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Drive south past Murrells Inlet and something changes. The billboards thin out, the live oaks get bigger, and you are in Georgetown County. Stay north and you are in Horry County, home of Myrtle Beach and most of the Grand Strand's energy.
Both make wonderful places to retire. Here is how we help couples choose.
Daily Life: Pawleys and Georgetown Pace vs Myrtle and North Myrtle
Horry County has the bigger restaurant, shopping and entertainment scene, from Market Common to Broadway at the Beach and North Myrtle Beach. Georgetown County, including Pawleys Island, Litchfield, and the historic city of Georgetown, is quieter and slower, with marsh views, history and the famously "arrogantly shabby" Pawleys vibe.
Read our Georgetown pros and cons, Pawleys Island pros and cons and Murrells Inlet pros and cons for a closer look.
Housing Mix and New Construction
Horry County has far more new construction, from Carolina Forest to Conway and Longs, which means more choice in one-level plans and more builders to compare. Georgetown County has new communities too, especially around Pawleys Island, plus established neighborhoods with mature trees. Our Pawleys Island new construction post and the Myrtle Beach new construction page are good starting points.
HOA Density and Golf-Community Options
Both counties have well-known golf communities. In Horry County, think Barefoot Resort and Grande Dunes. In Georgetown County, the Pawleys Island and Litchfield area has several golf neighborhoods. Planned communities in either county usually have HOAs, so compare the documents, not just the fee.
Healthcare, Airports and Family Visits
Horry County is served by Grand Strand Health, Conway Medical Center and McLeod Health, among others. Georgetown County is served by Tidelands Health. Before choosing, confirm where your doctors and specialists practice and whether they take your plan.
Myrtle Beach International Airport is in Horry County, so Georgetown County residents have a longer drive to catch a flight. We do not publish drive times; check them in a map app at the time of day you would travel.
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Beach Access in Each County
Horry County beaches run from North Myrtle Beach to Garden City, with city public accesses and Myrtle Beach State Park. Georgetown County has Pawleys Island and Litchfield beaches, with public accesses listed by the Town of Pawleys Island, and Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet is right on the county line.
Taxes Are Similar in Structure, Different in Detail
Both counties use South Carolina's 4 percent primary residence and 6 percent second-home assessment ratios. Millage rates differ by county and by school or fire district, so the same price home can carry a different tax bill. Check with the Horry County Assessor or the Georgetown County Assessor.
South Carolina gives homeowners 65 and older a homestead exemption on their legal residence. According to the SC Department of Revenue (as of October 2026), the statutory exemption covers the first $50,000 of fair market value, and for tax year 2026 the state temporarily added another $25,000 for qualifying homeowners. That extra amount is a one-year budget proviso, so confirm it with your county auditor before counting on it. You also need to have been a South Carolina resident for a full year before you qualify.
Questions to Settle Before You Pick a County
- How often will you need a big-box store, a specialist or the airport?
- Do you want nightlife and events, or quiet evenings?
- Is new construction a must, or do you prefer established neighborhoods?
- How much flood and wind exposure are you comfortable insuring?
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Snowbirds vs Full-Time: Which County Fits Your Calendar
Full-time retirees who want year-round activity often lean Horry County. Those who want quiet and nature, and do not mind a longer drive for big-box shopping, often lean Georgetown County. Snowbirds may care most about lock-and-leave housing, which both counties offer. Tell us how you spend a week and we will tell you where to look.
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