Situated just a three hours drive away from Charlotte, the Grand Strand is a destination that people generally choose for vacation only. Anchored by the renowned Myrtle Beach, this coastline stretches from Little River down to Pawleys Island.
While this place was mainly famous as a prime summer destination, something has changed dramatically over the last few years. Charlotte residents are not just visiting the Grand Strand anymore, rather they are showing more commitment to the place by buying homes along the coast.
This is not just a gossip or assumption, rather this is testified by numbers and statistics. For the last three consecutive years, North Carolina has been holding the first position in sending residents to Myrtle Beach.
So the question is, what is driving this vast migration? Read along for a better understanding, as we break it down for you.
The Cost of Living Is More Affordable
In recent years, Charlotte has been experiencing a higher price growth rate compared to what it was before. The situation has gone to an extent where Charlotte’s home appreciation has surpassed the national average by quite a distance. However, this price growth has ruled out many buyers out of the buying competition who were quite attainable only a few years ago.
Now, have a look at the mighty Myrtle Beach. Here, the cost of living remains 7% lower compared to the national average. Housing is much more expensive in Charlotte as well. For example, Queen City homes cost around 28% more compared to similar properties around Myrtle Beach. This is not a margin that you can overlook, that’s a meaningful and impactful amount of money.
To make the situation more relatable, let’s consider the case of someone who bought a home at Charlotte five years ago. With that amount of money, one can purchase a house in the Grand Strand with ample community amenities on a larger lot, and still have a good amount of money left.
Lifestyle Upgrade Makes It Better
Affordable living makes the Grand Strand a wise option, but the amazing lifestyle it offers makes it even better. Imagine having a calming morning walk by the beach before starting your work, or having a refreshing kayak ride on the intracoastal waterway. You’ll find more than 100 golf courses here, which makes it one of the biggest golf destinations in the USA. The mild weather along with the comfortable pace of life leave no chance to complain.
The depth of cultural and entertainment diversity this area offers is top of the class. There are some excellent restaurants to explore here. Some communities, such as Pawleys Island and Murrells Inlet surprises you with a quiet and laid-back coastal lifestyle, perfect for people who prefer to escape all the hustle and bustle. Carolina Forest offers you a perfect family-friendly living with excellent schools and other conveniences.
Retirees Are Flocking In
South Carolina does not tax social security income, which results in a significant deduction on retirement income. Also, the property tax here is much lower than North Carolina. The conveniences make the calculation obvious for retirees who have a home in Charlotte: sell at a high price, shift to the coast, pay a lower tax, make a better use of their retirement savings, and spend some good days near the beach in peace.
Families Love It Too
Some Grand Strand regions, such as Horry County, have made significant developments in terms of school infrastructure. Neighborhoods like Carolina Forest are also known for having excellent schools along with a friendly community.
A family having a 3 bedroom home in a Charlotte suburb can easily trade it in the Grand Strand for a 4 bedroom one with pool and beach access. Comfortable weather, beautiful state parks, great entertainment opportunities, and mesmerizing beaches and waterways help to have a better lifestyle.
Remote Work Took Out All Confusions
Previously, the biggest confusion people had for moving to the Grand Strand was managing a proper job. However the scenario changed drastically as hybrid and remote work got normalized from 2020.
Myrtle Beach is also experiencing a significant development in hiring, new job creation and professional migration. This made LinkedIn place this area on the “2025 Top Cities on the Rise” list. Overall, the Grand Strand is more than just a retirement destination today, as it is creating a year-round workforce and attracting professionals from other places.
The Market Is Still Accessible
It’s true that the Grand Strand is still affordable to many Charlotte residents, but it’s important to note that the price is not likely to stand still. Around 16,000 people migrated to Horry County from between 2023 to 2024, which illustrates one of the fastest-growing populations not just in the Grand Strand but also across the whole country. Such population growth tightens up the housing supply, and eventually the prices keep rising.
You’ll find Myrtle Beach’s current median home price at around $360k. The year-over-year appreciation is around 6%. New constructions are being built to deal with the gap, but it's getting tough to keep pace with the rapidly rising demand. In simple words: the opportunity is still there for you if you are planning to move, but it might be narrowing faster than you can imagine. So, if you really wanna bag a good deal here, it’s better to act soon rather than waiting for years.
If you are determined enough to shift, then you should take help from a Myrtle Beach Real Estate Agent without much delay. A knowledgeable agent can assist you in finding the right home for you, also they will help you to make a faster move when a suitable option makes its way into the market.
Final Thoughts
So, would the Grand Strand be the perfect destination for you to move? Let’s be honest: It might not be the best option for everyone. If you have an offline job in Charlotte that you have to attend physically, then you just can’t move to the Grand Strand. If you have your family roots deep in the Queen City, then shifting here can be a big decision. However, if you have a flexible remote job, if you want to cut some costs while enjoying a delightful lifestyle, or if you are approaching your retirement, the Grand Strand can be a very wise destination indeed.
