What Are the Best Neighborhoods in North Myrtle Beach, SC?

One of the first questions I get from buyers considering North Myrtle Beach is some version of: "Where exactly should I look?" And it's the right question to ask — because this area isn't just one place. It's a collection of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own personality, price point, and lifestyle fit.

I'm Cathy Cagno, a real estate agent in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina helping buyers and sellers find the right fit in one of the Southeast's most desirable coastal markets. In this guide, I'll walk you through the neighborhoods I know best, what makes each one unique, and — most importantly — which type of buyer tends to thrive in each area.

There's no single "best" neighborhood. There's only the best one for you.

The Main Neighborhoods of North Myrtle Beach

1. Cherry Grove

Cherry Grove is arguably the most beloved neighborhood in North Myrtle Beach — and for good reason. Tucked into the northernmost part of the city, it has a character that feels distinct from the rest of the Grand Strand. Think canals, fishing piers, inlet views, and a beach culture that's been here for generations.

The housing stock is a mix of classic beach cottages, elevated single-family homes, and newer construction. Canal-front properties give residents direct boat access to the Cherry Grove Inlet and the Intracoastal Waterway — a feature that serious boaters and water lovers specifically seek out.

Best for: Buyers who want a true beach-town feel, boating access, a strong sense of neighborhood identity, and a quieter residential vibe compared to the busier parts of the Grand Strand.

•        Direct boat and waterway access via the canal system

•        Strong sense of community among year-round residents

•        Wide range of price points from modest cottages to elevated custom homes

•        Walking distance to the beach and Cherry Grove Pier

2. Ocean Drive

Ocean Drive is the historic heart of North Myrtle Beach. This is where beach music was born and where the shag — South Carolina's official state dance — has roots that go back decades. It has a walkable, village-like quality that's genuinely rare for a coastal town of this size.

You'll find a mix of older beach homes, newer construction, and some condominium options. The walkability factor is a real draw — restaurants, shops, and the beach are all accessible on foot, which makes it popular with retirees and buyers who want to leave the car parked.

Best for: Buyers who want walkability, a lively but not overwhelming atmosphere, easy access to dining and entertainment, and a neighborhood with genuine local history and charm.

•        Walkable to restaurants, shops, and the beach

•        Strong local identity and cultural heritage

•        Good mix of primary residences and vacation properties

•        Central location within North Myrtle Beach

3. Windy Hill

Windy Hill sits on the southern end of North Myrtle Beach, bordering the city of Myrtle Beach. It tends to be quieter and more residential than Ocean Drive or Cherry Grove, making it a solid choice for buyers who want easy access to both cities' amenities without being in the thick of either.

The area has a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and condos at a range of price points. It's popular with families and buyers who commute or work in the Myrtle Beach area but prefer the slightly calmer atmosphere of North Myrtle Beach.

Best for: Families and buyers who want a low-key residential feel with easy access to both North Myrtle Beach and the broader Myrtle Beach area.

•        Solid selection of single-family homes, townhomes, and condos

•        Quieter, more residential feel than the beach-adjacent neighborhoods

•        Easy access to Highway 17 and Myrtle Beach

•        A practical, well-located base for everyday coastal living

4. Barefoot Resort & Golf

Barefoot Resort is one of the most well-known planned communities on the Grand Strand. Built around four championship golf courses, it offers a resort lifestyle that appeals to buyers looking for amenities, structured community living, and a polished aesthetic.

The community sits along the Intracoastal Waterway and includes a marina, pools, and access to Barefoot Landing — the waterfront shopping and dining complex just outside the gates. Properties range from condos and villas to single-family homes, many with golf course or waterway views.

Best for: Golfers, buyers who want resort-style amenities, Intracoastal Waterway access, and a well-maintained community environment. Also appealing to buyers interested in vacation rental income potential.

•        Four championship golf courses on-site

•        Marina and Intracoastal Waterway access

•        Close proximity to Barefoot Landing's dining and entertainment

•        Strong HOA structure — community is well-maintained

•        Good short-term rental potential in certain sections

5. Tilghman Estates

Tilghman Estates is one of North Myrtle Beach's more upscale residential communities. Located near the waterway, it offers larger lots, more spacious homes, and a quieter, established neighborhood feel. It doesn't have the resort amenities of Barefoot or the beach-walk access of Cherry Grove, but what it offers is space, privacy, and a genuine residential quality of life.

Buyers who choose Tilghman Estates tend to be looking for more square footage, mature landscaping, and a neighborhood that feels settled and stable — not transient.

Best for: Buyers seeking more space, privacy, and a mature neighborhood environment. Families and buyers relocating full-time who prioritize a residential feel over walkability or resort amenities.

•        Larger lots and more spacious homes than many coastal communities

•        Established, quiet neighborhood with low turnover

•        Near the Intracoastal Waterway

•        Strong long-term value and resale history

Beach Side vs. Intracoastal Waterway: What Buyers Prefer

Ocean Side Living

Properties on or near the oceanfront put you steps from the Atlantic. The appeal is obvious: sunrise views, beach walks, salt air, and the feeling of being right at the coast. Ocean-side homes tend to command higher prices per square foot, especially on or near the strand.

The tradeoff is that ocean-side properties often come with higher insurance costs, more exposure to storm risk, and — depending on location — more foot traffic and tourism during peak season.

Ocean side tends to attract: Vacation home buyers, buyers who want a classic beach lifestyle, short-term rental investors, and buyers who prioritize proximity to the water above everything else.

Intracoastal Waterway Living

The Intracoastal Waterway — the ICW — runs parallel to the coast and offers a completely different kind of water living. Homes here often have docks, boat lifts, and direct access to miles of navigable waterway that connects the entire coast.

ICW properties tend to be calmer, more private, and in some cases more affordable than oceanfront. The views are different — marsh grass, boat traffic, sunsets over the water — but many buyers actually prefer it once they experience it. Insurance costs can still be significant depending on the flood zone, but the storm exposure is generally less than on the oceanfront.

ICW side tends to attract: Boaters, fishing enthusiasts, buyers who want waterfront living without the full oceanfront price tag, and full-time residents who prioritize a quieter, more private waterfront experience.

The Practical Bottom Line

If you want to walk to the beach every morning, the ocean side makes sense. If you want to untie your boat on a Tuesday afternoon and be out on the water in minutes, the ICW side may be the better fit. Many buyers don't realize until they've spent time here that the waterway lifestyle can be just as satisfying — sometimes more so — than being directly on the ocean.

What I See From Buyers Choosing Neighborhoods

As Cathy Cagno, a real estate agent in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina helping buyers and sellers navigate this market, I've worked with enough relocating buyers to notice some consistent patterns in how neighborhood decisions play out:

Buyers who research online often arrive with Cherry Grove at the top of their list — and for many of them, it's the right call. But once they see Barefoot Resort or spend time near the waterway, priorities sometimes shift. The lesson: keep an open mind until you've actually walked the neighborhoods.

Golf is a bigger deciding factor than many buyers admit upfront. Buyers who play regularly almost always end up gravitating toward Barefoot Resort once they understand what's available. The convenience of walking to the course matters more than they initially think.

Budget and lifestyle don't always align on the first pass. A buyer who wants oceanfront living on a Windy Hill budget needs honest guidance early — not after they've fallen in love with something out of reach. I always make sure buyers understand the real price ranges before we start looking.

Full-time residents and vacation buyers have very different priorities. A vacation buyer often prioritizes rental income potential and proximity to the beach. A full-time resident often cares more about neighborhood stability, community feel, and everyday livability. The best neighborhood for one may be the wrong fit for the other.

Common Mistakes Buyers Make When Choosing a Neighborhood

1. Choosing Based on One Visit

A Saturday afternoon in Cherry Grove in October is a wonderful experience. A Tuesday morning in February is a different one. Visit neighborhoods at different times — different seasons, different days of the week — before you commit.

2. Prioritizing the House Over the Neighborhood

A great house in the wrong neighborhood is a frustrating place to live. Get clear on the lifestyle you want first — water access, walkability, quiet versus active — and then find the house that fits within that context.

3. Ignoring HOA Rules and Fees

Communities like Barefoot Resort have HOAs that govern everything from rental policies to exterior paint colors. Read the documents carefully. Some buyers discover after the fact that the rental restrictions in a community don't match their investment goals.

4. Underestimating the Flood Zone Impact

Flood zone designation affects insurance costs significantly — and it varies property by property, not just neighborhood by neighborhood. Always check the specific flood zone for any property you're seriously considering, and get an insurance quote before you make an offer.

5. Not Asking About Future Development

The Grand Strand is growing. New developments, road projects, and commercial construction can affect neighborhoods in ways that aren't always obvious from a quick visit. A local agent who tracks what's happening in the market can give you context that's hard to find online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which neighborhood in North Myrtle Beach is best for short-term rentals?

Barefoot Resort and Cherry Grove both have strong short-term rental potential, though HOA rules and local regulations vary by specific community and property type. Ocean Drive also performs well for vacation rentals due to its walkability and central location. Always verify rental allowances before purchasing with investment intent.

Is Cherry Grove more expensive than Ocean Drive?

Generally, yes — particularly for canal-front and inlet-area properties in Cherry Grove. But price varies significantly based on the specific street, water access, condition of the home, and lot size. Both neighborhoods offer a range of price points, and the best way to compare is to look at current inventory with a local agent.

Is Barefoot Resort good for full-time living or just vacation homes?

Both. Barefoot Resort has a healthy mix of full-time residents and vacation/investment owners. Full-time residents tend to appreciate the amenities, the maintained common areas, and the waterway access. The community is large enough that it doesn't feel like a hotel — it has genuine residential neighborhoods within it.

Which area is best for families?

Windy Hill and Tilghman Estates tend to be the most popular with families looking for a traditional residential feel, good space, and reasonable price points. Cherry Grove also attracts families who want the beach lifestyle built into everyday life.

How do I figure out which neighborhood is right for me?

Start with your lifestyle priorities — not your wish list. Do you want to walk to the beach or pull up to a dock? Do you want resort amenities or a quiet residential street? Are you buying to live here full-time, part-time, or as an investment? Once those questions are answered, the right neighborhood becomes much clearer. I help buyers work through this every day.

Let's Find the Right Neighborhood for You

Cathy Cagno is a real estate agent in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina helping buyers and sellers make smart, well-informed decisions in one of the Southeast's most dynamic coastal markets. From Cherry Grove to Barefoot Resort, Ocean Drive to Tilghman Estates — knowing which neighborhood fits your life is the most important decision you'll make in this process.

If you're ready to start that conversation, I'm here. No pressure, no sales script — just local knowledge and honest guidance.

Cathy Cagno | North Myrtle Beach Real Estate Agent

Let's talk about where you belong on the Carolina coast.