A MESSAGE FROM OUR TEAM
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Welcome to the April edition of Coastal Real Estate, and our second Market Common Edition. Within, we’re delighted to be able to share with you the monthly and annual real estate for the Market Common. As I reflect on this highly sought after neighborhood’s origins, I realize one thing has remained a constant, and indeed, a bedrock in its trajectory from Air Force base to upscale, urban beach-living environment— community.
The Market Common is more than a location— it’s a lifestyle that isn’t easily matched in our market. One that rests on the wide array of people of all ages and backgrounds that it attracts, and the variety of activities that it offers.
The years of the pandemic have created huge shifts in people’s lives and lifestyles nationwide; suddenly, what was once a popular community along the Grand Strand became one of the most sought-after areas in our market. We began to see more people from across the country opting to move here for the more relaxed pace of life, the beauty, and a greater sense of joy in everyday living.
Spring and summer are traditionally the times when buyers scan the market in response to the increase in sellers listing real estate. But the Market Common is such a desirable place to live, there’s been a shortage of homes for sale, and an exponential growth in sales prices.
In the past three years, the average resale price for single family homes has risen nearly 34%; from an average of $348,144 in 2020; to an average of $395,009 in 2021; to an average of $475,915 in 2022. In just three years, nearly twice as many resale single family homes have sold in the Market Common compared to 2019, with 119 homes sold, compared to 228 homes sold in 2021.
If you’ve been considering selling your home in the Market Common for an upgrade or a change of pace, now is a great time to do it. We have a website that is exclusively dedicated to Market Common real estate— homesatmarketcommon.com. Once all phases of new construction are complete, Market Common will become a resale community, and there is no telling how much buyers will be willing to pay.
-Jennifer Hamilton, Director of Sales
South Carolina Is the Fastest-Growing State in America
The Palmetto State leads the nation in population growth, with Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand continuing to attract new residents. South Carolina is growing faster than any other state in the country. New U.S. Census Bureau estimates released in January 2026 show that the state’s population increased by approximately 1.5% between July 2024 and July 2025—the highest percentage growth rate in the nation. The 10 Fastest-Growing States in America South Carolina Idaho North Carolina Texas Utah Delaware Washington Arizona Nevada Tennessee This ranking looks at overall population growth, not one specific group such as retirees, families or working professionals. It reflects everyone contributing to a state’s growing population. Why Is South Carolina Growing So Quickly? South Carolina added nearly 80,000 residents in a single year, and much of that increase came from domestic migration—people relocating to the state from elsewhere in the country. The reasons behind those moves are different for everyone, but the appeal is easy to understand. South Carolina offers a mild climate, access to the coast, growing employment centers, established communities and a pace of life that can feel more manageable than many larger metropolitan areas. Some people are moving for retirement. Others are searching for more space, a place to raise a family, remote-work flexibility or simply a fresh start somewhere closer to the water. The Grand Strand Is Part of the Growth Story Myrtle Beach and the surrounding Grand Strand continue to attract people looking for coastal living without giving up the conveniences they rely on every day. The region offers a wide range of lifestyles, from active neighborhoods in Myrtle Beach and Carolina Forest to quieter coastal communities in Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island and North Myrtle Beach. Buyers can find everything from new construction and golf-course communities to established neighborhoods, condos and homes near the beach. Horry County’s population was estimated at 427,551 in 2025, up significantly from its 2020 population estimate base of 351,036. That growth is visible throughout the area in new neighborhoods, expanding healthcare options, restaurants, businesses and everyday services designed to support a larger year-round population. More Than a Vacation Destination For years, many people thought of Myrtle Beach primarily as a place to vacation. Today, more buyers are beginning to see it as a place to build a life. The beaches and warmer weather may be what first get their attention, but the variety of communities, relative affordability compared with many coastal markets and relaxed lifestyle are often what make people stay. South Carolina’s No. 1 ranking confirms what many along the Grand Strand are already seeing: more people are discovering that life at the coast does not have to be reserved for one week of vacation each year.
What Do You Want Everyday Life Here to Feel Like?
9 Grand Strand Areas for 9 Different Lifestyles Ask someone where the best place to live along the Grand Strand is, and you’ll probably get a different answer every time. That’s because there really isn’t one “best” area. The better question is: What do you want everyday life here to feel like? Maybe you want to walk to coffee, dinner and the park. Maybe you picture weekends on the water, mornings overlooking a golf course or a little more space away from the busiest parts of the coast. From Myrtle Beach to Pawleys Island and everywhere in between, here are nine areas to explore based on the kind of lifestyle you’re looking for. 1. The Market Common For Walkability & a Neighborhood Feel If you like the idea of having restaurants, shops, parks, walking paths and everyday conveniences close by, The Market Common is an easy place to picture yourself. Neighborhoods to explore: Sweetgrass Square, Emmens Preserve, The Reserve and West Lake. Best for: Buyers who want activity nearby but still want a true neighborhood feel. 2. Carolina Forest For Newer Homes & Community Amenities Carolina Forest offers a little bit of everything, but it’s especially appealing if newer homes, neighborhood pools, clubhouses and plenty of community amenities are high on your list. Neighborhoods to explore: Clear Pond, Waterbridge, The Farm and Berkshire Forest. Best for: Buyers who want more than just a house—they want a neighborhood with plenty to enjoy close to home. 3. Prince Creek & Litchfield For Golf-Course Living You don’t have to be an avid golfer to appreciate life around the course. These areas are known for mature landscaping, open green space and communities that tend to feel a little quieter and more tucked away. Neighborhoods to explore: The Links at Prince Creek, The Bays, Litchfield Country Club and Willbrook Plantation. Best for: Buyers who appreciate golf, beautiful surroundings and a more relaxed residential setting. 4. Grande Dunes For Luxury Coastal Living Grande Dunes brings together several different versions of luxury living, from golf and waterfront communities to newer homes and resort-style amenities—all with the coast close by. Neighborhoods to explore: Members Club, Bal Harbor, Waterside Pointe and Del Webb at Grande Dunes. Best for: Buyers who want the community, setting and amenities to feel just as special as the home itself. 5. Surfside Beach For Beach-Town Energy If you want the beach to feel like part of everyday life instead of somewhere you only visit on the weekend, Surfside Beach may be your speed. Think golf-cart rides, casual local restaurants and spontaneous walks toward the ocean. Areas to explore: Surfside Beach east of Highway 17 Business, Ocean Pines, Surfside Beach Club and Deerfield. Best for: Buyers who love that easygoing beach-town feeling and want to stay close to the action without being in the middle of Myrtle Beach. 6. Murrells Inlet For Laid-Back Inlet Living Murrells Inlet has a personality all its own. Here, life tends to revolve around the marsh, boating, seafood, waterfront dining and sunsets that make you slow down for a minute. Neighborhoods to explore: Collins Creek Landing, Creek Harbour, Wachesaw Plantation and Wilderness Plantation. Best for: Buyers whose idea of coastal living includes boat days, marsh views and a little less hurry. 7. Conway For Charm & a Little More Space Conway gives you a different side of life near the coast. Its historic downtown, Waccamaw River and quieter residential areas offer plenty of character, while moving farther inland can also mean more options when it comes to space. Areas to explore: Historic Downtown Conway, Wild Wing Plantation, Heritage Preserve and Shaftesbury-area communities. Best for: Buyers who don’t need to be right beside the beach and would happily trade a little drive time for more breathing room and small-town charm. 8. Pawleys Island & Litchfield For a Quieter Lowcountry Feel Live oaks, marshes, quieter stretches of coastline and an overall slower pace give Pawleys Island and Litchfield a feel that’s distinctly different from the busier areas farther north. Neighborhoods to explore: Pawleys Plantation, The Reserve, Litchfield Plantation and DeBordieu Colony. Best for: Buyers who want the beauty of coastal South Carolina with a quieter, more understated atmosphere. 9. North Myrtle Beach & Barefoot For Resort-Style & Second-Home Living For some buyers, the goal is simple: they want home to feel a little like vacation. North Myrtle Beach and the Barefoot area offer everything from condos and villas to golf communities and single-family homes, with plenty of entertainment nearby. Neighborhoods to explore: Barefoot Resort, Dye Estates, Tuscan Sands, Harbour Cove and North Beach Plantation. Best for: Buyers looking for a second home, a lock-and-leave lifestyle or a place where there’s always something to do. So, What Do You Want Everyday Life Here to Feel Like? Two people can move to the Grand Strand for exactly the same reason and end up happiest in completely different places. One might want to walk to dinner in The Market Common. Another wants room for a boat in Murrells Inlet. Someone else may be happiest with a quiet porch in Conway, a golf-course view in Litchfield or a place near the beach they can lock up and leave whenever they’re away. That’s why the right home search shouldn’t start with a list of houses. It should start with a picture of your life. Think about an ordinary Wednesday. What do you want outside your front door? How close do you really want to be to the beach? Do you want neighbors, amenities and activity nearby—or a little more room to yourself? Once you know what you want everyday life to feel like, figuring out where you belong along the Grand Strand gets a whole lot easier.
The Grand Strand Restaurants You Might Miss If No One Told You About Them
Five restaurants hiding in plain sight—from a glamorous wine bar off Highway 17 to a waterfront rooftop most visitors never think to look for There are plenty of restaurants along the Grand Strand that are impossible to miss. You know the ones. Giant signs. Packed parking lots. Waterfront locations you see all over social media. But some of the most interesting places around here are a little less obvious. Maybe you’ve driven past them a hundred times without realizing what was inside. Maybe you know the name but have never discovered the part everyone really loves. Or maybe they’re just far enough away from the usual tourist stops that you wouldn’t find them unless someone pointed you in the right direction. These are five Grand Strand restaurants we think are worth knowing about. Bin 2004 North Myrtle Beach From Highway 17, you probably wouldn’t guess what’s waiting inside Bin 2004. Step through the doors and the busy beach highway suddenly feels very far away. The space is moody, glamorous and unapologetically over the top in the best way, with chandeliers, plush seating, gold accents, dramatic artwork and cozy lounge areas. It feels more like something you might stumble across in a much larger city than a wine bar tucked along the main road through North Myrtle Beach. Wine is the star here. Bin 2004 has an extensive collection with hundreds of bottles from regions around the world, along with a wine tasting concept that lets guests explore different selections at their own pace. The food is designed for sharing, with charcuterie, tapas, pastas and desserts that make it easy to settle in for the evening rather than rush through dinner. It works just as well for date night as it does for a girls’ night or a drink somewhere that feels a little more special. Why you might miss it: Because nothing about driving down Highway 17 really prepares you for what’s behind the front door. Bar 19 Twelve North Myrtle Beach A former wedding chapel probably isn’t the first place you’d expect to find one of North Myrtle Beach’s coolest cocktail spots. And that’s part of what makes Bar 19 Twelve so interesting. The atmosphere is sophisticated without feeling overly formal, with intimate indoor spaces, an upstairs bar and outdoor seating overlooking Azalea Sands Golf Club. This is the kind of place where you can come for one cocktail and somehow still be sitting there a couple of hours later. The bar is known for its craft cocktails, bourbon selection and creative drinks, while the food leans toward elevated shareable plates rather than typical bar fare. Depending on the menu, you might find everything from cheese boards and made-to-order deviled eggs to seafood, risotto, scallops, crab cakes and more substantial dishes. It feels polished, but still relaxed enough that you don’t need a special occasion to go. Why you might miss it: You could easily drive past without realizing that a former wedding chapel has been transformed into a cocktail bar with an upstairs lounge and golf course views. 42nd Street Bar & Grill Myrtle Beach Don’t let the words “Bar & Grill” fool you. 42nd Street is much more interesting than the name might suggest. This intimate Myrtle Beach restaurant has a quiet, understated feel that stands apart from many of the larger, busier restaurants around town. It’s polished without being stuffy and feels equally right for a date night, anniversary dinner or one of those evenings when you simply want really good food without a lot of fuss. Then you look at the menu. Instead of standard bar-and-grill staples, you’ll find more creative dishes like ahi tuna, mussels, scallops, grouper, duck, lobster mac and cheese and thoughtfully prepared steaks, along with craft cocktails and wine. There is an attention to detail here that you might not expect if you were judging the restaurant by its name alone. That might actually be part of its charm. 42nd Street doesn’t need a massive waterfront patio or a flashy concept to make an impression. The experience speaks for itself once you sit down. Why you might miss it: Because the understated name and setting don’t immediately tell you how ambitious the kitchen actually is. The Quay Seafood Grille Murrells Inlet When someone says waterfront dining in Murrells Inlet, your mind probably goes straight to the MarshWalk. But there’s another view worth knowing about. The Quay Seafood Grille sits at Marlin Quay Marina, giving diners a completely different perspective of the inlet. Located on the upper levels of the marina facility, The Quay combines seafood-forward dining with views over the boats and surrounding water. There’s also a rooftop bar, which is exactly where you want to be when the weather is good and the sun starts going down. The atmosphere is coastal and relaxed rather than overly formal. The menu leans into seafood, with options like seared tuna, coconut shrimp and other coastal favorites alongside heartier entrées and shareable plates. But honestly, part of the appeal is simply where you are. Instead of being in the middle of the busiest stretch of Murrells Inlet nightlife, you’re tucked into the marina watching boats come and go. Why you might miss it: Because most people automatically head toward the MarshWalk when they want waterfront dining and never think to look a little farther down the water. Frank’s & Frank’s Outback Pawleys Island Calling Frank’s a secret would be a stretch. Pawleys Island locals have been gathering here since 1988. The real surprise is what’s hiding out back. The original Frank’s has an old-school, polished atmosphere with white tablecloths, candlelight, hardwood floors, vintage artwork and a beautiful antique mahogany bar. It feels classic. Then you head outside. Frank’s Outback is an entirely different experience. Behind the original restaurant is a sprawling garden-like setting filled with trees, decks, lounge areas, covered spaces, outdoor bars and a large fireplace. It feels less like an extension of a restaurant and more like discovering an entirely different
7 Scenic Date-Night Restaurants Along the Grand Strand
Courtyards, rooftops and waterfront tables worth leaving the house for Not every date night needs rose petals, a violinist or a reservation made three weeks in advance. Sometimes all you really need is good food, a table with a view and a setting that makes an ordinary evening feel slightly more important. Along the Grand Strand, that might mean watching the sun settle over the marsh, having dinner beneath a canopy of trees or following dessert with a walk beside the water. From Pawleys Island to Calabash, these restaurants give you a reason to look up from your plate every once in a while. Frank’s and Frank’s Outback | Pawleys Island Best for: A special evening that still feels relaxed Frank’s is the kind of place that makes a Tuesday-night reservation feel like you planned something impressive. The original Frank’s dining room is the dressier choice, with low lighting, white linens, candlelight and the energy of a busy neighborhood bistro. Frank’s Outback is slightly more casual, offering covered garden dining beneath the trees, expansive decks, an open-air bar and a large fireplace that becomes especially inviting once the weather cools down. The Courtyard is an alfresco extension of the original restaurant and accepts walk-ins when the weather cooperates. Farther back, the Way Back is part of the Outback and has a tall tin roof, a long bar, lounge seating and another fireplace area. Inside Outback, despite its name, is currently used as a private dining room rather than a regular two-person dinner venue. The helpful thing to know is that you can order from either kitchen regardless of the venue. In other words, the real decision is not what you want to eat—it is whether you want candlelight, a courtyard or dinner in what feels like a very polished secret garden. Gulfstream Cafe | Garden City Best for: Catching the sunset Some restaurants happen to have a sunset view. Gulfstream Cafe has practically built the evening around it. This longtime Garden City restaurant overlooks the water and has become a popular choice for anniversaries, birthdays and other nights when dinner is supposed to feel a little more memorable. The rooftop deck is the place to be as the sun begins to drop, especially when the sky decides to cooperate and put on a full production. Try to arrive before sunset rather than during it. That gives you time to order a drink, settle in and enjoy the view without spending half the evening wondering whether you missed the best five minutes. The Wicked Tuna | Murrells Inlet Best for: Waterfront views with a little more energy Not every date night needs to be quiet enough to hear the ice melting in your glass. Sometimes you want a beautiful view and a place that still feels like something is happening. The Wicked Tuna sits directly on the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk and pairs broad marsh views with cocktails, seafood, steaks and sushi. It feels more social than secluded, making it a good choice for couples who want waterfront scenery without committing to a hushed, formal dinner. An earlier reservation will generally feel more dinner-focused, while the area becomes livelier as the night goes on. Either way, leave time to walk along the MarshWalk afterward because going straight back to the car would feel like stopping the date halfway through. The Cypress Room | Myrtle Beach Best for: An understated oceanfront dinner The Cypress Room is easy to overlook because it is located inside Island Vista Resort, but that is also part of what makes it a good date-night option. It feels removed from the louder oceanfront restaurants while still providing floor-to-ceiling views of the Atlantic. The restaurant serves Lowcountry-inspired dinners in surroundings described as casual yet elegant, so it works when you want the evening to feel elevated without feeling overly formal. It is the kind of place where the ocean remains the main attraction, even after the entrées arrive. For the best experience, request a table near the windows when making the reservation. An oceanfront restaurant and an ocean-view table are not always the same thing. Greg Norman Australian Grille | North Myrtle Beach Best for: Steaks, wine and Intracoastal Waterway views Greg Norman Australian Grille sits along the Intracoastal Waterway at Barefoot Landing, giving its patio and waterfront seating a steady backdrop of boats passing by. The restaurant leans more polished than casual, with wood-grilled steaks and seafood, an extensive bourbon collection and an award-winning wine program. This is a good middle ground when one person wants a serious dinner and the other mostly wants to sit outside with a drink near the water. It is upscale without requiring everyone to whisper, and the surrounding Barefoot Landing area gives you somewhere to wander once dinner is over. Clark’s Seafood & Chop House | Little River Best for: A quieter marina setting Clark’s overlooks Coquina Harbour in Little River, where the view is less about crashing waves and more about boats, docks and marina lights reflecting across the water. Window tables and outdoor seating provide the strongest views, while the menu covers fresh seafood, steaks and familiar chophouse favorites. The atmosphere feels calmer than many of the larger waterfront destinations farther south. That makes Clark’s a strong choice when you want scenery but would still like to have an actual conversation without competing with a rooftop crowd or live band. The Oyster Rock | Calabash Best for: A date night that earns the drive The Oyster Rock sits a little beyond the traditional Grand Strand boundary, but the setting makes a convincing argument for expanding the map. The restaurant overlooks the Calabash River and its estuaries, with both indoor and outdoor seating positioned to take advantage of the water. Seafood and raw-bar selections are the natural choices here, although the menu also includes steaks, chicken, pork and other options for the person who came for the view but remains suspicious of oysters. The riverfront setting feels peaceful and unhurried, particularly
Moving to Myrtle Beach With Pets: Beaches, Parks and Local Favorites
What pet owners should know before making the move. Moving to Myrtle Beach with a pet can make coastal life even more enjoyable. Morning walks near the water, afternoons at the dog park and patios that welcome four-legged guests make it easier to include pets in everyday plans. Living here with a pet is still different from vacationing here with one. Beach access changes during the summer, community rules vary and the coastal heat may affect when your normal walks happen. Knowing what to expect before the move can help everyone settle into Grand Strand life more comfortably. Start With the Home, Not the Beach A property may look perfect until you consider how it will work for your pet each day. Before purchasing a home or signing a lease, review any rules involving the number, size or type of animals allowed. Condominium buildings, homeowners associations and rental communities may each have their own policies. Think beyond the written rules, too. One household may need a fenced backyard, while another may prioritize sidewalks, an elevator or easy access to a relief area. Cat owners may be more interested in quiet interior spaces, secure windows and a screened porch where their pets can safely enjoy the coastal air. Learn the Local Beach Rules The general rule along the Grand Strand is straightforward: dogs are welcome on many beaches, but their hours are limited during the busier summer season. In Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach, dogs are allowed on the beach before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. from May 1 through Labor Day. North Myrtle Beach restricts dogs between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. from May 15 through Labor Day. Outside those seasonal hours, leashed dogs are generally welcome, and owners are expected to clean up after them. Myrtle Beach State Park follows the same 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. summer restriction. Huntington Beach State Park welcomes leashed dogs year-round in designated outdoor areas, including the southern portion of the beach. Because the rules depend on the municipality or park you are visiting, check the current guidelines before heading out. Tidal Creek Brewhouse Sneaky Beagle Crooked Hammock Brewery King Street Grille Bring Your Dog Along for Dinner The Myrtle Beach area has plenty of restaurant patios, but a few local businesses take the pet-friendly experience a step further. TIDAL CREEK BREWHOUSE Tidal Creek Brewhouse in The Market Common is one of the area’s best-known gathering places for dog owners. Its outdoor beer garden offers plenty of room to spread out, while the enclosed K-9 Korral gives dogs a place to play off leash among agility features and toys. Dogs should remain leashed around the main brewhouse and beer-garden areas. The relaxed setting makes it easy to stop by for morning coffee, weekend brunch, dinner or a locally brewed beer without leaving your dog at home. THE SNEAKY BEAGLE The Sneaky Beagle in Carolina Forest fully embraces its canine theme. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor dining area, and the restaurant even offers a separate dog menu alongside its selection of tacos, sandwiches, sushi, craft beer and cocktails. It has the feel of a casual neighborhood hangout, making it an easy choice for lunch or dinner after a walk around Carolina Forest. CROOKED HAMMOCK BREWERY Crooked Hammock Brewery at Barefoot Landing feels more like a backyard gathering than a traditional restaurant. Its outdoor area features hammocks, lawn games, casual seating and plenty of room to enjoy the atmosphere with a dog beside you. Pets are welcome in the backyard area. It works particularly well when you want an outing rather than just a meal, especially for groups that plan to stay awhile. KING STREET GRILLE King Street Grille offers a large pet-friendly patio in The Market Common, complete with televisions for watching games. Its broad sports-bar menu makes it a practical stop for groups with different tastes, and the surrounding district provides plenty of sidewalks for a walk before or after dinner. Restaurant pet policies can change because of weather, staffing or local requirements, so calling ahead is always a good idea when visiting somewhere new. Put the Pet Events on Your Calendar The Grand Strand’s pet community has several events that give dogs and their owners a reason to get out together. MYRTLE PAWS Held at Grand Park, Myrtle Paws brings together vendors, music, entertainment, pet photos and a canine costume contest. The event also begins with the Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound walk around the lake, with raffle proceeds supporting the Grand Strand Humane Society. LEASHES AND BEACHES North Myrtle Beach’s Leashes and Beaches K9 Skills Competition features activities such as agility courses, scent-based challenges and speed competitions. The 2026 event marked its third year at the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex. WET NOSE WEDNESDAYS During baseball season, Wednesday home games at Pelicans Ballpark welcome dogs in designated seating areas. Dog-ticket proceeds benefit local charities and organizations that work with animals, turning a night at the ballpark into an easy pet-friendly outing. Dates and event details can change each year, so check the organizers’ current calendars before making plans. Handle the Practical Details Before Moving Day Transfer your pet’s vaccination and medical records before relocating, and identify both a regular veterinarian and an after-hours emergency option. Animal Emergency Hospital of the Strand is located on Beaver Run Boulevard and provides overnight emergency care during the week, continuous weekend coverage and 24-hour service on major holidays. Pet planning should also be part of your household’s hurricane preparations. Ready.gov recommends creating an emergency plan and keeping food, water, medications, medical records, identification and travel supplies together in an accessible pet kit. Update microchip and identification-tag information as soon as your telephone number or address changes. On moving day, keep pets secured in a quiet room, carrier or trusted caretaker’s home while exterior doors are repeatedly opening. Give Your Pet Time to Settle In A new home brings unfamiliar sounds, smells and routines. Dogs may benefit from short walks
Where to Live Along the Grand Strand Based on Your Personality
Find the coastal community that feels most like you. The Grand Strand stretches across roughly 60 miles of coastline, but it does not offer one single version of coastal living. Its communities range from lively entertainment districts and walkable urban villages to historic river towns, fishing communities and peaceful stretches of beach. Each has its own rhythm, which means choosing where to live here is about much more than deciding how close you want to be to the ocean. The better question is: What do you want your everyday life to feel like? Your answer may point you toward a place you had not originally considered. You Want to Walk to Coffee, Dinner and Everything in Between Your Match: The Market Common You like having plans, but you do not want every outing to require getting in the car. The Market Common places restaurants, cafés, shopping, entertainment, parks and community events within a compact, walkable setting. It has a polished, social atmosphere where a morning coffee run can easily turn into lunch, shopping and an evening stroll around the lake. This area may suit you if convenience matters as much as proximity to the beach. Homes range from residences above the commercial district to townhomes and single-family neighborhoods surrounding it, giving buyers several ways to be close to the activity without necessarily living directly above it. View Homes in Market Common You Like Having Everything Organized and Close By Your Match: Carolina Forest You appreciate coastal living, but your daily routine still needs to run smoothly. Carolina Forest offers a more suburban environment with established neighborhoods, shopping, restaurants, recreation and direct access to both Myrtle Beach and Conway. It is inland from the ocean, but that tradeoff can bring more residential options and everyday conveniences closer to home. This is a strong match for someone who wants neighborhood amenities and room to settle into a routine. You may not hear the ocean from your backyard, but groceries, dinner plans, golf and weekend activities are rarely far away. View Homes in Carolina Forest You Want the Classic Beach-Town Lifestyle Your Match: North Myrtle Beach Your ideal coastal life includes mornings near the water, casual restaurants, live music and traditions that have been around for generations. North Myrtle Beach stretches across several distinct beach communities, including Cherry Grove, Ocean Drive, Crescent Beach and Windy Hill. The area balances relaxed beach living with entertainment, waterfront dining and the beach-music culture surrounding Main Street. This may be your match if you want a place that feels lively without carrying the same energy as central Myrtle Beach. You can spend one evening shag dancing or listening to live music and the next fishing, walking the beach or staying close to home. View Homes in North Myrtle Beach Your Perfect Evening Includes Seafood, Sunsets and Live Music Your Match: Murrells Inlet You rarely turn down dinner near the water, and you prefer places with personality over places that feel overly polished. Murrells Inlet has deep roots as a fishing village, while the MarshWalk gives the community an energetic social center filled with waterfront restaurants and live entertainment. Boating, fishing and other outdoor activities remain a major part of the area’s identity. Living here can feel casual and active at the same time. It is a natural fit for someone who wants coastal scenery and outdoor recreation but still likes having somewhere lively to go when the sun sets. View Homes in Murrells Inlet You Prefer Easygoing Beach Days Over a Packed Schedule Your Match: Surfside Beach or Garden City Beach Your version of living at the beach is less about constant entertainment and more about actually using the beach. Surfside Beach is known for its community parks, public beach accesses and relaxed coastal atmosphere, while neighboring Garden City adds fishing, watersports, inlet views and the familiar activity surrounding its pier. These communities may appeal to you if your favorite plans are the simple ones: walking to the beach, riding around town, grabbing dinner nearby or spending an afternoon on the water. The atmosphere is casual and familiar, with enough activity to keep life interesting without making every day feel like a vacation itinerary. View Homes in Surfside Beach You Believe Quiet Is a Luxury Your Match: Pawleys Island or Litchfield You are not looking for the busiest stretch of coastline—and you do not mind being farther from the center of Myrtle Beach to find something quieter. Pawleys Island is known for its historic character, natural beauty and deliberately unpretentious pace. Nearby Litchfield carries a similarly peaceful coastal atmosphere, with established communities, golf and a more understated approach to beach living. This end of the Grand Strand tends to suit people who value privacy, scenery and slow mornings. Dinner may be at a longtime local restaurant, the beach may feel less hurried and the landscape often becomes as important as the house itself. View Homes in Pawleys Island You Would Choose a Historic Downtown Over an Ocean View Your Match: Conway You love the coast, but you also want oak-lined streets, older architecture and a downtown that feels like a genuine community rather than a vacation district. Conway sits along the Waccamaw River and offers local restaurants, shops, events and a Riverwalk connecting the water to the historic downtown area. It delivers a noticeably different pace while still keeping Myrtle Beach within reach. Conway may be right for you if you want more of a traditional hometown experience. It is particularly appealing to buyers who would rather drive to the beach when they want it than make the beach the center of every day. View Homes in Conway You Would Rather Be on a Boat Than Sitting on the Sand Your Match: Little River Your idea of coastal living has more to do with marinas, fishing and open water than beach chairs and boardwalk attractions. Little River is one of the oldest communities along the Grand Strand and retains much of its fishing-village identity. Charter boats,
Your Guide to 13 of the Best Sushi Spots in the Myrtle Beach Area
Oceanfront rolls, lively lounges, local favorites and sushi prepared right at home. The Myrtle Beach area may be best known for seafood platters and Calabash-style favorites, but its sushi scene deserves a spotlight of its own. Across the Grand Strand, restaurants are serving everything from traditional nigiri and carefully sliced sashimi to torched creations, elaborate fusion rolls and all-you-can-eat menus. The experience changes just as much as the food. One night might call for sushi beside the ocean, while another is better suited for cocktails in a stylish lounge, live music on a neighborhood patio or a chef preparing rolls inside your vacation rental. Whatever kind of sushi night you have in mind, these local spots give you plenty of ways to enjoy it. Best Oceanfront Sushi Art Burger Sushi Bar ART Burger Sushi Bar is part restaurant, part gallery and part oceanfront hangout. Local artwork fills the walls, the Atlantic sits just beyond the windows and the menu moves between gourmet burgers, sushi and liquid-nitrogen cocktails without taking itself too seriously. For the full ART experience, ask for the Omakase Roll and let the sushi chef create something exclusively for you based on your preferences. Local Insight: The Omakase Roll is ideal for indecisive diners. Tell the chef what you like, what you avoid and how adventurous you are willing to be—the finished roll may be different each time. Best Modern Sushi Experience CO Sushi CO Sushi fits naturally into The Market Common with its polished interior, contemporary atmosphere and menu of sushi, dumplings, noodles and Southeast Asian dishes. The restaurant feels elevated enough for a date night but relaxed enough for lunch after shopping or an easy dinner with friends. Order the Market Common Roll, made with tempura shrimp and spicy crab, then topped with tuna, avocado, cucumber, yamagobo, sesame aioli, fried shallots and microgreens. Local Insight: Indoor and outdoor seating make CO an easy addition to an evening in The Market Common. Leave time before or after dinner for a walk around the district. Best Creative Fusion Rolls King Kong Sushi King Kong Sushi has never been afraid to have fun with its menu. The restaurant blends traditional sushi with elaborate sauces, fried elements and unexpected flavor combinations, creating the kind of specialty rolls that arrive looking like the centerpiece of the table. Its Broadway at the Beach location brings a lively, energetic setting, while the Carolina Forest restaurant offers a more familiar neighborhood feel. Local Insight: Choose Broadway at the Beach when you want sushi in the middle of the action. Carolina Forest is a convenient alternative for a more relaxed meal away from the main tourist corridor. Best Local Sushi Favorite 39th Avenue Bar & Grille There is something refreshingly uncomplicated about 39th Avenue Bar & Grille. The North Myrtle Beach restaurant pairs sushi with burgers, tacos, live music and cold drinks in a casual setting where locals can settle in without turning dinner into a formal occasion. Sit in the dining room, grab a spot at the bar or head to the covered patio when the weather cooperates. Local Insight: The menu makes this an easy choice when only half the table wants sushi. Happy hour is currently offered Monday through Saturday from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m., but verify the schedule before visiting. Best Sushi Happy Hour Manta Steak & Seafood Sushi Bar Manta keeps the atmosphere warm, inviting and pleasantly low-key, making it the kind of place where dinner can easily turn into another round of rolls. The menu covers plenty of ground, including carpaccio, tuna tataki, poke stacks, pressed sushi, nigiri, sashimi and specialty creations. It feels approachable rather than overly formal, whether you are sitting down for a full meal or stopping in specifically for sushi. Local Insight: Locals, check out Manta on Tuesdays and Thursdays for half off many of its specialty sushi rolls. Bring a local ID and confirm the current offer before heading over, as restaurant specials can change. Best for a Night Out Soho Steak & Seafood Sushi Bar Soho works especially well when the table cannot agree on one type of food. Its broad international menu moves from sushi and hibachi to seafood, pasta and steak, while the cosmopolitan atmosphere makes the experience feel more like a night out than a quick sushi stop. Each location has its own personality: the 21st Avenue restaurant is known for its open-air Rooftop21 lounge, while the newer Carolina Forest location offers a spacious, stylish lounge setting that encourages guests to stay for cocktails after dinner. Local Insight: Pick the location based on the evening you want. Head to 21st Avenue for rooftop energy near the oceanfront, or try Carolina Forest when you want a newer lounge atmosphere closer to home. Best Sushi with a Water View Wicked Tuna Wicked Tuna combines an expansive sushi menu with one of the most recognizable views in Murrells Inlet. The dining room and outdoor areas overlook the MarshWalk, giving the restaurant a polished waterfront atmosphere that still feels lively and unmistakably coastal. The namesake Wicked Tuna Roll combines tempura shrimp, lobster salad and cucumber with seared ahi tuna, while selections such as the Fat Crab and Tuna Crunch lean into richer, more elaborate flavors. Local Insight: Request a water-facing table and schedule dinner close to sunset. Afterward, continue along the MarshWalk for live music and a drink by the inlet. Best All-You-Can-Eat Sushi Kings Sushi Kings Sushi trades the traditional buffet line for sushi and other dishes prepared to order. The atmosphere is casual, friendly and often bustling, with groups working their way through appetizers, classic rolls, chef-special creations and hibachi selections one round at a time. Its broad menu also makes the experience approachable for newcomers who want to sample several options without committing to a single entrée. Local Insight: Begin with a few rolls and appetizers instead of ordering everything at once. Smaller rounds give you time to find your favorites—and leave enough room to order them again. Best Sushi
You Weren’t Meant to Spend Your Whole Life Waiting for the Weekend
Find a Home That Fits the Life You Want There’s a certain kind of exhaustion that comes from spending five days waiting for two. You work, run errands, keep up with responsibilities and hope the weekend gives you enough time to enjoy yourself before Monday arrives again. For many buyers considering Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand, the move is not simply about living near the ocean—it is about choosing a home and location that make everyday life feel a little more rewarding. Start With the Life You Want to Live A home search often begins with bedrooms, bathrooms and price range, but those details are only part of the decision. Buyers also need to think about how they want their mornings, evenings and weekends to feel. Living near the beach, a golf course, a walkable town center or a waterfront district can shape your daily routine just as much as the home itself. Choose a Community That Matches Your Pace The Grand Strand offers far more than one version of coastal living. Myrtle Beach provides convenience, entertainment and a wide variety of neighborhoods, while North Myrtle Beach offers established communities with easy access to the coast. Murrells Inlet is known for its waterfront atmosphere, Pawleys Island offers a quieter pace, and areas like Surfside Beach, Garden City and Conway each provide their own balance of lifestyle, location and value. Let the Location Add Something to Your Week The right home can put more of the things you enjoy within easy reach. A weekday evening might include dinner along the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, a walk through Market Common, live music in North Myrtle Beach or a quick visit to the ocean before heading home. These moments do not require a vacation day—they become possible because of where you chose to live. Think Beyond the Summer Season Many buyers first experience the Grand Strand during the summer, but living here is a year-round decision. Spring and fall bring comfortable weather, outdoor events and quieter days near the water, while winter offers a slower pace and peaceful shorelines. Understanding how a neighborhood feels throughout the year can help buyers choose a home that works for everyday life, not just for a week at the beach. Find a Home That Supports Your Next Chapter Some buyers are looking for a primary residence, while others are planning for retirement, purchasing a second home or relocating for a fresh start. The right property may be a low-maintenance condominium, a home in an active community, a quiet retreat near Pawleys Island or a neighborhood close to shopping, dining and recreation. The goal is not simply to buy near the coast—it is to find a home that supports the way you want to live next. Stop Saving Your Life for Saturday Moving to the Grand Strand will not turn every day into a vacation, and buying a home here will not make life completely effortless. There will still be work, errands, responsibilities and busy weeks. But when your home is connected to the places, activities and surroundings you enjoy, an ordinary Tuesday can feel like part of the life you were waiting for—not just another day standing between you and the weekend.
5 Exterior Details That Make Your Home Feel Instantly Fresher
A few simple updates can make your home feel cleaner, brighter, and more welcoming all summer long. Summer is one of the easiest times to notice what your home’s exterior really needs. Bright sunlight shows streaky windows, pollen settles on siding and porches, driveways start to look dull, and gutters can collect debris faster than expected. The good news is that refreshing your home’s exterior does not always mean repainting, replacing, or starting a major project. Sometimes, the biggest difference comes from professionally cleaning the surfaces that are already there. With help from Window Genie, these five exterior details can make your home look cleaner, brighter, and more cared for this summer. 1. Your Windows Clean windows can make a bigger difference than many homeowners expect. From the outside, they help the home look brighter and better maintained. From the inside, they allow more natural light to come through, making rooms feel cleaner and more open. Window Genie’s professional window cleaning service helps remove dirt, pollen, streaks, and buildup so your windows look clear, polished, and summer-ready. 2. Your Driveway and Sidewalks Driveways and sidewalks take on constant wear from cars, foot traffic, rain, pollen, dirt, and outdoor projects. Because these surfaces are so visible, they can affect the way the entire front of the home feels. Professional pressure washing can help clean built-up grime from driveways, sidewalks, and other concrete surfaces, giving the exterior a fresher and more finished look without changing anything major. 3. Your Patio or Porch A patio or porch does not need a full makeover to feel more inviting. It simply needs to feel clean, usable, and cared for. Over time, outdoor living spaces can collect dirt, pollen, mildew, and debris, especially during the warmer months. Window Genie’s pressure washing services can help refresh patios, porches, and nearby exterior surfaces so these spaces feel ready to enjoy again. 4. Your Siding and Exterior Surfaces Siding, brickwork, trim, fencing, and other exterior surfaces frame the entire home. In coastal areas, these surfaces can collect pollen, dirt, moisture, and mildew faster than many homeowners realize. Cleaning those larger exterior areas can help the home look brighter and better maintained. Window Genie’s pressure washing and soft washing services can help refresh the surfaces that make up the first impression of your home. 5. Your Gutters Gutters may not always be the first thing people notice, but they play an important role in keeping your home’s exterior maintained. When gutters collect leaves, twigs, and debris, they can overflow and make the outside of the home look neglected. Window Genie’s gutter cleaning service helps clear out buildup so water can flow properly and your home’s exterior stays cleaner and better protected. Start With the Surfaces That Matter Most Curb appeal is not always about adding something new. Sometimes, it is about cleaning the exterior details that already shape the way your home looks and feels. From windows and driveways to patios, siding, and gutters, Window Genie helps homeowners take care of the bigger exterior cleaning projects that make a home feel cleaner, brighter, and more welcoming for summer.
