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 87 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 $322,860, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 4236 Rivergate Lane, a beautifully maintained home nestled in one of Little River’s most desirable 55+ communities. This spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bath residence offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and easy living. Step inside and you’ll immediately notice the abundance of natural sunlight pouring through the home, highlighting the vaulted ceilings and creating an open, airy feel
Fully Renovated Top-Floor Oasis with amazing ICW Views - Experience the pinnacle of coastal living in this completely renovated, top-floor 2BR/2BA condo at the prestigious Yacht Club at Lightkeepers Village. This rare turnkey unit boasts vaulted ceilings accented by custom beams and sweeping views of the marina, harbor, and Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). The gourmet kitchen features a smart home
HUGE PRICE ADJUSTMENT With no HOA, you maintain the ability to store a boat, RV, golf cart, or trailer on-site — a significant advantage in this Little River and North Myrtle Beach market. No HOA | East of Hwy 17 | Little River, SC | Near Cherry Grove Beach If coastal access and ownership flexibility matter, this Little River property deserves your attention. Located east of Highway 17, this
Welcome to this stunning, 3-bedroom, 2-bath top-floor end-unit condo located in the desirable Gardens at Cypress Bay West community in Little River. This third-floor unit offers vaulted ceilings and an open, airy layout that creates a spacious and inviting atmosphere throughout the living room and kitchen. The split-bedroom floor plan provides added privacy, with the primary suite featuring a
Beautiful 3 Bed / 2 Bath home in desirable Heather Lakes! This well-maintained home features an open concept layout with vaulted ceilings in the main living area, creating a bright and spacious feel. The living room showcases wood flooring, while the kitchen offers tile floors, stainless steel appliances, a center island, convection microwave, and a pantry—perfect for both everyday living and
Welcome to this inviting 2-bedroom, 2-bath ground-floor retreat in the highly sought-after Harbour Front Villas, where the peaceful rhythm of the harbor sets the tone for everyday living. Offered fully furnished and move-in ready, this condo is ideal for immediate enjoyment—whether as a primary residence, vacation getaway, or investment opportunity. The interior features luxury vinyl plank
Welcome to 801 Sultana Dr., a beautifully maintained and thoughtfully updated home located in the highly desirable Hidden Lakes Village community in Little River — one of the most convenient and fast-growing areas along the Grand Strand. This established neighborhood offers outstanding amenities including a lakefront pool, tennis court, clubhouse, park, and kids playground, all just minutes from
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
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
A Must See!!!! Perfectly located 2BR/2BA End Unit Townhome w/ private driveway, new screened porch w/ extended patio for grilling & private backyard area makes this property unique. This coastal community landscaped w/ beautiful palm trees throughout is located off of Sea Mountain Hwy in Little River, SC, less than 3 miles to Cherry Grove Beaches as well as local schools, hospitals, restaurants,
Welcome to 137 Zostera Dr. - a 3-bedroom, 2-bath craftsman-style home built in 2016, located in a natural gas community. This single-level home features an open floor plan with vaulted ceilings and abundant natural light. The kitchen offers granite countertops, a large island with seating, under-cabinet lighting and custom pull-out cabinetry. The primary suite includes tray ceilings, backyard
NEW PRICE! Experience “The Good Life” at Bridgewater, a Chesapeake Homes community in Little River, SC. This ideal spot offers tranquil surroundings with scenic ponds, lakes, and abundant waterfowl. Enjoy great amenities and a vibrant social scene, complete with a monthly events calendar. Just over the ICW bridge from North Myrtle Beach and across from McLeod Sea Coast Medical Center, it’s a
Welcome to your very own oasis at The Gardens at Cypress Bay, nestled in the charming Little River. This delightful 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo offers the perfect blend of comfort and coastal living! Just a mere 5 miles from the sun-kissed shores of Cherry Grove Beach, you can easily dive into a world of relaxation. Imagine the convenience of a short jaunt to thrilling Casino Boats and waterfront
A beautifully maintained residence nestled in the serene community of Little River, SC. This spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offers the perfect blend of coastal charm and practical utility, all without the restrictions of an HOA. This home is priced to be done with a few cosmetic updates. Designed with a desirable split-bedroom floor plan, this home ensures maximum privacy for the primary
Welcome to 4236 Rivergate Lane, a beautifully maintained home nestled in one of Little River’s most desirable 55+ communities. This spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bath residence offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and easy living. Step inside and you’ll immediately notice the abundance of natural sunlight pouring through the home, highlighting the vaulted ceilings and creating an open, airy feel
Location, location, location! This charming townhome is just 4–5 blocks to the beach and offers brand-new construction—never lived in, with you as the first owner! As you enter, you’re welcomed by a versatile flex room, perfect as a home office or additional bedroom. The main living area delivers the “wow” factor with a spacious open-concept family and dining area—ideal for entertaining. The
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
Location, Location, Location! Discover this charming furnished rental in the highly desired Little River, SC. Just 10 minutes to Cherry Grove Beach, you’ll be close to fantastic restaurants, endless shopping, world-class golf courses, entertainment venues, medical facilities, and so much more. Step inside and you’ll fall in love with the spacious floor plan featuring a large family room,dining
Meet the luxury residences at Encore, your fresh, new address near North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Our community offers you a home surrounded by nature with seamless access to premier retail just moments away. From exploring exciting destinations around town, enjoying the sand between your toes on the beach, or keeping it close to home by taking advantage of our resort-style swimming pool,
Welcome to 114 Brooks Drive in the highly sought-after Heather Glen community of Little River—where coastal living meets resort-style amenities. This beautifully designed 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a spacious open-concept layout perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen serves as the heart of the home, featuring a large island, ample cabinetry, and seamless flow into the
The Lorrel apartments feature spacious open-layouts, sleek granite countertops, wood-inspired floors, eat-in kitchens, private patios or balconies, ceiling fans, oversized closets, and so much more! Our beautiful community is also located less than 5 miles from the beachfront, where you can escape to the coast and dip your toes in the sand. Dive into comfort and style where every day feels like
This is a nice second floor unfurnished, two bedroom and two bath. The lease includes Water/Sewer, Trash, and Basic Cable. It is located at the back of Bay Tree in Bay Tree IX. New flooring is being installed through out and the pictures will be replaced with the new flooring. It is a must see.
At The Banks at Bridgewater, coastal comfort and everyday practicality come together in one inviting community. Thoughtfully designed floor plans, modern finishes, and a convenient location make it easy to enjoy everything the Grand Strand has to offer. Choose from spacious 1, 2, and 3 bedroom homes featuring open-concept living areas, well-equipped kitchens, and in-home laundry. Outside your
This is a first floor, one bedroom, one bath condo. Located in the Spa at Little River. This lease includes Water/Sewer, Trash and Basic Cable. This condo is NOT Pet Friendly.
Parkway at 31 Apartments is a BRAND NEW community in Little River, SC. Parkway at 31 offers the perfect blend of coastal charm, convenience, and luxury living. Just minutes away from stunning North Myrtle Beach, our community offers residents an escape from the congestion of the city without compromising on access to essential amenities and leisure.We offer BRAND NEW one, two, and
Welcome to Baytree Golf Colony in the heart of Little River, a well-established and highly desirable community known for its peaceful setting, mature landscaping, and convenient access to the best of the Grand Strand. Residents enjoy a relaxed coastal lifestyle with amenities that include both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, offering year-round enjoyment. This beautifully maintained fully
Welcome to Hawthorne Waterway! We are a residential community featuring one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments and townhomes in Little River, SC. Spacious layouts and amenities welcome you home, along with exceptional service and an ideal location on the Intracoastal Waterway. Contact us today to reserve your next luxury home!We are proud to be recognized among the Elite Top 1% in the nation
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