by Robert Borges on March 26, 2026
Best Myrtle Beach Communities (Quick Picks)
Looking for the best places to live in Myrtle Beach? Here are some of the top communities near the Grand Strand:
- Grande Dunes – Myrtle Beach, SC
- Prince Creek – Murrells Inlet, SC
- Sea Trail Plantation – Sunset Beach, NC
- Rivers Edge Golf Club & Plantation – Shallotte, NC
- Oyster Harbour – Supply, NC
- Crow Creek – Calabash, NC
Keep reading for details on each of these communities as well as valuable insights and information about living in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Why Myrtle Beach Communities Are So Popular
Stretching along a stunning 60-mile coastline known as the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach, SC offers a lifestyle that blends coastal beauty, championship golf, and year-round recreation.
From gated communities in Myrtle Beach, SC to charming nearby coastal towns, this region attracts:
- Retirees seeking warm weather and low-maintenance living
- Families looking for safe, amenity-rich neighborhoods
- Golf enthusiasts drawn to world-class courses
- Second-home buyers and investors seeking coastal retreats
With its mix of beachfront living, golf communities, and active adult neighborhoods, Myrtle Beach continues to rank among the best places to live in South Carolina.
Featured Communities Near Myrtle Beach
Grande Dunes – Myrtle Beach, SC
One of the most prestigious gated communities in Myrtle Beach, SC, Grande Dunes delivers a true resort-style lifestyle across 2,600 acres stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Intracoastal Waterway. This master-planned community blends luxury living with unmatched amenities, making it a standout among Myrtle Beach communities.
At-A-Glance
- Price: Starting at $500,000
- Home Types: Single-family homes, condos, villas
- Best For: Golfers, luxury buyers, social lifestyles
- Known For: Oceanfront living, marina access, private beach club, and two championship golf courses
Residents enjoy access to two golf courses (including a private Nick Price-designed course), a 126-slip marina, and the exclusive Ocean Club with beachfront dining and cabanas. Additional amenities include tennis facilities, fitness centers, walking trails, and frequent social events—creating a connected, active coastal lifestyle.
Prince Creek – Murrells Inlet, SC
Set in the scenic Lowcountry just minutes from the beach, Prince Creek is a thoughtfully designed master-planned community offering a variety of neighborhoods and lifestyle options—making it one of the most desirable suburbs of Myrtle Beach.
At-A-Glance
- Price: Starting in the high $200,000s
- Home Types: Single-family homes, condos, townhomes
- Best For: Families, retirees, golfers
- Known For: TPC Myrtle Beach golf, natural Lowcountry setting, and diverse neighborhoods
At the heart of the community is the Tom Fazio-designed TPC Myrtle Beach course, along with access to the Dustin Johnson Golf School. Residents enjoy multiple clubhouses, resort-style pools, fitness centers, tennis and pickleball courts, and miles of walking trails. With both gated enclaves and a dedicated 55+ section, Prince Creek offers flexibility for a wide range of buyers.
Sea Trail Plantation – Sunset Beach, NC
Located just north of the South Carolina border, Sea Trail Plantation combines coastal charm with resort-style amenities, offering a relaxed yet active lifestyle just 30 minutes from Myrtle Beach.
At-A-Glance
- Price: Starting in the low $200,000s
- Home Types: Condos, townhomes, single-family homes
- Best For: Retirees, golfers, second-home buyers
- Known For: Three championship golf courses and proximity to Sunset Beach
This established community features three championship golf courses, multiple pools, a fitness center, tennis courts, and on-site dining. Residents also enjoy easy access to Sunset Beach—often ranked among the best beaches in the world—as well as nearby shopping, dining, and coastal attractions. These features make it one of the best neighborhoods in Myrtle Beach for outdoor activities and parks.
Rivers Edge Golf Club & Plantation – Shallotte, NC
Tucked along the scenic Shallotte River, Rivers Edge offers a more tranquil setting while still being close to the energy of Myrtle Beach and Wilmington.
At-A-Glance
- Price: Starting at $300,000
- Home Types: Single-family homes, townhomes
- Best For: Nature lovers, golfers, retirees
- Known For: Arnold Palmer-designed golf course and private oceanfront beach club
This intimate community is centered around an Arnold Palmer-designed golf course known for its dramatic coastal views. Residents enjoy a private oceanfront beach club, indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, and a recently updated clubhouse with dining. Walking trails and preserved marshland add to the peaceful, nature-focused environment.
For buyers seeking privacy and natural beauty, Oyster Harbour stands out among gated communities near Myrtle Beach with its serene coastal setting and strong sense of community.
At-A-Glance
- Price: Starting in the high $400,000s
- Home Types: Single-family homes
- Best For: Nature lovers, boaters, retirees
- Known For: Intracoastal Waterway access, preserved marshlands, and peaceful surroundings
Set across 400+ acres, this community features a private boat launch, kayak access, walking and biking trails, and scenic marsh and lake views. Amenities include a clubhouse, fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, and a pool. Its location near Holden Beach and the South Brunswick Islands makes it ideal for those who want coastal access without the crowds.
Offering a more affordable entry point into coastal golf living, Crow Creek is a welcoming and active community just minutes from the South Carolina border.
At-A-Glance
- Price: Starting in the high $200,000s
- Home Types: Condos, cottages, custom homes
- Best For: Golfers, active adults, value buyers
- Known For: Championship golf, low-maintenance lifestyle, and proximity to beaches
The community centers around an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Rick Robbins, with year-round play thanks to the mild climate. Residents enjoy an amenity center with a fitness facility, resort-style pool, tennis courts, library, and social spaces. Its location near Calabash—famous for its seafood—adds to the charm, while nearby beaches and attractions keep residents active.
Pros and Cons of Living in Myrtle Beach, SC
Before choosing among the many Myrtle Beach communities, it’s important to understand what day-to-day life in the region really looks like. From its coastal climate and lifestyle perks to a few seasonal challenges, here’s a balanced look at the benefits and considerations of living along the Grand Strand:
Pros
- Mild climate with year-round outdoor activities
- Abundance of golf courses (90+ in the region)
- Coastal lifestyle with beaches, boating, and fishing
- Variety of gated and master-planned communities
- Lower cost of living compared to many coastal markets
Cons
- Seasonal tourism traffic
- Hot, humid summers
- Hurricane risk (like most coastal regions)
Who Living in Myrtle Beach Is Best For
Myrtle Beach appeals to a wide range of lifestyle buyers, but it’s especially well-suited for:
- Retirees seeking warm weather, low-maintenance homes, and active social communities
- Golf enthusiasts drawn to the area’s world-class courses and golf-centric neighborhoods
- Second-home buyers looking for a coastal escape with rental potential
- Families wanting access to beaches, outdoor recreation, and amenity-rich communities
- Remote workers prioritizing lifestyle, affordability, and year-round sunshine
With its mix of coastal charm, recreation, and diverse real estate options, Myrtle Beach continues to stand out as one of the most desirable places to live in the Southeast.
Things to Do: Golf, Beaches, and Outdoor Living
One of the biggest advantages of living in Myrtle Beach communities is the endless access to recreation, entertainment, and coastal experiences. Whether you prefer laid-back beach days or an active outdoor lifestyle, the Grand Strand offers something for every interest and pace.
Golf, Beaches, and Outdoor Recreation
- Championship Myrtle Beach golf courses, often called the “Golf Capital of the World”
- 60 miles of sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean
- State parks like Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington Beach State Park
- Walking, biking, and nature trails throughout the region
- Boating, kayaking, and fishing along the Intracoastal Waterway
Dining, Shopping, and Entertainment
- Fresh seafood restaurants and waterfront dining in Murrells Inlet and beyond
- Broadway at the Beach, Barefoot Landing, and local shopping districts
- Live music, theaters, and seasonal festivals
- Family-friendly attractions, boardwalks, and nightlife
Who This Lifestyle Is Perfect For
The Myrtle Beach lifestyle is especially appealing to:
- Active adults who want year-round outdoor recreation
- Golfers looking to play top-rated courses just minutes from home
- Beach lovers who value easy, everyday access to the ocean
- Social buyers who enjoy dining, entertainment, and community events
- Nature enthusiasts drawn to parks, waterways, and coastal ecosystems
With its blend of outdoor adventure, leisure, and coastal beauty, Myrtle Beach stands out as one of the best places in the country for an active, lifestyle-driven way of living.
FAQ: Living in Myrtle Beach Communities
What are the best gated communities in Myrtle Beach, SC?
Some of the top gated communities include Grande Dunes, Prince Creek, and nearby options like Oyster Harbour and Crow Creek.
Is Myrtle Beach a good place to retire?
Yes—Myrtle Beach is consistently ranked among the best retirement destinations due to its warm climate, affordability, and active lifestyle options.
What are the best suburbs of Myrtle Beach?
Murrells Inlet, North Myrtle Beach, and nearby coastal towns in North Carolina (like Calabash and Sunset Beach) are popular choices.
Is Myrtle Beach expensive to live in?
Compared to other coastal cities, Myrtle Beach offers relatively affordable housing and cost of living.
Are there good golf communities in Myrtle Beach?
Absolutely—Myrtle Beach is known as the “Golf Capital of the World,” with dozens of top-rated golf communities.
Find Your Ideal Myrtle Beach Community
For the past 30 years, PCR has connected homebuyers with the nation’s top lifestyle communities, master-planned developments, and gated neighborhoods.
Whether you're searching for:
- A beachfront retreat
- A golf community
- A 55+ active adult neighborhood
- Or a family-friendly master-planned community
PCR helps you discover the best Myrtle Beach communities tailored to your lifestyle.
About the Author
With over 20 years of experience as a seasoned content creator, Robert Borges is the senior writer for Private Communities Registry (PCR), specializing in real estate trends and master-planned communities. He works closely with builders, developers, and real estate pros to create helpful content that guides homebuyers in finding the perfect community, ensuring they have the information needed to make confident, informed decisions.
