Let’s be honest—every paradise has its potholes. Myrtle Beach, for all its oceanfront glory and golf courses, isn’t immune to growing pains. Between development booms, insurance hikes, and an overworked infrastructure, the Grand Strand’s shine can get a little scuffed. Still, knowing these challenges is exactly what separates savvy homebuyers from vacation dreamers. Here’s the 2025 reality check for anyone buying or selling in Myrtle Beach.

1. Insurance Costs Are the New Flood Zones

You’ve heard of flood maps, but the real storm these days is insurance. Homeowners across Horry County are feeling the squeeze from rising coastal premiums. Some providers have pulled out entirely, while others are pricing policies like beachfront champagne. Even homes outside FEMA-designated flood zones have seen 15–25% annual premium increases.

For buyers, this means factoring insurance into the affordability equation—not just mortgage and taxes. For sellers, it means transparency matters. Disclose your flood zone status early. In neighborhoods like Market Common or Carolina Forest, newer construction and elevation help offset some of the sticker shock.

2. Overdevelopment and Traffic Congestion

Everyone loves the idea of living near the beach—until they try to merge onto Highway 501 in July. Horry County has exploded with new housing developments, retail centers, and short-term rentals. Population growth of roughly 12,000 residents per year has strained local infrastructure faster than the city can expand it.

Road projects are perpetually “in progress,” and summer tourism makes even quick errands a patience test. For homebuyers, this means location matters more than ever. Properties in Socastee or Conway offer more space and lower prices, but commuting to the coast can add stress. The smart move: focus on planned developments with solid HOA infrastructure and multiple access routes.

3. Short-Term Rentals Stir Up Neighborhood Tension

Myrtle Beach’s popularity as a vacation spot is both blessing and curse. Investors love the short-term rental market, but locals often don’t. Neighborhoods once dominated by full-time residents are now dotted with weekly rental traffic and late-night noise.

The city has responded with stricter zoning and licensing requirements for short-term rentals, especially within city limits. Buyers looking for investment properties should check the latest municipal codes—North Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach each have their own rules. A misstep here can turn your cash flow dream into a code violation nightmare.

4. Coastal Reputation: “Dirty Myrtle” Isn’t Dead Yet

Let’s address the nickname that won’t die. While Myrtle Beach has worked hard to rebrand, lingering perceptions of crime and nightlife chaos still show up in search results and out-of-state chatter. The truth? The city has cleaned up dramatically, but reputation always lags behind reality.

Crime rates have declined in most residential zones, and the areas drawing the worst headlines tend to be small pockets near older hotels. Market Common, Carolina Forest, and Grande Dunes neighborhoods remain safe and family-friendly. Buyers should research by ZIP code instead of writing off the entire coastline.

5. Infrastructure and Flooding: The Eternal Tug-of-War

When you build on a coastal plain, water always wins eventually. Myrtle Beach has made major investments in stormwater systems, but heavy rain events still overwhelm older drainage networks, especially near Withers Swash and parts of Socastee. Rising sea levels aren’t helping.

The good news: new developments are being built smarter, with raised foundations and better retention systems. Flood insurance is no longer optional—it’s essential. For long-term value, prioritize homes built post-2010, ideally with elevation certificates and newer roofing systems.

6. Workforce Strain and Cost of Living Pressures

The tourism-driven economy that keeps Myrtle Beach buzzing also creates housing stress for its workforce. Service and hospitality employees are finding it harder to afford rents within commuting distance. This imbalance can impact everything from restaurant staffing to local service quality.

7. Why People Still Move Here Anyway

Yes, Myrtle Beach has its headaches—but name a coastal market that doesn’t. Where else can you get ocean proximity, mild winters, and sub-$400K homes within minutes of the sand? For retirees, remote workers, and families craving lifestyle value, the trade-offs are worth it.

If you’re clear-eyed about the issues and buy strategically—in low-risk zones, newer developments, or managed communities—you’ll be positioned to benefit as the region continues to grow responsibly.

Conclusion: Paradise, With Homework

Myrtle Beach isn’t a risk; it’s a reminder that smart coastal living means paying attention. The biggest issues facing the area—insurance, development, and infrastructure—are manageable with the right local knowledge. Don’t buy blind. Don’t sell scared. The Grand Strand is evolving, and the smart money moves with it.

Ready to make your next move in Myrtle Beach? Schedule a consultation with Carolina Crafted Homes to get personalized insight into neighborhoods, insurance realities, and long-term value.

FAQs:

1. What are the biggest challenges of living in Myrtle Beach?
Insurance costs, traffic congestion, and overdevelopment are top concerns in 2025. Flooding and short-term rental regulations also affect some areas.

2. Is Myrtle Beach still a good place to buy property?
Yes. Despite challenges, Myrtle Beach remains affordable compared to other coastal cities, with strong demand from retirees and remote workers.

3. Why is Myrtle Beach called “Dirty Myrtle”?
The nickname stems from older tourism eras, but the city has improved greatly. Most residential areas are clean, safe, and community-focused.

4. How bad is traffic in Myrtle Beach?
Summer congestion is significant, especially on Highways 501 and 17. Choosing neighborhoods with alternate routes or closer proximity to work helps.

5. How can homebuyers avoid flood risks in Myrtle Beach?
Check FEMA flood maps and buy homes built post-2010 with proper elevation. Consider areas like Carolina Forest or Market Common for lower-risk options.