New to the Strand

Is it official? Did you make the decision to move to the beach? Or are you just looking and still doing your research? Whichever it is, one of the first things you need to consider is where you want to plant your roots. Is it the resort-style relaxed living of North Myrtle Beach, or the beach life of Surfside, how about the fishing life in Murrells Inlet, or the small-town southern feel of Conway, or are we fast-paced and would like the hustle and bustle of being in Myrtle Beach? Whichever it is, there is a place to meet the needs of almost anyone.

I would like to start off by saying I am still fairly new to the area, and I am learning as I go. I do not have experience with living in any of these areas, except one, so I can not vouch for life in each area. I can simply voice what I know and what I have experienced.

North Myrtle Beach has consistently been our top choice for vacations in the area. It offers a family-friendly atmosphere, a relaxing environment, and of course, easy access to the beach. There is an abundance of resorts, shopping options, and diverse dining to satisfy every palate. While it may not be as crowded as Myrtle Beach, it still bustles with activity. Due to its resorts and prime location, more visitors are selecting NMB as their vacation spot. However, don’t let that discourage you; the ambiance at NMB remains calming. Many of our favorite dining spots are located in NMB, and we really enjoy the variety of activities available. Whether it’s taking a boat ride along the Intracoastal Waterway, going on dolphin excursions, enjoying food and live music by the shore, or shopping at the Tanger Outlets, there’s always something to do. Barefoot Landing is a fantastic destination for delicious food, shopping, and numerous activities to keep the kids entertained.

Myrtle Beach is where all of the fun is at. It is crazy, crowded, nonstop, and entertaining. There are a lot of resorts, businesses, and people. If you enjoy traffic, you have found the perfect spot for it. I have never considered living in the hustle and bustle of MB, but there are quiet neighborhoods hidden off the main roads. I think MB living is perfect for the social person who enjoys meeting new people. The great thing about MB is that anything can happen, and there is always something going on somewhere. There are plenty of activities within walking distance, great views of the ocean, a perfect location to find shark teeth (this is where I find 95% of my shark teeth), and endless possibilities.

If you drive west of MB and get on the dreaded 501 (501 deserves its own post), you will find yourself in Carolina Forest. The first thing you will probably see is the Tanger Outlets. Carolina Forest is a census-designated place with ample housing. In my opinion, the neighborhoods in Carolina Forest appear nicer than most neighborhoods in other areas. There are plenty of shopping destinations and restaurants.

Further west brings you to Conway. Conway is a lot larger than I thought, and it is only getting bigger. Even though Conway is considered a city, if you stroll downtown Conway, you will find a picturesque town that has the southern charm you would find in a Hallmark movie. The city portion provides you with all of the basics that you would find in a city, such as chain restaurants, fast food, and shopping centers. Downtown offers you privately owned restaurants, boutiques, and scenic walks. The decorations that they put out for every holiday are reason enough to want to walk around and sightsee (that is also another post for another day). Conway is also the proud home to Coastal Carolina University, so get your teal out and be prepared to wear it.

Surfside Beach and Garden City are side by side with each other. Both are beach towns that offer the relaxing, low-key beach life that is perfect for families. You will find that golf carts are a main source of transportation to and from the beach. There is no rush to get anywhere, and the main concern is the king tide. There are not as many food choices on the water, but still plenty of choices. There are multiple campgrounds in the area, so a lot of traffic comes from the campers. If living in a campground that is right on the beach sounds like what you are looking for, I would recommend looking into the campgrounds.

Last but not least on my list is Murrells Inlet. Granted, it is not in Horry County like the rest of the locations, but this is not a place that is to be slept on. It reminds me of a fishing town, and it has maintained its southern feel. I cannot describe it, but something about it just puts my body at ease. Eating dinner at a restaurant down on the Marshwalk and watching the wildlife in the marsh is a relaxing, humbling feeling. Most of the seafood that you get from restaurants is freshly caught from the area. They offer water activities that include deep-sea fishing, dolphin tours, boat rentals, etc.

When we made the decision to move, we were initially going to buy a house. We came and looked around, found a new build in Conway, and had every intention of buying it. On our drive back to New York, we made the decision that we should rent until we know where we want to settle. That is probably one of the best decisions we made regarding moving. As much as we love Conway, we are not tied to it. If I make the decision that I want to be closer to the beach, we can find a new place to rent and move closer to the beach. What I am trying to say is, before you make the choice on where you want to be, check each place out, spend a day or two and see how you feel about the vibe, the traffic, the opportunities it presents. There is something for everyone it just takes time to find exactly what it is that suits you and your needs.