Moving From the Midwest to Myrtle Beach: What Retirees Should Know

Midwest folks are some of our favorite clients. They are practical, they ask great questions, and they always want to know where the good fish fry is. (We have opinions.)

If you are retiring from Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana or Wisconsin, here is what we wish every Midwest couple knew before their first house-hunting trip.

Humidity, Storms and Insurance Without the Fear

You are trading snow for humidity and the occasional tropical storm. Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, and the state's Know Your Zone tool shows your evacuation zone. Most years are uneventful, but you want a plan.

Insurance works differently on the coast. Many policies carry a separate wind or hurricane deductible, and flood coverage is a separate policy. The SC Department of Insurance is the official place to learn about coverage, and its SC Safe Home program offers grants for wind-mitigation upgrades to eligible homeowners.

Home Styles Midwest Buyers Underestimate

• No basement. Most homes here are slab or crawl space.
• HOAs are common in newer neighborhoods, with rules about fences, boats and sheds.
• Flood zones matter. Look up any address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center.
• Heat pumps instead of furnaces, which is great for mild winters and worth asking about in an older home.

Taxes for Midwest Retirees

South Carolina does not tax Social Security benefits. The SCDOR retiree tax tips page (as of October 2026) also lists a retirement income deduction of up to $10,000 a year starting at age 65, and an age-65 deduction of up to $15,000 that is reduced by the retirement deduction. Your tax preparer can tell you how these apply to you.

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.

Search Myrtle Beach Homes for Sale

Golf-Heavy vs Low-Key Neighborhoods

Some retirees move here for golf and want a course out the back door. Others never touch a club and would rather have a quiet cul-de-sac. Barefoot Resort in North Myrtle Beach and Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach are classic golf-community choices, covered in our Barefoot Resort neighborhoods and Grande Dunes guides. For more space and lower-key living, many Midwest buyers like Conway; see our top neighborhoods in Conway.

Healthcare and Airport Access for Family Visits

Horry and Georgetown counties are served by several hospital systems, including Grand Strand Health, Conway Medical Center, McLeod Health and Tidelands Health. Check that your doctors and plans are in network before you choose a neighborhood.

Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is the main airport for family flying in. Nonstop routes change by season, so check the airport's current route map before assuming the grandkids can fly direct from your old hometown.

Beach Access for Inland and Coastal Neighborhoods

If you buy inland in Conway or Carolina Forest, the beach is a drive, and summer traffic can stretch it, so we suggest testing the route on a Saturday in July. Closer to the coast, cities list their public access points, and Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington Beach State Park both have beach parking.

Search Conway Homes for Sale

Snowbird or Full-Time: Decide Before You Buy

Some Midwest couples keep the home up north for summers and winter here. That changes what you should buy: a lock-and-leave condo or a home with HOA-covered lawn care may be a better fit. If you are going full-time, you will want the primary residence tax rate and possibly the homestead exemption, which require South Carolina residency.

Not sure yet? Tell us your plans and we will help you think it through. Our Retiring to Myrtle Beach guide and Myrtle Beach pros and cons are good next reads.

Search Myrtle Beach Homes for Sale What Is My Home Worth Talk to Our Team