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
Tyler Patchen
Photography Contributed By
Justin Stapp
Video By
Benjamin Rose
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