Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
What It Is Like to Retire in Myrtle beach
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, long a favorite beach and golf resort, is now a popular retirement community with over 300,000 people in the Metro, including many active adults 55+. The "Grand Strand" has a community for every type of person. Myrtle Beach has become extremely attractive as a retirement community because of its low-costs, 120 golf courses, varied housing arrangements, and of course – that great sandy beach that runs uninterrupted for almost 60 miles – from Pawley’s Island in the south to North Myrtle Beach. The downtown area features some older infrastructure and buildings to match. A somewhat honky-tonk amusement park on the beach may not be what the average retiree is looking for, but their grandchildren probably will! There is always something to do for active adults 55+ in Myrtle Beach - from golf to fishing to shopping to more than 1800 restaurants. It is a dynamic, fast-growing city of 35,000. There is a nice and very convenient airport just a few miles from the downtown which features many low cost air carriers.
Where to Retire in Myrtle beach and Home Prices
Myrtle Beach has every type of retirement community option– from living in the heart of the city to all types of planned communities farther out from town. Some are 55+ age restricted, while many others are open to anyone, but in effect 50 plus. Real estate prices in the area tend to vary tremendously, reflecting the intense competition for retirees. Careful research will turn up bargains. According to the National Association of Realtors, the median price of a home during the 1st quarter of 2023, was $368,400 in the Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach area. Horry County has one of the lowest property tax rate in the state based upon 4%-6% of appraised market value multiplied by a millage rate between 100 to 200. Typical taxes for a full time resident under 65 for a home valued at $150,000 would be about $900 and $500 for someone over 65. Homeowners 65 and over can be eligible for a $50,000 homestead exemption.
What Is Special about Myrtle beach
• The Grand Strand – one of the world’s longest sections of perfect beach • Tremendous variety of shopping and restaurants • Popular theatre with big name acts every day of the year • 120 golf courses • A housing style for every taste and budget • Mild climate • SC is considered a tax-friendly state for retirement
What Is Not Special about Myrtle beach
A Wings store ( beach necessities) on every corner, traffic, spring break, living in a tourist town
Who Will Like Retirement in Myrtle beach
Although Myrtle Beach is extremely popular with retirees, only 20% of its population is over 65, so you won’t feel as if you are totally surrounded by older people. Naturally many of its developments are aimed at or are restricted to 55+, and the composition in those communities will be different.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Tourism, Golf, Retail, Healthcare, Real Estate, Construction
Climate and Physical Environment
Myrtle Beach is the first community in South Carolina as you come from the north. The terrain is dominated by its long stretch of Ocean beach. Stretching away from the water the terrain is flat and sub-tropical. The average July high is 91 and the average January low is 34, August is the wettest month. In September of 2022, Hurricane Ian came ashore 35 miles south of Myrtle Beach in Georgetown, and caused damage and flooding to the Grand Strand in Myrtle Beach and throughout the area.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
There are seven featured theatres in Myrtle Beach, helping it deserve its reputation as a hot spot for live family entertainment, music, dance, comedy, and celebrity concerts. Among the more famous venues is the Carolina Opry, which features a continuous stream of big name acts, and Dolly Parton's Pirates Voyage Dinner and Show is a popular attraction.
Crime
As is the case with many resort communities and tourists, the crime rate is high - about three times the national average.
Medical facilities
Grand Strand Regional Medical Center
Transportation
Myrtle Beach International is convenient and offers low-cost fares to many destinations; Other than walking on the beach for miles, the community itself is not walkable and is considered car dependent.
Valuable Links
Visit Myrtle Beach South Carolina retirement guide. More about retiring in Myrtle Beach
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