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 a master-planned community near Myrtle Beach, known for its preserved green spaces and family-friendly neighborhoods.
Carolina Forest offers a mix of suburban living and natural beauty, with over 9,000 acres of preserved forest and proximity to Myrtle Beach.
1/2
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.
Carolina Forest offers a range of homes, from affordable family options to upscale neighborhoods, all surrounded by natural beauty and top amenities.
Carolina Forest is known for its planned neighborhoods, offering modern homes, green spaces, and a short drive to Myrtle Beach attractions.
1/2
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, with peak activity from June to November.
Carolina Forest enjoys a mild coastal climate with warm summers and mild winters, perfect for outdoor activities year-round.
1/2
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.
Carolina Forest Elementary prepares students for middle school.
Students at Carolina Forest High School have access to several outdoor sports fields.
1/2
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 span 27.7 acres, offering trails and open spaces for walking, running, and various sports activities.
Man O’ War Golf Club in Carolina Forest features water on all 18 holes, including back-to-back island greens.
1/2
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.
1/2
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
Tyler Patchen
Photography Contributed By
Justin Stapp
Video By
Benjamin Rose
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Radha Herring,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Carolina Forest, SC sell after 77 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Carolina Forest, SC over the last 12 months is $432,587, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
**OPEN HOUSE TUESDAY 6/17 11:00-1:00** This stunning 5-bedroom, 4-bath custom-built residence is thoughtfully designed for both everyday living and entertaining. Located in Waterbridge—one of the most sought-after communities in Carolina Forest—this home offers comfort, elegance, and flexibility. The well-planned layout includes two first-floor bedrooms, ideal for guests or multi-generational
Nestled in a cul-de-sac, this beautiful 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and functionality. Step inside to find a spacious floor plan with natural light flowing through every room. The kitchen and living areas are ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. Out back, enjoy your private back porch overlooking a sparkling backyard pool—perfect for relaxing
Sellers are motivated so come see this beauty today! Welcome to this meticulously maintained one-story home, perfectly designed for comfort and style. Tucked into a quiet cul-de-sac, this home boasts an open-concept living area ideal for entertaining. The kitchen shines with granite countertops, a large island with a breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, and a walk-in pantry. The spacious
Don't miss your chance to own this pristine lake front home in the desirable and convenient area of Carolina Forest. This move-in ready home has been completely updated, including a brand new roof, and offers a perfect blend of modern updates and comfort. The heart of the home is the spacious eat-in kitchen, which boasts gorgeous granite countertops, brand new stainless steel appliances, and a
Welcome to this stunning, fully renovated 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom single-level home located in the highly sought-after community of The Farm at Carolina Forest. Every detail of this home has been thoughtfully upgraded to blend modern comfort with timeless style. Step into the brand-new kitchen featuring granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a custom pantry, pull-out drawers, and
Welcome to this exceptional 3-year-old custom-built home located in the highly sought-after gated Waterbridge Community. Thoughtfully designed with an open floor plan and filled with natural light, this home showcases refined craftsmanship including extensive moldings, built-ins, tray and coffered soaring ceilings, and high-end finishes throughout. A spacious home office with double glass doors
The Cottages at Myrtle Beach (new) is a brand new community! Uniquely designed cottages with modern kitchens, spacious living rooms plus side yards to extend your living space! Visit or call our community today for our current availability.
Available Immediately! Ask about the May Special Offer! Centrally located and available immediately! Enjoy the convenience of maintenance-free living at Victory Point. This new townhome offers a great split floor plan with the primary suite and a guest bedroom on the first floor, and a separate bedroom and full bathroom on the second floor. The gourmet kitchen with is equipped with stainless
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
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
