The Grand Strand, a stretch of 60 miles along South Carolina's coastline, is perhaps most well-known for its bustling beach scene. However, at the northernmost tip, the tiny area of Little River provides its 12,000 residents with a slower pace of life along the water. Settled directly on the intracoastal waterway, Little River is close to the shores of the Atlantic without the crowds, and it's been around longer than any other area of the Grand Strand. "It's a small place, but I'm doing more and more business up there," says Brian Piercy, a Realtor with ERA Real Estate who's lived in nearby Myrtle Beach for nearly 25 years. "It's mostly residential and finding boat slips and marinas there is much easier than other areas of the Grand Strand. It's out of that major touristy buzz, but it's got some cool things going on." Piercy says Little River's "claim to fame" is the annual Blue Crab Festival attended by over 50,000 people, alongside its active golf scene. It also has the state's only water-bound casino, the Big M Casino, which pulls in millions of dollars to Horry County.
Little River residents enjoy walking and shelling the shore at Cherry Grove Beach.
Little River has great great marinas with boat slips and easy access to the waterways.
Glen Dornoch Waterway Golf Links is a popular course to golf with friends in Little River.
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Affordable price points in the Grand Strand
While there are a few midcentury homes, much of the area's housing stock is contemporary. "Compared to Myrtle Beach, Little River is mainly residential. I just sold a home with five bedrooms and an in-ground pool for half of what it'd be in Myrtle," Piercy says. "There's a big demand for condos here and obviously, the ones on the water will be pricier. But in general, condos stay in the low $200,000s." The median sales price for single-family homes in Little River is $375,000, slightly lower than the national median. Piercy notes that new developments are cropping up as Little River becomes a more popular retirement destination for those who want to be near Myrtle Beach for a lower cost. Those still working often commute to Myrtle Beach for healthcare, hospitality or local government jobs.
Find contemporary homes with unique styles of architecture in Little River.
Little River has spacious craftsman homes with modern styles.
Find beautiful waterfront condos overlooking the waterways in Little River.
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Little River's diverse recreation and famous festivals
Many areas in the Grand Strand are coveted destinations for golfers, and Little River is no different. "There's at least six golf courses and clubs packed into Little River alone, plus there's the huge golfing scene in Myrtle Beach," Piercy says. He adds that while Little River is not necessarily a boating capital, the intracoastal waterway, coves and marinas mean boating is still popular. Little River is also a center for fishing in the Myrtle Beach area, and several fishing charters operate here. Several of the marinas are located on the historic Little River waterfront; this is also the site of the community's largest annual event, the World-Famous Crab Festival. Still going strong for nearly 50 years, the festival offers the freshest seafood, live music and craft vendors during a weekend in May. And when October rolls around, crab gets swapped out for the Little River Shrimp Fest, which began back in 2004 to celebrate the coastal catch of the city.
Glen Dornoch Waterway Golf Links is one of many great golf courses residents enjoy playing in Little River.
Little River is well-known for boating with popular fishing charters at local marinas.
Little River is home to the annual World Famous Blue Crab Festival held at the Little River Waterfront.
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Fresh seafood in the historic Little River waterfront
While the north section of Little River has a few shopping strips, North Myrtle Beach offers much more extensive retail. Following Highway 17 south over the intracoastal waterway a few miles from the community's center, residents can find big-box stores and national grocers. While Little River doesn't have a designated downtown, it does have the historic Little River waterfront, a central district with local seafood restaurants and diners, small shops and water equipment rentals.
Residents can shop for all of their grocery needs at the local Food Lion in Little River.
Hurricane Juel's Restaurant at the Little River Waterfront has amazing fresh seafood.
Little River locals love to sit at the outside bar and have a cold drink at the Crab Catcher's On The Waterfront.
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Commuting to Coastal Carolina University
Little River is part of the Horry County School District, rated an A-minus on Niche. While no schools are within Little River's immediate borders, there are several options in nearby North Myrtle Beach. Coastal Carolina University is around 30 miles away and is well-attended by those living in the Myrtle Beach area.
Waterway Elementary School is a public school serving students PK, K-5 in Little River.
North Myrtle Beach Middle School is a public school for students in grades 6-8 in Little River.
North Myrtle Beach High School in Little River, is a public high school in the Horry County School District.
Coastal Carolina University is a public university in Conway with a short commute from Little River.
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Travel essentials in the Myrtle Beach area
Highways 17 and 9 are the main thoroughfares connecting residents south to Myrtle Beach or north past the North Carolina border. While Little River is a car-dependent city, low traffic, sidewalks and bike lanes make it easy for locals to pedal to different destinations. McLeod Seacoast Hospital is centrally located off Highway 9. For flights, Myrtle Beach International Airport is just 30 miles south.
McLeod Seacoast Hospital has excellent medical care and easily accessible in Little River.
Myrtle Beach International Airport is a popular airport with daily flights near Little River.
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Horry County crime statistics and local weather
Little River is census-designated and serviced by the Horry County Police Department. According to an annual report, violent and property crime counts have decreased slightly from 2022 to 2023.
The city's coastal location means hot summers and mild winters, with temperatures rarely dropping below 30 F. "Little River doesn't have the same major flood risks as the rest of the Grand Strand," Piercy says. "Maybe if you're right on the intracoastal, but even then, it's not considered a big factor."
Written By
Kaitie Lamb
Photography Contributed By
Jon Puckett
Video By
Logan Cox
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Eric Galvin,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Little River, SC sell after 91 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Little River, SC over the last 12 months is $325,905, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 3808 Pitchers Place, a beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home that perfectly blends comfort, space, and Lowcountry charm. From the moment you arrive, you’ll notice the thoughtful rock landscaping surrounding the home, adding a touch of elegance and easy maintenance to the exterior. Step inside to find a spacious open-concept layout featuring a large kitchen with a center
Under Construction! This Savannah plan has a beautiful spacious kitchen that is open to great room and dining room area, ideal for hosting and entertaining guests. With a dedicated study/flex room, three bedrooms, two & a half bathrooms all on first level. 2nd level offers an oversized Bonus room, bedroom, and full bath. This lot backs to a beautiful tree line and only one of a few lots like this
Welcome to the Savannah, a thoughtfully designed single-story home in the heart of Little River, SC. This brand-new construction offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a dedicated study on the main level, giving you the flexibility to create the perfect home office or hobby space. At the center of the home, a spacious kitchen opens to the dining area and great room, making it ideal for both
MOTIVATED SELLER!! Welcome to Heather Lakes! This all brick home has been lovingly maintained and is ready for it's next owners! Original owner - home has never been smoked in. Don't miss out on your opportunity to own this 3 bedroom 2 bath home featuring a large kitchen with tile flooring and plenty of storage, a pantry and a bonus extra closet and, in addition, a kitchen "island" for even
Nestled in the charming area of Little River, This equisite condo boasts stunning views of Conquina Harbor and the Intercoastal Waterway. With 2 Bedrooms, 2 bathsrooms, and 1100 Heated square feet of living space. This property has been impeccably maintained with consistent care and regular upkeep. Offered by the original owner, this fully furnished unit, as showcased on the MLS, has never been
Welcome to this captivating condo located in the serene Carolina Yacht Landing, nestled in picturesque Little River. Imagine waking up to stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway, with your private covered deck offering a front-row seat to the beautiful boat slips every day. This delightful residence boasts three spacious bedrooms and two luxurious baths, making it an exquisite retreat.
Available 3/7/26. Prices, promotions, and availability are subject to change. Welcome Home to Reve Park Ridge Revel in all that North Myrtle Beach has to offer with your brand-new home at Reve Park Ridge! Our 1, 2, and 3-bedroom homes with garages boast incredible open-concept floor plans, hallmark amenities, generous closets, natural light, ground floor suite and living room, and an additional
Rare First-Floor Find in Little River! This beautifully furnished unit is truly a gem — and opportunities like this don’t come along often! Just bring your clothes, groceries, and yourself — everything else is ready and waiting. Inside, you’ll find a well-appointed kitchen with granite countertops, plenty of cabinet space, and modern finishes. Both bathrooms have been tastefully upgraded for
Prices, promotions, and availability are subject to change. Welcome Home to Reve Park Ridge Revel in all that North Myrtle Beach has to offer with your brand-new home at Reve Park Ridge! Our 1, 2, and 3-bedroom homes with garages boast incredible open-concept floor plans, hallmark amenities, generous closets, natural light, ground floor suite and living room, and an additional 200 sq ft of
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