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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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.
Hello I'm Elliott Serral. I Spent My Summers Growing up Here in the Myrtle Beach Area. I Came Down Here for Vacation in 1998, and it's Been a Long Vacation! I Love Living Here, Working Here, and Helping People Achieve Their Real Estate Goals. If You're Considering Buying, Selling, Investing, or Moving Here, Give me a Shout. I'd Love to Chat With You. Also be Sure to Look me up on YouTube. If You Wanna Sell It - CALL ELLIOTT!
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
