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
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On average, homes in Little River, SC sell after 83 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Little River, SC over the last 12 months is $319,900, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to easy coastal living in the highly sought-after Merritt Park community of Little River. This spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome-style condo offers the perfect combination of comfort, convenience, and low-maintenance living just minutes from the beach, waterfront dining, golf courses, and all the attractions of the Grand Strand. Inside, you'll find an inviting open floor plan designed
Welcome to 209 Kendrick Street in Heather Glen, 4-bedroom, 2-bath home built in 2023, offering 1,983 heated square feet, with 11 ft ceilings throughout. Enjoy peaceful pond views from the screened porch, along with the convenience of natural gas for cooking, Rinnai tankless water heater, and natural gas for heat. Heather Glen offers a country club-style atmosphere with an impressive collection of
Better than new and loaded with upgrades, this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in Park Pointe offers the perfect blend of style, comfort, and convenience. Why wait months for new construction when this move-in-ready home is available now? With a reasonable offer seller is willing to consider a credit at closing for backyard updates such as a fence or living wall or to for
BOATERS PARADISE....Rare Marina-Front Sanctuary with Private 36’ Boat Slip This top floor 2 bedroom 2 bath 1400sqft Penthouse is fully furnished for an instant vacation or permanent home. Imagine waking up to views of the intracoastal waterway, marina, lighthouse, and your BOAT right from your huge back balcony. New vinyl plank in Kitchen and bathrooms. New glass in large sliding glass doors.
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Experience coastal living at its finest in this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath condo at Carolina Yacht Landing. This move-in-ready unit has been extensively remodeled with quality finishes throughout, including new kitchen cabinets, stunning quartz countertops, a farmhouse sink, and a full suite of new GE appliances with a garbage disposal. The attention to detail continues with a
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Tucked inside the gates of the highly sought-after Waterfall community, this beautifully maintained all-brick 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offers timeless style, thoughtful design, and spaces created for both relaxing and entertaining. Step through the expansive entryway into a spacious living room where vaulted finished ceilings, rich hardwood floors, and a cozy gas fireplace create a warm and
Turn the key and start enjoying the coastal lifestyle from day one! This move-in-ready 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo in Club Villas @ Baytree has been professionally furnished by the current owner and is being sold complete with furnishings, appliances, and personal property. Even the new 75 inch television, entertainment center with electric fireplace, brand new stainless steel refrigerator, and new
Well-Maintained 2-Bedroom, 2-Bathroom Condo in the Heart of Little River This beautifully maintained, fully furnished second-story condo offers 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, providing a comfortable and move-in ready space in the heart of Little River. Featuring a cozy wood -burning fireplace for those few chilly nights, this condo has been lovingly used as a second home by the current owners and is
Charming 3-Bedroom Home with Scenic Marsh Views in Windjammer Village Discover this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home featuring an open floor plan, plantation shutters throughout, and a front porch perfect for outdoor relaxation. The spacious sunroom overlooks the tranquil marsh in the backyard, creating a serene retreat for morning coffee or evening unwinding. The heart of the home
Location, Location, Location! Coastal living has never looked better! This beautiful brand-new townhome is just 4–5 short blocks from the beach and offers the rare opportunity to be its very first owner. Step inside and discover a thoughtfully designed floor plan featuring a versatile flex room that's perfect for a home office, guest room, or hobby space. Continue into the stunning open-concept
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Welcome Home to Coastal Living at Its Finest! This exceptional brand-new home offers the perfect combination of location, quality craftsmanship, and modern elegance. Thoughtfully designed with both comfort and functionality in mind, this open-concept floor plan features a luxurious primary suite conveniently located on the main level, making everyday living effortless. The heart of the home is
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