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South Carolina's historic river town
Conway SC Homes for Sale
Conway is the county seat, a river town with live oaks, a walkable historic downtown and Coastal Carolina University, about a half hour inland from the beach.
Why do buyers choose Conway, SC?
Conway is the Horry County seat on the Waccamaw River, offering historic downtown homes, established neighborhoods and newer subdivisions, usually with more land than you get closer to the ocean. Buyers choose it for the small-town downtown, the Riverwalk, Coastal Carolina University and a slower pace while staying within driving distance of the Grand Strand.
Below: how Kingston became Conway, the kinds of homes here and my buying checklist.
From Kingston to Conway
The town of Kingston was marked out by 1732 as part of a colonial township plan. It became Conwayborough in 1801, honoring Robert Conway, and the General Assembly shortened the name to Conway in 1883. The railroad arrived in 1887, the town incorporated in 1898, and much of downtown was rebuilt in the early 1900s after a destructive fire. During the Revolution, Francis Marion's troops encamped at Kingston on the way to the battle of Black Mingo (City of Conway).
For nearly two hundred years Conway's fortunes were tied to the river. Merchants opened a tobacco market in 1899, and by the 1960s many residents commuted to jobs in Myrtle Beach. The Downtown Historic District is anchored by the 1825 City Hall designed by Robert Mills (SC Encyclopedia), the architect of the Washington Monument (ACHP). The 2020 population was 26,620.
Downtown, the river and the university
Riverwalk
The Riverwalk provides waterfront access to the Waccamaw and hosts festivals; Riverfront Park is at the Conway Marina (SC Trails).
Historic downtown
Guided walking tours, the Horry County Museum and a visitor center in the restored Quattlebaum Office Building, circa 1860 (ACHP).
Coastal Carolina University
Founded in 1954, with a 672-acre campus, more than 105 degree programs and NCAA Division I athletics in the Sun Belt Conference. The university also uses Waties Island, an undeveloped barrier island, as a natural laboratory (CCU).
Homes you will find
Historic in-town homes
Older homes near downtown under live oaks. Ask about historic district rules before planning exterior changes.
Suburban neighborhoods
Established and newer subdivisions around town and toward Carolina Forest. See new construction.
Land and rural homes
Acreage outside town for buyers who want space. Check zoning, septic and road maintenance.
Checks before you buy
River flooding
Waccamaw flooding has reached neighborhoods far from the water. Pull FEMA's flood zone for every Conway address, even ones that sit on a rise.
Schools
Horry County Schools has a Conway attendance area; confirm assignments by address.
Inside or outside city limits
City and county addresses differ in services, utilities and fees. I confirm jurisdiction on each listing.
Rentals near CCU
Long-term rental demand near campus can be steady; run the numbers using my investment guide.
The river remains part of daily life: boats can travel the Waccamaw all the way up from Georgetown (SC Encyclopedia), and boaters, paddlers and anglers use it year-round. If you are moving from out of state, Conway is a good place to rent first or to measure against Longs and Carolina Forest, each with a different drive to the sand. I can set up a day that covers all three so you feel the difference in traffic, lot sizes and neighborhood amenities firsthand.
Related: Conway posts on my blog and cost of living around Myrtle Beach.
Keep exploring
Back to the Myrtle Beach real estate guide, or continue with these related pages:
Frequently asked questions
Is Conway the county seat of Horry County?
Yes. Kingston, as Conway was first called, became the seat of Kingston County in 1785, and the county was renamed for Peter Horry in 1801, per the SC Encyclopedia.
How far is Conway from the beach?
Conway is inland on the Waccamaw River. Drive times to the beach depend on route and traffic, so I suggest testing your commute at the times you would actually travel.
What is the Conway Riverwalk?
A riverfront walkway along the Waccamaw River that hosts community festivals and events, with Riverfront Park at the Conway Marina nearby.
When was Coastal Carolina University founded?
In 1954. Today it has a 672-acre campus in Conway.
Thinking about river-town living?
Book a consultation and I will show you Conway neighborhoods that fit your space, budget and commute.
Sources
Facts on this page come from these sources, checked November 2026. Rules and programs change, so confirm details for your specific property.
