in the Forest offers sandwiches, burgers and other entrees. Oak Prime Kitchen and Bar has a variety of cocktails along with steaks and seafood. Grocery stores in the community include Lowes on International Drive. Publix and Food Lion are on River Oaks Drive, while Kroger has a location off Highway 501. Big-box and clothing retailers, including Tangier Outlets, are also off Highway 501. McLeod Health has a 43-acre campus in Carolina Forest, offering emergency and outpatient services. A new hospital at the complex will be completed in 2026.
Tanger Outlets in Carolina Forest is introducing a "sip and stroll" concept, allowing shoppers to enjoy alcoholic beverages while browsing stores.
Lowes Foods in Carolina Forest features a train-themed Boxcar Coffee and Beer Den, offering a unique shopping experience.
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Highways and airport connections
Coast RTA provides bus connections to Carolina Forest. Highway 501 connects the area to downtown Myrtle Beach, 5 miles south, and connects with Interstate 95 over 70 miles north. The closest commercial airport is Myrtle Beach International.
Crime in Horry County
According to the latest South Carolina Law Enforcement Division statistics, crimes against people in Horry County have increased by 10%, but property crimes have trended downward.
Written By
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Beautifully renovated home located in the highly sought-after Farm at Carolina Forest community. This home has been completely refreshed with new paint, brand new stainless steel appliances, and a new HVAC system, offering comfort, style, and peace of mind for the next owner. All three bedrooms and two full bathrooms are located upstairs, while the first floor offers a convenient half bath along
Indigo Bay offers a serene, gated community in the heart of Carolina Forest with tree-lined homesites and stunning views of a 50+ acre lake. Enjoy resort-style amenities including a saltwater pool, clubhouse, dog park, fitness center, pickleball courts, and kayak/paddleboard launch. Choose from coastal-inspired homes with James Hardie siding, masonry accents, and options from single-level ranch
A close-nit and well established community in one of Myrtle Beaches most desirable areas. Award winning schools, and all your shopping and essential needs, with easy access to the beach! You'll instantly feel the welcoming vibes checking out this 3 bed 2.5 bath townhouse with private 1 car garage and first floor bedrooms. The desirable floorplan optimizes the space starting with the kitchen with
Look no further—you’ve found the perfect place to call home. Welcome to 2604 Painted Trillium Ct, a stunning custom-built residence situated on a private cul-de-sac lot within the highly sought-after, gated community of Waterbridge in Myrtle Beach. This elegant Lowcountry-inspired home impresses from the moment you arrive, featuring a desirable horseshoe driveway that provides additional parking
Stylish End-Unit Townhome in a Prime Carolina Forest Location Welcome to this beautifully refreshed 3BR/2.5BA end-unit townhome in the highly sought-after Ocean Bay Townhomes community. With vaulted ceilings in both the living room and the primary suite, the home feels open, airy, and filled with natural light—enhanced even further by the additional windows exclusive to an end unit. The kitchen
Welcome to a truly rare offering in the prestigious gated community of Waterbridge—where timeless craftsmanship, thoughtful upgrades, and an unforgettable lifestyle come together at 1080 Fiddlehead Way. Built as the personal residence of a respected custom home builder who has crafted numerous homes throughout the community, this exceptional 5-bedroom, 4-bath home with a private in-law suite and
Welcome to Avalon in Carolina Forest—one of the Myrtle Beach area’s most sought-after communities! This beautifully refreshed home offers a prime location, modern updates, and resort-style amenities that set it apart from the competition—step inside to an open-concept living area filled with natural light, perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The home features fresh interior paint both
Located in the highly sought-after community of The Parks at Carolina Forest, this impressive Tillman floor plan offers the perfect balance of space, functionality, and modern design. With approximately 3,221 heated square feet (3,820 total), this home features 5 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, thoughtfully arranged to provide comfortable everyday living with plenty of room to grow. The main level
Looking for your dream home in Myrtle Beach? This beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in the desirable Avalon community is move-in ready and waiting for you! Modern Comfort Meets Community Living Step inside and discover a fresh, contemporary interior. You'll love the brand-new LVT flooring that flows seamlessly throughout, complemented by new paint that brightens every room. The updates
Welcome to this beautiful 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home in the Avalon community of Carolina Forest! This well-maintained home features an open floor plan, LVP flooring in main living areas, and a modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, designer cabinets, and granite countertops. Bathrooms include tile showers. HVAC replaced in 2020 and roof in 2024. The backyard is perfect for grilling and
Preserve at Walkers Woods community of Carolina Forest, 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with a dedicated office space or could be used as a 4th bedroom. Set on a quiet street off the main road, the backyard backs up to mature trees, creating a peaceful, natural backdrop with no rear neighbors. The split-bedroom floor plan provides privacy for the primary suite, while the secondary bedrooms are positioned
Beautifully renovated home located in the highly sought-after Farm at Carolina Forest community. This home has been completely refreshed with new paint, brand new stainless steel appliances, and a new HVAC system, offering comfort, style, and peace of mind for the next owner. All three bedrooms and two full bathrooms are located upstairs, while the first floor offers a convenient half bath along
Welcome home to this stunning four bedroom, three bathroom residence located within the sought-after Brookberry community at the Farm. Proudly built by RS Parker, this home reflects quality construction and meticulous attention to detail throughout. This home features a versatile office that could easily serve as a fifth bedroom if needed. The thoughtfully designed floor plan offers both
The golf course views are spectacular from this beautiful top floor end unit 2 bed 2 bath condo located in the popular Windsor Green community! This turnkey unit is being sold fully furnished (with the exception of personal items), just updated with a new stove and refrigerator and is move in ready! Fabulous open floor plan features vaulted ceilings and double sliding doors that provide wonderful
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bath home in the highly desired Carolina Forest area. A welcoming, wide entryway invites you inside. The living room features a vaulted ceiling, which enhances the home’s open floor plan. Updated light fixtures and modern switches add a fresh, contemporary touch throughout the space. The updated kitchen features stainless steel appliances,
Look & Lease within 24 hours of viewing to receive reduced app and admin fee! Prices, promotions, and availability are subject to change. Embrace coastal living at Sea Trace, a brand new luxury rental home community in Myrtle Beach. With one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes, Sea Trace blends modern style with seaside sophistication. Plus, enjoy a resort-style pool, pickleball court, community
Look & Lease within 24 hours of viewing to receive reduced app and admin fee! Prices, promotions, and availability are subject to change. Embrace coastal living at Sea Trace, a brand new luxury rental home community in Myrtle Beach. With one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes, Sea Trace blends modern style with seaside sophistication. Plus, enjoy a resort-style pool, pickleball court, community
Look & Lease within 24 hours of viewing to receive reduced app and admin fee! Prices, promotions, and availability are subject to change. Embrace coastal living at Sea Trace, a brand new luxury rental home community in Myrtle Beach. With one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes, Sea Trace blends modern style with seaside sophistication. Plus, enjoy a resort-style pool, pickleball court, community
When you come home to Reserve at Ridgewood Plantation, you'll experience peace of mind that comes with surrounding yourself with lush landscaping in a quiet setting with fountains & lakes! Choose between elegant two and three bedroom apartment homes that offer exquisite amenities & an unparalleled lifestyle in the Myrtle Beach area that is convenient to Highway 501 & minutes to Conway, Myrtle
HOME ON THE POND!!! Covington Lake community in the heart of Carolina Forest. This beautiful home in the great community of Covington Lake offers 3 bedroom suites. Each room with its own en suite bath and walk in closets. The home offers 3 large main living areas. Two of them connected by French doors. The kitchen overlooking a very spacious breakfast area, great for gathering. Granite
Designed to fit any lifestyle, our apartments in Myrtle Beach at Haven Pointe at Carolina Forest are your gateway to contemporary living. Our apartment rentals in South Carolina, welcome residents with a variety of selections of one, two, and three-bedroom floor plans, along with an extensive list of luxury apartment amenities and excellent services.With pet-friendly rentals and a serene
Welcome to Carolina Willows in the highly sought-after Carolina Forest area of Myrtle Beach! This beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2 -bathroom first-floor condo offers both comfort and convenience. Step inside to find a spacious open layout featuring solid surface countertops throughout and a modern kitchen equipped with stainless steel appliances. Enjoy easy-style living with access to a
Welcome to Hawthorne at The Mill, where modern living meets convenience near the highly sought-after Carolina Forest area in Myrtle Beach, SC. Our upscale studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments and carriage houses with attached garages offer the perfect blend of comfort and luxury. Located just minutes from Carolina Forest and within walking distance of Publix, youll enjoy easy access
Available Immediately! Freshly painted and updated with Luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout and new appliances. Open floor plan with lots of room to move around. Home has a large yard as well. Located in the Carolina Forest school district and only minutes from shopping, restaurants and all that Myrtle Beach has to offer. Monthly rent includes trash pick up, basic cable, community amenities
At The Leo, youll find a place where everyday living is elevated through thoughtful design, inviting community spaces, and a peaceful Carolina Forest setting. Our 55+ apartments in Myrtle Beach offer the ideal blend of comfort, creativity, and convenienceperfect for those who are ready for a new kind of freedom.Choose from spacious one- and two-bedroom layouts ranging from 760 to 1,384 square
Available as an annual rental now. This 3/2 condo is located in the gated community of Carolina Willows in Carolina Forest. With a split bedroom floor plan, there is privacy for all. The kitchen overlooks the dining and living areas as well as the private balcony off the living room. The master bedroom has a private ensuite bath and walk in closet. There are 2 other bedrooms, a full hall bath and
Welcome to Artisan Carolina Forest, where exceptional living meets the heart of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Our community offers a variety of spacious 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartment and single-family home floor plans, all thoughtfully designed to fit your lifestyle.Enjoy state-of-the-art amenities, including a convenient dog washing station for your furry friends and modern
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