Retiring in Myrtle Beach has become one of the most popular lifestyle choices for Americans seeking warm weather, coastal living, and a lower cost of living. According to the U.S.
Census Bureau's American Community Survey, Horry County—home to Myrtle Beach—has consistently ranked among the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the nation, with residents aged 65 and older making up a significant and expanding share of the population. The challenge most prospective retirees face is cutting through the tourism hype to understand what daily life actually looks like.
This guide covers the real numbers, neighborhoods, costs, healthcare options, and tax advantages you need to evaluate before making the move.
1. Cost of Living: What Retiring in Myrtle Beach Really Costs
The cost of living in Myrtle Beach sits below the national average, driven primarily by housing and everyday expenses.
According to data from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), Myrtle Beach's overall cost of living index typically runs several percentage points below the U.S. baseline, with housing costs offering the most substantial savings compared to Northeast and Midwest metros.
What makes retiring in Myrtle Beach financially attractive is the combination of moderate home prices and South Carolina's retiree-friendly tax structure. A common scenario: a couple selling a $400,000 home in New Jersey can often purchase a comparable or larger property in Myrtle Beach for $100,000 to $150,000 less, while also reducing annual property tax bills significantly.
Housing Breakdown
- Median home values in the Myrtle Beach metro area generally fall between $250,000 and $350,000 depending on proximity to the ocean
- HOA fees in golf course communities range widely—anywhere from $100 to $400+ monthly
- Condos near the beach often carry higher HOA fees due to insurance and maintenance
Use Zillow to compare current listing prices across specific Myrtle Beach zip codes and track price trends over the last 12 months.
How to apply this: Request a cost-of-living comparison report from a local real estate agent and compare it against your current monthly expenses before committing.
2. Best Neighborhoods for Retiring in Myrtle Beach
Choosing the right neighborhood shapes your entire experience of retiring in Myrtle Beach. The area splits roughly into three zones: oceanfront communities, inland golf and master-planned developments, and quieter areas south toward Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island.
Market Gardens and Carolina Forest attract retirees seeking newer construction and resort-style amenities. Market Common offers a walkable, mixed-use district with restaurants, a movie theater, and parks—appealing to those who want an urban feel without leaving the coastal region.
Popular Retirement Communities
- Del Webb at Grande Dunes: Active adult community with clubhouse and social programming
- Carolina Forest: Master-planned area with multiple subdivisions and medical facilities nearby
- Murrells Inlet: Known as the "Seafood Capital of South Carolina," offering a laid-back fishing village atmosphere
- Pawleys Island: Lower density, historic charm, and some of the area's most relaxed beaches
One notable consideration: flood zones and hurricane evacuation routes vary significantly by neighborhood. Checking FEMA flood maps before purchasing is essential.
How to apply this: Spend at least two weeks renting in two different neighborhoods during both peak season and off-season before buying.
3. Healthcare Access for Myrtle Beach Retirees
Healthcare quality and proximity are top priorities when retiring in Myrtle Beach. The region has expanded medical infrastructure substantially over the past decade to keep pace with population growth.
Grand Strand Medical Center, operated by HCA Healthcare, serves as the primary acute-care hospital in Myrtle Beach proper. Conway Medical Center and Tidelands Health (with hospitals in Murrells Inlet and Georgetown) provide additional options across the county. The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC Health) has also expanded its footprint in the area.
What to Verify Before Moving
- Confirm that your Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan includes in-network providers in Horry County
- Research wait times for new-patient appointments with primary care physicians—some practices report multi-week waits during peak season
- Identify the nearest hospital to your target neighborhood and its emergency department rating
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) publishes hospital quality star ratings that can help you compare facilities objectively. Check current ratings at Medicare.gov.
How to apply this: Call three primary care practices in your target area and ask about new Medicare patient acceptance and average wait times.
4. Tax Advantages of Retiring in Myrtle Beach
South Carolina's tax code offers meaningful benefits for retirees, making retiring in Myrtle Beach financially compelling beyond just housing costs.
The South Carolina Department of Revenue confirms that Social Security benefits are fully exempt from state income tax. Additionally, residents aged 65 and older receive a generous deduction on other retirement income, including pensions, IRA distributions, and 401(k) withdrawals.
For the 2024 tax year, that deduction is $10,000 per person, meaning a married couple can deduct up to $20,000 of retirement income annually.
South Carolina Retiree Tax Snapshot
| Tax Type | What You Pay | Action to Take |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | $0 state tax | No filing needed for SS income |
| Retirement income | $10,000/person deduction | Track distributions to maximize deduction |
| Property tax | Homestead exemption for 65+ | Apply through county assessor |
| Sales tax | 6% state + local additions | Budget 7-9% on most purchases |
| Estate tax | None | No action needed |
Property taxes remain low compared to national averages, and the Homestead Exemption exempts the first $50,000 of a primary residence's fair market value for homeowners aged 65 and older.
How to apply this: Download the South Carolina Department of Revenue's retirement income guide and review it with a CPA before your first tax year as a resident.
5. Lifestyle and Seasonal Realities
Retiring in Myrtle Beach means embracing a seasonal rhythm. Summer brings tourists, traffic, and humidity; winter offers mild temperatures and uncrowded beaches. Understanding this cycle helps you set realistic expectations.
The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce reports that the region draws millions of visitors annually, concentrated heavily between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Traffic on Highway 17 and Kings Highway can double commute times during peak summer weekends. Many retirees adapt by running errands early mornings or planning travel during July and August.
Year-Round Activities
- Golf: Over 80 courses along the Grand Strand, with discounted resident rates at many
- Fishing: Surf fishing, pier fishing, and charter boats operate year-round
- Entertainment: Live music theaters, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans minor league baseball team, and seasonal festivals
- Volunteering: Active retiree volunteer networks through local churches, hospitals, and conservation groups
How to apply this: Visit during both July and January before committing. If you cannot tolerate the summer crowds and humidity, consider areas south of Murrells Inlet or inland communities with less tourist traffic.
Comparison: Myrtle Beach vs. Other Popular Retirement Destinations
| Destination | Cost of Living | Tax on Retirement Income | Climate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Myrtle Beach, SC | Below national average | Favorable | Mild winters, humid summers | Beach lovers, golfers |
| The Villages, FL | Average | None (FL) | Hot summers | Amenity-focused retirees |
| Asheville, NC | Above national average | Taxable | Four seasons | Mountain enthusiasts |
| Wilmington, NC | Average | Taxable | Coastal, milder | Smaller beach town feel |
How to apply this: Rank your top three priorities—cost, climate, healthcare, family proximity, or amenities—and score each destination against that list.
When comparing destinations, retiring in Myrtle Beach offers a below-average cost of living paired with favorable tax treatment for retirees.
Frequently Asked Questions About retiring in myrtle beach
What is the hurricane risk when retiring in myrtle beach?
Myrtle Beach sits in a hurricane-prone zone, though direct hits are less frequent than in Florida. The last major direct impact was Hurricane Hugo in 1989. Most storms bring heavy rain, wind, and flooding rather than catastrophic damage.
Budget for wind and hail insurance, which is separate from standard homeowners policies and can add $1,000 to $3,000 annually depending on your home's location and construction.
Hurricane risk is a real consideration, but retiring in myrtle beach means facing fewer direct hits than in Florida.
How much should I budget for HOA and community fees?
HOA fees vary dramatically by community type. Oceanfront condos often carry monthly fees from $400 to $800 due to insurance, elevators, and amenities. Single-family homes in golf communities typically run $100 to $300 monthly. Request the HOA's reserve study and recent special assessment history before purchasing—underfunded reserves lead to surprise assessments.
Monthly HOA fees for oceanfront condos can range from $400 to $800, a key budget factor when retiring in myrtle beach.
Can I afford retiring in myrtle beach on Social Security alone?
It depends on your housing situation. If you purchase a home outright and live modestly, two Social Security checks can cover essentials, especially given South Carolina's tax exemptions. However, a single retiree renting near the beach may struggle.
According to the Social Security Administration, the average monthly retirement benefit is approximately $1,900, which leaves little room for HOA fees, insurance, and healthcare costs after housing.
Retiring in myrtle beach on Social Security alone can work if you own your home outright and live modestly.
What is the best time of year to move to Myrtle Beach?
Late fall through early spring offers the easiest transition. Moving companies charge less, traffic is lighter, and you can settle in before summer tourism peaks. Avoid moving during June through August when vacation rentals are booked and moving services command premium rates. January and February offer the lowest prices and most availability.
To ease your transition, plan on retiring in myrtle beach during late fall through early spring when moving costs drop.
Is it better to rent or buy when first retiring in myrtle beach?
Renting for the first year is the safer choice for most retirees. It allows you to test neighborhoods, hurricane seasons, and daily life before committing hundreds of thousands of dollars. A one-year lease in a target neighborhood costs far less than the transaction costs of buying and selling if you change your mind.
Consider a six-month lease first, then extend if the area fits.
Renting for the first year is often the smartest move when retiring in myrtle beach, letting you test neighborhoods before buying.
Conclusion
Retiring in Myrtle Beach offers genuine advantages: below-average living costs, retiree-friendly state taxes, expanding healthcare infrastructure, and year-round recreational opportunities.
- South Carolina exempts Social Security from state income tax and offers a $10,000 per-person retirement income deduction
- Housing costs run below the national average, but HOA fees and insurance require careful budgeting
- Healthcare access has improved substantially with multiple hospital systems now serving the region
- Seasonal tourism affects traffic and daily life—visit in both summer and winter before deciding
- Renting first is the lowest-risk way to test whether the area truly fits your lifestyle
Your next step is to book a two-week exploratory trip during the off-season. Contact a local real estate agent, schedule tours of at least three neighborhoods, and meet with a South Carolina-based CPA to model your specific tax situation. The data is clear—the decision comes down to whether the coastal lifestyle matches your personal priorities.
