The Grand Strand market in early 2026 is shifting toward more balanced conditions, with inventory edging higher and price growth moderating compared with the rapid run‑up of prior years. Within this broader picture, Little River and the Litchfield/Pawleys stretch stand out as quieter corners of the coast where new construction is still active but daily pace feels calmer than Myrtle Beach or North Myrtle Beach.
Little River: Quiet North-End New Construction
Little River sits at the northern end of Horry County and has become a good fit for buyers who want new homes close to the water without the intensity of the Boulevard. In the Coastal Carolinas Association of REALTORS® (CCAR) 2025 annual report, Little River’s closed sales were down 24.3% from 2024, a much bigger slowdown than the overall single‑family market’s 3.6% increase in sales, which points to a less hectic pace of transactions locally.
Median residential price in Little River came in around $317,990 in 2025, down about 7.1% year over year, while Horry County as a whole held flat at $310,000 over the same period. That gap suggests buyers can often find more space or newer product in Little River at a relative discount versus some central Myrtle Beach submarkets. CCAR’s area overview data also shows Little River with about 5.2 months of inventory at the end of 2025—solidly in “balanced” territory, not the ultra‑tight conditions seen earlier in the cycle.
Showing activity supports the idea of a quieter but still engaged market. For the 12‑month period reported in January 2026, Little River logged 1,035 January showings with a buyer‑interest ratio around 2.3 showings per listing, noticeably lower than the busiest Grand Strand zones but strong enough to keep new communities moving forward. Region‑wide, January 2026 single‑family inventory ticked up to 3,586 homes, with 3.9 months of supply, confirming that more buyers can take their time and compare options, including new construction in Little River.
Many of the new‑construction opportunities here are:
Close to the Intracoastal Waterway and marinas rather than right on the oceanfront
In communities offering larger floor plans and garages at price points below many south‑end beaches
Within driving distance of Calabash, North Myrtle Beach, and Highway 31 for commuting
For an overview of how a local team approaches the market, you can learn more on the Carolina Crafted Homes About page: https://www.carolinacraftedhomes.com/about-us
Litchfield and Pawleys: Quieter South-End Coastline
On the south end of the Grand Strand, Litchfield and Pawleys Island sit in Georgetown County, where the pace is naturally slower and more residential than the main Myrtle Beach strip. CCAR’s 2025 annual report shows Pawleys Island/Litchfield with a 5.5% decline in closed sales from 2024, even as overall single‑family sales across the region rose, another marker of a less frenzied micro‑market.
Despite that softer sales count, prices remained strong. Median price in the Pawleys/Litchfield area reached approximately $513,745 in 2025, up 4.3% year over year and well above the regional median of $328,000 reported for the overall market. Georgetown County as a whole posted a median of $373,000 in 2025, showing how Litchfield and Pawleys function as a higher‑end coastal enclave within the broader county.
From an activity standpoint, Litchfield/Pawleys recorded the highest number of showings per listing on the Grand Strand in 2025—about 11.3 showings per listing—according to the CCAR area showings review. January 2026 alone saw about 707 showings in this area with a buyer‑interest ratio near 2.9, meaning the market is engaged but not overwhelming day‑to‑day. Months’ supply around 4.2 months at year‑end supports steady but not hyper‑competitive conditions for new homes.
Typical advantages of this south‑end location include:
Easy access to Litchfield’s beaches, Huntington Beach State Park, golf, and dining
A mix of single‑level and low‑maintenance home designs that appeal to buyers prioritizing ease of living
A blend of detached homes and a substantial condo/townhome share (around 41.3% of sales tied to condo‑style product in 2025), giving options at several price points
Why These Feel Quieter Than Central Myrtle Beach
When you compare Little River and Litchfield/Pawleys to core Myrtle Beach, several CCAR metrics highlight why they feel calmer for new‑construction shoppers:
| Area (2025) | Closed Sales Change vs 2024 | Median Price 2025 | Months’ Supply (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little River | -24.3% | ~$317,990 | ~5.2 | Quieter pace, solid new-build share |
| Pawleys / Litchfield | -5.5% | ~$513,745 | ~4.2 | Premium coastal, high showings/listing |
| Myrtle Beach (Overall) | -3.3% (area overview) | ~$260,000 | ~8.4 | Busier central resort market; higher condo share |
Across the entire Coastal Carolinas region, CCAR reports that:
Single‑family median price in 2025 was about $365,000, up 1.4% from 2024.
Condo median price came in near $238,825, down 3.7%, reflecting a re‑balancing after years of sharp increases.
Pending sales for all properties (rolling 12 months to January 2026) were up 1.5%, while overall median price slipped 0.9% to $327,000, signaling a market that’s stabilizing rather than surging.
January 2026 inventory stood at roughly 6,658 properties across all types, up 3.1% year over year, with 5.0 months of supply when you blend single‑family and condos together.
Those region‑wide figures, combined with the area‑level stats for Little River and Pawleys/Litchfield, support the idea that these pockets give buyers a chance to enjoy modern new construction in settings where showings, closings, and traffic move at a more relaxed pace than the busiest stretches of the Grand Strand.
Carolina Crafted Homes stays current on Myrtle Beach market trends and can answer questions about quieter new‑construction spots along the Grand Strand. Reach out anytime for guidance—no pressure, just straightforward expertise. https://www.carolinacraftedhomes.com/contact-us
FAQs
Is Little River really less busy than central Myrtle Beach?
Yes. CCAR’s 2025 annual report shows Little River’s closed sales down about 24.3% from 2024, while the broader single‑family market’s sales increased 3.6%, indicating a slower, less intense transaction pace. January 2026 showings data also shows Little River with strong but not overwhelming activity compared with Myrtle Beach.
How do prices in Litchfield compare to the rest of the Grand Strand?
Pawleys Island/Litchfield posted a 2025 median price around $513,745, compared with an overall Grand Strand‑wide median near $328,000 and Horry County around $310,000. That confirms Litchfield as a premium coastal segment of the market.
What does current inventory mean for buyers in these areas?
Little River ended 2025 with roughly 5.2 months of inventory and Pawleys/Litchfield about 4.2 months, close to the “balanced market” range CCAR highlights in its supply overviews. That level of supply typically gives buyers room to compare floor plans and negotiate without the bid‑over‑ask pressure seen in ultra‑tight markets.
How active are new‑construction homes overall along the Grand Strand?
For the full market, CCAR’s 2025 annual report noted that about 36.1% of closed sales involved new construction, with Horry County slightly lower, reflecting a significant share of new‑build inventory in the mix. In quieter areas like Little River, new construction remains an important part of the available housing stock even as overall sales volume moderated in 2025.
Are prices still rising going into 2026?
Regionally, the overall median price dipped 0.9% to $327,000 in the 12 months ending January 2026, even as single‑family values for the same period showed modest growth and condo prices eased back more sharply. CCAR commentary frames 2026 as a year of stabilization, with improved affordability from lower mortgage rates compared with the peak of 2023–2024.
