While many U.S. housing markets are catching their breath after two years of frenzied growth, Myrtle Beach keeps gliding along like a pelican over the surf — steady, unfazed, and quietly strong. National headlines may warn of “cooling demand” or “price corrections,” but along the Grand Strand, sellers are still smiling. According to Redfin’s September 2025 data, South Carolina home prices rose 2.5% year-over-year, while the number of homes sold jumped more than 12%. The state — and especially Myrtle Beach — remains a magnet for out-of-state movers, retirees, and remote professionals chasing coastal sunshine and lower costs of living.

1. Migration momentum: The Myrtle Beach magnet effect

Redfin ranked Myrtle Beach among the Top 5 inbound migration metros in the U.S. between August and October 2025, with a net inflow of about 4,200 new buyers during that period. That’s not a blip — it’s a continuation of a trend that’s been building since 2020.

Why the influx? For starters, Myrtle Beach offers coastal living at a fraction of Florida’s or California’s prices. Retirees from New York and New Jersey are downsizing here; families from Atlanta and Charlotte are seeking second homes or investment properties; and a growing number of remote workers are choosing to live where others vacation.

Every new household adds to the area’s housing demand — and with local inventory still limited, that demand keeps prices buoyant even as national averages flatten.

2. Inventory rising, but still not enough

Redfin’s September snapshot shows 37,995 homes for sale statewide, up 12.7% year-over-year. On paper, that sounds like relief for buyers. In practice, however, Myrtle Beach’s coastal submarkets — like Market Common, Carolina Forest, and Murrells Inlet — remain tight.

Many existing homeowners are staying put, locked into low mortgage rates from 2021–2022. Builders are adding new construction in places like The Farm at Carolina Forest and Grande Dunes, but supply lags behind the influx of newcomers.

Even with more listings overall, homes near the beach or golf courses are snapped up quickly, and anything priced under $400,000 often attracts multiple offers.

3. Lifestyle demand is defying interest rates

National affordability has taken a hit from higher interest rates, but Myrtle Beach buyers tend to play by different rules. Many come with cash offers or sizable equity from pricier markets like California or the Northeast.

This means higher mortgage rates have less bite locally — the buyer pool is affluent, motivated, and lifestyle-driven. They aren’t chasing quick flips; they’re buying for quality of life. Ocean access, golf communities, and resort amenities like Barefoot Landing and Grande Dunes Marina remain powerful motivators, outpacing national economic jitters.

When demand is rooted in lifestyle rather than speculation, home values tend to hold.

4. Myrtle Beach is still undervalued — for now

At a median sale price near $382,000, South Carolina homes are still significantly cheaper than the national average for coastal markets. Compare that to Naples, FL (around $630K) or San Diego ($870K), and Myrtle Beach looks like a deal with a view.

Even with steady appreciation, the region’s price-per-square-foot remains modest — often between $230–$270, depending on proximity to the beach. That relative affordability gives Myrtle Beach’s market a wide margin before it ever risks a “bubble.”

As a result, even as the national market normalizes, Myrtle Beach maintains a healthy balance: rising prices, sustainable demand, and no signs of overextension.

5. Local economy and amenities keep buyers anchored

Tourism may headline the economy, but Myrtle Beach’s growth engine is diversifying fast. The expansion of Coastal Carolina University, the Myrtle Beach International Airport, and medical employers like Tidelands Health are bringing year-round stability to what was once a purely seasonal market.

Remote work trends have also transformed second homes into primary residences, extending demand beyond the summer months. Combined with local amenities — award-winning golf courses, the Intracoastal Waterway, and family-friendly neighborhoods — the Myrtle Beach area offers enduring appeal that cushions it from national slowdowns.

6. A seller’s market wrapped in moderation

Only 11.7% of South Carolina homes sold above list price in September 2025 — a sign that the wild bidding wars of the pandemic era have cooled. But that’s not necessarily bad news. It signals a more balanced, predictable market where well-priced homes still move quickly and buyers can breathe without overpaying.

In Myrtle Beach, that equilibrium feels like stability, not stagnation. Sellers are pricing realistically, buyers are serious, and agents are reporting stronger deal quality — fewer canceled contracts, cleaner inspections, and sustainable growth instead of spikes.

Myrtle Beach isn’t defying the market — it’s leading the transition into a more balanced, lifestyle-driven era of real estate. For buyers, it’s a chance to plant roots in a stable coastal community. For sellers, it’s proof that well-positioned properties retain strong value even when national trends wobble.

Thinking of making a move along the Grand Strand? Schedule a consultation with Carolina Crafted Homes — we’ll help you read the tides before you dive in.

FAQs:

Q1. Why are Myrtle Beach home prices holding steady in 2025?
Because Myrtle Beach continues to attract out-of-state buyers and retirees, local demand remains strong even as other markets cool. Limited coastal inventory and steady in-migration keep prices from falling.

Q2. Is Myrtle Beach still affordable compared to other coastal areas?
Yes. With a median sale price around $382K, Myrtle Beach homes are still far cheaper than those in Florida or California coastal metros, offering strong value per square foot.

Q3. Are bidding wars still happening in Myrtle Beach?
They’ve slowed down, but desirable properties — especially near the beach or golf courses — can still see multiple offers. The market is balanced, not overheated.

Q4. How are higher mortgage rates affecting Myrtle Beach buyers?
Many buyers here are cash purchasers or relocating from higher-cost areas, so rising rates have less impact. Lifestyle priorities are driving demand more than financing costs.

Q5. What areas of Myrtle Beach are growing fastest?
Hot zones include Market Common, Carolina Forest, and Murrells Inlet — communities blending new construction, amenities, and proximity to beaches and schools.