Murrells Inlet has been a busy port in the middle of the Waccamaw Neck’s former rice empire for over 300 years. Legend has it that Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet docked there to bury their treasure. The port no longer has swashbuckling visitors, but adventure and relaxation on the water remain a focus in this marshland community. Around 10,000 people live in the inlet year-round, and tourists add to this number during spring and summer. “It’s not really big; it’s maybe 7 miles total, so it’s a smaller area that really is attractive because there's lots to do but not so overly populated and congested,” says Drew Dellinger, who has lived in the Grand Strand for over 20 years and is a Realtor with Garden City Realty. While some residents work in the tourism and culinary industries, healthcare centers like Conway Medical Center and manufacturing companies like AVX Corporation are the region’s largest employers.
Legend has it that Blackbeard docked in Murrells Inlet to bury their treasure.
Private docks are common in Murrells Inlet for boating and relaxing.
Many Murrells Inlet residents work in tourism and culinary in Garden City.
AVX Corporation is a manufacturing company and a large employer near Murrells Inlet.
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South Carolina’s Seafood Capital
As the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina,” Murrells Inlet has no shortage of fresh fish and crab, especially on The Marsh Walk. “The Marsh Walk was an old fishing village until recently. It’s a place where you can spend time on the water and do a little bit of everything,” says Amy Moss, a Realtor with Keller Williams who has been selling on the Grand Strand for five years. The foodie destination has restaurants like Bovine’s, Dead Dog Saloon and Drunken Jack’s, all known for their selections of lobster tails, crab legs and baked oysters.
Murrells Inlet is well known for fresh seafood caught in the local waters.
Families love to eat fresh local seafood at The Claw House on Marsh Walk in Murrells Inlet.
Dead Dog Saloon at Marsh Walk is a popular family restaurant in Murrells Inlet.
Meet up with friends for delicious food and cold drinks at Drunken Jack's in Murrells Inlet.
Boating, swimming, fishing and sightseeing are all possible in the Low Country marsh. Garden City is the area’s main beach with a 24/7 fishing pier. On the north side of the inlet, golf courses, including the private Wachesaw Plantation Club and the public Wachesaw East Golf Club, now occupy former rice fields. The south side has some of the most recognizable landmarks on the Grand Strand, including Brookgreen Gardens, renowned for having the country’s most extensive collection of American sculptures.
Explore the beautiful marshlands and fish the tidal creeks in Murrells Inlet.
Garden City Beach Pier is a great place to relax by the water and fish near Murrells Inlet.
Murrells Inlet residents like to play golf at Wachesaw East for its Scottish design.
Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet has amazing American sculptures in hidden gardens.
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Food samples and fireworks at the Marsh Walk
The Marsh Walk hosts some of the inlet’s most significant events. Festivities include the signature Taste of the Marsh Walk in February, where attendees can sample dishes from the boardwalk’s most popular restaurants, and the annual 4th of July celebration, with fireworks and a boat parade. Outside the Marsh Walk, Brookgreen Gardens attracts its biggest crowds every December during the Nights of a Thousand Candles, when millions of lights and over 2,700 hand-lit candles fill the garden.
Garden City Beach rentals and Murrells Inlet marsh homes
Murrells Inlet has many beachfront rental properties, small condos and single-family homes, including in gated communities like Wachesaw Plantation Club. The median home price is $415,000, slightly higher than the South Carolina median of around $388,000. The median for family homes is nearly $500,000, and the median for townhouses is just under $364,000. On average, homes sell after 65 days, slower than the national average of 44 days.
Murrells Inlet has waterfront rental homes in gated communities.
Murrells Inlet has beautiful brick traditional styles of homes with two-car garages.
Find elegant condos with amenities for families in Murrells Inlet.
Murrells Inlet has elevated four-square style homes with scenic marsh views.
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Divided between Horry Schools and Georgetown County Schools
The community is between two school districts. Horry County Schools serves families living on the north side of Prince Creek Parkway, while the area south of Prince Creek is part of the Georgetown County School District. Horry Schools earned an overall A-minus grade on Niche, while Georgetown County Schools earned a B-minus.
Waccamaw Elementary School is a public school in Pawleys Island.
Waccamaw Intermediate School is public school in Pawleys Island, serving grades 4-6.
Waccamaw Middle School is a public school in Pawleys Island, serves students in grades 7-8.
Waccamaw High School is a public school in Pawleys Island, serving students in grades 9-12.
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Less than 15 miles from Myrtle Beach
Ocean Highway — also known as Route 17 — connects Myrtle Beach, 12 miles to the east, and Georgetown, 21 miles to the south. Coast RTA also operates daily bus routes between the two larger cities. Myrtle Beach International Airport is the closest commercial airport, 13 miles away.
Humid summers and flooding on the Waccamaw River
Summers are hot and humid, especially in August and September. Winters are cold and windy, but temperatures usually stay above freezing. Some marsh or riverfront homes are elevated to protect against seasonal flooding, especially along the Waccamaw River.
Murrells Inlet has no police department, but the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office oversees the area. In 2022, the Sheriff’s Office reported 1,217 property crimes and 751 violent crimes in the county, an overall increase from 2021 to 2022.
Written By
Delaney Murray
Photography Contributed By
Jon Puckett
Video By
TJ Wengert
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tanya Chmilewski,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Murrells Inlet, SC sell after 81 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Murrells Inlet, SC over the last 12 months is $402,500, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in the desirable Sterling Pointe community of Murrells Inlet. Step into a spacious, light-filled living room featuring vaulted ceilings, a ceiling fan, and a stunning pond view. The dining area and kitchen have durable LVP flooring, with the kitchen offering a breakfast bar. The primary suite, located at the back of the home for added
See listing agent for details. Welcome to SunnySide Village. Located in the heart of Murrells Inlet, this historic village is known for world class fresh seafood, fishing, water sports, shopping and a laidback lifestyle. Enjoy dinner and live music on the boardwalk. Living at Sunnyside Village allows you to experience all that life on the coast offers. Beautiful sandy beaches, marshes and rivers,
Dan BenishThe Litchfield Company Real Estate-PrinceCrk
FULLY FURNISHED! This home has everything you would want in a home by the water. It has a GREAT view of the marsh. A climate control steal and glass Carolina room, and a large outdoor shed, From this home you can walk to bot the community fishing pier, gazebo AND boat ramp. Move in special going on now. Lease may be able to be paid monthly for the 1st year!
Discover modern living in this beautiful home located in Oak Arbor a desirable natural gas community! This stunning 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home offers exceptional space and comfort with a versatile loft perfect for use as an office, playroom, or den. Three additional generously sized guest bedrooms upstairs provide ample space for family and visitors. The master bedroom features a spa-like
Live the Inlet Life in Style as you step into coastal comfort with this beautiful 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo in the heart of Murrells Inlet. Featuring an open floor plan and large windows, this home is bathed in natural light—making every space feel bright, airy, and inviting. New paint in the main living area, carpeting in the bedrooms, and flooring in the bathrooms and kitchen, mean move in-ready
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom first-floor end unit located in the desirable Blackmoor Golf Course community of Murrells Inlet. This spacious split-bedroom floor plan is filled with natural light and has been used only as a vacation home — gently lived in and impeccably cared for. Highlights include a 2023 HVAC system, newer washer & dryer (included), granite
The Swells offers a lifestyle that exceeds typical apartment living, blending the charm of a beachside community with luxury resort-style amenities. Choose from spacious one-, two-, or three-bedroom cottage style homes featuring elegant finishes like luxury plank flooring, chef-inspired kitchens, and walk-in showers. Located in beautiful Murrells Inlet, SC, this is your opportunity to enjoy a
Beautiful and spacious 3 Bedroom 2 Bath house in a nice quiet neighborhood. Spacious home with a nice yard and a tiled covered porch. Large dining area and a separate laundry room with storage cabinets. Master bath has shower and jetted tub. Ceiling fans throughout the home. Washer/Dryer included. Stainless appliances. 2 car garage with space for 2 additional vehicles in driveway. New AC unit
Live Lively Welcome to The Lively Murrells Inlet - the ultimate coastal living experience. Founded in 1731, Murrells Inlet has one of the richest histories in South Carolina. For over 100 years, Murrells Inlet was known for its port for shipping rice, the occasional visit from pirates like Blackbeard, and as the perfect place to duck hunt. Over the years, Murrells Inlet has transformed into a
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