Myrtle Beach vs. New Jersey: Coastal Comparisons

Myrtle Beach attracts many people from New Jersey and surrounding states, whether they're seeking a familiar culinary scene or considerations about safety and lifestyle differences. Northern transplants often search for iconic food from home as they settle in the fast-growing area around Myrtle Beach. Former residents of New Jersey can find familiar food at local eateries. Safety analyses reveal varying crime rates between the Jersey Shore and Myrtle Beach, despite overlapping tourist interests.

The beach invites families, facilitated by good etiquette and its myriad visitor-friendly activities. The large influx of tourists each year amplifies these dynamics, similar to seasonal gatherings.

A surfer catches a wave near the Springmaid Pier with the city of Myrtle Beach skyline in the background. The week of July 4th is one of the times for tourism in the Myrtle Beach area. July 2, 2024. By JASON LEE

NO. 1: SC BEACH AMONG TOP IN EAST COAST FOR 2025. IT’S NOT THE ONLY STATE SEASIDE GETAWAY ON LIST

National publication named three South Carolina beaches among the best to visit for summer 2025. One of those is a popular local stretch of sand. | Published March 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Terri Richardson

Myrtle Beach’s Ocean Boulevard with traffic congestion. As Spring Break season comes to a close and Memorial Day gets closer, what are some of the best ways to get from New York and New Jersey down to the beach? By JASON LEE

NO. 2: IS THERE AN ALTERNATIVE TO I-95 TO GET TO MYRTLE BEACH FROM TRI-STATE AREA? WHAT WE KNOW

Trying to avoid traffic driving down the east coast from New York and New Jersey to the beach? Here are some routes to try. What ways do you recommend? | Published March 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Elizabeth Brewer

A family makes their way to the beach at Springmaid Pier on Tuesday. July 19, 2022. By JASON LEE

NO. 3: WE SPOKE TO TWO EXPERTS FROM SC & NJ ABOUT BEACH ETIQUETTE. HERE’S WHAT THEY SAID

Headed to the beach this summer? Here’s what etiquette professionals from New Jersey and South Carolina said to keep in mind. | Published April 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Elizabeth Brewer

The Big Foot with all of its innards on display. By Charles Slate

NO. 4: TASTE OF HOME: WHERE NY, NJ AND PA TRANSPLANTS CAN GET ICONIC FOOD IN MYRTLE BEACH AREA

From pizza to pierogies to disco fries, here’s where you can find some of your favorite dishes from each state. | Published May 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Terri Richardson

A busy boardwalk as the weekend begins. As the weather warms up, folks along the Jersey Shore head to the beach and boardwalks to enjoy the outdoors. Seaside Heights, NJ Friday, April 18, 2025 By Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press

NO. 5: IS MYRTLE BEACH MORE DANGEROUS THAN THE JERSEY SHORE? WHAT DATA SHOWS

As Memorial Day approaches, many families are starting to finalize their summer vacations at the beach. Here’s some data to keep in mind while you’re planning your trip. | Published April 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Elizabeth Brewer

NO. 6: WHO HAS MORE FATAL POLICE SHOOTINGS, JERSEY SHORE OR MYRTLE BEACH? WHAT WE KNOW

We asked for data from New Jersey and South Carolina on police-related fatal shootings over the past five years. Here’s what the data showed. | Published May 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Elizabeth Brewer

Monday morning was quiet and peaceful along Ocean Boulevard and the Myrtle Beach Boardway but after a shooting in the high traffic tourist area Saturday night that left one man dead and 11 other injured, some businesses say that the area feels dangerous at night when young adults move in. April 28, 2025. By Jason Lee

NO. 7: SO YOU WANT TO MOVE TO MYRTLE BEACH? WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE PACKING YOUR BAGS

The Sun News used AI to research questions usually asked by those making the move to the coastal city. We have everything from best neighborhoods to job market to costs for pizza. | Published July 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Terri Richardson

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.