Horry named a top SC place to retire. Here’s where in Myrtle Beach area best for retirees

Thousands of retirees are making the Myrtle Beach area their new home.

The area has been named one of the top cities in the U.S. to move to by several national moving companies that track where people end up every year. In some surveys, the Myrtle Beach area beat out Florida, which is long known for its population of retirees.

Five Horry County areas have been named among the 10 best places to retire in South Carolina in 2024, according to Niche, a national ranking and review web site. Garden City ranked No. 2 on the list, beaten by neighboring Murrells Inlet in Georgetown County.

And Horry County ranked No. 3 on Niche’s list for the best county for retirees in the state.

But where in Horry County are some of the best cities or communities for retirees to establish a new home?

Here are the top five places suggested by Niche.

Garden City

This coastal community is known for its beaches and low cost of living. With a population of 10,885, it offers a small town feel but is located close to restaurants, shopping and golf. The median home price is $172,900 and the median rent is $1,323. More than 80% of the residents own their own home. It received an overall B+ grade from Niche, but an A+ rating for “good for retirees.”

Little River

This suburban community offers restaurants and shopping and is only a short distance to the beaches of nearby North Myrtle Beach. It has a population of 9,815 and many of the residents own their homes. The median home value is $297,000 and the median rent is $1,206, according to Niche. It received an overall B grade from Niche, but an A+ rating for “good for retirees.”

Surfside Beach

Known as the “family friendly beach,” the coastal city, with a population of 4,179, offers restaurants, shopping and golfing. While it does offer a small-town feel, it is busy during the tourist season. Most of the residents own their own homes, which has a median home value of $365,400. The median rent is $1,238. It received an overall A+ grade from Niche and an A+ rating for “good for retirees.”

North Myrtle Beach

North Myrtle Beach is one of the larger cities in Horry County with a population of 18,850 that swells from visitors during the summer months. The city has miles of beaches, as well as restaurants, coffee shops, parks, golf and activities. More than 80% of residents own their homes, which have a median value of $338,700. The median rent is $1,263. It received an overall A- grade from Niche and an A+ rating for “good for retirees.”

Forestbrook

With a population of 7,414, this suburban neighborhood offers residents a rural feel with lots of parks and quiet neighborhoods. The median home value is $271,800 and the median rent is $1,124. It received an overall B+ grade from Niche and an A+ rating for “good for retirees.”