Once famous for biker rallies and beach bars, Myrtle Beach has swapped its party scene for pickleball courts. According to new U.S. Census Bureau data, the Grand Strand is now the fastest-growing metro area for seniors in the entire United States. The number of residents aged 65 and older jumped 6.3% in the past year and more than 22% since 2020.

That wave isn’t slowing down. Retirees from Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, and beyond are trading snow shovels for sand and low taxes. But this “gray wave” is doing more than boosting golf course attendance — it’s reshaping how homes are built, sold, and designed across Myrtle Beach.

1. The New Face of the Grand Strand

The Myrtle Beach metro now counts roughly 413,000 residents, and more than a quarter are seniors. Not long ago, the town’s identity leaned toward biker festivals, neon nightlife, and beach-week crowds. But that’s giving way to a calmer rhythm — early dinners, boardwalk strolls, and, yes, the occasional pickleball tournament.

Neighborhoods like Carolina Forest, Market Common, and Barefoot Resort are seeing a surge in single-level living demand. Developers are noticing that retirees want coastal charm without chaos. Think quiet, walkable communities with easy access to medical care, grocery stores, and golf carts instead of cars.

2. Why Retirees Are Choosing Myrtle Beach Now

Mark Kruea, the city’s longtime public information officer, summed it up perfectly: “The climate’s great, taxes are low, there’s a wealth of opportunities for recreation, dining, and shopping.”

Retirees aren’t just following the sun — they’re following logic. Here’s why the Myrtle Beach area beats traditional retirement markets like Florida:

• Affordability: South Carolina’s property taxes and cost of living remain among the lowest in the coastal U.S.

• Lifestyle: Endless golf, fishing, and intercoastal boating with the bonus of live theater and year-round festivals.

• Healthcare Access: Growth in facilities like Tidelands Health, Grand Strand Medical Center, and new clinics along U.S. 17 cater to aging residents.

Remote Work Compatibility: The pandemic taught semi-retirees that they could log in from anywhere. “Anywhere” quickly became Surfside Beach.

3. How Builders Are Adapting to the Senior Shift

If you’re building for the next decade in Myrtle Beach, designing for retirees isn’t optional — it’s survival. Homebuilders and remodelers across Horry County are rethinking every floor plan detail.

Here’s what’s trending in 55+ buyer preferences:

• Single-story layouts with wide doorways and open sightlines.

• Zero-entry showers and step-free access from garage to living areas.

• Flex rooms that can transition from home office to guest suite.

• Outdoor living spaces optimized for relaxation, not maintenance.

• Energy-efficient features for cost-conscious fixed-income owners.

Communities like Del Webb at Grande Dunes and The Lakes at Plantation Pines show how 55+ design has evolved. Builders now blend independence and leisure rather than leaning into “retirement village” stereotypes.

4. What Buyers Should Expect in This Market

With Myrtle Beach’s senior population climbing faster than anywhere in America, resale homes with accessibility features move fast. Ranch-style layouts and maintenance-free neighborhoods are appreciating faster than multi-level suburban homes.

For buyers planning to “age in place,” the smartest moves include:

• Prioritizing HOAs that manage landscaping and exterior upkeep.

• Considering proximity to healthcare and storm-resilient zones (many retirees are asking about elevation and flood insurance in Forestbrook and Socastee).

• Looking into golf-cart-friendly zones and short-term rental restrictions — retirees typically prefer quiet, stable neighborhoods.

In short, the local housing market now rewards foresight. Whether you’re 55 or 75, buying something livable long-term means better comfort today and better resale value tomorrow.

5. Community Growth and the “Silver Economy”

Myrtle Beach’s “Silver Economy” is booming beyond real estate. The rise of older residents is reshaping everything from retail to infrastructure. Developers are adding pickleball complexes, fitness centers, and community clubhouses to nearly every new project.

Local governments are responding too — expanding sidewalks, improving public transit routes, and zoning for healthcare and mixed-use developments. The once “rowdy” reputation of Myrtle Beach is fading in favor of something more sustainable: a coastal lifestyle built for longevity.

6. What It Means for Locals and the Future

Younger buyers sometimes worry that a retiree boom will drive prices up — and it’s true that inventory is tightening. But this influx also means better amenities, new healthcare jobs, and upgraded infrastructure. The same developments that attract older adults often improve life for families too.

Myrtle Beach’s reinvention isn’t about aging — it’s about stability. And stability is exactly what keeps a housing market healthy through every cycle.

If you’re thinking of building, remodeling, or buying a home that will serve you well for decades, now is the time to design smart. Carolina Crafted Homes helps homeowners create spaces that match Myrtle Beach’s evolving lifestyle — practical, coastal, and built for every stage of life.

Schedule a consultation today to plan your next move on the Grand Strand.

FAQs

1. Why is Myrtle Beach attracting so many retirees?
Low taxes, affordable living, mild winters, and endless recreation make Myrtle Beach ideal for retirees. Many who vacationed here for years are now relocating permanently.

2. What kinds of homes are most popular with retirees in Myrtle Beach?
Single-level homes with open layouts, no-step entries, and low-maintenance yards are in high demand among retirees seeking long-term comfort.

3. How is the senior boom affecting Myrtle Beach home prices?
Increased demand for accessible homes has lifted prices in 55+ communities and single-story properties faster than in the broader market.

4. What neighborhoods appeal most to retirees?
Communities like Market Common, Carolina Forest, and Del Webb at Grande Dunes attract retirees for their amenities, safety, and walkability.

5. Are there new developments catering specifically to seniors?
Yes. Builders are adding age-targeted developments with clubhouses, trails, and healthcare proximity — all designed for active adult living.