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 75 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Pawleys Island, SC over the last 12 months is $565,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Experience the ease of Lowcountry living in this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom townhome located in the sought-after True Blue Golf community of Pawleys Island. Designed for comfort and convenience, this single-level home offers a spacious, thoughtfully planned layout along with the added benefit of a private 2-car garage. Inside, an open-concept living and dining area creates a
**JUST REDUCED & OPEN HOUSE THIS SATURDAY AUGUST 15TH FROM 11AM TO 1PM** When you discover the perfect home that checks every box, you know you've found it, and this exceptional beach house in a private gated community is exactly that. Step inside and be greeted by radiant natural light that fills the open layout. High-end touches abound such as luxury vinyl plank flooring, custom wood trim, and
NEW! NOW BEING OFFERED FULLY FURNISHED! Move-in ready and just minutes from the beach, 65 Weatherboard Ct. is a beautifully maintained, turnkey 3-bedroom, 2-bath raised beach home in the desirable Magnolia Beach West community of Pawleys Island. Fresh interior paint, updated landscaping, and a bright, open floor plan make this home perfect for everyday living or relaxing weekend getaways. With a
Welcome to 292 Portrush Loop, an extraordinary custom-built waterfront estate in the prestigious gated community of Heritage Plantation, where timeless craftsmanship meets the ultimate Lowcountry boating lifestyle. Perfectly positioned to capture breathtaking sunsets across the marsh, marina, and Intracoastal Waterway, this exceptional residence offers more than 5,300 heated square feet of
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 this beautifully furnished 3-bedroom, 3-bath villa, thoughtfully updated and move-in ready. Ideally situated along the 9th hole of the prestigious Jack Nicklaus-designed Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club, this exceptional property is perfect as a primary residence, vacation retreat, or investment opportunity. The inviting interior features a formal dining room, a cozy fireplace,
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
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
Looking for that perfect mix of carefree coastal living? Look no further than this Rose Run townhome, now available on the market. With three spacious bedrooms, two and a half-bath with a garage is now available to call your home. The master suite is conveniently located on the first floor, while the second floor boasts two spacious bedrooms, a bathroom, and a cozy loft that would make the
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
Welcome to 35 Parkland Court, a beautifully maintained 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home in the highly desirable Parkland community of Pawleys Island. Perfectly situated in the heart of Pawleys mainland, this spacious two-story D.R. Horton Robbie floor plan offers the ideal blend of modern comfort, thoughtful upgrades, and coastal convenience. Designed for both everyday living and entertaining, the
If it's space you need, then here's your home. 4 bedrooms with 4 baths & a powder room just off the great room. Large office, library toward the front of home. Formal dining and informal dining. Kitchen island with electric and a trash compacter. Many features ensure a comfortable lifestyle. Large enclosed screen porch. Solar panels. Propane gas for your fireplace, cook top and outdoor grill.
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
Welcome to Litchfield Breezes, a gated community where coastal charm, natural beauty, and everyday comfort come together in this beautifully maintained home offering marsh and ocean views, along with two expansive front porches designed to enjoy the refreshing sea breezes. Designed for both everyday comfort and effortless entertaining, this meticulously kept five-bedroom, three-bathroom residence
Built in 2022 and situated on a spacious 0.73-acre homesite in the highly desirable Hagley Estates community, this beautifully appointed 4-bedroom, 3-bath home offers the perfect blend of modern style, thoughtful design, and Lowcountry living, all with no HOA. A welcoming front porch leads into a bright, open-concept floor plan where the kitchen and living room flow seamlessly together, creating
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
Property Id: 2266784 Come home to this conveniently located, spacious townhome! It has three bedrooms, with an en-suite bath in the main bedroom plus another full bath for the other two bedrooms, all upstairs. There is a half bath on the main floor along with a generously-sized kitchen and living area. The counter gives enough space to sit many people as well! Enjoy evenings on your covered
Escape the cold in the north and enjoy the beautiful South Carolina Coast for the winter months. Centrally located - a great getaway spot to golf, fish, shop, enjoy great restaurants or take walks on the beautiful beach. Located in a quiet residential neighborhood east of Highway 17 off of the South Causeway. A short golf cart ride or bike ride to the beach. Near great inlet fishing! 3 bedrooms &
The advertised rate of $15,153/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
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.
The advertised rate of $15,219/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of January 6, 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
Unfurnished Condo - This is a lovely 3 bedroom/ 2 bath end unit on second floor looking over the pool from the screened porch. LVP wood flooring in main area, and neutral carpet in the bedrooms. Ceiling fans throughout. Garden tub in main bath. Washer and dryer. Tenant pays electric. Included in Rent: basic cable/wi-fi, water, trash pick up, and pest control.
Immaculate first floor 2bd 2bth end unit is Move-In ready. Completely updated with new Flooring, Granite Counter Tops, Tiled Tub & Shower. Located east of Hwy 17 with outside storage, convenient for beach, golf or fishing items. Salt Marsh Cove has a large community pool. The community dock displays wonderful views of the marsh plus ideal for crabbing or fishing.
Relax with golf course views of the 10th green at The River Club. Enjoy the River Club pool and Litchfield by the Sea beach access and amenities. This renovated condo is spacious and completely furnished and ready to move in! The living area has lots of natural light and a ceiling that vaults up to the 2nd floor balcony. There are sliding glass doors opening to the patio and view. The dining room
Enjoy comfortable coastal living in this charming 2-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom townhome in Pawleys Island! This thoughtfully designed floor plan offers plenty of privacy and functional living space, making it a great place to call home. The second-floor bedrooms each feature their own private bathroom, providing added convenience and privacy for residents or guests. The first floor offers an
Unfurnished all brick home located within Litchfield Country Club. Single story ranch home features 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, living room with hardwood floors, and a large garage. Kitchen and living room area have been updated. This home also has a large, bright Carolina room with a view of the golf course and pond. Tenant is responsible for all utilities and lawn maintenance. Available in
Every day will be a sweet escape in this coastal oasis located in the Clambake Cove community in Pawley’s Island. This 3 bedroom 2 bath house Built in 2018, with its modern, sleek design, it takes coastal living to new, chic heights. The main living space is open concept with high ceilings and plenty of natural light streaming in. The kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, and plenty of
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