Coastal living still isn’t cheap—but the Grand Strand is giving buyers something many beach markets lost years ago: actual options.
A lot of people still assume living near the beach automatically means million-dollar homes, impossible inventory and luxury-market pricing. And honestly, in many coastal cities, that’s become reality.
But Realtor.com’s 2025 list of the Top 10 Most Affordable Beach Towns in America tells a different story—especially for the Grand Strand. Both Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach landed on the national ranking, putting South Carolina firmly into the conversation around attainable coastal living in 2025.
Myrtle Beach Ranked #6—and That’s a Bigger Deal Than People Think
Myrtle Beach came in around a $299,000 median list price according to Realtor.com’s 2025 rankings. For a destination known for golf courses, oceanfront resorts, marinas and more than 60 miles of coastline, that number surprises people.
Especially buyers comparing the Grand Strand to places like Charleston, Naples, Tampa-area Florida or coastal New Jersey, where beach access often comes with dramatically higher price tags. Suddenly, Myrtle Beach starts looking a whole lot more realistic.
The Grand Strand Isn’t Just “Myrtle Beach”
One of the biggest misconceptions outsiders have is assuming Myrtle Beach is one singular experience. In reality, the Grand Strand stretches across dozens of communities that all feel completely different from one another.
Buyers can choose between the energy of central Myrtle Beach, quieter neighborhoods in Surfside Beach, marshfront living in Murrells Inlet or golf communities in Carolina Forest. Others head toward Pawleys Island or Little River for a slower coastal pace.
That variety creates something many beach markets no longer have: options.
Condo Inventory Plays a Huge Role in Affordability
One of the biggest takeaways from Realtor.com’s report is that Myrtle Beach’s large condo inventory helps keep the market relatively attainable compared to many coastal cities.
Unlike beach towns dominated almost entirely by luxury homes, the Grand Strand has a much broader housing mix. There are starter condos, retirement communities, gated neighborhoods, inland developments and ongoing new construction corridors farther from the beach.
That diversity creates multiple entry points into coastal living instead of forcing buyers into one ultra-luxury market.
Surfside Beach Proves the Grand Strand Has Range
Surfside Beach making the same Realtor.com ranking reinforces just how diverse this coastal region really is. Realtor.com described Surfside as “The Family Beach,” highlighting its quieter atmosphere, smaller-town feel and more residential vibe compared to central Myrtle Beach.
And honestly, locals have known that for years. The Grand Strand isn’t one-size-fits-all. Someone can want nightlife and tourism-heavy energy, while someone else wants calm mornings, golf cart rides and neighborhoods that feel more residential than resort-driven.
The fact that both Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach landed on the same affordability ranking says a lot about the area’s range.
“Affordable” Doesn’t Mean Cheap
Of course, affordable beach living in 2025 still comes with realities people can’t ignore. Insurance costs, HOA fees, flood zones and maintenance expenses are all part of coastal ownership. Waterfront property is still premium property, and prices across South Carolina’s coast have risen substantially over the last several years.
But compared to many coastal markets, buyers here often feel like the trade-offs are different. Instead of giving up beach access entirely, they may choose a home 15 minutes inland for more space or opt for a condo community with amenities instead of direct oceanfront property.
For many buyers, it’s less about finding “cheap” beach living and more about finding a lifestyle that still feels attainable.
Myrtle Beach Is Becoming More Than a Vacation Destination
This affordability ranking also reflects a much bigger shift happening nationally. Myrtle Beach is increasingly being viewed as a relocation market—not just a tourism destination. Realtor.com has also ranked the Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach metro highly for veterans relocating in 2025 because of its affordability relative to lifestyle, coastal access and quality of life.
That’s helping attract retirees, remote workers, younger families, second-home buyers and hybrid employees who are prioritizing lifestyle access over ultra-exclusive ZIP codes.
People still want beach living—they just want it to feel remotely realistic financially.
Why the Grand Strand Keeps Showing Up on National Rankings
The deeper takeaway from Realtor.com’s list is that Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach aren’t necessarily the “cheapest” beach towns in America. They’re simply two of the few nationally recognized coastal markets where buyers still feel like they have choices.
And in 2025, that might actually be rarer than oceanfront property itself.
