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Moving to the Grand Strand from out of state

Relocating to Myrtle Beach

Most of my buyers are moving here from somewhere colder. I help you pick the right community from a distance and close without a dozen flights.

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What should I know before relocating to Myrtle Beach?

Before you relocate to Myrtle Beach, decide which part of the 60-mile Grand Strand fits your daily life, budget for flood and wind insurance, and plan to file for South Carolina's 4% legal-residence property tax ratio once you move in. South Carolina also does not tax Social Security benefits, which matters to many retirees.

Here is the relocation playbook I share with clients moving from Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, New Jersey and beyond.

Money matters for new South Carolina residents

Property tax

An owner-occupied legal residence is assessed at 4% of fair market value instead of 6% (S.C. Code 12-43-220). In Horry County you apply with the Assessor and only need to apply once unless ownership or residency changes (Horry County). The application is on the Assessor forms page.

Retirement income

The SC Department of Revenue states that Social Security benefits taxed federally are not subject to South Carolina tax (SCDOR FAQ). It also lists a retirement income deduction of up to $3,000 a year before 65 and up to $10,000 at 65 and older, and a $15,000 deduction against any South Carolina income starting the year you turn 65, with offsets (SCDOR retiree tips). Talk to your tax advisor about your situation.

Insurance

This is the line item newcomers underestimate. Standard homeowners policies generally exclude flood, and flood insurance is required in a Special Flood Hazard Area with a federally regulated mortgage (FEMA). Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30 (NHC). Get quotes on the actual address during due diligence.

Getting home to visit

Myrtle Beach International Airport advertises more than 50 nonstop destinations on 10 airline partners (MYR), which makes visits to family up north easier.

Choosing a community from a distance

I start every relocation with a call about your routine: where you will work or volunteer, how often you want the beach, golf or the water, and whether you want an HOA.

Walkable and planned

Market Common for a town center and parks; Carolina Forest for a large master-planned area with schools inside the community.

Small beach towns

Surfside Beach, Garden City and Cherry Grove for a beach-town feel.

Golf and water

Barefoot Resort, Grande Dunes and Little River.

Historic and inland

Conway, the county seat on the Waccamaw River, and Longs.

Quiet south end

Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island on the Waccamaw Neck.

Right in the city

The City of Myrtle Beach, close to the beach, airport and services.

Schools: most of the area is in Horry County Schools, which reports 58 schools in nine attendance areas and more than 47,000 students. Pawleys Island is served by the Georgetown County School District; for example, Waccamaw High School is on Kings River Road in Pawleys Island. Confirm assignments for a specific address with the district.

What surprises newcomers in their first year

Summer traffic

The Grand Strand is a top visitor destination, so plan errands and commutes around peak season and pick a home with a route you can live with in July.

Storm prep

Know your evacuation zone, keep supplies ready, and bind insurance well before a storm is named, since carriers may restrict new policies when one approaches.

Two counties

Horry and Georgetown counties have different assessors, school districts and fees. Know which side of the line your address is on.

How I make a long-distance move easier

Video strategy call. We narrow the coast to a short list before you book a flight.
Neighborhood videos. I drive the streets, the commute and the closest grocery store so you see what the listing photos skip.
One focused trip. We tour the best options in a day or two, or I tour live by video if you cannot travel.
Remote-friendly closing. Inspections, insurance and the closing attorney coordinated around your schedule.
Selling up north. I can refer you to a vetted agent in your current city through my network and line up both timelines.

More reading: relocating to Myrtle Beach: buy now or wait?, buying here as an out-of-state buyer, cost of living in Myrtle Beach in 2026 and best neighborhoods to live in Myrtle Beach.

Keep exploring

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

Frequently asked questions

Does South Carolina tax Social Security?

No. The SC Department of Revenue says Social Security benefits and railroad retirement taxed for federal purposes are not subject to South Carolina tax.

How do I get the 4% property tax rate?

After you close and move in, apply for the Legal Residence special assessment with the county assessor (Horry or Georgetown) and provide the requested documents.

Can I buy a home in Myrtle Beach without visiting?

Yes. Many of my relocation buyers purchase using live video tours, inspections and a remote-friendly closing, though most visit at least once.

Which school district serves Myrtle Beach?

Horry County Schools serves Horry County, including Myrtle Beach, Carolina Forest, Conway and North Myrtle Beach. Pawleys Island is in the Georgetown County School District. Always confirm the assigned schools for a specific address.

How far is Myrtle Beach from a major airport?

Myrtle Beach International Airport is in the city and advertises more than 50 nonstop destinations.

Planning a move to the Grand Strand?

Book a relocation consultation and I will send you a short list of communities that fit, with the flood, HOA and school notes for each.

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.