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'Arrogantly shabby' since long before it was a slogan
Pawleys Island Homes for Sale
Pawleys Island is one of the oldest summer resorts on the East Coast, with a tiny island town and a broader mainland area of golf communities and neighborhoods.
What should buyers know about Pawleys Island?
Pawleys Island is a small barrier island town in Georgetown County, less than four miles long and mostly one house wide, reached by two short causeways, plus a larger mainland area that shares the Pawleys Island name (Town of Pawleys Island). Island homes are scarce and often held by families for generations, so most buyers also look at mainland golf and residential communities nearby.
Read on for the island's story and what buying here involves.
One of the oldest summer resorts on the coast
In the eighteenth century, rice planters and their households spent summers in cypress and pine cottages near the saltwater to escape malaria. Cottages stood on the island by 1822, and eleven by 1858. In 1901 the Atlantic Coast Lumber Company ran a railroad from the river to the beach and created an employee retreat; from 1905, northern buyers purchased river plantations as winter retreats. Hurricane Hazel destroyed many island houses in 1954 yet spurred interest in the resort, and the Hammock Shop opened on U.S. 17 by 1939 (SC Encyclopedia).
In the 1980s nearby plantations were developed as golf communities, and many visitors became permanent residents. The town incorporated in 1985, and Hurricane Hugo challenged homeowners across the Waccamaw Neck in 1989. The island's 2020 population was 109, and local legend holds that the "Gray Man" appears to warn of storms (SC Encyclopedia).
The island today
The town describes a historic district with signs explaining its antebellum homes, most of which are available for summer rental, and many still owned by the third, fourth or fifth generation of the same families; Liberty Lodge marked 100 years of single-family ownership in 2012. There are about ten golf courses within five miles, three boat ramps, two marsh bridges for fishing and a 25 mph town speed limit (Town of Pawleys Island). As the town puts it, generations of visitors say "their blood pressure goes down when they cross the causeway."
For buyers, that history means patience. Island homes do not come up often, and when they do, they are frequently older cottages with porches, creek docks and lookouts rather than new construction. I help clients look past the patina to the structure, the elevation and the insurance, and set expectations for renovation under today's codes.
Island versus mainland
On the island
Historic cottages and beach houses, with very limited inventory. Expect detailed questions about elevation, wind and flood coverage, and town rules.
Mainland golf communities
Former plantations turned golf and residential communities, with HOAs and amenities. See homes on golf courses.
Neighborhoods and new builds
Single-family homes along the U.S. 17 corridor. See new construction and luxury homes.
Checks before you buy
Georgetown County
Pawleys Island is in Georgetown County, not Horry, so taxes, permits and services follow Georgetown rules. Waccamaw High School, at 2412 Kings River Road, is part of the Georgetown County district (NCES); confirm assignments by address.
Primary-residence ratio
The 4% legal-residence ratio is state law (S.C. Code 12-43-220); apply with the Georgetown County assessor.
Flood and wind
On the island and along the marsh, I request the elevation certificate, look up the FEMA map zone and price wind coverage before anything else. On oceanfront lots, ask where the state's baseline and setback line fall (SCDES).
Rentals
Many island homes rent in summer. Collect state accommodations tax (SCDOR) and check local licensing.
Related: waterfront homes and relocating: buy now or wait?.
Keep exploring
Back to the Myrtle Beach real estate guide, or continue with these related pages:
Frequently asked questions
How big is Pawleys Island?
The town describes the island as less than four miles long and mostly one house wide, reached by two short causeways.
Is Pawleys Island in Horry County?
No. Pawleys Island is in Georgetown County, so Georgetown County taxes, schools and services apply.
Why is Pawleys called 'arrogantly shabby'?
The nickname reflects the island's unpretentious, old-cottage character, which both the town and the SC Encyclopedia note it has kept.
When did Pawleys Island incorporate?
The Town of Pawleys Island incorporated in 1985.
Looking on or near Pawleys?
Book a consultation and I will help you weigh island and mainland options and handle the Georgetown County details.
Sources
Facts on this page come from these sources, checked November 2026. Rules and programs change, so confirm details for your specific property.
- S.C. Code of Laws, Title 12, Chapter 43 (property assessment ratios, Section 12-43-220)
- SC Department of Revenue: Accommodations Tax
- South Carolina Encyclopedia: Pawleys Island
- Town of Pawleys Island: About Pawleys Island
- FEMA Flood Map Service Center
- SC Department of Environmental Services: State Beachfront Jurisdictional Lines
- NCES: Waccamaw High School (Georgetown County School District)
