9 best places to live near the beach in SC. One of them is in Horry County
Looking to move closer to the beach?
In South Carolina, there are plenty of spots to settle along the coast. But according to one lifestyle and travel site, these are the nine best places in the state to live near the beach. One of them is in Horry County.
Strategistico, an independent research organization, rated the top coastal cities, ranking them based on affordability, economic growth, crime rates, overall desirability, and whether they deliver a true beach town experience.
Myrtle Beach came in at No. 4 on the list for its location on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, combined with its lively downtown and boardwalk area, the site said.
The popular beach destination attracts more than 14 million vacationers annually, and while that might be good for city revenue, all those tourists came in as a negative in the site’s rating.
Myrtle Beach got high points for its variety of things to do, such as amusement park, golf courses, shopping and concerts, and its miles of beaches. The city also has a large number of restaurants, bars and cafes to choose from, and its international airport is only 10 minutes from downtown, making it convenient for travelers.
The site noted that Myrtle Beach’s cost of living is 1% lower than the national average and housing costs are 8% cheaper. This makes it one of the most affordable towns in South Carolina and more affordable compared to other spots on the list, the site said.
These are the South Carolina cities that made the list:
- Charleston
- Mount Pleasant
- Sullivan’s Island
- Myrtle Beach
- Kiawah Island
- Beaufort
- Hilton Head Island
- Isle of Palms
- Folly Beach
