![10 Up and Coming Neighborhoods in Myrtle Beach SC [2026]](https://images.pexels.com/photos/5587962/pexels-photo-5587962.jpeg)
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Are you moving to Myrtle Beach and want to get ahead of the market by finding the communities with the strongest growth momentum? Here are 10 up-and-coming Grand Strand neighborhoods that buyers are watching closely in 2026.
The Grand Strand is one of the fastest-growing real estate markets in the United States, and growth is not uniform across the market. Some communities are already well-established and priced accordingly. Others are in the earlier stages of growth — with improving infrastructure, active new development, and price points that still offer buyers real upside before the broader market catches up.
Here is where smart buyers are looking right now.
1. Clear Pond at Myrtle Beach National — Carolina Forest
Clear Pond is one of the newer master-planned communities in Carolina Forest and one of the fastest-growing subdivisions on the Grand Strand. Built around a large community pond with resort-style amenities — pools, fitness center, pickleball, walking trails — it has attracted strong buyer demand from relocators who want new construction quality and Carolina Forest school access at prices that are still competitive. Homes are primarily builder-fresh in the $300,000 to $450,000 range, and the community continues to expand with new phases.
Why it is up and coming: Still adding new phases with new-construction pricing and builder incentives available; strong school district access; established amenity infrastructure
View Clear Pond Homes for Sale →
2. Longs / Highway 9 Corridor
Longs is one of the most underrated areas on the entire Grand Strand. Located along Highway 9 between Conway and North Myrtle Beach, it offers some of the best new construction value in Horry County — with home prices meaningfully below Carolina Forest and North Myrtle Beach while still delivering easy access to both. Multiple national builders are actively developing in the Longs area in 2026, and retail and dining infrastructure is following the residential growth.
Why it is up and coming: Strongest new construction value in Horry County; multiple active builder communities; improving retail infrastructure; Highway 31 access
3. Conway Downtown and Riverfront
Conway's historic downtown along the Waccamaw River is undergoing a quiet renaissance. New restaurants, boutiques, and community investments are strengthening a walkable riverfront district that is genuinely charming and historically rich. For buyers who want authentic small-town character, a beautiful natural setting, and home prices well below the beach market, Conway's downtown neighborhoods represent some of the strongest value-to-lifestyle ratios on the Grand Strand.
Why it is up and coming: Active downtown investment and revitalization; Coastal Carolina University presence driving young adult population; strong value; Riverwalk and riverfront park investment
4. The Bluffs on the Waterway — Longs
The Bluffs on the Waterway is a gated Intracoastal Waterway community in Longs that offers boat storage, a boat launch, and waterway access at price points that are significantly below comparable Intracoastal communities in North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach proper. It has been attracting buyers who want waterway lifestyle without waterway premium pricing.
Why it is up and coming: Intracoastal Waterway access at accessible price points; gated community; growing buyer awareness as comparable waterway communities price higher
View The Bluffs on the Waterway Homes for Sale →
5. Market Common Expansion Areas
Market Common itself is well-established, but the areas immediately surrounding it — including Emmens Preserve and the Meridian at Market Common — continue to offer newer construction at prices that are competitive relative to the walkable lifestyle they provide. As Market Common's commercial and restaurant scene continues to grow, the surrounding residential communities continue to appreciate.
Why it is up and coming: Walkability premium still growing; new commercial development adding value; proximity to Myrtle Beach State Park and the beach
View Emmens Preserve Homes for Sale → | View Meridian at Market Common Homes for Sale →
6. Myrtle Beach Area Along Kings Highway / Business 17
The Kings Highway corridor running through the heart of Myrtle Beach proper is seeing active redevelopment and renovation as older properties are upgraded and new development fills in. For buyers open to established neighborhoods closer to the beach — rather than master-planned suburbs — this corridor offers proximity to the water at prices that reflect the older housing stock, with significant upside as the area continues to improve.
Why it is up and coming: Redevelopment momentum; beach proximity at accessible prices; older neighborhoods with renovation potential
View Myrtle Beach Homes for Sale →
7. Ocean Isle Beach Area / Brunswick County Near NC Line
The North Carolina side of the Grand Strand border — particularly around Ocean Isle Beach and Calabash — is increasingly on the radar of buyers who want Grand Strand proximity at lower price points and in a slightly quieter setting. This market benefits from Little River and North Myrtle Beach's growth without yet being priced at the same level.
Why it is up and coming: Benefit of Grand Strand growth with lower entry prices; active new development; growing dining and retail scene in Calabash
8. Georgetown Waterfront
Georgetown is one of the most undervalued communities anywhere in coastal South Carolina. South Carolina's third oldest city, sitting at the confluence of five rivers, has a beautiful historic district, a stunning waterfront, and home prices that have not yet caught up with its inherent quality and location. As Myrtle Beach and Pawleys Island prices rise, buyers are discovering Georgetown with increasing frequency.
Why it is up and coming: Historic character and natural beauty at low price points; improving dining and retail scene; strong waterfront appeal; growing buyer awareness
View Georgetown Homes for Sale →
9. North Conway — Along SC 905 Corridor
The SC 905 corridor north of Conway is seeing active new development as builders push outward from the established Carolina Forest and Conway markets. Large lots, newer construction, and prices well below the beach market are attracting buyers who want space and value while maintaining reasonable access to the Grand Strand's coastal amenities.
Why it is up and coming: One of the most active new construction corridors in Horry County; strong lot sizes; accessible pricing
View Conway Area Homes for Sale →
10. Aynor and Horry County Inland
For buyers with the most flexible lifestyle requirements — remote workers, land buyers, buyers seeking maximum space and privacy — the inland Horry County communities of Aynor and surrounding areas offer an entirely different value proposition. Large parcels, newer custom construction, and prices well below the coastal market make these areas increasingly attractive as coastal prices rise and buyers push further from the water.
Why it is up and coming: Maximum value in Horry County; growing appeal to remote workers and buyers seeking land; access to Highway 501 corridor
Still narrowing down the map? Our guide to the 10 best suburbs of Myrtle Beach compares the established options side by side, and our new construction buyer's guide covers what to expect when you buy from a builder.
Trying to figure out which Grand Strand neighborhood has the most upside for your situation? Our team has been watching this market since 2014. Contact us and we will share what we are seeing on the ground right now.
