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
Lori Lentz-Widner,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Pawleys Island, SC sell after 81 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Pawleys Island, SC over the last 12 months is $549,999, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located in Pawleys Island, just 0.9 miles from the beach, this end-unit townhouse offers an ideal coastal layout with the primary bedroom on the first floor and a thoughtful mix of upgrades throughout. The entry level features LVP flooring in the main living areas, while the kitchen is finished with upgraded appliances, enhanced countertops, and a modern backsplash, creating a polished and
Discover the perfect blend of comfort and coastal convenience in the highly sought-after Pawleys Retreat community. This home features a desirable split-bedroom floor plan with a meticulously maintained yard. Ideally located just minutes from the pristine beaches of Pawleys Island and a variety of local boutiques and dining, this property offers the low country lifestyle. The interior is move-in
Set on an estate corner lot in Pawleys Plantation, this custom-built home welcomes you through a large foyer where a beautiful staircase immediately draws the eye, setting the tone for the architectural detail found throughout. From the foyer, the home opens into the great room, showcasing scored concrete flooring and a thoughtfully designed wet bar incorporating an ice maker, beverage
What a great opportunity to own a wonderful 3 bed property so close with Beach and Golf on the doorstep, the property has been used exclusively as a second home, Being offered fully furnished save a few personal items.Situated in the heart of Pawleys island close to all restaurants, Grocery stores and all amenities. The property allows short term rental, so easy to enhance your income . Just 30
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
Welcome to Pawleys Island, where coastal charm and easy living come together! Unit 3D, a light-filled top-floor unit offering a peaceful setting and comfort. Sunlight streams through the patio doors, illuminating the hardwood floors throughout. Built in 2022, this home features central air and heat, stainless steel appliances, and the convenience of an in-unit washer and dryer. The spacious
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
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
Located just off the S Causeway in the heart of Pawleys Island, this exceptional oceanfront compound offers breathtaking Atlantic views and a versatile layout ideal for multi-generational living, private retreats, or high-performing vacation rental investment. The main residence features four bedrooms and four baths, thoughtfully designed for comfort and coastal living. An updated kitchen opens
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 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 this beautifully renovated Marsh Heron villa located inside the coveted, guard-gated oceanfront resort community of Litchfield by the Sea in Pawleys Island. This desirable second-row villa offers ocean views and exceptional updates throughout. This 2-bedroom villa features a small private office off the owner’s suite, perfect for remote work or a quiet retreat. The thoughtfully
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
Located in Pawleys Island, just 0.9 miles from the beach, this end-unit townhouse offers an ideal coastal layout with the primary bedroom on the first floor and a thoughtful mix of upgrades throughout. The entry level features LVP flooring in the main living areas, while the kitchen is finished with upgraded appliances, enhanced countertops, and a modern backsplash, creating a polished and
Nestled in the sought-after Salt Marsh Cove community in South Litchfield, this inviting second-floor condo offers a serene coastal retreat with a relaxed, beachy vibe. Enjoy fresh air and marsh breezes from your private balcony, perfect for unwinding after a day at the beach. Inside, this move-in-ready home features an open and airy floor plan filled with natural light, along with two spacious
FRESHLY PAINTED and FREE RENT!? If you sign a 24 month lease by April 30th, 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
FRESHLY PAINTED and FREE RENT!? If you sign a 24 month lease by April 30th, 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 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
Ready for immediate move-in! This charming and spacious 2BR / 2BA townhome offers 1,450 heated sq/ft of comfortable living space plus a 2-car garage—all in the desirable Rose Run community of Pawleys Island. Step inside to an inviting, light-filled living area featuring multiple windows and a vaulted ceiling, creating an open and airy feel. The thoughtful split-bedroom floor plan ensures privacy
The advertised rate of $5,134/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of September 19, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can
This lovely first floor 2 bed/2 bath, furnished condo is located in the gated community of Pawleys Pavilion. Laminate wood flooring in living room and kitchen, tile in bathrooms, and carpet in bedrooms. Kitchen has brand new granite countertops and new appliances. The living area opens to the screened porch. There is a large park next to complex used by tenants and dogs. There is a community pool
The advertised rate of $18,656/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of September 14, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it
110 Redwing Court - This furnished home features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and screened porch with lovely lake view. Bed sizes are 2 queens, 2 twins. Includes all appliances, 2 TVs, ceiling fans, and there is a one car garage. Located on a cul-de-sac in the beautiful gated community of Pawleys Plantation Convenient to grocery stores, restaurants, shopping, golf courses, and beaches. No Pets. No
The advertised rate of $21,466/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of October 25, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can
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
The advertised rate of $5,171/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of October 11, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
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.
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