Pros and Cons of Living in North Myrtle Beach, SC

North Myrtle Beach sits at the northern end of the Grand Strand in Horry County, close to the North Carolina line. If you are deciding whether it fits your life, this guide from the Homes Myrtle team walks through the benefits and the trade-offs, using official city, county, and Census sources.

Every figure below is dated, and anything we could not confirm is flagged for you. If you are comparing nearby towns, see our guides to Little River and Longs.

Is North Myrtle Beach a good place to live

North Myrtle Beach had 18,790 residents in the 2020 Census, and the Census Bureau estimates 21,346 as of July 1, 2025. That is a 13.3% increase from the 2020 estimates base, according to U.S. Census QuickFacts.

The city skews older than most places. Census QuickFacts shows that 41.6% of residents are 65 or older and 10.8% are under 18 (2020 to 2024 American Community Survey). The owner-occupied housing rate is 82.2%.

Pros of living in North Myrtle Beach SC

Here is what draws buyers to North Myrtle Beach.

Public beach access in North Myrtle Beach

The City of North Myrtle Beach lists dozens of public beach accesses running from 6204 N Ocean Boulevard south to the 47th Avenue S street end. These include the Sea Mountain Street end, the Main Street end, and street-end accesses through Cherry Grove, Ocean Drive, Crescent Beach, and Windy Hill.

The city also operates more than 50 public beach-access parking locations. Its interactive map shows which ones have restrooms and accessible parking. Seasonal parking fees apply at many of them; check the city's current rates before you go.

Main Street and the NMB Live festival

Main Street is the city's festival hub. For 21 years it hosted the Irish Italian International Festival, which drew about 15,000 people in September 2025, according to the city.

In 2026 the city replaced it with NMB Live, held on Main Street on September 26, 2026. The city announced three stages, more than 150 vendors, and free admission. Whether it returns in 2027 has not been announced yet.

North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex

The city's Park and Sports Complex at 150 Citizens Circle offers 3 miles of walking trails, a 10-acre meadow, 6 baseball and softball fields, 8 soccer and lacrosse fields, an amphitheater, a nature preserve, and the Waggin Tails dog parks.

Year-round city events give you reasons to get out locally. The city's special events list includes Movies at McLean, the Easter Egg Hunt, Halloween BOOnanza, Fishing with Friends, Pedal in the Park, and Touch-A-Truck.

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North Myrtle Beach schools

Horry County Schools assigns North Myrtle Beach students to the North Myrtle Beach attendance area. That area includes North Myrtle Beach High, North Myrtle Beach Middle, Ocean Drive Elementary, and Waterway Elementary.

Attendance lines can change, so confirm a specific address with the Horry County Schools attendance-area map before you buy.

Cons of living in North Myrtle Beach SC

No coastal city is a perfect fit. These are the trade-offs to plan for.

Hurricane evacuation zones in North Myrtle Beach

Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, and parts of North Myrtle Beach fall in Horry County's Zone A and Zone B. Per the city, Zone A includes areas east of House Creek from the state line to the center of Cherry Grove Beach.

Under the county evacuation plan, everyone north of Briarcliffe Acres evacuates via SC Highway 9 North to I-95. The city publishes a hurricane guide, and you need proof of residency, such as an ID, a water bill, or a tax bill, for reentry.

Flood risk and flood insurance in North Myrtle Beach

The city runs a real-time tide gauge with flood thresholds and publishes flood information pages, including guidance on flood insurance and elevation certificates. Property owners are responsible for maintaining drainage on their own lots, per the city.

Ask for an elevation certificate and a flood insurance quote early when you are considering any home near the marsh or the oceanfront.

Tourist season traffic and crowds

Tourism drives the local economy. Census data shows $428,987,000 in accommodation and food services sales in North Myrtle Beach in 2022. In practice, that means busier roads, restaurants, and beach lots in peak season.

North Myrtle Beach home values

The Census Bureau puts the median value of owner-occupied homes at $416,900 (2020 to 2024 American Community Survey). That is a survey estimate, not a current sale price. We have not pulled a current market figure from an approved source for this post, so ask our team for up-to-date numbers.

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North Myrtle Beach neighborhoods to explore

North Myrtle Beach includes distinct sections like Cherry Grove, Ocean Drive, Crescent Beach, and Windy Hill, plus inland golf communities. For a closer look, read our guides to the top neighborhoods in North Myrtle Beach and Barefoot Resort neighborhoods.

Is North Myrtle Beach right for you

If you want everyday beach access, a walkable Main Street, and city-run recreation, North Myrtle Beach makes a strong case. If hurricane prep, flood insurance, and summer crowds are dealbreakers, weigh them carefully. Our team can help you compare sections of the city and nearby towns.

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