The hub of the Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of beaches, is the coastal city of Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. It’s one of the most visited destinations in the U.S., thanks to its beaches, 86 golf courses, subtropical climate, and 1,800 restaurants. Myrtle Beach was incorporated in 1938 and became a city in 1957. It covers 23.6 square miles, and has a median age of 44.4 (2022). Tourism is its main industry.

Myrtle Beach has a relatively short history, and while it’s not known for its architecture, it has Mediterranean-style homes. The typical home value is $316,199, up 26.1% over the past year (Zillow, 2022). Adding to its appeal are a variety of annual events, including the Myrtle Beach International Film Festival, the World Famous Blue Crab Festival, and the Carolina Country Music Fest.

U.S. Route 17, U.S. Route 17 Business, and U.S. Route 501 all serve Myrtle Beach. Central Myrtle Beach encompasses an area known as the “Golden Mile,” due to its residential developments and beachfront living. Market Common, near downtown and just one mile from the oceanfront, is a mixed-used development, while nearby Park Place offers single-family homes.

In 2022, U.S. News & World Report ranked Myrtle Beach as South Carolina’s second-best place to live and the city with the fastest growth. The area’s beaches, warm temperatures, and inexpensive cost of living appeal to people of all ages.