Top 10 Best Places to Live in Coastal South Carolina
South Carolina, known for its sun-soaked beaches and warm Southern hospitality, offers a captivating mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a perfect home for beach enthusiasts.
If you're dreaming of living just steps from the ocean, here are the top 10 places in South Carolina that blend coastal living with comfort, convenience, and a high quality of life.
10 Best Places to Live Near the Beach in South Carolina in 2024, According to Local Real Estate Experts:
Myrtle Beach, SC - Offers a lively atmosphere with plenty of entertainment options.
Pawleys Island, SC - A peaceful, scenic location with a small-town feel.
Murrells Inlet, SC - Renowned for its picturesque views and excellent seafood.
North Myrtle Beach, SC - known for its beautiful sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and family-friendly attractions.
Surfside Beach, SC - known for its family-friendly atmosphere, clean beaches, and relaxed, small-town charm.
Charleston, SC - Known for its historic charm and vibrant culture.
Hilton Head Island, SC - Famous for its beautiful beaches and upscale amenities.
Folly Beach, SC - A laid-back beach town with a relaxed vibe.
Isle of Palms, SC - Known for its family-friendly environment and pristine beaches.
Kiawah Island, SC - Offers luxury living with stunning natural landscapes.
Sullivan's Island, SC - Features a quiet, close-knit community with beautiful beaches.
Top 10 Coastal Places to Live in South Carolina, According to Local Real Estate Experts:
Our team of real estate experts has meticulously analyzed data to compile a list of the finest communities in South Carolina, all conveniently located within a ten-minute drive or less from the beach. To give you a comprehensive view of our top picks, we've included median home listing prices from Realtor.com and population data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Myrtle Beach, SC
Population: 38,417
Median listing home price: $305,000
With endless entertainment, and award-winning dining are all just a golf cart ride away; it would be remiss not to place Myrtle Beach at the top of our list. Located in the heart of the Grand Strand—a 60-mile stretch of stunning coastline at the northern end of the state—this beach town has truly come into its own in recent years.
While beach lovers cherish the resort-free section of the beach known as the “Golden Mile,” Myrtle Beach offers much more than blue water and sandy shores. It’s a hub for those seeking an active lifestyle, with iconic attractions and numerous golf courses. It’s perfect for families, couples, and retirees who want to live near the beach without missing out on the action.
What's more to love? With abundant housing options available at all price points, Myrtle Beach tops our list of affordable beach towns in South Carolina.
Population: 15,035
Median listing home price: $550,000
For a more laid-back and historical beach living experience, Pawleys Island offers a serene atmosphere with its unspoiled beaches, charming cottages, and rich history as one of the oldest summer resorts on the East Coast. Despite its relative seclusion, Pawleys Island has a warm and welcoming community. The area is known for its beautiful marshlands, where you can enjoy kayaking, crabbing, and fishing. The island is also home to several historic landmarks, including the Pawleys Island Chapel and the famous Pawleys Island hammocks. With life-enhancing amenities and a focus on preserving its natural beauty, Pawleys Island is a tranquil haven for those seeking a peaceful coastal lifestyle.
Population: 10,297
Median listing home price: $365,000
For those seeking a blend of coastal charm and vibrant community life, Murrells Inlet stands out as an ideal choice. Often referred to as the "Seafood Capital of South Carolina," this picturesque fishing village offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Its waterfront is lined with seafood restaurants serving the freshest catches, and the scenic MarshWalk provides a boardwalk experience with stunning views of the inlet.
Murrells Inlet is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as boating, fishing, and bird-watching. The area is also home to Brookgreen Gardens, a renowned sculpture garden and wildlife preserve that provides a tranquil retreat for nature lovers. With a variety of housing options and a strong sense of community, Murrells Inlet combines the best of coastal living with a vibrant local culture, making it an attractive destination for families, retirees, and anyone looking to enjoy life by the sea.
Population: 19,485
Median listing home price: $392,400
Offering a quieter, more family-friendly alternative to Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach is renowned for its stunning beaches, charming Ocean Drive, and diverse entertainment options suitable for all ages. Whether you envision a home with ocean views, golf course views, or saltwater marsh views, North Myrtle Beach has something for everyone.
Population: 4,253
Median listing home price: $410,600
Surfside Beach is the Grand Strand’s hidden gem. This beachside community offers a laid-back atmosphere with two miles of pristine shoreline. It's a vibrant town, hosting plenty of local events throughout the year. With its parks, vintage arcades, and ice cream shops, it's no wonder Surfside Beach is affectionately known as "The Family Beach."
Population: 153,672
Median listing home price: $700,000
Charleston, SC, is a historic coastal city celebrated for its beautifully preserved architecture, rich history, and charming cobblestone streets. Known as the "Holy City" for its numerous churches, Charleston offers a captivating blend of Southern hospitality, stunning waterfront views, and a vibrant culinary scene. Explore this picturesque city and discover its cultural landmarks, inviting shops, and world-class restaurants.
Hilton Head Island, SC
Population: 38,076
Median listing home price: $624,000
Folly Beach, SC
Population: 2,056
Median listing home price: $1,100,000
Folly Beach is just a short drive from Charleston, yet it feels like an entirely different world. This surfer’s paradise and laid-back retreat is where life follows the rhythm of the tides. In the bustling town center, new friendships and tropical cocktails flow freely at the relaxed beach bars, popular with both locals and tourists. With its rich history, eclectic downtown, and the iconic Folly Beach Pier, it offers a unique mix of relaxation and adventure.
Isle of Palms, SC
Population: 4,307
Median listing home price: $1,800,000
If Mount Pleasant's proximity to the shore isn't close enough for you, consider Isle of Palms as an attractive alternative. This upscale community boasts beautiful beaches, golf courses, and a relaxed lifestyle. Its close proximity to Charleston enhances its appeal, offering easy access to city attractions while allowing you to enjoy the tranquility of a peaceful beachside community.
Kiawah Island, SC
Population: 1,986
Median listing home price: $2,400,000
Kiawah Island is a private community renowned for its luxury living, pristine beaches, and championship golf courses. This exclusive retreat caters to those who value privacy and high-end amenities, featuring 10 miles of serene, quiet shoreline.
Sullivan's Island, SC
Population: 1,910
Median listing home price: $4,024,451
Sullivan's Island, SC, is a serene barrier island known for its pristine beaches, historic sites, and laid-back atmosphere. Located just a short drive from Charleston, this charming island offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and rich history, including Fort Moultrie, a significant Revolutionary War site. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as swimming, kayaking, and beachcombing, as well as dining at excellent local restaurants. Sullivan's Island is an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat with a touch of Southern charm.
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