Georgetown is known for its history, industry and the scenery of South Carolina’s Lowcountry. Like its larger neighbor, Charleston, this small city of 8,400 people was founded over 200 years ago as a port town. Manufacturing and machinery now support the area, but some long-running industries face difficulties. The International Paper Company, one of the city’s biggest employers since 1936, closed in 2024 and cost the community over 800 jobs. As these established industries change, tourism remains steady as visitors come to the port town to boat on rivers, explore museums and sample fresh seafood. “Georgetown is an old girl coming into her own, and she’s finding a way to reinvent herself,” says Suzanne Temple, who has worked in the region for over a decade as the owner of TideLife Vacation Rentals and is a Realtor with Re/Max Executive. “We have old homes, old oak trees, it’s a small town feel that’s really trying to stay relevant.”
Learn about history at the popular South Carolina Maritime Museum in downtown historic Georgetown.
Manufacturing and machinery are the leading industry that support the local area in Georgetown.
Discover the breathtaking beauty in Georgetown with scenic views by the river.
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Historic family homes and vacation rentals across Georgetown
While neighboring Pawleys Island is known for its vacation homes, Georgetown has more primary residences. Restored historic homes from the 18th century are consistently in demand, Temple says. The city also has private communities like DeBordieu Colony , South Island Plantation and Harbor Club, which have family homes and rental properties. The median home price is just under $380,000, lower than in Murrells Inlet and Charleston.
Find charming historic homes over two-hundred years old steps away from downtown historic Georgetown.
Explore one of the oldest beachside communities in South Carolina at DeBordieu Colony.
DeBordieu Colony has charming villas with large porches on the golf course in Georgetown.
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Food, museums and the Harborwalk on Front Street
In just one block of Front Street in downtown historic Georgetown, tourists and locals can find sushi at Rollin Local, Southern comfort food at Aunny’s Country Kitchen, Seafood at Between the Antlers and fine dining at Root. “When you walk into some of these restaurants, you see little old ladies or guys who work for the electric plant having lunch at the same time,” Temple says. The street also has many of Georgetown’s historic sites and museums, including the Rice Museum, Gullah Museum and Kaminski House. The Harborwalk, a riverfront boardwalk, runs beside Front Street for four blocks and is a favorite place for visitors to watch the sunset. While Front Street has boutique shops selling clothes, housewares and souvenirs, it's Georgetown Plaza, on the other side of the city, where locals go for chains and grocery stores.
Locals love the delicious southern dishes served at Aunny's Country Kitchen in historic downtown Georgetown.
Root is an excellent upscale restaurant with amazing food and delicious cocktails in Georgetown.
Explore the Kaminski House Museum in Georgetown and see the striking architectural details.
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The Georgetown Wooden Boat Show
Georgetown’s biggest event, the Wooden Boat Show, celebrates its nautical history. On the third weekend of October, guests from across the country come to the city to admire the over 100 wooden rowboats, yachts and canoes that fill the land and water around historic Georgetown. Visitors can also enter competitions to build their own boats and sail on the Sampit River.
Boating and fishing on the Waccamaw River
The Waccamaw, Sampit, Black and Great Pee Dee rivers run through or run next to Georgetown, and each river is open for boating and fishing. East Bay Park and Morgan Park border the Great Pee Dee River adjacent to Front Street. These parks have tennis courts, boat ramps and views of the marshlands and native live oaks. Just over Waccamaw River Bridge, Hobcaw Barony is a former plantation turned nature preserve and living museum.
East Bay Park in Georgetown is the perfect place to go for a walk under the canopy of oak trees.
Georgetown locals love to fish the waterways at the scenic Morgan Park.
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Public Georgetown School District and private schools
Georgetown School District earns a B-minus on Niche and is the primary option for public and charter schools in the area. Georgetown also has many private schools, including the Georgetown School of Arts and Sciences, which covers fifth to 12th grades. Horry Georgetown Technical College has a local campus next to Georgetown Airport.
Waccamaw High School is a public school in Georgetown, serving students in grades 9-12.
Georgetown School of Arts and Sciences is a private middle and high school in Georgetown.
Horry Georgetown Technical College is a two-year community technical college with a campus located in Georgetown.
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Ocean Highway connects to Charleston and Myrtle Beach
Highway 17, called Ocean Highway, connects Georgetown to Pawleys Island just over the Waccamaw River Bridge. It also leads to Myrtle Beach, 35 miles to the north, and Charleston, 60 miles to the south. Coast RTA has local bus routes within Georgetown and daily round trips between the city and Myrtle Beach International Airport.
Humidity and flooding in the Lowcountry
The Lowcountry is humid and rainy most of the year, with summer peaking in heat and humidity. Winters are generally mild, with occasional freezing temperatures. The region has a history of floods, high winds and hurricanes. Hurricane Ian made landfall near Georgetown in 2022, flooding some parts of the area. According to the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division, Georgetown had the fifth-lowest property crime rate in the state in 2023. The city also had a 27% decrease in violent crime that year.
The best sunrises to catch by the marsh at DeBordieu Colony in Georgetown is on a beautiful hot and humid summer morning.
Georgetown has a many tidal creeks with a history of floods from past hurricanes.
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Written By
Delaney Murray
Photography Contributed By
Jon Puckett
Video By
David Strayer
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Carolyn Robertson,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Georgetown, SC sell after 104 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Georgetown, SC over the last 12 months is $348,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Tucked away in the peaceful, gated community of Yauhannah Landing, this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offers the perfect blend of privacy, functionality, and charm. From the moment you arrive, you’ll appreciate the curb appeal created by the extended driveway and side-entry two-car garage, providing ample space for guests and extra vehicles. Step inside to discover a thoughtfully
5.78 acres located less than 15 minutes from the city of Georgetown, SC. This property would be perfect for a large private home site or for multiple smaller sites. This land is zoned MR10 so stick built or manufactured homes are allowed! Land should not have an issue with a perc test and county water and sewer are available at the end of the road. This property is suitable for multiple uses,
Wonderful opportunity to build your dream home on a great lot in The Harbor Club on Winyah Bay. The prestigious community is an intimate and exclusive private waterfront community that overlooks a wide expanse of the Winyah Bay shoreline and the Intracoastal Waterway. Savor the outdoor Lowcountry area with tidal marshes, green spaces, and mature trees. Enjoy private boat access to the bay.
We don't just rent apartments. From the moment you walk through the front door you'll feel the comfort that makes our residents happy to call us home. Cutting edge amenities, meticulously-groomed grounds, and a dedicated staff contributes to a higher standard of living. Convenient shopping, award-winning schools, local museums and parks are all close at hand, with sponsored activities to develop
5910 Highmarket is a brick ranch located outside the city limits. This 3 bedroom and 2 baths has hardwood floors throughout. Background and credit check required. 620 minimum credit score. Pets must be approved.
Richmond Place Apartments is a beautiful, new luxury apartment community offering the best in convenient, high-end living. Nestled in historic Georgetown, South Carolina—a quaint and charming waterfront community—Richmond Place boasts a prime location. As the 3rd oldest city in the state, Georgetown is halfway between Myrtle Beach and Charleston, just 15 minutes from Pawleys Island. Surrounded by
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