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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Video By
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Welcome home to your 4 Bedroom, 3.5 bath, water view home with a private back yard in the desirable Parks of Carolina Forest community. From the moment you pull into the driveway you see this home has a lot of curb appeal and attention to detail. The covered front porch welcomes you into this well-maintained 4-year-old home with many upgrades. This well-appointed Belfort floor plan has two floors
There’s something special about a home that just feels right the moment you walk in and this custom home delivers. Tucked inside the sought after Waterbridge community, this home offers the kind of everyday ease and elevated living that’s hard to find. Designed with true first floor living in mind, the primary suite and two additional bedrooms are all conveniently located on the main level,
Located in the desirable Carolina Forest community of The Farm, this fully renovated 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers updated systems, flexible living space, and easy access to Myrtle Beach amenities and coastal living. Recent improvements include fresh interior paint, brand new stainless steel appliances, and a new HVAC system, providing long-term comfort and low-maintenance ownership. The main
Welcome to 5658 Camilla Ct, a stunning 6 bedroom, 4 bathroom home offering over 4,200 heated square feet of thoughtfully designed living space in the heart of The Farm at Carolina Forest. Situated on an oversized 0.35 acre cul-de-sac lot backing to a private wooded backdrop with no rear neighbors, this home delivers the space, style, and upgrades today's buyers are looking for. From the moment
Welcome home to your 4 Bedroom, 3.5 bath, water view home with a private back yard in the desirable Parks of Carolina Forest community. From the moment you pull into the driveway you see this home has a lot of curb appeal and attention to detail. The covered front porch welcomes you into this well-maintained 4-year-old home with many upgrades. This well-appointed Belfort floor plan has two floors
There’s something special about a home that just feels right the moment you walk in and this custom home delivers. Tucked inside the sought after Waterbridge community, this home offers the kind of everyday ease and elevated living that’s hard to find. Designed with true first floor living in mind, the primary suite and two additional bedrooms are all conveniently located on the main level,
Located in the desirable Carolina Forest community of The Farm, this fully renovated 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers updated systems, flexible living space, and easy access to Myrtle Beach amenities and coastal living. Recent improvements include fresh interior paint, brand new stainless steel appliances, and a new HVAC system, providing long-term comfort and low-maintenance ownership. The main
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 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
Nestled in a quiet, tucked-away neighborhood within the highly sought-after Carolina Forest community, this charming 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath townhome offers both comfort and convenience. Ideally situated on a cul-de-sac at the end of Seabert Road, the property enjoys minimal traffic with no through access, providing a peaceful setting perfect for full-time living or a relaxing retreat. This upgraded,
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
Welcome to Bay Meadows, where comfort and convenience meet in the heart of Myrtle Beach! This spacious top-floor 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo offers an open, airy layout designed for both relaxation and entertaining. The kitchen is well-appointed with abundant cabinet space and generous countertops, making meal prep a breeze. The primary suite is a true retreat with walk-in closet, a private
Exploring the Carolina Forest Lifestyle! Living in Avalon means you are 15 minutes away from everything, but far enough away to hear the crickets. The Beaches: You’re a short drive from the Atlantic. Go for the sunrise, leave before the tourists arrive. Dining: From upscale bistros to BBQ, Carolina Forest is a foodie's playground. Shopping: With the Tanger Outlets nearby, that walk-in closet we
Located in The Parks at Carolina Forest, one of Myrtle Beach’s most established master-planned communities, this 4-bedroom, 3-bath home offers a balanced mix of modern design, usable space, and everyday livability. Built in 2023 and offering over 2,600 heated square feet, the two-story layout is designed around an open-concept main living area that connects the kitchen, dining, and living spaces
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
COMING SOON | Available July 1st! Welcome to Waterbridge, one of the area's most desirable gated communities here in Carolina Forest! This resort-style community offers incredible amenities including a clubhouse, South Carolina's largest residential pool, fitness center, tennis, pickleball, basketball, volleyball, bocce courts, plus a lake with a boat launch. This two-story home features a
Welcome to Haven Pointe at Carolina Forest, your dream community where comfort, leisure, and entertainment are designed with your lifestyle in mind. With a prime location and top-tier amenities, our pet-friendly apartments in Myrtle Beach have everything you need to feel right at home.Located near Carolina Forest Blvd and River Oaks Drive, our 1-, 2-& 3-bedroom apartments in Myrtle Beach are a
Beautiful 4 bed, 3 bath home in the heart of Carolina Forest. Spacious primary bedroom is located downstairs, large open floor plan with a bonus room and full bath upstairs. Perfect for a couple or family! Large flex room perfect for formal dining, office or exercise room! New carpet and paint throughout! Call for more details!
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
Oversized 3rd floor condominium in Bay Meadows. Building has a elevator Close to Coastal Carolina University, Conway Medical Center, Downtown Conway and Riverwalk. 25 minutes from the Beach! Master bedroom and master bath is in the rear of the unit, with access to the oversized balcony! Two bedrooms in the front of the unit that share a bath. Large kitchen with all appliances that overlook a
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
Enjoy the charm of this beautifully refreshed 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with a 2-car garage in the desirable Carolina Forest area! Recent updates include fresh interior paint and new LVP flooring throughout the entire home. The kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a pantry, and a convenient laundry area for a washer and dryer. The open floor plan seamlessly connects the
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
If you're looking for a ground floor 3 bedroom 2 bath condo in the heart of Carolina Forest, here it is. This condo is unfurnished and is located in a great community in the Carolina Forest area of Myrtle Beach. First floor, plenty of living space and large bedrooms. Community pool and more! Don't miss out on this great price to live in a large condo in a highly desirable area!
The Cottages at Myrtle Beach are 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.
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
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