Walkable living on the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base

Market Common Homes for Sale

Market Common is the closest thing on the Grand Strand to a small-town main street with a park out back. Buyers come for the walkability and stay for the lake trail.

Book a consultation Search homes What is my home worth?

What is Market Common in Myrtle Beach?

Market Common is a planned district on the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, which closed in 1993, combining a walkable town center of shops and restaurants with homes, townhomes, condos and a large park with a lake and trails. It is a strong fit if you want to walk to dinner, a movie or the park and still be a short drive from the beach and the airport.

Here is the history, the housing and what to check before you buy.

From air base to town center

The City of Myrtle Beach describes nearly 50 years as a military town, first with the Army Air Corps in the 1940s and then the Air Force base from the 1950s. After the base closed in 1993, the property was redeveloped into the Market Common District, including an urban town center, a Grand Park with open space, recreation fields, a large lake and walking and biking trails (City of Myrtle Beach).

The Market Common town center opened in April 2008, led by retired Air Force colonel Buddy Styers. Few original base structures remain, but streets honor historical figures and historical markers tell the base's story (The Market Common). Warbird Park displays three types of aircraft once stationed at the base, alongside the Wall of Service memorial listing military and civilian staff (City of Myrtle Beach).

Housing in and around Market Common

Townhomes and condos

Lock-and-leave options close to the town center, popular with second-home owners and buyers who want less maintenance. Start with my condo guide.

Single-family homes

Newer neighborhoods around the park and lake, many with front porches and alley-loaded garages typical of a neo-traditional plan.

Rent first, then buy

If you are relocating, renting nearby for a season lets you test the commute, the summer traffic and the noise from the airport before you commit.

What to check before you buy

City rules apply

Market Common sits inside Myrtle Beach city limits, and the city keeps stays under 90 days out of most residential zones (Planning & Zoning). If you plan to rent, confirm zoning and HOA rules first; many owners here rent long term instead.

Layers of HOA

Some properties sit under both a master association and a sub-association. Ask for both sets of documents and dues.

Flood and drainage

Run the address through FEMA's flood map portal; the district is close to the airport and to low-lying land toward the Intracoastal.

Taxes

Owner-occupants can cut their assessment from 6% to 4% by applying (Horry County).

Living here day to day

The appeal is routine: coffee and a walk around the lake, a farmers market or concert on the green, and the ocean only minutes east. Myrtle Beach International Airport is next door, which is handy when guests fly in. Schools are in Horry County Schools; confirm assignments by address. Because the district grew from a single master plan, the streets connect: sidewalks, bike lanes and the lake loop link the neighborhoods to the shops, so many residents run errands without the car. Nearby options to compare include Surfside Beach to the south and the city neighborhoods to the north.

Keep exploring

Back to the Myrtle Beach real estate guide, or continue with these related pages:

Frequently asked questions

When did the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base close?

In 1993. The property was redeveloped into the Market Common District, and the Market Common town center opened in April 2008.

Is Market Common walkable?

That is the main draw. The town center, Grand Park, the lake and trails are designed to be reached on foot or by bike from nearby homes.

Can I use a Market Common condo as a vacation rental?

Only if city zoning and the association allow rentals under 90 days, which most residential zones in the city do not. Verify before you buy.

Is Market Common close to the beach?

Yes, it is a short drive west of the ocean and next to the airport.

Want to walk to dinner from home?

Book a consultation and I will show you which Market Common streets fit your budget, dues comfort and rental plans.

Book a consultation Call or text 704.746.7513 Email Sandy

Sources

Facts on this page come from these sources, checked November 2026. Rules and programs change, so confirm details for your specific property.