Pros and Cons of Living in Longs, SC (2026)

By Homes Myrtle Team

Thinking about making a move to the Grand Strand area but not sure Myrtle Beach itself fits your budget or lifestyle? Longs, SC keeps coming up — and for good reason. Tucked just inland from North Myrtle Beach in Horry County, Longs (zip code 29568) has quietly become one of the fastest-growing communities along the South Carolina coast.

But is Longs a good place to live? Like any town, it has real advantages and real trade-offs. This guide breaks them all down in plain language — so you can decide whether Longs makes sense for your next chapter. Whether you are a first-time buyer, a retiree, a growing family, or a remote worker chasing value near the beach, keep reading.

Table of Contents

Pros of Living in Longs, SC

Longs has a lot going for it — especially if you are comparing it to the pricier beach communities just to the east. Here are the biggest advantages residents point to.

Affordable Housing Prices

This is the headline reason most people land in Longs. Median home prices in the 29568 zip code consistently run $50,000 to $100,000 less than comparable properties in North Myrtle Beach or Myrtle Beach itself. For buyers stretching their budget — or investors looking for strong rental yield — that gap is hard to ignore. Horry County also has some of the lowest property tax rates in South Carolina, which keeps monthly carrying costs down. If you want to dig deeper on how Longs compares to the broader area, our cost of living guide for Myrtle Beach is a good reference point.

New-Construction Boom

Longs is in the middle of a serious building surge. National builders including D.R. Horton, Lennar, and True Homes have all planted flags here, rolling out planned communities with modern floor plans, energy-efficient features, and builder warranties. For buyers who want a brand-new home with all the latest finishes — without the premium price tag of an oceanfront zip code — Longs delivers options that are hard to find elsewhere on the Grand Strand. Many communities offer incentives like closing cost assistance or rate buy-downs that make new construction even more attainable.

More House, More Land for the Money

Square footage and lot size are noticeably bigger in Longs than in the beach towns. It is common to find single-family homes with quarter-acre to half-acre lots — sometimes larger — at prices that would buy you a small condo closer to the water. If you have kids who need space to run, pets, a boat, or an RV, Longs gives you the room that beach communities simply cannot offer at the same price point.

Fast-Growing Community

Population growth in Longs and the surrounding Horry County corridor has been among the fastest in South Carolina for several years running. That growth brings investment: new schools, upgraded roads, new retail and dining options, and generally rising property values. Buyers who got into Longs a few years ago have seen solid appreciation — and the trend shows no sign of reversing as the Grand Strand continues to attract retirees and remote workers from across the country.

Family- and Retiree-Friendly Atmosphere

Longs has a neighborly, small-town character that tends to appeal to families with young children and active retirees alike. Many of the new-construction communities are age-unrestricted but attract a mix of buyers who value quiet streets, community amenities like pools and walking trails, and proximity to top-rated Horry County schools. Crime rates in Longs are generally lower than in more urban areas of the Grand Strand, adding to the sense of safety that families and retirees prioritize.

Quieter, Rural Feel

If the noise and congestion of Myrtle Beach proper is not your scene, Longs offers a genuine alternative. The pace here is slower. Neighbors know each other. You hear more birds than traffic on most streets. For people relocating from major metro areas, that shift in atmosphere is not a compromise — it is the point. You still have quick access to everything the Grand Strand offers; you just get to retreat to something calmer at the end of the day. For a broader comparison of community feel along the coast, see our piece on the best and worst things about living on the Grand Strand.

Easy Access to North Myrtle Beach Amenities

Living in Longs does not mean giving up beach-town conveniences. North Myrtle Beach — with its restaurants, shops, entertainment venues, golf courses, and medical facilities — is a short drive away. Most errands and social outings can be handled in North Myrtle Beach without going all the way to the main Myrtle Beach strip. That balance of quiet residential living with nearby amenities is a big part of Longs's appeal. Our guide to the best Myrtle Beach suburbs covers this dynamic in detail.

Cons of Living in Longs, SC

No place is perfect. Here are the honest trade-offs you should know before committing to Longs.

Not Walkable to the Beach

This is the biggest reality check for anyone dreaming of a beachfront lifestyle on a Longs budget: you cannot walk or bike to the ocean from most of Longs. You will need to drive roughly 15–20 minutes to reach public beach access at Cherry Grove in North Myrtle Beach. For people who want to pop down to the water on a whim, that requires planning around a car trip. It is a manageable trade-off for most residents, but it is a real one. See the beach proximity section below for full details.

Still-Developing Infrastructure

Growth is exciting, but it also means that parts of Longs are still catching up. Some areas lack sidewalks, streetlights, or easily accessible public spaces. Utilities like high-speed internet vary in quality depending on your specific street or subdivision. As newer communities fill in, these gaps are closing — but if you move to Longs today, you may find that your neighborhood has not yet received all the infrastructure improvements that more established areas enjoy.

Fewer Local Restaurants and Amenities

Longs does not yet have the dining, shopping, or entertainment density that North Myrtle Beach or Myrtle Beach can offer. While that is changing with growth, right now you will likely drive out of Longs for most restaurant meals, major shopping trips, and entertainment outings. If daily walkable amenities — coffee shops, gyms, grocery stores — are a priority, you may find Longs feels sparse compared to more developed communities.

Some Rural Pockets

The 29568 zip code is large, and not all of it has the polished, planned-community feel of the newer subdivisions. There are rural stretches with older housing stock, unpaved roads, and limited services. Buyers should do their homework on the specific neighborhood they are considering — conditions can vary considerably from one part of Longs to another.

Growth-Related Traffic on SC-9 and Hwy 90

Longs sits at the intersection of SC-9 and Hwy 90, two of the main arteries connecting the inland communities to the beach. As Longs and neighboring areas have grown, those roads have gotten busier. Peak-season beach traffic in the summer can add real time to commutes, and even off-season, rush hours are noticeably heavier than they were five years ago. Road improvements are in the works, but for now, traffic is a daily reality worth factoring in.

Longer Drive to Myrtle Beach Attractions

North Myrtle Beach is close, but the main Myrtle Beach strip — Broadway at the Beach, the SkyWheel, the convention center, the airport — is farther away, typically a 30–45 minute drive depending on traffic. If you plan to use Myrtle Beach's bigger-city amenities frequently, factor that commute into your daily math. If you are curious about life in Myrtle Beach itself before deciding, our pros and cons of living in Myrtle Beach post is a helpful companion read.

Beach Proximity: How Far Is Longs from the Ocean?

Let us be direct: Longs is an inland community — it is not on the ocean. This surprises some buyers who look at a map and see how close the 29568 zip code gets to the coastline on paper.

Here is what the drive actually looks like: from most neighborhoods in Longs, heading east on SC-9 toward the coast, you will reach the Cherry Grove public beach access in North Myrtle Beach in approximately 15 to 20 minutes under normal traffic conditions. That is the nearest public beach entry point to the bulk of the Longs residential area.

During summer peak season — especially on weekends — add another 5–10 minutes for beach traffic on the final approach. Still, a 20–25 minute beach drive is something that millions of Americans would happily trade for, and it is why Longs consistently attracts buyers who want beach proximity without oceanfront pricing.

The key takeaway: if waking up and walking across the street to the sand is your vision, Longs is not that. But if a quick 15–20 minute drive to a beautiful public beach is acceptable — and you want to spend the money you save on housing instead of rent — Longs delivers strong value. For context on the broader move, check out our moving to Myrtle Beach guide.

Cost of Living & Housing Market in Longs, SC

Longs consistently ranks as one of the most affordable communities in the Grand Strand area. Here is a quick breakdown of what to expect:

Home prices: As of 2026, median home prices in Longs typically fall in the $270,000–$340,000 range, depending on the neighborhood and whether the home is new construction or resale. That compares favorably to North Myrtle Beach medians that routinely top $400,000.

Property taxes: Horry County's property tax rates are among the lowest in South Carolina. For a primary residence, the effective rate often works out to well under 1% of assessed value — a significant saving versus many other states and even other SC counties.

Everyday costs: Grocery prices, utilities, and gas in the Longs area generally track the national average or fall slightly below it. The biggest savings are in housing.

Rental market: Long-term rental demand in Longs is strong and growing. Investors have taken notice, and new-construction rental portfolios have expanded in the area. Vacancy rates remain low compared to more saturated coastal markets.

HOA fees: Many of the new planned communities in Longs carry HOA fees, typically in the $50–$150 per month range. These often cover amenities like community pools and common-area maintenance.

Who Longs, SC Is Best For

After looking at all the pros and cons, a clear picture emerges of who tends to thrive in Longs and who might want to look elsewhere.

A first-time homebuyer who wants to get into the Grand Strand market at an accessible price point and is comfortable driving to the beach rather than walking. Longs offers the best new-construction value in the coastal Horry County area for buyers stretching their dollar.

A growing family that needs bedrooms, yard space, and access to good schools without paying a beach-town premium. Horry County's school system has invested in the Longs corridor, and the neighborhoods are safe and community-oriented.

A retiree seeking a slower pace, a manageable climate, low taxes, and convenient beach access. Many active-adult communities and 55+ developments have opened in and around Longs, and the healthcare network in nearby North Myrtle Beach is solid.

A remote worker who does not need to commute daily and wants to maximize what their housing dollar buys. The combination of affordable homes, growing high-speed internet availability, and beach lifestyle access makes Longs compelling for location-independent professionals.

An investor looking for value appreciation and rental demand in a market that has not yet fully priced in its growth trajectory.

Longs may not be the right fit if you need walkable beach access daily, require dense urban amenities within walking distance, or are relocating for a job that requires a short commute to downtown Myrtle Beach or the MB International Airport.

For a wider view of how Longs compares to other Grand Strand communities, our guide to the best Myrtle Beach suburbs is worth bookmarking. And if you are weighing the Grand Strand experience more broadly, do not miss our look at the best and worst things about living on the Grand Strand.

[Photo placeholder: Family enjoying outdoor space in Longs SC community]

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Longs, SC

Is Longs, SC a good place to live?

Yes — for the right buyer. Longs offers affordable housing, large lots, and new-construction communities at prices well below nearby beach towns. It is a strong fit for families, retirees, and remote workers who want more space, a quieter lifestyle, and easy access to North Myrtle Beach amenities roughly 15–20 minutes away.

How far is Longs, SC from the beach?

Longs is an inland community located approximately 15–20 minutes by car from the nearest public beach access at Cherry Grove in North Myrtle Beach. It is not a beachfront town, but the short drive makes it a popular choice for people who want beach proximity without oceanfront prices.

What is the cost of living like in Longs, SC?

Longs is one of the more affordable areas along the Grand Strand. Median home prices typically run $50,000–$100,000 lower than comparable homes in North Myrtle Beach, and property taxes in Horry County are among the lowest in South Carolina. Everyday costs track the national average or slightly below. For a full breakdown, see our cost of living in Myrtle Beach guide.

Are there new-construction homes in Longs, SC?

Yes. Longs has seen a significant new-construction boom, with builders like D.R. Horton, Lennar, and True Homes developing communities throughout the 29568 zip code. Many homes feature open floor plans, modern finishes, and larger lot sizes — all at prices that are hard to match closer to the coast.

What are the downsides of living in Longs, SC?

The main drawbacks are limited walkability, a smaller selection of local restaurants and shopping compared to beach towns, and growing traffic on SC-9 and Hwy 90 as the area develops. Infrastructure like sidewalks and public transit is still catching up to the population growth.

Who is Longs, SC best suited for?

Longs is best suited for first-time homebuyers seeking affordability, families wanting larger yards and newer schools, retirees who prefer a quieter pace, remote workers who do not need to commute daily, and investors looking for value in a fast-appreciating market close to the Grand Strand.

The Bottom Line on Living in Longs, SC

Longs, SC is not a beach town — but it is a smart town. For buyers who prioritize value, space, and a quieter lifestyle while keeping the ocean within easy reach, Longs consistently delivers. The new-construction boom has transformed the 29568 zip code from a rural backwater into one of the Grand Strand's most dynamic and fast-growing communities.

The trade-offs are real: you will drive to the beach, you will drive to most restaurants, and you may deal with some growing pains as infrastructure catches up. But when you weigh those trade-offs against significantly lower home prices, bigger lots, modern homes, and genuine community character, many buyers find that Longs wins on points.

If Longs sounds like it could be a fit, the next step is seeing what is actually available in your price range. The Homes Myrtle Team knows the Longs market well — new builds, resales, the neighborhoods that are appreciating fastest, and the ones to approach with caution.