Socastee living on the Intracoastal Waterway
Life on the water is standard in Socastee. This neighborhood attracts homebuyers looking for a taste of South Carolina coastal living at a lower cost than other towns. Socastee is also about 8 miles from Coastal Carolina University, bringing some students into Socastee for off-campus housing. Realtor Irene Brinkmann with Coastal Key Group Re Sales has sold homes in the general area since 2013 and says, “The most notable feature of Socastee is river access. Lots of people here are boating every day.” The town is home to one of 10 swing bridges in the state that sits over the Intracoastal Waterway. Brinkmann adds that although Socastee can tend to have a reputation for higher crime, “it’s mostly in little corners of the area. Plus, we have so many visitors and tourists that the number is pretty skewed.” Socastee’s piece of the Grand Strand features quality schools, relatively affordable housing, outdoor recreation and proximity to shopping options, making it an accessible spot for a diverse group of residents. With water excursions abound and convenient access to U.S. Routes 501 and 17 to reach tourist-packed Myrtle Beach, Realtor Ann Wilson, with over 25 years of experience, currently with North Group Real Estate, says in Socastee, “all you can do here is shovel sunshine.”
Socastee outdoor recreation on land and water
For those who do not have private access to the water, there are public launches near the swing bridge. Island Adventure Watersports is available as well to rent boats, kayaks, paddle boards and equipment to wake surf. Next door is the Swing Bridge Park, where residents can stroll along the boardwalk dotted with benches, often used to cast fishing lines, and children can enjoy the playground. Another popular outdoor attraction is Socastee Recreation Park, where visitors can utilize the archery range, walk the trails, play disc golf or hit the volleyball and basketball courts. The park also has tennis courts and a track for remote control cars. The beach is within 6 to 8 miles, and the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk features a Ferris wheel, pier and plenty of shops.
Diverse home styles and prices in Socastee
The coastal character of the town carries over into its residential streets; palm trees spring from many front yards, and boats are often hitched to the back of pickup trucks that sit in the driveways. Many of the subdivisions in Socastee are filled with both single- and multi-family homes, and the most common properties are bi-level townhouses with vinyl siding and side-gabled roofs in the $200,000 to $400,000 range. “If a home gets listed under the $200,000’s, it’s gone quickly,” Wilson says. Elevated ranch-style homes can be found closer to the waterway for similar prices. Waterfront homes sporting private docks are always in demand and have higher price tags. Larger homes with oversized balconies and grand entry staircases can sell for as much as $1.25 million.
Socastee events and celebrations
In the spring of each year, the town hosts the Socastee Heritage Festival and closes down the draw bridge for vendors and music. The event raises money for the Socastee Heritage Foundation, which spreads awareness for the town’s history and funds community needs. Socastee Recreation Park also has plenty of events, including pumpkin hunts, camps, kayak trips and rentable shelters for private parties or classes.
The Market Common and River ‘Ritas
There are plenty of big-box shopping options in and around Socastee. Food Lion, Target, Walmart and Publix are all available within a couple of miles of most residences. Many Socastee locals make the 4-mile trip east to The Market Common, a popular shopping center with restaurants, a movie theater and retail stores. Brinkmann says proximity to The Market Common is a big draw to Socastee and that it is “where people who live here go to hangout.” There are many dining options closer to Socastee, as well. For a waterfront meal, River City Café’s multi-colored neon awning draws customers in for classic pub fare and peanuts from the shell. The restaurant features a back patio, popular for enjoying a cold “River 'Rita” or the palmetto cheeseburger topped with homemade pimento cheese.
Public education in Socastee
Most students attend Horry County Schools, which are all highly rated on Niche. The three schools in the area are all named after Socastee, with a B-plus rated elementary, A-rated middle and A-minus-ranked high school. Socastee High has a stellar athletics program with recent state championships in women’s golf, tennis, track and swimming. Students can also participate in the highly touted jazz band or theatre program that performs a yearly musical. The other high school option is Coastal High School, where students enrolled can earn dozens of hours of college credit. The public charter school also offers unique courses like social media marketing and languages, including Chinese and American Sign Language.
Getting around Socastee and access to other amenities
Socastee is known for its access to major highways, such as 544, 31 and 707. While Myrtle Beach does have public transportation, Brinkmann says the bus system is “pretty minor” and not very popular. Most residents get around by car. Another draw to Socastee is proximity to the Myrtle Beach International Airport, within a 10-minute 7-mile drive. Other amenities are also accessible, such as churches and places of worship of various denominations and the Grand Strand Medical Center, within about 12 miles.
