What’s it like to live in Myrtle Beach, SC?
Although it's better known to outsiders as a vacation hot spot for beachgoers and golfers, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is also an attractive place to live for a number of reasons. Young professionals, growing families and empty nesters who are drawn to the area's mild weather and beaches set down roots here and enjoy the area's relatively low cost of living.
As a popular vacation destination, Myrtle Beach offers a high number of job opportunities for those in the tourism and hospitality industries. But even if their professions don't revolve around the region's visitors or transplants, Myrtle Beach residents benefit from living in a tourist haven. Those who live here have access to quality restaurants, a variety of leisure activities and a jam-packed events calendar.
Residents also profit from the area's pro-business atmosphere, propagated by low income taxes and numerous incentives for growing companies. These perks make Myrtle Beach a great place to start a small business.
What is there to do in Myrtle Beach, SC?
If there’s a benefit to living in a tourist town, it’s that you can always find an attraction to visit, a new restaurant to try or a festival to attend.
Myrtle Beach caters to its outdoorsy residents with two state parks – Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington Beach State Park – that feature hiking and biking trails, but the main draw here, without a doubt, is the sprawling beaches. Residents can take advantage of the nearly 60 miles of shoreline that run along the Grand Strand, spending the warm days swimming, fishing, boating or sunbathing. In addition to its coveted coastline, the Myrtle Beach area is peppered with golf courses, many of which were designed by golf greats like Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman and Arnold Palmer.
Residents also have access to an array of restaurants, many of which are locally owned.
What’s the cost of living in Myrtle Beach, SC?
The cost of living in Myrtle Beach is lower than what the average American pays in other metro areas, largely due to the region's housing costs. However, the metro area's growing population – not to mention its growing popularity among those in the market for vacation homes – has caused prices to climb in recent years.