A Comprehensive Guide to Retiring in Myrtle Beach, SC

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is located on the Grand Strand, an arc of beach land on the Atlantic Ocean in South Carolina, United States, extending more than 60 miles from Little River to Winyah Bay. It’s a popular tourist destination, welcoming over 14 million visitors per year. While it’s a popular travel destination, it is also a great place to retire for seniors.

Ranked #11 by US News on The Best Places to Retire, Myrtle Beach is in an ideal coastal location. Additionally, the low cost of living, tax benefits, small city charm, agreeable weather and abundance of activities, including championship golf courses are a major draw for those looking to settle here in retirement. If you’re considering Myrtle Beach as your retirement destination, there’s a lot you’ll want to know. Use this comprehensive guide to get you started!

• Tax Benefits
• Weather
• Health and Wellness
• Fitness Centers & Nutritionists
• Senior Living Communities
• Food and Drink
• Shopping
• Sports
• Beaches, Parks & Recreation
• Arts and Entertainment
• Transportation
• Neighborhoods

One of the many reasons Myrtle Beach is a popular retirement destination is the tax friendliness for seniors. In fact, South Carolina is one of the most tax-friendly states in the entire country. Here are a few reasons why:

Zero Social Security Tax

South Carolina is one of the many states that imposes no tax on social security benefits. This is important because social security is relied on by millions of older Americans. No social security tax means more disposable income for retirees in Myrtle Beach.

Deduct Up to $15,000 from Income Taxes

A $15,000 income tax deduction is available to South Carolina residents over the age of 65. It is applicable to all forms of retirement income, including that from 401(k) plans, IRAs and pension plans. This tax deduction is a great way for Myrtle Beach residents to save money during retirement.

Low Property Taxes

South Carolina has one of the lowest effective property tax rates in the country, at just 0.57%. In addition to paying this low rate, South Carolina seniors who’ve lived in the state over a year can benefit from a “homestead exemption,” which exempts them from property taxes on the first $50,000 of their home’s value.

For those looking to retire in Myrtle Beach, a retirement community is an excellent option where residents pay zero property tax altogether. The top-rated retirement community in the area is Brightwater.

Great weather is one of the many reasons people enjoy retiring in Myrtle Beach. On average, temperatures range from 38°F to 56°F in January (the coldest month) and from 74°F to 88°F in July (the warmest month). Snowfall is rare in this region, with an average of just 1 inch of snow per year, compared to a US average of 28 inches per year. What winters may lack snow is made up for in rainfall. There are 106 rainfall days per year and on average, the city receives 52 inches of rainfall per year, which is slightly higher than the 2019 US average of 34.7 inches.

People considering a move to Myrtle Beach generally want to know about hurricanes and what to expect. Residents can expect their fair share of storms throughout the year, but they’re generally not as scary or intense as many imagine. Hurricane season runs from June through November, with the majority of storms occurring in August and September. Local city officials and news outlets notify residents well in advance if there’s a chance of major storm, and they provide detailed instructions on action that needs to be taken, such as evacuation.

When relocating to a new area, familiarizing yourself with local healthcare options is an important task. One of the most appealing features of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is the top-rated healthcare services available to all residents.

The Myrtle Beach area has three premier healthcare systems, Tidelands Health System, McLeod Health, and Grand Strand Health. Their many locations bring convenience and peace of mind to the city’s residents. Both companies pride themselves in being able to offer specialty options.

Healthcare Systems / Hospitals

The region’s largest healthcare provider with the commitment that ‘Better Health Begins Here’. Tidelands Health is an MUSC affiliate, serving the Carolinas at four hospitals and more than 60 outpatient locations.

Tidelands Waccamaw offers a wide range of inpatient and outpatient services, including 24-hour emergency care, critical care and general medical and surgical services. Tidelands Health Rehabilitation Hospital, an affiliate of Emcompass Health, the region’s first inpatient rehabilitation hospital, is located inside Tidelands Waccamaw.

Since 1950, Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital has delivered high-quality health care to the people of Georgetown and surrounding counties. The 131-bed hospital holds Joint Commission certification in joint replacement and spine surgery and is an advanced primary stroke center.

Tidelands Health Rehabilitation Hospital provides acute rehabilitation services in an inpatient setting for patients who have been discharged from the hospital but could benefit from additional physical, occupational or speech therapy. Individuals who may be eligible for admission to Tidelands Health Rehabilitation Hospital include patients recovering from a stroke, major joint replacement, limb amputation or complex orthopedic procedures.

Founded over a century ago, McLeod is a locally owned, not-for-profit healthcare system which features the strength of more than 800 physicians and 2,000 registered nurses, and more than 8,500 employees. McLeod constantly seeks to improve patient care with efforts that are physician led, data-driven and evidence-based.

McLeod Health Carolina Forest is a 43-acre campus that is continuing to grow! Currently there are two out of the seven buildings currently completed on the campus. The campus currently offers a wide variety of physician practices and outpatient services including Cardiology, Vascular, Neurology, Family Medicine, General Surgery, Rehabilitation, and an Emergency Department.

Serving northern Horry County (SC) and southern Brunswick County (NC), McLeod Health Seacoast has 118 patient beds, along with an expanding list of services. Their recent expansion includes a new modern patient tower in Little River.

Grand Strand Health is a multi-facility health system located on the coast of the Grand Strand community and has facilities throughout the Grand Strand to provide quality, convenient healthcare. Their mission and vision are “Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life”.

Grand Strand Regional Medical Center is a 371-bed acute care hospital serving residents of Horry and surrounding counties. This hospital offers the only cardiac surgery program, neurosurgery program and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in Horry and Georgetown counties and is a designated Level I Adult Trauma Center and Level II Pediatric Trauma Center by South Carolina DHEC. This hospital is also the only Comprehensive Stroke Center in the service area. Grand Strand Medical Center is recognized by the Joint Commission, a leading accreditor of healthcare organizations in the United States, for the following programs: chest pain, knee and hip replacement, sepsis and stroke rehabilitation. In addition, we have received awards from the American Heart Association for our treatment of heart attacks and stroke.

Carolina Forest ER, a department of Grand Strand Medical Center, is a 24-hour emergency room serving residents and visitors of Carolina Forest and surrounding areas. The emergency care facility is located in the Forest Square Shopping Center on Carolina Forest Blvd when heading toward Hwy 501.

Fitness Centers and Nutritionists

Keeping active is one of the best ways to maintain health and wellness. While it’s easy to find a nearby gym through a quick Google search, there’s no guarantee that the first one you find will meet your needs. To aid in your search, we recommend using this tool to find age-friendly fitness locations in Myrtle Beach.

Senior Living Communities

As a picturesque retirement destination, senior living communities are commonly found throughout the Grand Strand. As you’re researching the perfect retirement, you should identify what type of housing or community you’re looking for. The top-rated senior living community in the area is Brightwater. Brightwater is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) and offers a full continuum of care services including 55+ Active Adult Living, Independent Living (Cottages and Villa Apartments), Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing, Respite Care, and Senior Rehabilitation. If you’re interested in maintenance-free living, luxury amenities, and a full continuum of care, Brightwater may be a good fit. To learn more about them, click here.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina offers a melting pot of unique fare and libations for visitors and residents alike. From surf and turf and seafood to classic southern cuisine, fusion and more, there’s a wide range to choose from. Here are the top-rated restaurants and drink establishments in Myrtle Beach:

Top-Rated Restaurants in Myrtle Beach:

Serving modern contemporary American cuisine, the 42nd Street Bar and Grill is an upscale eatery in the heart of Myrtle Beach.

Opened in 1997, Cafe Old Vienna is an authentic German-Austrian Alpine Lodge in the heart of Myrtle Beach. This restaurant and beer garden offer traditional dishes including Sauerbraten, Beef Rouladen, Schnitzel, Bratwurst and more.

Simply Southern is the newest addition to fix-your-own-plate buffet styled eateries in the area. A nice selection of sides and entree dishes ensures that you won’t leave hungry.

Big Mike’s Soul Food is Myrtle Beach’s down home spot dishing up big plates of southern comfort food as well as southern hospitality. They have a variety of dishes including the staples – fried chicken, collard greens, fried fish, cornbread and much more.

Chef Jamie Daskalis is the owner and Executive Chef at Johnny Ds in Myrtle Beach. They offer an innovative menu like no one else, a fresh atmosphere, waffles, pancakes, omelettes, Benedicts, skillets & French toast to make your taste buds do a little dance. They have 3 locations in the area.

Top-Rated Drinks in Myrtle Beach:

Oceanfront at the heart of the historic downtown Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and offers fantastic scenery inside and out. Tiki Bar and Grill is a unique spot with exotic cocktails, authentic Mediterranean dishes, creative burgers, and hand tossed pizzas.

Located below the iconic Myrtle Beach Skywheel, Landshark Bar and Grill is a Jimmy Buffet restaurant that has become a beloved spot among vacationers.

This beachfront bar has been a favorite among locals and visitors for over three decades. It boasts a pool deck with live music, dancing and pool parties.

Located on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk beside The Gay Dolphin. They have a unique selection of food and Fat Tuesday daiquiris.

Located at Barefoot Landing, the Duplin Winery taproom is the perfect spot to kick back and enjoy a sweet Carolina Muscadine wine. Both locals and vacationers enjoy the beautiful outdoor patio and a full menu of wines and charcuterie to choose from.

For those who enjoy shopping, Myrtle Beach has a variety of shopping destinations. Whether you prefer strolling through big shopping malls, finding a killer deal or browsing local boutiques, you’re sure to find somewhere that meets your retail needs. Here’s the breakdown of the top places to shop in Myrtle Beach:

Tanger Outlets

The Tanger Outlets are a hit for residents and visitors. With two locations to serve you in the Myrtle Beach, Tanger Outlets has everything for saving on name brand designer shoes, clothes and gifts!

Barefoot Landing

Barefoot Landing is a shopping and entertainment village in a natural bird sanctuary setting. Visitors to this beautiful shopping district enjoy over 75 specialty retail shops with apparel, food, wine and more!

Broadway at the Beach

Enjoy family fun as you stroll this vast shopping/entertainment complex which has a unique New England/Caribbean vibe. Stroll the boardwalks right along the waterfront amid great restaurants, shopping, and entertainment! There are 100 or more specialty stores and boutiques!

While there aren’t any Major League sports teams in the area, residents of Myrtle Beach are rooting for Carolina based teams like the Carolina Panthers (NFL), Charlotte Hornets (NBA), and Carolina Hurricanes (NHL). Myrtle Beach-based sports teams include:

The Pelicans are the proud Class A-Advanced affiliate of the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. They are also Carolina League Champions, winning the title in back-to-back seasons (2015-16)! Over the years the club has sent over 150 players on to the “big leagues”. The team’s season begins in April and wraps up in September. Along with exciting sports action, fans are treated to between-inning entertainment that’s fun for the whole family.

Collegiate Sports

Residents of the Carolinas are passionate about college sports. Locals enjoy attending Coastal Carolina University sporting events. While they cheer for other Carolina-based teams like UNC Chapel Hill, Clemson University, University of South Carolina, and North Carolina State.

Based in Conway, South Carolina, the Coastal Carolina University Chanticleers participate in Division I of the NCAA as a member of the Sun Belt Conference in most sports. They currently participate in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). As the local favorite college team, the Chanticleers currently have more than 19 men’s and women’s varsity sports including baseball, basketball, football, golf, soccer, tennis, beach volleyball, lacrosse, softball, and more.

Myrtle Beach’s miles of coastline are accentuated by excellent parks, recreation facilities, and beaches in the area for residents and tourists alike to enjoy. Whether you want to be downtown and close to the action, or want a tranquil spot to relax and enjoy the flora / fauna of the area further outside of the city – there’s something for you. Here are a few of the top beaches, parks and recreation facilities in Myrtle Beach:

• Myrtle Beach Boardwalk

  Centrally located in the City of Myrtle Beach, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade are on the ‘main drag’ of the city and a prime location for sunshine, shopping and surfing.

• Myrtle Beach State Park

  Myrtle Beach State Park is a 312 acre state park along the coastal Grand Strand. The park was the first South Carolina State Park to open in 1936. It was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, a New Deal Program created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

  In addition to Myrtle Beach State Park, one of the best walking paths begins and ends here. Myrtle Beach State Park to Boardwalk Beach Walk is a 10.1 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail that offers the chance to see wildlife. The trail is primarily used for walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from October until May.

• Surfside Beach

  Located in South Myrtle Beach, Surfside is a favorite for those looking to enjoy a day outdoors with family and friends along a clean, scenic stretch of the Grand Strand.

• Myrtle Beach Barc Parcs

  The City of Myrtle Beach offers pet owners two excellent choices of off-leash fun for their furry friends.

  Barc Parc North is adjacent to the Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA on 62nd Avenue North Extension. It covers 3.3 acres and opened in the fall of 2009.

  Barc Parc South, the original leash-free space for pooches, is off Mallard Lake Drive near Grand Park and The Market Common. The park covers 14 acres and includes a large lake.

Up and down the Grand Strand there are a variety of arts and entertainment venues for residents and visitors alike to enjoy. From history lessons and celebrity encounters to thrill rides and outdoor recreation, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here are some of the most popular things to do in Myrtle Beach:

Museums

Opened in June 2014, the Hollywood Wax Museum features replicas of celebrities in film, television, music, NASCAR, horror villains. It is located in Myrtle Beach’s prominent entertainment complex, Broadway at the Beach.

Opened in September 2009, the Wheels of Yesteryear collection belongs to long-time car enthusiast Paul Cummings and his wife, Carol. The complete collection consists of over 100 cars. Cummings’ life-long admiration of American-made cars and trucks was his motivation for displaying his private collection in public.

Located at Broadway at the Beach, guests can enjoy the beautiful colors and peaceful serenity of the world’s most exotic coral fish. The 80,000 square foot complex allows visitors to travel on moving glide paths, touch a stingray or even dive with the sharks. Visitors come face-to-face with thousands of fascinating fish and menacing sea creatures, everything from barracudas to sea turtles, to jellyfish, octopi, moray eels and giant sharks!

WonderWorks is an amusement park for the mind with 50,000 square feet of “edu-tainment”. Located in the infamous ‘upside down building’, this attraction combines education and entertainment with more than 100 hands-on exhibits that challenge the mind and spark the imagination. Exhibits include Extreme Weather Zone, Physical Challenge Zone, Light & Sound Zone, Space Discovery Zone, Imagination Lab, Wonder Art Gallery, Glow-In-The-Dark Ropes Course, Laser Tag, 6D Extreme Motion, and more.

Located on the waterfront in downtown historic Georgetown, the South Carolina Maritime Museum’s mission is to promote the maritime history of Georgetown County and South Carolina.

Entertainment

Since its founding in 1931, by Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington, Brookgreen has been a cultural center for our community. In addition to its beautiful gardens and one of the largest collections of sculptures in the United States, Brookgreen Gardens is home to the Lowcountry Zoo, an attraction featuring hundreds of native animals displayed in their natural habitats. It is one of America’s premier gardens and one of a few select places in the United States to have earned accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums as well as being designated a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Skywheel began as a stand-alone attraction in May 2011. Today, it is a full-service entertainment venue with a Ropes Course, and Snack Shack. The Skywheel has enclosed gondolas offering a safe and secure way to get a birds eye view of Myrtle Beach. Guests board a private gondola and enjoy three to four revolutions.

Music Venues

Music is at the heart of Myrtle Beach. From small clubs and beachfront patios to large venues, there’s live music and entertainment throughout the city. Attending an event from local and national acts is easy to do in Myrtle Beach with a plethora of venues to choose from. Some of the top locations in Myrtle Beach to see your favorite performers are:

Tin Roof Myrtle Beach overlooks the world-famous Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & the Atlantic Ocean. This venue features 3 full bars, a stage for live music, and an open air rooftop patio! Tin Roof is about giving musicians a place to play and a place to hang when they aren’t onstage. Over the years, their stages have hosted the famous, the should have been famous, and everyone in between!

The House of Blues brand was founded 1992 by Isaac Tigreet, the co-founder of Hard Rock Cafe, and Dan Akroyd, legendary actor and star of the 1980 film, The Blues Brothers. Since 2006, it has been a division of Live Nation Entertainment. The House of Blues mission is to celebrate and demonstrate the power of music to bring people together. Its founders drew inspiration from world culture, art and spiritual tenets in order to create a welcoming environment that would bring forth the mantra, Unity in Diversity.

Since 2005, the ‘Landing at the Boathouse’ has defined the Myrtle Beach state-of-mind (state-of-spirit). It has been serving delicious food, cold drinks, live music, and fun with scenic views. Thousands of locals and tourists alike have enjoyed the “Boathouse” experience and come to rely on us as a place to go that always has a great crowd, good music, friendly staff, and a relaxed waterfront vibe!

Since 1944, The Bowery has been entertaining millions from all over the world. This landmark venue is located 50 yards from the Atlantic Ocean serving up cold drinks, a classic menu, and live entertainment during the in-season (March – October).

Ocean Annie’s Beach Bar has been an icon for Myrtle Beach vacationers and locals for over 35 years. Continually voted as one of Myrtle Beach’s Top 10 pool bars and one of the 10 Best Bars in South Carolina, Ocean Annie’s beach bar at Sands Ocean Club Resort features live music on the pool deck, cold drinks from the bar and easy access to the beach. Sit and relax with your favorite beverage or dance to the live entertainment at the biggest beach party on the Grand Strand.

Highways

The major highways that connect the rest of the country to the Grand Strand area are convenient, newly updated, and easy to navigate.The main highway going through The Grand Strand is US Route 17. US-17 is a coastal highway that stretches from Winchester, VA in the north to Punta, Gorda, FL in the south. Major cities along US-17 include Norfolk, VA; Wilmington, NC; Myrtle Beach, SC; Charleston, SC; Savannah, GA; Jacksonville, FL; and Orlando, FL.

Public Transport

The public transit system in Myrtle Beach is Coast Regional Transit Authority, which operates 10 fixed bus routes throughout Georgetown County and Horry County. Myrtle Beach residents can use Route 16 to head south toward Georgetown and north toward Myrtle Beach. The rest of the bus routes in the system operate in other sections of the local region. Coast RTA also offers a paratransit service for individuals with physical or mental disabilities. This service provides curb-to-curb, shared ride transportation anywhere within ¾ miles of a fixed bus route. It is incredibly beneficial for those who otherwise have difficulty accessing the fixed route bus system.

Airport

The flexibility in airport options makes it easy to host incoming friends and family as well as head out of town from Myrtle Beach. The Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is the best option for residents and visitors flying directly into the Grand Strand. MYR is the second-busiest airport in South Carolina behind Charleston, with over 2.4 million passengers traveling each year. While it is relatively small, the airport is home to over 10 airlines with 50 non-stop destinations (most are seasonal). Top destinations from MYR include larger regional hubs like Charlotte, North Carolina and Atlanta Georgia.

While additional destinations include Newark, New Jersey; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Detroit, Michigan; Boston, Massachusetts and more.

For a wider selection of direct flights, Myrtle Beach residents can drive less than two hours and fly out of Charleston, South Carolina.

For a wider selection of flights, CHS is just over 2 hours away from Myrtle Beach. It is the largest and busiest airport in the state of South Carolina. It is the current home of the newly-established Breeze Airways (2021). This airport handles around 4 million passengers annually on over 13 airlines with approximately 45 non-stop destinations in the United States. Top destinations from MYR include larger regional hubs like Charlotte, North Carolina and Atlanta Georgia. While additional destinations include Baltimore, Maryland; New York City; Dallas/Forth Worth, Texas; Nashville, Tennessee; Chicago, Illinois and more.

According to Realtor.com, the median listing home price in Myrtle Beach is $235k, while the median sold home price is $197k. Median listing home prices are $170 per square foot.

Throughout the last decade, the Grand Strand has seen a share of large master-planned communities and multi-neighborhood subdivisions. The majority of these areas offer unique amenities like clubhouses, pools, playgrounds, tennis courts, and golf courses. While these new-style subdivisions take shape, there are many areas which locals and tourists alike enjoy. These are a few of the top areas in Myrtle Beach for retirees:

Carolina Forest

Carolina Forest is one of the most popular places to live in the Myrtle Beach Area. It’s located off of Highway 501 near Conway. It is a beautiful 9000 acre community with over 30 neighborhoods and prices to fit any budget. It has its own schools, post office, retail/commercial spaces and shopping.

Barefoot

The Barefoot area, or ‘Barefoot Resort’ is home to four of the most prestigious golf courses in the Grand Strand. The resort sits on over 2300 acres of land with over 5000 homes in 12 single family home communities and 17 condominium/townhome communities. Its amenities, private ocean access and shopping proximity make it an expensive neighborhood choice in the area.

Little River

Little River is located along the Intracoastal Waterway along the North Carolina and South Carolina state line. It is a historic fishing village that is about 15 miles outside of Myrtle Beach. It is home to a vineyard, lovely character homes, and family restaurants.

Murrells Inlet

Murrells Inlet is a magical place to lay roots. With its historical background, residents of this town are surrounded by beautiful homes, delicious seafood, and a natural landscape they can’t get enough of.

Myrtle Beach is an exceptional place with many perks that make it a fantastic place to retire. From the tax benefits and coastal proximity to quality healthcare services and unique arts/entertainment, it’s an ideal location for seniors who are looking to enjoy their retirement. The city offers a great sense of community and a southern charm that will draw you in. When it’s all said and done, you’ll wonder why you didn’t move here earlier.

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