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
Sylvia Hickman,
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
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 The Parks at Carolina Forest, where comfort, style, and location come together in this like-new, move-in-ready home. Why wait on new construction when this meticulously maintained property is loaded with custom upgrades and thoughtful finishes? This single-level "Darby floor plan" offers 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 full baths, and a versatile flex room with elegant French doors, perfect as
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
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 The Parks at Carolina Forest, where comfort, style, and location come together in this like-new, move-in-ready home. Why wait on new construction when this meticulously maintained property is loaded with custom upgrades and thoughtful finishes? This single-level "Darby floor plan" offers 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 full baths, and a versatile flex room with elegant French doors, perfect as
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
Living here you will have first-class amenities including fitness facility, resident clubhouse, and luminous swimming pool with large sundeck. The Cloisters at Carolina Forest is surrounded by tranquil walking trails and offer peace of mind with 24 hour emergency maintenance. Onsite storage and detached garages are also available. Call us today for a tour! Our community is now open for in-person
Spacious 3-bedroom home in The Farm at Carolina Forest, now available for rent! Located in one of the most desirable communities in the area, this home offers an open-concept layout with a large kitchen and living space—perfect for everyday living and entertaining. Enjoy peaceful mornings or relaxing evenings on the covered back porch overlooking the oversized fully fenced yard. The Farm offers
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
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
