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
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an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Pawleys Island, SC sell after 80 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Pawleys Island, SC over the last 12 months is $555,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 64 Black Pearl Court, a beautifully designed two-story home situated on a spacious cul-de-sac lot in the desirable Hammock Cove community and best of all, it is a GOLF CART RIDE to the beach! Offering 5 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, a rare 3-car garage, and a highly sought-after first-floor in-law suite, this home combines comfort, functionality, and coastal charm. The popular Trivecta
Price Improvement! Now is the perfect time to secure your new construction home in beautiful Pawleys Island—opportunities like this have become very limited. With completion anticipated by the end of July, your coastal lifestyle is closer than you think. Welcome to the Saltcreek Craftsman, one of the final homes currently under construction in the highly sought-after Sanderling Bay community.
Be in your brand-new home at Sanderling Bay this August—just in time to enjoy the coastal lifestyle at its finest. The Saltcreek Elite—a spacious and versatile floor plan thoughtfully designed for comfort, entertaining, and everyday living to be completed just in time to enjoy fall on the coast. This home features 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, a generous bonus room, and an elegant conservatory,
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
Here's another opportunity to get into the gorgeous neighborhood in River Club, the famous Tall Pines!! These rarely hit the market due to owners typically trading units amongst each other. This gated community in Pawleys Island also gives you access to Litchfield By The Sea. This stunning home has been well maintained and beautifully updated! Features include 2 bedrooms; a 3rd room being used as
Wake up to peaceful marsh views and enjoy the easy coastal lifestyle you've been looking for at The Enclave in Pawleys Island. Built in 2021, this elevated home offers the perfect combination of modern finishes, low-maintenance living and a prime location just minutes from beaches, golf, dining and everything that makes the South Carolina coast so special. The open-concept floor plan is designed
Welcome to 410 Old Plantation Drive, a nearly new home in Hagley Estates, one of Pawleys Island’s most convenient and established neighborhoods. Located near the public boat ramp with easy access to the Waccamaw River and Intracoastal Waterway, this home offers a great blend of coastal living, neighborhood charm, and everyday comfort. The home features an open floor plan with a bright main living
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
Nestled in the highly sought-after St. Charles Place section of Reunion Hall, this beautifully maintained Charleston-style home offers the perfect blend of Lowcountry charm, comfort, and convenience. Located in the heart of Litchfield / Pawleys Island within a gated community, this spacious 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence is ideal as a primary home, vacation retreat, or investment property. A
Welcome to 280 Oatland Lake Road in prestigious Willbrook Plantation, where refined coastal living meets effortless comfort. Perfectly positioned along the 3rd fairway of the Dan Maples-designed golf course, this exceptional 4-bedroom, 2 full bath, 2 half bath residence offers timeless elegance, thoughtful updates, and a truly enviable Pawleys Island lifestyle. From the inviting front porch, step
Experience the perfect blend of coastal living and a golfer’s paradise in this stunning 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom, third-floor condo. Perfectly situated right on the greens in highly desirable Pawleys Island, this property offers panoramic golf course views, refreshing coastal breezes, and a rare, lucrative opportunity: short-term rentals are fully allowed! Whether you are searching for a personal
Located in Litchfield Country Club (Pawleys Island, SC) this spacious home offers a versatile layout with a first-floor primary suite and a floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace anchoring the main living area. A flex room on the main level provides options for an office or fifth bedroom, along with a separate laundry room and powder bath. The kitchen features an oversized breakfast bar and a separate
This oceanfront, fully furnished condo is located on the 7th floor of the tower and gives you a fabulous view of the Atlantic Ocean. Your family will enjoy two outdoor pools that feature a bar and restaurant plus direct ocean front access to the beach. The Litchfield Inn is one of the only resorts that also has a full-service breakfast and a first-class dinner restaurant, both providing gorgeous
Imagine waking up to the amazing Sunrise ocean views from this charming 1 bedroom, 1 bath oceanfront villa located in the highly sought after Bridgewater building at Litchfield by the Sea. This villa has LVT flooring throughout,Two queen beds in private bedroom,Granite counter-top and full-sized appliances in kitchen. Walk to Starbucks after enjoying the Ocean front sunrise, or enjoy a beautiful
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
The advertised rate of $3,864/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of November 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 can
This condo can be rented furnished for $2300 or unfurnished for $2000 per month. It is pet friendly but fees may apply. The condo has New Quartz Countertops, New Stainless Appliances, New LVP flooring, New Vanities and fixtures, New Paint and Cabinetry Paint. ... This inviting property is nestled in a charming True Blue Golf Course Community offering a perfect blend of comfort and relaxation with
The advertised rate of $12,909/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of November 7, 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
The advertised rate of $3,416/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of November 5, 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
The advertised rate of $4,398/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of September 12, 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
The advertised rate of $6,533/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of January 2, 2027.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
The advertised rate of $13,172/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of January 3, 2027.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
The advertised rate of $3,765/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of December 21, 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
The advertised rate of $3,555/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of November 7, 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
The advertised rate of $4,015/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of November 15, 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
The advertised rate of $4,149/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of November 8, 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
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