Complete Guide to Moving to North Myrtle Beach SC

North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is a beach city of approximately 17,000 year-round residents — a number that swells dramatically each summer as visitors descend on one of the East Coast's most beloved coastal destinations. Located at the northern end of the Grand Strand, just south of the SC/NC border, North Myrtle Beach occupies a charming middle ground between the resort-heavy commercialism of Myrtle Beach to the south and the quiet waterfront character of Little River to the north. With four distinct beach communities (Cherry Grove, Ocean Drive, Crescent Beach, and Windy Hill), a legendary shag dancing heritage, world-class golf, and a genuine year-round residential culture, North Myrtle Beach attracts a diverse mix of retirees, families, remote workers, and beach enthusiasts ready to make the Grand Strand their permanent home.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about relocating to North Myrtle Beach — from its beach neighborhoods and housing market to schools, employment, healthcare, and the storage solutions that will make your coastal move seamless.

Quick Facts:

Incorporated city at the northern end of the Grand Strand in Horry County
Year-round population ~17,000; summer population far exceeds this
Four historic beach communities: Cherry Grove, Ocean Drive, Crescent Beach, Windy Hill
Birthplace of the shag dance — South Carolina's official state dance
Located minutes from Little River and the NC border to the north
Myrtle Beach approximately 15 miles south
100+ golf courses within the Grand Strand
Mild four-season coastal climate with warm summers and mild winters

1. WHY CHOOSE NORTH MYRTLE BEACH?

The Best of Beach Town Living

North Myrtle Beach strikes the balance that many Grand Strand newcomers seek: genuine beach access and coastal lifestyle, meaningful year-round community, and proximity to Grand Strand amenities — without the overwhelming commercial density and tourist congestion that defines central Myrtle Beach. The city has its own mayor, city council, police department, and civic identity — it is a real community, not just a resort zone.

Four Distinct Beach Communities

North Myrtle Beach is actually the 1968 consolidation of four historic beach communities, each retaining its own character:

Cherry Grove — The northernmost community; quieter, more residential, beloved by families and those seeking a gentler pace
Ocean Drive — The historic heart of NMB; birthplace of beach music and the shag dance; home to legendary shag clubs
Crescent Beach — A mid-city community with a beautiful crescent-shaped shoreline
Windy Hill — The southernmost community; transitional between NMB and the broader Grand Strand commercial corridor

Shag Capital of the World

North Myrtle Beach is the undisputed home of the shag — South Carolina's official state dance, born on Ocean Drive's beachfront pavilions in the 1940s and 50s. The shag community remains vibrant, with clubs like Fat Harold's Beach Club and the Spanish Galleon drawing dancers from across the Southeast. For new residents, shag dancing is both a genuine social outlet and a living piece of American cultural history.

Retirement Destination

North Myrtle Beach is consistently ranked among the best retirement destinations in the United States, combining:

South Carolina's exceptionally favorable tax treatment for retirees (no tax on Social Security, significant retirement income deductions)
Mild climate and year-round outdoor lifestyle
World-class golf on more than 100 nearby courses
Strong healthcare infrastructure with Grand Strand Medical Center
Active social scene, arts community, and recreation options
Housing values well below comparable coastal communities in Florida

Proximity Without the Crowds

Little River (waterfront dining, fishing charters, Blue Crab Festival): 5-10 minutes north
Myrtle Beach (Broadway at the Beach, major retail, airport): 15-20 minutes south
Conway (Horry County seat): 25 minutes west
Wilmington, NC: approximately 60 minutes north

2. NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITIES IN NORTH MYRTLE BEACH

Cherry Grove Beach

The northernmost and most residential of NMB's beach communities, Cherry Grove has a loyal following among families and retirees for its quieter atmosphere, beautiful beach, and neighborhood feel.

Cherry Grove Pier — a beloved landmark and fishing destination
Mix of oceanfront cottages, canal homes, and newer construction
Cherry Grove Beach — wide, beautiful strand with less commercial development than areas further south
Strong vacation rental market; many full-time residents and seasonal homeowners

Ocean Drive

The historic center of North Myrtle Beach and the birthplace of beach music and shag dancing. Ocean Drive's Main Street retains a classic beach town character with iconic shag clubs, restaurants, and a community identity unlike anywhere else on the Grand Strand.

Fat Harold's Beach Club — the epicenter of shag dancing culture
The Spanish Galleon — legendary shag venue
Ocean Drive Beach — wide beach with a more active, social atmosphere
Mix of oceanfront condos, older beach cottages, and renovated properties

Crescent Beach

A quieter mid-city community with a distinctive crescent-shaped stretch of beach. Popular with families seeking a lower-key beach environment between the activity of Ocean Drive and Cherry Grove.

Barefoot Resort Area

Straddling the NMB/Little River border on the Intracoastal Waterway, Barefoot Resort is a premier planned community with four championship golf courses, resort amenities, and diverse housing from condos and villas to single-family homes.

Golf course and Intracoastal views
Resort-quality pools, walking paths, and marina
Strong rental investment market alongside full-time residents
Adjacent to Barefoot Landing shopping and entertainment

Inland North Myrtle Beach

West of Highway 17, NMB's inland neighborhoods offer more traditional residential living at lower price points — single-family homes on standard lots, established neighborhoods with mature trees, and quick access to city services.

More affordable than oceanfront or waterway communities
Good value for families seeking more space
15-20 minute drive to the beach
Access to NMB's highly regarded city services and parks

3. COST OF LIVING IN NORTH MYRTLE BEACH

North Myrtle Beach's cost of living is close to the national average overall, with housing being the primary variable depending on proximity to the beach or Intracoastal Waterway.

Cost of Living Index (National Average = 100)

Overall: ~97-102
Housing: ~90-100 (varies dramatically by location)
Groceries: ~97
Utilities: ~103 (coastal heat drives summer electric bills)
Transportation: ~95
Healthcare: ~90

Monthly Budget Estimates

Retiree Couple (Homeowners) — Approximately $3,800-$5,000/month

Housing (mortgage/taxes/insurance/HOA): $1,200-$1,900
Groceries: $600-$800
Utilities: $150-$230
Transportation: $400-$600
Healthcare: $400-$600
Other: $900-$1,200

Family of Four (Homeowners) — Approximately $5,000-$6,500/month

Housing: $1,500-$2,200
Groceries: $900-$1,100
Utilities: $170-$260
Transportation: $700-$900
Healthcare: $300-$450
Other: $1,300-$1,700

South Carolina Tax Advantages for Retirees

No state income tax on Social Security benefits
Up to $15,000 in retirement income deduction per person ($30,000 for a couple)
4% primary residence property tax assessment ratio
No inheritance tax

4. HOUSING MARKET OVERVIEW

Rental Market

North Myrtle Beach's long-term rental market is competitive, with many properties used as short-term vacation rentals. Start your search early and work with local property managers familiar with the long-term rental inventory.

Average Monthly Long-Term Rents:

1-2 Bedroom Condo (off-beach): $1,100 - $1,600
2-3 Bedroom Home (inland): $1,400 - $2,000
Oceanfront or waterway condo: $1,800 - $3,000+

Home Buying

Median Home Price: $330,000 - $400,000

Inland single-family homes: $250,000 - $380,000
Golf community homes (Barefoot, etc.): $300,000 - $600,000
Oceanfront or second-row beach properties: $450,000 - $1,200,000+
Canal homes (Cherry Grove): $400,000 - $900,000
Luxury oceanfront estates: $1,000,000 - $3,000,000+

Important Considerations

Flood Insurance: Many NMB properties require flood insurance. Obtain an elevation certificate and research FEMA flood zone designations before purchasing. Flood insurance costs can vary significantly and must be factored into your total housing budget.

HOA Fees: Many NMB communities, particularly condos and resort developments, carry HOA fees ranging from $200 to $800+/month. Review HOA financials and meeting minutes before purchasing.

Rental Investment Potential: Many NMB properties carry strong vacation rental income histories. If investment income is part of your strategy, work with a local real estate attorney to understand short-term rental regulations.

5. SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION

Horry County Schools

North Myrtle Beach is served by Horry County Schools, South Carolina's second-largest school district.

Schools Serving North Myrtle Beach:

Ocean Drive Elementary — Serving the Ocean Drive and Cherry Grove communities
Waterway Elementary — Serving portions of NMB and the Little River area
North Myrtle Beach Middle School — The district middle school serving NMB students
North Myrtle Beach High School — The area's flagship high school with strong academics, athletics, and performing arts programs; a source of great community pride

District Programs:

Career and Technology Education pathways at the high school level
Dual enrollment with Horry-Georgetown Technical College
IB program available at Myrtle Beach High School for those seeking it
Strong athletics programs — NMB High School Seahawks compete at high levels

Higher Education

Horry-Georgetown Technical College — Grand Strand campus offering affordable two-year degrees and workforce training in healthcare, hospitality, technology, and construction fields.

Coastal Carolina University (Conway) — Four-year university 25 miles inland with strong marine science, hospitality management, business, and education programs. A popular choice for NMB-area students.

6. EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMY

Economic Overview

The Grand Strand economy is driven by tourism, hospitality, real estate, and construction — industries that thrive with the region's explosive population growth. North Myrtle Beach residents have access to this broad employment market while also benefiting from the city's own commercial base and growing healthcare sector.

Major Employment Sectors

Tourism and Hospitality:

Hotels, resorts, restaurants, and entertainment venues throughout the Grand Strand
Golf industry — more than 100 courses with year-round operations
Barefoot Landing — major entertainment and retail complex
Water parks, attractions, and family entertainment

Healthcare:

Grand Strand Medical Center (Myrtle Beach) — major regional hospital employer
Conway Medical Center
Tidelands Health — growing health system with multiple NMB area locations
Expanding outpatient and specialist practices throughout the corridor

Construction and Real Estate:

One of the fastest-growing regions in the nation — construction is perpetually active
Real estate, property management, short-term rental management

Remote Work:

North Myrtle Beach has become a genuine destination for remote workers. Reliable high-speed internet, an enviable lifestyle, and housing costs well below comparable coastal markets in other states make it increasingly common for technology, financial services, and creative professionals to choose NMB as their permanent base while working remotely.

7. TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS

Driving

North Myrtle Beach is car-dependent. Primary routes:

US-17 — The main coastal highway running through NMB; the primary route for most daily errands
SC-31 (Carolina Bays Parkway) — A limited-access bypass running parallel to the coast; the fastest route to Myrtle Beach and points south, bypassing US-17 congestion
SC-9 — Connecting NMB westward toward Conway and Loris

Traffic Reality: Summer weekends on US-17 can be intensely congested. SC-31 is the bypass of choice for locals. Year-round traffic is manageable; plan your peak-season commute routes accordingly.

Public Transportation

Coastal Rapid Public Transit (COAST) operates bus service in the Grand Strand. A personal vehicle is essential for most NMB residents' daily needs.

Air Travel

Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) — Approximately 20 minutes south; a growing regional airport with seasonal nonstop service to cities throughout the East Coast, Midwest, and Canada. Locals love MYR for its ease of use — small airport, quick security, free short-term parking.

Wilmington International Airport (ILM) — Approximately 55-60 miles north in Wilmington, NC; additional route options.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) — Approximately 3 hours north for the broadest international and domestic route selection.

8. SELF-STORAGE SOLUTIONS IN NORTH MYRTLE BEACH

Why Storage Matters at the Beach

Coastal living in North Myrtle Beach creates storage needs that are distinct from inland relocations. Between the seasonal nature of beach gear, the compact footprint of many condos and beach cottages, and the logistics of moving into or out of a vacation rental market, a secure and accessible storage facility is an essential resource for NMB residents.

Common Storage Needs:

Beach and water sports equipment — paddleboards, kayaks, fishing gear, umbrellas, chairs
Seasonal storage for snowbirds and part-time residents
Off-season holiday decorations and seasonal clothing
Furniture storage during condo renovations or rental transitions
Storing belongings during a gap between home sale and new home closing
Vacation rental property excess inventory and supplies
Business storage for contractors, real estate, and hospitality businesses

10 Federal Storage — Serving North Myrtle Beach

10 Federal Storage's nearby Little River location is the trusted storage solution for North Myrtle Beach residents — just minutes north on Highway 90, providing quick and convenient access to secure, professionally managed storage.

10 Federal Storage — Little River (Serving North Myrtle Beach)

19 Highway 90 East
Little River, SC 29566
Phone: (854) 354-9741

Why Choose 10 Federal?

24/7 video surveillance and secure gated access
Full range of unit sizes from small to large drive-up units
Month-to-month leasing — no long-term commitment required
Minutes from North Myrtle Beach via Highway 90
Easy online reservations and payments
Professional, responsive management

Reserve your unit online at 10federalstorage.com or call (854) 354-9741 today.

9. UTILITIES AND SERVICES

Electric Service

Horry Electric Cooperative
Phone: (843) 369-2211 | Website: www.horryelectric.com

Horry Electric serves most of North Myrtle Beach and the surrounding area. Santee Cooper also serves portions of Horry County — confirm your provider at your specific address.

Average Monthly Cost: $120-$180 (summer months run higher due to cooling demands)

Natural Gas / Propane

Many NMB properties are all-electric or use propane. Piped natural gas availability varies by neighborhood. Local propane providers including AmeriGas and Suburban Propane serve the area.

Water and Sewer

City of North Myrtle Beach Utilities
Phone: (843) 280-5560

North Myrtle Beach operates its own municipal utilities for water and sewer within city limits.

Average Monthly Cost: $50-$90 combined water/sewer

Trash and Recycling

The City of North Myrtle Beach provides solid waste and recycling collection for city residents. Service schedules vary by neighborhood — confirm your pickup day with city utilities.

Internet and Cable

Spectrum/Charter — The dominant cable internet and TV provider in North Myrtle Beach
Horry Telephone Cooperative — Local telecom cooperative with service in some NMB areas

10. HEALTHCARE FACILITIES IN NORTH MYRTLE BEACH

Local Care

Tidelands Health — North Strand Medical Pavilion — Primary care, specialty services, and outpatient care in North Myrtle Beach
Doctors Care — North Myrtle Beach — Urgent care for non-emergency medical needs
Multiple primary care, family medicine, and specialist practices along the US-17 corridor

Regional Hospitals

Grand Strand Medical Center (Myrtle Beach)

Approximately 15-20 minutes south on US-17
Level II Trauma Center designation; full-service regional hospital
Comprehensive specialty care including cardiac, oncology, orthopedics, and neurology
Part of the HCA Healthcare network with access to system-wide resources

Conway Medical Center (Conway)

Approximately 25 minutes west in Conway
Horry County's community hospital with strong local reputation and full-service care

Tidelands Health (Murrells Inlet/Pawleys Island)

Growing coastal health system with expanding services throughout the Grand Strand

11. RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT

The Beach

The Grand Strand's 60 miles of Atlantic Ocean beach is the defining amenity of life in North Myrtle Beach. NMB's beaches — particularly Cherry Grove and Crescent Beach — are among the Grand Strand's most beautiful and least congested stretches, with wide sandy shores, gentle surf, and stunning sunrises that residents never tire of. Cherry Grove Beach is especially beloved for its quieter, more residential atmosphere; the Cherry Grove Pier extending 985 feet into the Atlantic is one of the finest fishing and sightseeing piers on the South Carolina coast. Year-round residents learn quickly that the beach belongs to them from October through April — cooler temperatures, empty parking lots, and miles of sand to themselves make the off-season one of the greatest perks of calling NMB home.

Golf

North Myrtle Beach sits in the undisputed capital of American golf tourism. The Grand Strand's more than 100 public and resort courses offer something for every skill level and budget, from affordable daily-fee tracks to world-class resort designs. Living here means access to some of the most sought-after tee times on the East Coast, often at a fraction of what visitors pay in peak season.

Notable NMB-Area Courses:

Barefoot Resort Golf — Four distinct championship courses on the property: the Love Course (Davis Love III design), the Dye Course (Pete Dye), the Norman Course (Greg Norman), and the Fazio Course (Tom Fazio). Each has a different character; collectively they represent some of the finest resort golf on the Grand Strand.
Possum Trot Golf Club — A beloved Horry County public course with a loyal local following; great value and genuine Southern character
Myrtle Beach National Golf Club — A storied multi-course complex with the famous King's North course, consistently ranked among the best in SC
Eagle Nest Golf Club — A challenging Horry County course that rewards precision; popular with locals
Tidewater Golf Club — A spectacular course in Little River overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic; consistently ranked among the top public courses in South Carolina
Colonial Charters Golf Club — A well-maintained local favorite in the Little River area with reasonable rates year-round
Dozens of additional courses along the US-17 corridor extending from Little River to Murrells Inlet

Water Recreation

Cherry Grove Pier — One of the Grand Strand's finest fishing piers at 985 feet; excellent for pier fishing (flounder, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, and more) and simply enjoying ocean views
Intracoastal Waterway boating — Multiple marinas and boat ramps provide access to the Intracoastal for powerboating, sailing, and cruising; anchoring out for sunset is a quintessential NMB lifestyle moment
Kayaking and paddleboarding — Calm Intracoastal waters are perfect for paddlers of all skill levels; several outfitters offer rentals and guided tours of tidal creeks and waterway scenery
Deep-sea and inshore fishing charters — The Little River waterfront (10 minutes north) is the charter fishing hub; offshore trips target marlin, mahi, wahoo, and tuna while inshore guides pursue red drum, flounder, and speckled trout in the marshes and tidal creeks
Watersport rentals — Jet ski rentals, parasailing, banana boat rides, and other watersport activities available throughout the summer season
Vereen Memorial Gardens — A 14-mile trail network through coastal forests and tidal wetlands just north in Little River; one of the Grand Strand's finest natural areas for kayak launches and nature walks

Dining

North Myrtle Beach's dining scene spans the full spectrum from beloved local institutions to upscale waterfront dining — and as a year-round resident you'll develop your own roster of favorites across every occasion.

Local Institutions and Community Favorites

Hoskins Restaurant — Open since 1946, Hoskins is North Myrtle Beach's most enduring dining institution. This is where locals go for breakfast and lunch — classic Southern cooking, a welcoming no-frills atmosphere, and a sense of continuity that stretches back generations. The pancakes and country ham are legendary.
Duffy Street Seafood Shack — A beloved NMB favorite for fresh, approachable seafood in a relaxed setting; the kind of place locals bring visiting family to show them what Grand Strand seafood is really about
Flo's Place — A classic no-frills beach seafood experience; straightforward, fresh, and exactly what it should be
Roberto's Italian Restaurant — Longstanding NMB Italian favorite with a loyal following; reliable, comforting, and community-oriented in the way only a long-established local restaurant can be
Johnny D's Waffles and Benedicts — A wildly popular breakfast and brunch spot with creative waffle and eggs benedict combinations; expect a line on weekend mornings and consider it worth every minute

Seafood and Waterfront Dining

Greg Norman's Australian Grille — Upscale dining at Barefoot Landing with sweeping Intracoastal Waterway views; a special-occasion restaurant with a broad menu of seafood, steaks, and Australian-inspired dishes
Nacho Hippo — A lively Mexican restaurant and bar that has earned a devoted Grand Strand following with its fresh-ingredient approach, creative cocktails, and high-energy atmosphere; excellent for groups
Inlet Crabhouse and Raw Bar — Casual dock-and-dine seafood with a great raw bar selection; the kind of place where flip flops are entirely appropriate and the crab legs are the right call
Provisions Company (Little River, 10 min) — Waterfront dining in Little River on the working waterfront; outstanding fresh seafood with the added atmosphere of shrimping boats tied up outside
Twin Lakes Restaurant (Little River, 10 min) — A beloved Little River waterfront seafood institution; locals and visitors alike make the short drive for the views and the fresh catch

Upscale and Fine Dining

The Brentwood Restaurant & Wine Bistro (Little River, 10 min) — Consistently rated one of the finest restaurants on the entire Grand Strand; located in a beautifully restored 1910 home in Little River with an exceptional wine list and a menu that changes with the seasons. This is the destination for the Grand Strand's most memorable dinner.
SeaBlue Restaurant & Wine Bar — Sophisticated coastal cuisine with an impressive wine program; a strong option for special occasions in the NMB area
Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse — Grand Strand's premier Brazilian rodizio experience; an event-style dinner that's excellent for celebrations

Casual Dining and Bars

Crave Restaurant and Craft Bar — A popular local spot for creative American fare and craft cocktails in a relaxed, neighborhood-friendly atmosphere
The OD Arcade and Bar — A fun, retro-themed bar and arcade on Ocean Drive; popular with all ages for casual evenings out
The Wicked Tuna — Casual seafood and bar with a lively atmosphere; a go-to for casual waterfront dining without the special-occasion price tag
Eggs Up Grill — Popular local breakfast and brunch chain; reliable, fast, and family-friendly for weekday mornings
Croissants Bistro and Bakery — A local favorite for fresh pastries, lunch, and casual café fare; the kind of spot that becomes a weekly routine

Nightlife and Entertainment

North Myrtle Beach's entertainment scene is anchored by its unique shag dancing heritage and supplemented by major live music venues, waterfront bars, and one of the most concentrated collections of family entertainment on the East Coast.

Shag Dancing and Beach Music

Fat Harold's Beach Club — The most famous shag dancing venue in the world; open since 1971 on Main Street in Ocean Drive. Fat Harold's is the epicenter of beach music culture, with live bands and DJs spinning shag music on a legendary dance floor year-round. New residents are warmly welcomed — shag lessons are offered regularly, and the community around the dance floor is one of the most genuinely inclusive social scenes you'll find anywhere.
The Spanish Galleon — Another iconic Ocean Drive shag venue; a beloved complement to Fat Harold's with its own loyal clientele and consistent live beach music programming
Duck's Beach Club — A casual Ocean Drive beach bar with shag music and a relaxed, come-as-you-are atmosphere; one of the classic spots on the OD strip
Judgment Day — A well-known Ocean Drive venue with shag and beach music; part of the Main Street nightlife fabric
Society of Stranders (SOS) — The official organization of shag dancers; membership opens the door to the full shag community including private club access, lessons, and the two signature annual festivals

Major Live Entertainment Venues

Alabama Theatre (Barefoot Landing) — One of the Southeast's premier live entertainment theaters, seating nearly 2,300. Home to the long-running "ONE — The Show" variety production and a year-round calendar of major country, gospel, comedy, and touring acts. Alabama Theatre is a Grand Strand institution that NMB residents visit repeatedly throughout the year.
House of Blues North Myrtle Beach (Barefoot Landing) — The Grand Strand's premier rock, blues, and Americana music venue; a full calendar of national and regional touring acts across multiple stages. The Gospel Brunch is a beloved Sunday tradition. House of Blues at Barefoot Landing punches above its weight for a coastal community of this size.
Duplin Winery (Barefoot Landing) — North Carolina's beloved muscadine winery with a tasting room and regular live music events at Barefoot Landing; a pleasant evening destination for wine lovers

Waterfront Bars and Casual Nightlife

Dock Holidays Waterfront Bar & Grill — Waterfront bar with live music, cold beer, and stunning Intracoastal sunsets; a quintessential Grand Strand outdoor bar experience
Sandpiper Bay Bar and Grill — Casual waterfront bar popular with locals for sunset drinks and live music on the Intracoastal
O'Shaughnessy's Irish Pub — A welcoming Irish pub on the Grand Strand; one of the NMB area's most popular spots for live music and a convivial pub atmosphere year-round
Big M Casino Cruises (Little River, 10 min) — Departing from the Little River Waterfront, the Big M offers nightly gambling cruises into international waters; a genuinely unique entertainment option that draws locals and visitors alike for an evening of gaming, dining, and Intracoastal scenery

Family Entertainment

Alligator Adventure (Barefoot Landing) — One of the Southeast's premier reptile attractions; over 800 reptiles including massive albino alligators; a perennial favorite for residents with children and visiting grandchildren
Duplin Winery and nearby attractions at Barefoot Landing — The Barefoot Landing complex includes boat tours, an arcade, and multiple dining and entertainment concepts in one waterfront location
Myrtle Beach Pelicans Baseball (Myrtle Beach, 20 min) — Single-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs; a fun, affordable family night out at Pelicans Ballpark from April through September
Myrtle Beach Speedway (Myrtle Beach, 20 min) — NASCAR-sanctioned short track racing; a beloved local tradition with events throughout the season
Broadway at the Beach (Myrtle Beach, 20 min) — Massive open-air entertainment complex with Ripley's Aquarium, WonderWorks, mini golf, go-karts, comedy clubs, and dozens of restaurants and attractions; a rainy-day destination and crowd-pleaser for all ages

Shopping

North Myrtle Beach and the broader Grand Strand offer a shopping landscape that ranges from waterfront boutiques to major regional malls, ensuring residents can find virtually anything without leaving the coast.

Barefoot Landing

Barefoot Landing is the shopping and entertainment anchor of North Myrtle Beach — a sprawling open-air complex built along the Intracoastal Waterway on both sides of US-17 in the Windy Hill area. With more than 100 specialty shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, Barefoot Landing is a destination in itself and a cornerstone of NMB residents' social and shopping lives.

Specialty retail including apparel, gifts, jewelry, home décor, and beach goods
Alabama Theatre and House of Blues as anchor entertainment venues
Alligator Adventure wildlife attraction
Waterfront boardwalk with views of the Intracoastal; beautiful at sunset
Seasonal events, outdoor concerts, and holiday programming throughout the year
Dining options ranging from Greg Norman's Australian Grille to casual waterfront bars

US-17 Commercial Corridor

The US-17 corridor through North Myrtle Beach is the city's primary commercial spine, with virtually every daily retail need met along this stretch:

Grocery: Publix, Harris Teeter, Walmart Supercenter, Food Lion, and Aldi serving different NMB neighborhoods
Pharmacy: CVS, Walgreens, and in-store pharmacies at major grocery chains
Home improvement: Lowe's and Home Depot within easy access for the inevitable beach house maintenance and improvement projects
Big-box retail: Target, Best Buy, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, and other national retailers along the corridor
Specialty retail: Local boutiques, beach shops, surf and swimwear, fishing and marine supply, golf shops, and specialty retailers throughout the commercial corridor

Tanger Outlets (Myrtle Beach, 20 min)

Two Tanger Outlet centers in Myrtle Beach — one on US-17 Bypass (Coastal Grand area) and the Tanger Outlets at 501 — offer a combined 200+ designer and brand-name outlet stores. Coach, Michael Kors, Nike, Under Armour, Polo Ralph Lauren, and dozens more; a favorite destination for value-conscious shoppers and a worthwhile trip for NMB residents.

Broadway at the Beach (Myrtle Beach, 20 min)

Beyond its entertainment and dining, Broadway at the Beach includes specialty retail, souvenir shops, resort wear, and a lively marketplace atmosphere that draws visitors and residents throughout the year.

Coastal Grand Mall (Myrtle Beach, 20 min)

Myrtle Beach's primary enclosed regional mall anchored by Dillard's, JCPenney, and Belk with over 130 specialty stores. The destination for traditional mall shopping including department stores, jewelry, apparel, and footwear.

Local and Boutique Shopping

Ocean Drive's Main Street features beach boutiques, gift shops, and shag-themed merchandise — a walkable retail experience unique to NMB
Cherry Grove's beachside area has traditional beach shops, surf outfitters, and gift stores within walking distance of the pier
Local art galleries featuring work by Grand Strand and Lowcountry artists
Numerous fishing and marine supply stores serving NMB's active boating and fishing community

Annual Events and Festivals

North Myrtle Beach's event calendar is one of its most distinctive qualities — a year-round rhythm of community celebrations that give residents something to look forward to every season.

SOS Spring Safari (April) — The premier shag dancing festival of spring; thousands of shaggers descend on Ocean Drive's clubs and venues for a week of beach music, dancing, and community. The streets of Main Street come alive in a way that must be experienced to be believed.
St. Patrick's Day Festival (March) — One of the Southeast's largest St. Patrick's Day street festivals; Main Street in Ocean Drive is transformed with live music, food, and festivities drawing tens of thousands of revelers
Little River Blue Crab Festival (May, 10 min north) — South Carolina's beloved waterfront seafood celebration in Little River; one of the state's most genuinely charming community festivals with live music, craft vendors, and blue crabs prepared every way imaginable
North Myrtle Beach Area Chamber Events — Throughout the summer season the city hosts concerts, arts events, family activities, and community gatherings at McLean Park and along the oceanfront
SOS Fall Migration (September/October) — The fall shag festival counterpart to the Spring Safari; as the summer crowds thin and the beach belongs to locals again, the shag community returns to Ocean Drive for another unforgettable week of beach music and community
NMB Holiday Events (November/December) — The city's holiday lighting programs, Christmas parades, and seasonal events make the fall and winter months a surprisingly vibrant time on the Grand Strand
Bike Week and Bike Fest Events (May/September, broader Grand Strand) — The Grand Strand's major motorcycle rallies bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to the area and create a distinctive seasonal energy throughout the corridor

12. COMPLETE MOVING CHECKLIST

8 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING

Research NMB's four beach communities and determine your preferred area
Start housing search early — long-term rental inventory is limited
Research flood zone designations and flood insurance costs for target properties
Research HOA fees and rules for any condo or planned community
Research Horry County Schools enrollment
Get at least three moving company quotes
Begin decluttering; consider what beach condo or smaller footprint living requires

6 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING

Finalize housing arrangements
Reserve moving company or rental truck
Reserve storage unit at 10 Federal Storage in Little River: (854) 354-9741
Contact Horry County Schools about enrollment requirements
Obtain/transfer flood insurance if buying in a flood zone

4 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING

Submit USPS change of address
Set up electric service: Horry Electric Cooperative (843) 369-2211
Set up water/sewer: City of NMB Utilities (843) 280-5560
Arrange propane service if applicable
Schedule internet: Spectrum or Horry Telephone Cooperative
Update address with employers, banks, and insurance
Request medical and dental records transfer

MOVING DAY

Final walkthrough and photo documentation of previous property
Verify utilities are scheduled to disconnect at previous address
Meet movers at new NMB address; verify all utilities active
Inspect delivered items for damage

FIRST WEEK AFTER MOVING

Visit SC DMV to update driver's license (within 90 days)
Register vehicle with SC DMV (within 45 days)
Register to vote in Horry County
Apply for 4% primary homeowner property tax rate with Horry County Assessor (within 12 months of purchase)
Walk Ocean Drive's Main Street and discover the shag clubs
Watch a sunrise from Cherry Grove Beach

FIRST MONTH AFTER MOVING

Establish care with a primary care physician
Update all insurance policies with new NMB address
Visit Fat Harold's or the Spanish Galleon for a shag lesson
Rent kayaks and explore the Intracoastal Waterway
Fish from Cherry Grove Pier at sunset
Check the SOS festival calendar — shag season is a highlight of Grand Strand life

WELCOME TO NORTH MYRTLE BEACH

Congratulations on choosing North Myrtle Beach — the Grand Strand's finest community for year-round coastal living!

✓ Beach Living Done Right — 60 miles of Atlantic coastline with a genuine community
✓ Shag Capital of the World — living cultural heritage on Ocean Drive
✓ World-Class Golf — 100+ courses within easy reach
✓ Exceptional Retirement Value — SC's tax advantages plus coastal lifestyle
✓ Family-Friendly — NMB High School Seahawks community pride
✓ Year-Round Events — SOS festivals, Blue Crab Festival, and more
✓ Great Dining and Entertainment — Barefoot Landing, waterfront seafood, and shag clubs
✓ Mild Coastal Climate — warm summers, gentle winters, beautiful shoulder seasons

When you're ready to store, 10 Federal Storage is just minutes away at 19 Highway 90 East in Little River — call (854) 354-9741 or visit 10federalstorage.com.

Welcome to North Myrtle Beach — where the ocean sets your schedule and the shag connects your community!

About 10 Federal Storage

10 Federal Storage serves North Myrtle Beach from our Little River location at 19 Highway 90 East. Call (854) 354-9741 or visit 10federalstorage.com to reserve your unit today.

The Complete Guide to Moving to North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina