Between its sandy shores, a robust festival scene and abundant attractions, the tourist mecca that is downtown Myrtle Beach is always buzzing with life. "It doesn't matter what day of the week it is. There's no way you can be bored," says Realtor Alicia Holmquist of Welcome Home Realty, who lives in Myrtle Beach and specializes in North Carolina and South Carolina markets. "If you want to grab tickets to the House of Blues, you can go see an awesome show multiple nights a week. If you want to go and walk around, we have Broadway at the Beach, which is a park in and of itself but with restaurants and shops," she adds. Tourism has become near constant, partly due to the area’s high volume of golf courses and long golfing season. Holmquist says the permanent population is low for this reason. Many would rather live in a quiet suburb near the action than at the heart of it all. At the same time, investment opportunities are high. Despite a CAP Index Crime Score of 10 out of 10, the Myrtle Beach Police Department's data shows crime has decreased by 38% in the past 5 years
The Sky Wheel on Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is a well loved landmark.
Shoppers enjoy the variety of stores at Broadway at the Beach in Downtown Myrtle Beach.
1/2
Family fun at Captain Hook's Adventure Golf
Public beach access points lining the shore make for casual days by the ocean. People can also hop on the SkyWheel, a 187-foot Ferris wheel on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, to gain a birds-eye view of the waves and laughing dolphins. Anglers are drawn to the boardwalk's pay-to-fish Second Ave Pier, which extends from a popular beach full of people and colorful umbrellas. Whispering Pines Golf Course is one of the closest layouts, just west of downtown Myrtle Beach on South Kings Highway. Several athletic complexes and stadiums are nearby, including the John T. Rhodes Myrtle Beach Sports Center, which some athletes rent for tournaments and practice space. Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach is at Broadway at the beach for up-close views of starfish, jellyfish, sharks and stingrays. Captain Hook's Adventure Golf is an 18-hole Peter-Pan-themed miniature golf experience built around caves, waterfalls and statues from the story, including the crocodile that swallowed the clock.
Residents of Downtown Myrtle Beach are within a short drive of several golf courses.
Whispering Pines Golf Course has well-maintained greens and is close to Downtown Myrtle Beach.
1/2
Living the high life in downtown Myrtle Beach
The beach downtown is hardly visible from the road as the coast is lined with high rise condos and hotels. Holmquist also shares that townhouses, single-family homes and multi-family homes exist in the downtown area. As does a hybrid residential option called condotels. "Condotels are where you can purchase a condo inside a hotel and live there 365 days a year, depending on the home owners association rules," she clarifies. She says many are on the beach with Starbucks and pools built into them. Some beachside single-family homes sit on stilts. On the low end of the price spectrum, mobile homes and campers in the 55-plus community section of the Myrtle Beach KOA campground can range from $45,000 to $65,000. Condos generally range from the $200,000s to the $300,000s across the board, but a beachside condo could sell for $500,000 and more. An investment duplex, townhouse or condo could head into the $1 million range. Flood insurance is recommended here, and hurricanes are a reality. "Some people definitely lose power a little bit longer, but for the most part, a hurricane is a day long, like a snowstorm," Holmquist says.
The Gay Dolphin Gift Cove is a must-see when in Downtown Myrtle Beach.
The Bowery restaurant and bar has musical entertainment nightly in Downtown Myrtle Beach.
1/2
A honky-tonk time at Carolina Country Music Fest
Myrtle Beach's festival and event scene is robust. One of the biggest annual events is the Carolina Country Music Fest, which takes place in June. The festival sells out quickly and features many well-known and up-and-coming artists. Carrie Underwood is a part of the 2024 lineup.
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk has restaurants, shops, and live music in Downtown Myrtle Beach.
The amusement park at Broadway at the Beach offers various rides in Downtown Myrtle Beach.
1/2
Sushi on Second Avenue Pier
Dining, shopping and recreation all blend in this area. There's a restaurant attached to Second Avenue Pier called Wicked Tuna, which sells sushi and mixed drinks from a rooftop bar. But there are also many other restaurants and shops along the boardwalk. Beach Burger & Shakes is a casual spot for grabbing a burger and fries and taking it straight to the beach. As for shopping, Myrtle Beach is known for its eclectic and longstanding kitschy beach shops, many of which line the boardwalk. "The Gay Dolphin is featured all the time because it has so many floors with different things. I think they even have a shirt that says, 'I got lost at the Gay Dolphin' because it's so big,'" Holmquist shares. Seaboard Commons, a local shopping mall, has national chains including Target, World Market, Sam's Club, Planet Fitness, Lowe's Home Improvement and more. The second largest mall in South Carolina, Coastal Grand Mall is just over a mile from there, with stores like Ulta Beauty, Books-A-Million and more.
The Wicked Tuna restaurant has an expansive menu for families in Downtown Myrtle Beach.
Wicked Tuna restaurant is on the beach with a fishing pier in Downtown Myrtle Beach.
1/2
Good ratings for Horry County schools
The Horry County School District serves Myrtle Beach. Along its pipeline, students may attend Myrtle Beach Elementary School, Myrtle Beach Middle School and Myrtle Beach High School. The elementary school has a B Niche rating, the middle and high schools earn B-plus scores, and the school district is rated an overall A-minus.
Myrtle Beach High School has a sign that shows upcoming events and congratulates students.
Welcome to Myrtle Beach Middle School in Downtown Myrtle Beach.
1/2
Fixed bus routes through Coast RTA
Locals and tourists without a car can rely on taxis, shuttles, ride services and buses to take them to the airport and throughout the area. Coast RTA provides fixed bus routes 362 days a year to accommodations, attractions, major employers and medical facilities. All buses are wheelchair accessible, and students and senior citizens get discounts. Myrtle Beach International Airport is 4 miles away via U.S. Route 17, the main road crossing through the area. Some residents can walk to the beach and shops, depending on where they live. There are a range of churches for different denominations in the downtown area, including Saint Andrew Catholic Church, First United Methodist Church Myrtle Beach and Friendship Baptist Church.
The future Arts and Innovation District
As of the middle of 2024, the city is purchasing blocks of unused real estate space to create a creative hub downtown core. "What is currently a road will be a city square in the Arts and Innovation District," says Devin Parks, the Director of Economic Development for Downtown Myrtle Beach. "We are working on a partnership with Coastal Carolina University to build a performing arts theater. It will be a 12.8-million-dollar project that is currently out for a bid. We expect construction to begin this year," he adds. Parks says the city hopes to eventually institute a downtown tech lab where entrepreneurs actively pilot innovative technology in the city. This may introduce smart trash cans and drowning detection technology for more rapid emergency responses. The Arts and Innovation District will also bring new restaurants and eventually be the most walkable section of downtown.
Downtown Myrtle Beach is developing an Arts and Innovation District to expand entertainment.
Ripley's Aquarium displays various marine life and has shows daily in Downtown Myrtle Beach.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Are you familiar with the Downtown Myrtle Beach neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Myrtle Beach
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
7
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Downtown Myrtle Beach Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach sell after 113 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach over the last 12 months is $190,000, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to High Market II at Market Common, a new construction townhome style condo community. These units boast an open floor plan, allowing for spacious living. The bedrooms are situated on the second floor, providing privacy and separation from the main living spaces. The master bedroom features a balcony, perfect for enjoying the beautiful weather and stunning views of the area. The kitchen
Unique opportunity with original developer inventory. Select your placement of a direct oceanfront 1BR like this one OR inquire about lower priced studios that are available! Varying levels of interior updates, from the 3rd floor up to the 15th floor are possible. Use as a primary residence, second home, utilize the onsite rental management team, select your own off site rental team OR manage
Oceanfront Deluxe One Bedroom Suite - Unit 1127, Caribbean Resort and Villas, Dominican Tower Discover the ultimate beachfront retreat in this newly renovated Oceanfront Double Suite at the Caribbean Resort and Villas, located in the prestigious Dominican Tower (Phase I) of Myrtle Beach. Unit 1127 offers breathtaking ocean views and a prime location perfect for relaxation and family fun. This
Experience the perfect blend of modern luxury, comfort, and coastal living in this fully furnished, move-in-ready home in the highly sought-after Pine Lakes community—just three short blocks from the beach! Thoughtfully designed and architecturally interesting, this home stands out with its clean lines, rich materials, and warm textures. The striking exterior showcases natural stacked stone and
Live your best life residing in this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home located just a block and a half from the stunning Atlantic Ocean in Myrtle Beach, SC. This delightful property boasts a range of amenities designed to enhance your living experience. Step inside to discover beautiful hardwood flooring that adds a touch of elegance to the space. The bathrooms are a standout, especially with
PRIVATE,PEACEFUL AND PERFECT-This amazing end unit is tucked away in the community which allows one to have a side yard and privacy! While relaxing in the all seasons room you will find yourself viewing a private wooded area.This home has had a major face lift. The kitchen proudly boasts granite counter tops,new stainless appliances and a breakfast bar. The primary bedroom is located on the main
Why The Edge Apartments at Waikiki Village? ??Back in 1963, this mid-century modern hotel was a beachside landmark. In 2025, we reimagined it into full apartments with all the comforts of home—while keeping the character and charm that made it special.Full kitchens with oven/stove, dishwasher, microwave, and refrigerator/freezerThoughtful interiors and common areas specially designed by
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
