Pawleys Island was established in the 1700s as a resort town for nearby rice planters fleeing their malaria-ridden plantations. Today, the Georgetown County community remains a popular vacation spot, offering a calmer environment than Myrtle Beach, about 25 miles north. “We don’t have high-rises, rollercoasters or restaurants directly on the beach,” says Christy Whitlock, a Realtor with ERA Wilder Realty who has lived on Pawleys Island for most of her life. “We’re best known for having a really classic Lowcountry lifestyle.” Locals often spend their days relaxing on beaches framed by sand dunes and boating across cordgrass-covered marshland. Even during tourist season, it’s easy to find peaceful pockets away from crowds. “Full-time residents always have their own secret beaches and fishing spots where they never see anybody else,” Whitlock says. “That sense of quiet is hard to find in the Grand Strand area.”
Enjoy waterfront living at Heritage Plantation along the scenic Waccamaw River.
Hagley Estates features homes with spacious porches and shaded yards.
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Some houses sit on the water, and others back up to golf courses
Pawleys Island has a lot of Lowcountry homes, bungalows and New Traditionals. Houses that sit along the beach, the Waccamaw River or marshland often feature docks and boat slips. Some properties back up to golf courses, with places like Tradition Golf Club and True Blue Golf Club on the mainland. The median sale price is around $530,000, which is higher than Myrtle Beach’s median of about $330,000. Smaller Inland homes can start at $250,000 and reach $550,000, while larger ones often range from $600,000 to $900,000. Houses near the water usually sell for between $1 million and $3 million. The area also has condos and townhouses, with inland units ranging from $150,000 to $500,000 and waterfront units costing between $700,000 and $1.3 million.
Surfing and watching sea turtles are popular on Pawleys Island
Nine public access points dot the island’s beach, where people often hunt for seashells, go surfing and watch the sunset. Some access points have small parking lots, but they fill up quickly. “Most locals will walk or bike to the beach if they can, or they take golf carts because it’s easier to fit those into small parking spots,” Whitlock says. Between May and October, the beach is an active nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles. A volunteer group monitors these eggs and announces when they’re about to hatch on their Facebook page. “It’s a big deal if you get a chance to see that,” Whitlock says. “Some people who have lived here their whole lives haven’t been able to witness it because you have to be at the beach at just the right time.” Pawleys Island offers several boat launches for easy access to the water. As boaters cruise along winding salt marshes, they often drop crab pots, spot herons roosting and try to reel in redfish or flounder. Brookgreen Gardens, about 6 miles north, is home to a zoo and the country’s largest sculpture garden. Huntington Beach State Park, less than 8 miles in the same direction, offers more oceanfront access.
Pawleys Island residents enjoy boating and water sports on the Waccamaw River.
Hagleys Landing is the perfect place to watch sunsets in Pawley Island.
Pawleys Plantation Golf and Country Club features a Jack Nicklaus signature design course.
Heritage Plantation offers pickleball courts for active residents in the community.
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Flooding is a concern on Pawleys Island
King tides, heavy rain and tropical storms frequently impact Pawleys Island, putting most homes at high risk of flooding. These conditions sometimes cause road closures. “After a big storm, I’ll make a turn and come across a street that’s completely underwater,” Whitlock says. “It’s inconvenient, but the town is working on making it less of a problem.” The island’s flood mitigation project plans to dredge creeks and build berms to prevent these issues.
Kids go to school on the mainland
Georgetown County School District serves Pawleys Island. Kids can attend Waccamaw Elementary School, which Niche grades an A-minus. Students may continue to Waccamaw Intermediate School, Waccamaw Middle School and Waccamaw High School, all of which get B-pluses. The high school offers Career and Technical Education pathways in fields like biomedical sciences and engineering. Each public school is on the mainland, along with private options like A-graded Lowcountry Preparatory School.
Waccamaw Elementary School offers quality education to Pawleys Island families.
Waccamaw Middle School offers quality education for Pawleys Island teens.
Waccamaw High School offers college-prep programs for Pawleys Island students in grades 9–12.
Students in grades 9 through 12 attend Waccamaw High School near Pawleys Island.
Waccamaw High School provides strong academics and athletics for local families.
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Ocean Highway has seafood spots, tourist shops and grocery stores
The barrier island section of the community is home to a few inns, a chapel and the town hall, while most restaurants and shops are on the mainland along U.S. Route 17, also known as Ocean Highway. Frank’s is an upscale steakhouse and seafood spot with outdoor dining. Dollar bills cover the walls at Pawleys Island Tavern, a dive bar that regularly has live music. Souvenir shops, seafood markets and grocery stores, like Aldi and Publix, also line the street. Georgetown, about 13 miles south, has more grocery stores and the closest the hospital.
Traffic may get congested around summer holidays
Two causeways connect the island with the mainland, and Ocean Highway offers a direct route to Myrtle Beach and its international airport. The area experiences heavy traffic during peak tourist seasons. “There’s a bit of congestion during all the big summer holidays, but the bulk of those people are going up to Myrtle Beach, rather than staying on Pawleys Island,” Whitlock says.
Written By
Meghan Baker
Photography Contributed By
Jon Puckett
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Patrick Zarcone,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Pawleys Island, SC sell after 76 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Pawleys Island, SC over the last 12 months is $537,500, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to Allston Plantation, one of Pawleys Island’s most desirable communities. This well-appointed 3-bedroom, 2-bath home features an open floor plan designed for everyday comfort and effortless entertaining. The spacious living areas flow seamlessly into a bright Carolina room, offering the perfect spot to relax with morning coffee or unwind after a day at the beach. Enjoy resort-style
This Direct Oceanfront Villa Boasts a superior 4th Floor Location and commands Spectacular Beach Views. Professionally decorated and updated, to include a Fully-Remodeled Kitchen, NEW Cabinetry, Stainless Steel Appliances, Dishwasher, Quartz Countertops, Fully Tiled Shower Bath, and LVT Flooring throughout. The Casual Beach Decor offers a King Bed Master Bedroom and Comfortable Living Space to
Relax into Coastal Living at 397 Emerson Loop, Pawleys Island! Welcome to this stunning 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home in the desirable Hagley Estates community, perfectly combining a modern look and feel with the laid-back charm of Pawleys Island living. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be drawn to the spacious front porch with its beautiful wood ceiling—a warm and inviting space where you can sit
Beautiful and spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom END UNIT townhouse for sale in the desirable Pawleys Place community. This unit has a living room, a dining area, kitchen, laundry and Master Bedroom and full Bath on the first floor.The community has a pool and is minutes away from restaurants, shopping, golf and the beach. HOA fee covers all exterior maintenance and repairs along with landscape
Experience elevated Lowcountry living in this stunning 2022-built residence, perfectly positioned on a total of 1.66 acres overlooking the historic Carolina Gold Ricefields. With three combined lots and an expansive stretch of tidal creek frontage, this property offers unmatched privacy, panoramic views, and room to create the outdoor retreat of your dreams—whether that includes a guest house,
Take a tour in Marshland Park where you will find 39 Lazy Hammock Trail. A spacious Raised Beach Custom Home with 3 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths. This home is loaded with upgrades from the custom cabinetry, appliances, tile throughout the bathrooms, lighting fixtures and more. Plus let's not forget the outdoor space that is offered 3 different areas to enjoy, whether to sip on your morning coffee or
Tucked inside the gated, tree-lined entrance of Pawleys Plantation—where live oaks draped in Spanish moss welcome you home—this well-cared-for first-floor end-unit condo offers relaxed Lowcountry living filled with natural light from its corner location. LVT flooring flows throughout the home, complemented by an upgraded vanity in the primary bath, while the galley-style kitchen opens seamlessly
Tucked beneath a canopy of majestic oaks and nestled behind the wrought iron gates of Oak Lea, this charming one story three bedroom, two bath Low Country home is a rare gem waiting to be discovered. Located east of Highway 17 in a private, exclusive enclave of just30 homes, opportunities to purchase in this hidden community are few and far between. This home is a true blank canvas- ready for you
Welcome to 199 Southgate Ct., tucked inside the highly sought-after Low Country neighborhood of beautiful Pawleys Island. This stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bath home boasting a new HVAC in 2025 offers serene water views and an inviting Southern charm that makes it truly one-of-a-kind. From the moment you step inside, you’ll notice the thoughtful details throughout such as tray ceilings, granite
Welcome to the sought-after townhomes at Mingo. This meticulously maintained home proudly boasts an open floorplan and larger kitchen then some of the others in this community. Come take a look. The Primary Bedroom is located on the main living level with a large walk-in closet, while the other bedrooms are on ground level for a little extra privacy for your family & guests. The Maytag Washer and
Welcome to coastal living at its finest! Updated kitchen granite counter tops since last listed. This unit will not last call today for showing!!! Presenting 629 Blue Stem Drive, Unit 74D, a True Blue Condo in beautiful Pawleys Island, SC. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath haven is your ticket to a lifestyle where relaxation meets sophistication. Step inside and be greeted by a meticulously updated
Welcome to True Blue 16F, a beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath condo for sale in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, located within the highly desirable True Blue Golf Community. This second-floor golf course condo offers peaceful views overlooking the fairways, making it the perfect coastal retreat, primary residence, or turnkey investment property. The unit has been recently updated and is being
Enjoy coastal living in this beautifully updated and fully furnished 2-bedroom condo in the heart of Pawleys Island. This move-in-ready home greets you with a bright, contemporary kitchen complete with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and modern cabinetry. Stylish LVP flooring runs throughout, and the updated Jack-and-Jill bathroom adds both comfort and convenience. Located on the
FRESHLY PAINTED and FREE RENT!? If you sign a 24 month lease by February 28th, your 24th month will be FREE! The community is surrounded by multiple world class golf courses, great local cuisine options, and a variety of entertainment. A short walk to Tidelands HealthPoint Center for Health and Fitness. The surrounding communities and attractions of Pawleys Island and Litchfield Beach make
FRESHLY PAINTED and FREE RENT!? If you sign a 24 month lease by February 28th, your 24th month will be FREE! The community is surrounded by multiple world class golf courses, great local cuisine options, and a variety of entertainment. A short walk to Tidelands HealthPoint Center for Health and Fitness. The surrounding communities and attractions of Pawleys Island and Litchfield Beach make
FRESHLY PAINTED and FREE RENT!? If you sign a 24 month lease by December 31st, your 24th month will be FREE! The community is surrounded by multiple world class golf courses, great local cuisine options, and a variety of entertainment. A short walk to Tidelands HealthPoint Center for Health and Fitness. The surrounding communities and attractions of Pawleys Island and Litchfield make Wimbledon
Seize your chance to live in one of the premier apartment communities in Pawleys Island, SC. Picture coming home every day to the warm embrace of meticulous landscaping, comfortable homes, and thoughtful amenities tailored to enhance your life. Located in Litchfield Beach, Pawleys Island, with easy access to Coastal HWY 17 and Transit Bus Lines, Litchfield Oaks Apartments is just minutes away
Looking for a spacious home with a great view? This is the one! You can bring all of your furniture with you and enjoy this large, single level home in the gated community of Willbrook Plantation, Litchfield Beach, SC. Overlooking the lake to the golf course, this 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home has 2963 heated square feet and a total of 3577 square feet overall with the two-car garage. An open floor
Welcome to Fifty-Seven Sea at True Blue, a stunning 3-bedroom condo located at the beautiful True Blue Golf Resort. This spacious and tastefully decorated unit is just steps away from the pool and hot tub, offering a relaxing getaway with free WiFi. Enjoy the convenience of a fully equipped kitchen and an in-unit washer and dryer, making you feel at home.The condo is thoughtfully designed
Spacious 2 Bedroom / 2 Bath Condo for Rent in Pawleys Island . This unit is on the first floor and situated within the best building in the community. #412 is directly across the street from the pool and adjacent to the manicured grilling / picnic area. The open floorplan features a spacious laundry room off of the kitchen , 2 oversized bedrooms, and a bump out that would be a great Carolina room
Discover coastal luxury in this award-winning home located at 695 Springs Ave. Pawleys Island, SC. Crafted for beach living, this residence boasts a well-equipped kitchen, four bedrooms, a loft bed, an elevator, and an outdoor fireplace. Enjoy the convenience of casting a line from the private dock, relishing water views, and falling asleep to the soothing sound of waves. Wooden rockers on the
This townhome can be rented furnished or unfurnished. River Club is a gated golf course community with private beach access through Litchfield By the Sea River Club boasts a large community pool. On the first floor, is the LIving, Ding Kitchen, half bath and a Sunroom overlooking the golf course. Nicely decorated home with granite countertops, plenty of cabinet's and a breakfast nook in the
Welcome to Live Oaks Retreat, a charming condo located in the beautiful Pawleys Plantation Golf Resort. Nestled within a secure gated community on the renowned Jack Nicklaus designed golf course, this condo offers a serene escape with a King, Queen, and two twin bed en-suites, making it perfect for your vacation or golf trip. Enjoy the inviting living room and picturesque views of the golf
2 bedroom/ 2 bathroom condo plus a bonus room, and a screened porch overlooking the golf course in the gated community of The River Club. Pool on premises, plus access to the beach in Litchfield By The Sea. Fully furnished, pots, pans, etc. Bed sizes: 1 King, 2 Doubles. Flooring is Luxury Vinyl Plank, and carpet in the bedrooms. No smoking.
Nestled on the serene South End of Pawleys Island, South Carolina, Laughin Place invites you to escape to a world of smiles, laughter, and tranquility. This charming oceanfront and creekside haven promises to be your perfect getaway. It features seven bedrooms and accommodates up to sixteen guests, ensuring ample space for relaxation and enjoyment.Located on the south end of Pawleys Island,
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