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Top 10 Neighborhoods in North Myrtle Beach, SC (2026)

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Secure Home Finder Team Admin
Jun 23, 2026 15 min read
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Top 10 Neighborhoods in North Myrtle Beach, SC (2026)
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By Homes Myrtle Team

North Myrtle Beach Has a Lot More Going On Than You Might Think

North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina sits just north of Myrtle Beach proper along the Grand Strand, but it has its own distinct identity — quieter streets, tight-knit residential sections, a rich history of beach music and shagging, and a surprisingly wide range of neighborhoods for every lifestyle and budget. Whether you are planning a permanent move, a second home purchase, or a retirement destination, understanding where you actually want to live within NMB matters a lot.

This guide covers the top 10 neighborhoods in North Myrtle Beach. For each one, we describe the vibe, typical home styles and price ranges, and — critically — how close you are to the beach. Some neighborhoods are steps from the ocean. Others are a short drive inland, which can mean significantly lower prices. We spell that out plainly for each community so you can make a real comparison.

If you are also weighing neighborhoods across the broader Myrtle Beach area, check out our companion guide: Best Neighborhoods in Myrtle Beach, SC. And if you are just beginning to think about a move to the area, Moving to Myrtle Beach is a solid starting point.

Table of Contents

  1. Cherry Grove
  2. Ocean Drive
  3. Crescent Beach
  4. Windy Hill
  5. Barefoot Resort
  6. Tidewater Plantation
  7. Robbers Roost
  8. Seaside Plantation
  9. Charleston Landing
  10. Heather Glen
  11. How to Choose the Right North Myrtle Beach Neighborhood
  12. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Cherry Grove

The Vibe and Who It Fits

Cherry Grove is the northernmost of the four historic sections of North Myrtle Beach and arguably the most laid-back. The neighborhood has an old-school beach town feel — fishing piers, tidal creeks, a mix of vintage cottage-style homes alongside newer construction, and a genuine sense of community. It attracts full-time residents, retirees, and families who want beach access without the commercial density of the Myrtle Beach strip.

Cherry Grove is a strong fit for buyers who want a quieter, more neighborhood-oriented beach lifestyle. It is also popular with second-home buyers who rent seasonally, since vacation demand here remains steady.

Home Styles and Price Range

You will find a wide range here: older 3-bedroom beach cottages, elevated homes with water views, larger oceanfront properties, and newer construction townhomes. Prices for non-oceanfront single-family homes typically start in the upper $300,000s and run to the mid-$600,000s. Oceanfront properties routinely exceed $1 million. Condos and smaller units can be found starting around $200,000–$250,000.

Beach Proximity

Cherry Grove is oceanfront. Many streets end directly at a public beach access point. Residents in the interior of the neighborhood are typically a 2–6 block walk from the sand. The Cherry Grove Pier and the beach around it are central gathering spots.


2. Ocean Drive

The Vibe and Who It Fits

Ocean Drive is the heart and soul of North Myrtle Beach. It is the birthplace of the shag — South Carolina's state dance — and home to legendary venues like Fat Harold's Beach Club and the OD Pavilion area. The neighborhood has a nostalgic, festive energy year-round, with a concentration of restaurants, bars, shops, and live music. It draws younger buyers, investors, and buyers who want to be close to the action.

Ocean Drive is not the quietest stretch of NMB, but that is part of the appeal. If you want walkable nightlife, beach music, and easy access to everything, this is the neighborhood.

Home Styles and Price Range

The housing stock in Ocean Drive ranges from classic elevated beach houses to oceanfront condos, mixed-use buildings, and some newer townhome developments. Single-family homes in Ocean Drive typically start around $350,000 and can run well past $800,000 for larger oceanfront properties. Condo prices vary widely by building, size, and view — starting around $150,000 for smaller non-oceanfront units.

Beach Proximity

Ocean Drive is oceanfront. The main street runs parallel to the beach, and there are public access points throughout. Most homes and condos are within walking distance of the ocean — many are directly on it or one block back.


3. Crescent Beach

The Vibe and Who It Fits

Crescent Beach sits between Ocean Drive and Cherry Grove and has a slightly more residential, family-friendly character than its neighbors. It is quieter than Ocean Drive and sees a higher share of full-time residents. The vibe here is "established beach community" — clean streets, a mix of older and newer homes, and a genuine neighborhood feel despite being right on the ocean.

Crescent Beach attracts families with school-age children, retirees looking for a quieter oceanside setting, and buyers who want a true primary home near the beach rather than a vacation-rental-heavy block.

Home Styles and Price Range

The housing mix includes elevated single-family homes, ranch-style houses on larger lots, and some condo buildings. Home prices generally start around $300,000 for smaller non-oceanfront homes and scale up to $700,000+ for larger oceanfront properties. The neighborhood tends to offer slightly better value per square foot than Ocean Drive.

Beach Proximity

Crescent Beach is oceanfront. Public beach access points are located throughout the neighborhood, typically at the end of numbered streets. Interior homes are generally a short 3–8 block walk to the water.


4. Windy Hill

The Vibe and Who It Fits

Windy Hill is the southernmost of the four historic sections of North Myrtle Beach, sitting closest to the Little River and the border with Myrtle Beach. It has evolved into a mix of residential and commercial uses, with a slightly more transitional character. You will find a range of buyers here — some attracted by slightly lower prices compared to the north end of NMB, others drawn by the proximity to Barefoot Landing and the restaurants and entertainment along US-17.

Windy Hill is a good option for buyers who want oceanfront access without paying Cherry Grove or Ocean Drive prices and who do not mind being in a busier commercial corridor.

Home Styles and Price Range

Windy Hill features a mix of older beach houses, condos, and some mixed-use properties. Single-family home prices generally start in the mid-$200,000s for non-oceanfront properties, with oceanfront homes ranging from the upper $400,000s to over $900,000. Condo options are plentiful and can start around $130,000–$175,000 for smaller units.

Beach Proximity

Windy Hill is oceanfront. Public beach access points are distributed throughout the neighborhood. Interior streets are typically within a 3–7 block walk of the ocean. This section of the Grand Strand is also known for its wide, well-maintained beach.


5. Barefoot Resort & Golf

The Vibe and Who It Fits

Barefoot Resort is one of the most recognizable communities in North Myrtle Beach, anchored by four championship golf courses, the Barefoot Landing shopping and dining complex, the Intracoastal Waterway, and a wide variety of residential options. The community has a resort-meets-neighborhood feel — you can walk or bike to restaurants, live entertainment at Barefoot Landing, and boat launches along the waterway.

Barefoot Resort attracts a wide range of buyers: retirees who want an active lifestyle, golf enthusiasts, families who want resort amenities without being on the ocean, and investors who want rental-income potential. It is one of NMB's most popular resort-style communities for good reason.

For more detail on specific communities within the resort, see our guides to Egret Run at Barefoot Resort and Ironwood at Barefoot Resort.

Home Styles and Price Range

Barefoot Resort has enormous variety: low-maintenance villas and condos, townhomes, and single-family homes on golf course lots. Condo and villa prices typically start in the low-to-mid $200,000s. Single-family homes on golf or waterway lots generally range from $350,000 to over $700,000. Luxury custom homes can exceed $1 million. The community is large, so micro-location matters — homes on golf course fairways or with Intracoastal views carry a premium.

Beach Proximity

Barefoot Resort is an inland/Intracoastal community — it is not oceanfront. The resort does provide a private ocean cabana accessible to residents, but the nearest public beach access at Windy Hill is approximately a 5–8 minute drive. Buyers who want to walk to the ocean should factor this in; buyers who prioritize golf and Intracoastal living will find it ideal.


6. Tidewater Plantation

The Vibe and Who It Fits

Tidewater Plantation is a gated, master-planned golf community perched on a bluff overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway and Cherry Grove Beach. It is widely considered one of the most desirable non-oceanfront communities on the Grand Strand, combining genuine security, beautiful natural surroundings, a highly regarded golf course, and a quality of construction that stands above many other communities in the area.

Tidewater is best suited to buyers who prioritize privacy, security, quality finishes, golf, and Intracoastal views. Retirees and semi-retirees make up a large portion of the resident base. It is a quieter, more upscale community compared to the resort buzz of Barefoot.

Home Styles and Price Range

Tidewater offers a mix of single-family custom homes, villas, and patio homes, most of which feature upscale appointments and quality landscaping. Prices generally start in the mid-to-upper $400,000s for smaller villas and patio homes, with larger single-family homes ranging from $600,000 to well over $1 million for properties with golf course or Intracoastal views. The community has appreciated steadily and tends to hold its value well.

Beach Proximity

Tidewater Plantation is inland — the community sits on the Intracoastal side of the coastal road, not on the ocean. That said, Cherry Grove Beach is approximately a 5–7 minute drive away. Residents also have access to the community's private beach parking and access at Cherry Grove, which is a significant amenity not all inland communities offer.


7. Robbers Roost

The Vibe and Who It Fits

Robbers Roost is a well-established, deed-restricted golf community in the inland section of North Myrtle Beach that has become popular for its affordability relative to the coastal neighborhoods. The community is built around the Robbers Roost Golf Club, a popular course for both residents and visitors, and offers a quiet, neighborly lifestyle. It is a favorite for retirees and cost-conscious primary home buyers who want to live in NMB without paying beachfront prices.

The community has a relaxed, unpretentious character. You will find a mix of long-time residents and newer arrivals, all drawn by reasonable prices and good golf access.

Home Styles and Price Range

Robbers Roost offers primarily single-family homes in a range of sizes, from modest 3-bedroom ranch homes to more spacious custom builds. Prices typically range from the upper $200,000s to the mid-$400,000s, making it one of the more affordable single-family options in North Myrtle Beach. Homes on golf course lots carry a modest premium.

Beach Proximity

Robbers Roost is an inland golf community. The nearest public beach access points are approximately a 10–14 minute drive east toward the Ocean Drive or Cherry Grove sections of North Myrtle Beach. Buyers who want a quick walk to the beach should note this — buyers who prioritize value and golf will find the trade-off worthwhile.


8. Seaside Plantation

The Vibe and Who It Fits

Seaside Plantation is a deed-restricted residential community in North Myrtle Beach that offers a quieter, more neighborly atmosphere than the oceanfront or golf resort communities. The community is popular with full-time residents, families, and retirees who want a stable, well-maintained neighborhood at a more accessible price point. It is less flashy than Tidewater or Barefoot, but it delivers solid value and a genuine community feel.

Seaside Plantation is a good fit for buyers who are relocating full-time to North Myrtle Beach and want a neighborhood where they can actually get to know their neighbors, put down roots, and enjoy a comfortable coastal lifestyle without resort-level pricing.

Home Styles and Price Range

Homes in Seaside Plantation are primarily single-family, typically in the 1,500–2,800 square foot range. Architectural styles lean toward traditional coastal and Lowcountry designs. Prices generally range from the mid-$300,000s to the mid-$500,000s, depending on size, lot, and upgrades.

Beach Proximity

Seaside Plantation is an inland community. The nearest public beach access is in the Crescent Beach or Ocean Drive sections, approximately 8–12 minutes by car. It is a very manageable drive for day-to-day beach visits, but you will not be walking to the sand from this neighborhood.


9. Charleston Landing

The Vibe and Who It Fits

Charleston Landing is a smaller, newer residential community in the inland section of North Myrtle Beach that has attracted buyers drawn to its combination of newer construction, relatively affordable prices, and convenient location along the US-17 corridor. The community has an approachable, clean-slate character — it lacks the history of Cherry Grove or the resort infrastructure of Barefoot, but it delivers newer homes at competitive prices.

Charleston Landing fits buyers who want a turnkey, newer construction home in NMB without the price premium of a resort community, and who are comfortable with a short drive to the beach.

Home Styles and Price Range

Homes in Charleston Landing are predominantly newer single-family construction with open floor plans, modern kitchens, and contemporary finishes. Home sizes typically range from 1,600 to 2,500 square feet. Prices generally fall in the $300,000s to low $400,000s, offering competitive value for newer construction in the North Myrtle Beach market.

Beach Proximity

Charleston Landing is inland. The nearest public beach access is in the Windy Hill or Ocean Drive area, typically an 8–12 minute drive depending on traffic. US-17 access makes it straightforward to reach the beach year-round.


10. Heather Glen

The Vibe and Who It Fits

Heather Glen is one of the newer master-planned communities in the broader North Myrtle Beach/Little River area, developed by D.R. Horton and featuring multiple series of new construction homes at various price points. The community has grown quickly due to its combination of brand-new homes, strong builder warranty programs, and competitive pricing compared to older or resort-adjacent neighborhoods. It is popular with first-time buyers, young families, and people relocating to the Grand Strand from higher cost-of-living markets.

Heather Glen offers a fresh, clean community aesthetic with HOA amenities including a clubhouse, pool, and fitness center. The trade-off is distance from the ocean — this is a lifestyle community, not a beach community.

To learn more about what it is really like to live in this part of the Grand Strand, read our piece on The Best and Worst Things About Living on the Grand Strand.

Home Styles and Price Range

Heather Glen offers new construction single-family homes in a range of sizes and configurations, from starter 3-bedroom plans around 1,400 square feet to larger 5-bedroom homes over 2,800 square feet. Pricing typically starts in the mid-to-upper $200,000s and runs to the low-to-mid $400,000s, making it one of the more accessible new construction options near North Myrtle Beach. D.R. Horton builds to a production standard, so expect good value on a per-square-foot basis with modern amenities.

Beach Proximity

Heather Glen is inland — located off Highway 57 near Little River and the North Myrtle Beach border. The nearest public beach access points are approximately 15–20 minutes by car, depending on which beach section you target. This is a meaningful drive and worth factoring into daily lifestyle expectations, especially if beach access is a regular priority for your household.


How to Choose the Right North Myrtle Beach Neighborhood

With 10 very different neighborhoods to consider, it helps to filter by what actually matters to your lifestyle.

Start with beach proximity. The oceanfront neighborhoods — Cherry Grove, Ocean Drive, Crescent Beach, and Windy Hill — command a price premium, but they offer genuine walkable beach access. If you plan to use the beach daily, that walk matters. If you are comfortable driving 8–15 minutes, inland communities open up significantly better price-per-square-foot value.

Think about community character. Ocean Drive has energy, nightlife, and a social scene. Cherry Grove is quiet and residential. Tidewater is gated and upscale. Barefoot Resort is resort-lifestyle with shopping, dining, and golf steps away. Robbers Roost is unpretentious and affordably priced. None of these is objectively better — they suit different lifestyles.

Consider your timeline and use case. Are you buying a full-time primary residence? A retirement home? A second home you will rent part of the year? Rental demand is strongest in the oceanfront sections and in Barefoot Resort. If rental income is part of the equation, proximity to the beach and resort amenities matters more. For full-time primary residence, you may prioritize neighborhood stability and school proximity over beach steps.

Budget realistically. Remember to factor in HOA fees, flood insurance (which applies to oceanfront and some near-ocean properties), and property taxes. Oceanfront properties in South Carolina are subject to different tax treatments for primary versus second homes. The Grand Strand lifestyle guide covers some of these practical considerations in more detail.

The Homes Myrtle Team knows North Myrtle Beach deeply. We can help you walk through the numbers, tour neighborhoods, and find the property that genuinely fits your life — not just the one that photographs well online.


Frequently Asked Questions About North Myrtle Beach Neighborhoods

What is the best neighborhood in North Myrtle Beach for families?

Cherry Grove and Crescent Beach are both popular with families. Cherry Grove offers quiet streets, a mix of vacation and primary homes, and easy beach access. Crescent Beach has a slightly more residential feel with strong school proximity and is walkable to the ocean. For inland families on a budget, Heather Glen offers newer construction with community amenities at accessible price points.

Is North Myrtle Beach cheaper than Myrtle Beach?

Generally, yes. North Myrtle Beach tends to have lower median home prices than central Myrtle Beach for comparable property types, especially in inland communities like Heather Glen, Robbers Roost, and Charleston Landing. Oceanfront properties in both cities command a premium, but NMB's overall market tends to be slightly more affordable than comparable areas closer to the Myrtle Beach convention corridor.

Which North Myrtle Beach neighborhoods are best for retirees?

Tidewater Plantation and Barefoot Resort are both favorites among retirees. Tidewater offers gated security, golf, and stunning Intracoastal views. Barefoot Resort provides resort-style amenities, walkable retail, and a lively atmosphere — perfect for active retirees. For retirees on a tighter budget, Robbers Roost and Seaside Plantation offer quiet, well-maintained neighborhoods at lower price points.

What is the average home price in North Myrtle Beach?

Home prices vary significantly by neighborhood. Inland communities like Heather Glen and Robbers Roost often start in the mid-$200,000s to low $300,000s. Golf communities like Tidewater and Barefoot Resort typically range from $300,000 to $700,000+. Oceanfront properties and luxury homes in Ocean Drive or Cherry Grove can exceed $1 million.

Are there gated communities in North Myrtle Beach?

Yes. Tidewater Plantation and Barefoot Resort (certain sections) are among the most well-known gated or access-controlled communities in North Myrtle Beach. Both offer additional security and community amenities. Most other NMB neighborhoods are not gated but may have HOA oversight and deed restrictions.

How far is North Myrtle Beach from Myrtle Beach proper?

North Myrtle Beach is approximately 10–15 miles north of central Myrtle Beach, depending on the specific neighborhood. The drive along US-17 or Highway 31 typically takes 15–25 minutes under normal traffic conditions. During peak summer season, coastal roads can be slower — Highway 31 (the Carolina Bays Parkway) is the faster bypass option.


Ready to Find Your Place in North Myrtle Beach?

North Myrtle Beach offers something that is genuinely rare: ten distinct communities, each with its own personality, price point, and beach access profile, all within a single small city. Whether you want to walk to the ocean from Cherry Grove, watch the Intracoastal from your back deck in Tidewater, or step into a brand-new home in Heather Glen, there is a neighborhood here that fits.

The Homes Myrtle Team has helped hundreds of buyers and sellers navigate the North Myrtle Beach market. We know which streets flood, which HOAs are well-run, which communities have appreciated the most, and which ones offer the best rental income potential. We are happy to give you honest, local advice — no pressure, no oversell.

WRITTEN BY
S
Secure Home Finder Team Admin
Realtor
WRITTEN BY
S
Secure Home Finder Team Admin
Realtor

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