Loris, a lower-cost option near North Myrtle Beach
Loris, historically a small farming community in South Carolina, has shifted into a bedroom community for Myrtle Beach retirees in recent years. Its location about 25 miles from North Myrtle Beach and significantly lower housing prices attract those looking to relocate near the beach. “People have been vacationing all their life from the New England states, and when they retire, they want to move,” says resident and Realtor Kevin McDowell with Century 21 McAlpine Associates. “Living in Myrtle Beach is very expensive, and you can get in a town like Loris, and a house is $250,000 versus $550,000. They’re willing to drive to live near the beach."
New subdivisions aim to keep up with demand
The housing market in Loris is growing rapidly. “We have subdivisions going up everywhere,” McDowell says. “We can’t build houses fast enough to keep up with the demand.” Most homes are built in New Traditional styles, though bungalows and farmhouses are also available. Homes typically sit on sizeable yards on streets without sidewalks or curbs. Prices generally range from $200,000 to $500,000, and the average home value is significantly lower than the average for the Myrtle Beach metro area.
CTE programs in Horry County Schools
Horry County Schools gets an A-minus grade from Niche. Loris Elementary, Loris Middle and Loris High School all get Bs. Career and technology education programs at Loris High include business, agriculture and family and consumer science.
Parks, golf and North Myrtle Beach
Loris Nature Park is a large outdoor space with wooded trails, a disc golf course, a playground and a picnic pavilion. The Loris Sports Complex hosts youth baseball and softball tournaments. Diamondback Golf Club is a public golf course. About 25 miles away, North Myrtle Beach is a popular getaway for swimming and relaxing in the sun.
Dining options in town, plus fast food and groceries
Shorty’s Grill is a local restaurant serving breakfast, burgers and hot dogs in an old-fashioned dining room with black-and-white checkered floors and red vinyl barstools. American Hero Subs & Bagels is a cozy deli serving sandwiches for dine-in and takeout. Panchito’s Mexican Restaurant welcomes patrons into its colorful dining room for chips and salsa, margaritas and large plates of Mexican food. Fast food options in town include McDonald’s, KFC and Wendy’s. Groceries are available at Food Lion and IGA.
The annual Loris Bog-Off Festival
The Loris Bog-Off Festival is an annual one-day community event that attracts 35,000 visitors. It started in 1980 as a cooking contest for a Horry County dish called chicken bog, which has chicken, sausage, rice and spices. It's grown to include over 200 vendors and two entertainment stages with performances from school groups, dance teams and local bands. The night ends with fireworks and live music from a touring band.
Accessing McLeod Health Loris and Myrtle Beach International
U.S. Highway 701 runs through Loris, connecting it to cities like Conway and Myrtle Beach. South Carolina Highway 9 offers a route from Loris to North Myrtle Beach. McLeod Health Loris offers medical care in town. Less than 35 miles away, Myrtle Beach International Airport is the community’s closest airport.
