Coastal South Carolina is no longer just a vacation stop—it’s becoming one of the nation’s most desirable landing spots for movers chasing sunshine, affordability, and fresh starts. Over the past few years, the Myrtle Beach region has quietly climbed the charts as one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the U.S. And now, with remote work stabilizing and retirees seeking “life-per-dollar,” the migration wave is changing again—shifting who’s coming, where they’re settling, and what they’re building once they arrive.
In this deep dive, we’ll break down the newest movement patterns fueling the Grand Strand boom—and how today’s incoming buyers are shaping the next generation of Carolina-crafted homes.
1. The New Migration Wave: Who’s Coming to Coastal SC in 2025?
The story used to be simple: retirees and vacation-home buyers. But 2024–2025 migration data shows something different—three dominant demographic groups now drive the Myrtle Beach surge:
A. Remote Workers Seeking Cost Savings
The biggest cohort? Professionals leaving high-cost metros like Northern Virginia, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Myrtle Beach offers the “holy trifecta”:
Lower property taxes
Larger homes
Better year-round climate
With high-speed expansion from providers like Horry Telephone Cooperative (HTC) (https://www.htcinc.net/), remote workers can live in communities like Carolina Forest or The Market Common without missing a Zoom meeting.
B. Retirees Chasing Coastal Lifestyle Without Florida Prices
Retirees continue flowing in, but many are specifically choosing Coastal SC over Florida due to insurance costs, lifestyle pace, and accessibility. The South Carolina Department of Revenue property tax structure (https://dor.sc.gov/) is another major draw.
C. “Half-Back” Movers Returning from Florida
The “half-back” trend (moving halfway back to the Carolinas after trying Florida) is stronger than ever in the Myrtle Beach region. These buyers typically want:
Low-maintenance ranch-style living
Access to recreation areas like the Intracoastal Waterway
Amenity-focused neighborhoods (pools, gyms, walking trails)
2. Where They’re Landing: 2025’s Hottest Myrtle Beach Communities
Migration patterns aren’t just about “who”—they’re about where the wave is landing. Three Grand Strand areas now absorb the lion’s share of inbound movers:
A. Carolina Forest – The New Suburban Powerhouse
Carolina Forest remains the region’s fastest-growing residential hub. With proximity to Highway 31, top-rated schools, and competitive new-construction pricing, it attracts remote workers and families alike.
Popular enclaves include:
Waterbridge
The Bluffs
Berkshire Forest
Many movers describe it as “the best blend of affordability and convenience” on the Grand Strand.
B. The Market Common – Urban-Coastal Hybrid Living
With its walkable restaurants, shops, dog park, and access to Horry County’s massive recreational trail system, Market Common is drawing two major groups:
Younger professionals
Active retirees wanting a low-maintenance lifestyle
Learn more at: https://marketcommonmb.com/
C. Murrells Inlet & Pawleys Island – The High-End Migration
Buyers relocating from Florida or Northern states increasingly target Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island for:
Water access
Higher-end finishes
Larger, custom home options
These areas are experiencing notable luxury migration from Naples, Tampa, and the DC corridor.
3. What Today’s Migrants Want: 2025 Home Design Trends Taking Over Coastal SC
Migration patterns directly influence building trends. And the 2025 wave demands homes that combine space, coastal charm, and energy efficiency.
A. Multi-Use Flex Rooms
Remote workers want offices—but not just offices. They expect:
Convertible guest rooms
Sound-treated Zoom spaces
Work-gym hybrids
Builders are adapting by designing floorplans with one flexible room minimum.
B. Outdoor Living That Works 10 Months a Year
With Coastal SC weather offering more usable months than most states, porches have become the new living rooms. Popular features include:
Screened lanais
Outdoor kitchens
Retractable screens
Oversized patios
Communities near the Intracoastal Waterway see higher demand for breezeway-style layouts.
C. Energy Efficiency + Lower Utility Bills
SC’s climate makes efficiency essential. Incoming buyers prioritize:
Spray-foam insulation
Tankless water heaters
Smart thermostats
High SEER HVAC
Many use resources like Santee Cooper’s energy guide (https://www.santeecooper.com/) to estimate long-term savings.
D. Coastal Modern Finishes
2025 design is less “beachy blue” and more:
Whites & grays
Matte black accents
Natural wood tones
Light stone countertops
The look is clean, modern, and subtly coastal.
4. Why Movers Are Choosing SC Over NC, FL, or GA
It’s not just migration growth—it’s competitive migration. And Coastal SC is winning over comparable metro markets for several reasons:
A. Cost-of-Living Advantage
Compared to Charleston or Wilmington, Myrtle Beach’s median home prices remain significantly lower. Many relocating buyers can:
Sell their home up north
Buy new construction here
Pocket six figures in lifestyle arbitrage
B. Low Traffic + Access
Unlike Florida’s congested coasts, Myrtle Beach offers:
Highway 31 corridor for fast north–south travel
Direct interstate access improving yearly
An expanding airport drawing new carriers (https://www.flymyrtlebeach.com/)
C. Lower Insurance Costs
While coastal insurance is rising everywhere, SC’s overall premiums still beat most Florida metros.
5. What Builders Are Doing Differently in 2025
Homebuilders across the Grand Strand are adapting to 2025 migration demands with:
A. Bigger Kitchens + Pantry Space
Northerners expect storage. Builders now include:
Walk-in pantries
Oversized islands
Double-oven options
B. Split-Floor Plans
Popular with retirees and multi-gen families.
C. Enhanced Soundproofing
Because remote work is here to stay.
D. HOA-Amenity Variety
Pools and clubhouses are the baseline. New developments add:
Pickleball courts
Walking networks
Community gardens
6. What This Means for Myrtle Beach’s Housing Market in 2026 and Beyond
The migration wave isn’t slowing. Local planning documents from Horry County Government (https://www.horrycountysc.gov/) project steady growth beyond 2030. As more high-income earners relocate, we’ll likely see:
More custom builds
Higher demand for energy-efficient homes
Increased luxury pockets in Murrells Inlet, Carolina Forest, and Little River
The Grand Strand’s next phase will be shaped by movers looking for bigger, better, more functional homes—without losing the laid-back coastal vibe.
Let’s Build Your Coastal Carolina Home
If you’re planning a move to the Myrtle Beach area—whether for work, retirement, or just a better pace of life—Carolina Crafted Homes is here to help you build the home that fits your chapter.
From custom design to energy-efficient planning, our team makes the relocation process smooth and stress-free.
Schedule your design consultation today and start your Carolina story.
FAQs
1. Why are so many people moving to Coastal South Carolina?
Many movers are drawn by lower taxes, affordable new construction, and a coastal lifestyle without Florida-level insurance costs. The Myrtle Beach metro also offers excellent remote-work infrastructure and abundant outdoor recreation. Communities like Carolina Forest and Market Common provide high convenience, modern amenities, and strong long-term value.
2. What types of homes are most popular with new residents?
Incoming buyers prioritize modern coastal designs with open kitchens, multi-use flex rooms, outdoor living spaces, and energy-efficient upgrades. Ranch-style homes are especially popular among retirees and “half-back” movers returning from Florida. Families and remote workers often seek split-floor plans and larger square footage.
3. Which Myrtle Beach neighborhoods are growing the fastest?
Carolina Forest leads the region due to strong schools and nearby Highway 31. The Market Common continues expanding thanks to its walkability and entertainment options. Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island attract higher-budget buyers wanting water access and custom-build opportunities.
4. How does Coastal SC compare to Florida for relocation?
Many movers choose Coastal SC because it offers similar weather and lifestyle at a lower cost. Insurance, property taxes, and overall cost of living are significantly lower than most Florida metros. Traffic is also lighter, and the Myrtle Beach airport is expanding its flight network.
5. Are new construction homes still affordable in Myrtle Beach?
Yes. Despite growth, Myrtle Beach’s new-construction prices remain more attainable than comparable metro areas. Buyers relocating from the Northeast or Florida often find they can upgrade in size and quality while reducing monthly costs.
