Is North Myrtle Beach Part of Myrtle Beach?

No. North Myrtle Beach is a separate city with its own government, police, and services. It was incorporated on May 7, 1968, when Cherry Grove, Ocean Drive, Crescent Beach and Windy Hill voted to consolidate. Both cities are in Horry County, so they share county services and schools, but not city taxes or rules.

Last updated: October 2026

How did North Myrtle Beach become its own city?

North Myrtle Beach was created by consolidating four beach towns in 1968. A South Carolina Senate resolution records that Cherry Grove, Ocean Drive, Crescent Beach and Windy Hill Beach voted to consolidate and that the state issued the charter on May 7, 1968. The South Carolina Encyclopedia notes that Atlantic Beach declined to join and remains its own town.

Those four names are still used every day. Locals say they live in Cherry Grove or Ocean Drive, and listings often use the section name.

What is different about living in North Myrtle Beach vs Myrtle Beach?

Because they are separate cities, these things can differ:

• City property tax millage and fees
• Zoning, short-term rental rules, and golf cart ordinances
• Trash, water and sewer service providers
• Police, fire and city recreation programs

County-level services, such as the Horry County Schools district, cover both. For a full side-by-side, see our pros and cons of living in Myrtle Beach and best and worst things about living on the Grand Strand.

Is a North Myrtle Beach address inside city limits?

Not always. Mailing addresses and city limits do not line up perfectly anywhere on the Grand Strand, and some homes with a North Myrtle Beach or Myrtle Beach address are in unincorporated Horry County. That changes which taxes, rules and services apply. Before you buy, confirm the jurisdiction on the county tax record. We check this for every home we show.

What are the main areas of North Myrtle Beach?

Beyond the four original beach sections, North Myrtle Beach includes golf and waterway communities west of the Intracoastal Waterway, including Barefoot Resort. Our Barefoot Resort neighborhoods guide covers that area, and the North Myrtle Beach homes page shows what is for sale now.

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Which is better for buyers, Myrtle Beach or North Myrtle Beach?

It depends on what you want day to day. Buyers often describe North Myrtle Beach as quieter and more residential, and Myrtle Beach as busier with more attractions and services, but both have a wide mix. Tell us how you want to live and we will show you both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is North Myrtle Beach a separate city?

Yes. It was incorporated on May 7, 1968, from four beach towns.

What four towns make up North Myrtle Beach?

Cherry Grove, Ocean Drive, Crescent Beach and Windy Hill.

Is Atlantic Beach part of North Myrtle Beach?

No. Atlantic Beach declined to join in 1968 and remains a separate town.

Are North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach in the same county?

Yes. Both are in Horry County.

How do I check if a home is inside city limits?

Look up the parcel on the county's property records or ask us to confirm it before you write an offer.

How Our Team Can Help

Whether you lean toward North Myrtle Beach or Myrtle Beach, we can show you homes in both and explain how the city rules affect each one. Call or message the Secure Home Finder Team and we will walk you through it, then send you homes that fit.

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