Conway SC: The Most Underrated Town on the Grand Strand

by Coastal Carolina Group

🏘 Grand Strand Relocation Guide

Conway SC: The Most Underrated Town on the Grand Strand

Real community. Real character. Real value. Most buyers find it last — the smart ones find it first.

Is Conway SC a Good Place to Live?

Yes — and it is one of the best-kept secrets on the entire Grand Strand. Conway is a historic riverfront town with genuine character, live oak canopies over brick streets, a growing downtown dining and arts scene, and home prices that average $288,359 — well below the national median of $368,697 and dramatically below Myrtle Beach proper. It is 15 to 20 minutes from the beach, home to Coastal Carolina University, and one of the most livable small cities in South Carolina.

Every week buyers tell us they want something different from the tourist strip. A real community. Character. Space. Value. Conway has been the answer the whole time — most people just haven’t found it yet.

📌 Why Conway Deserves Serious Consideration

✅	Most affordable median price on the Grand Strand — average home value $288,359 (August 2026)
✅	Median list price $314,900–$326,385 — $187–$191 per sq ft, among the lowest on the Strand
✅	111 average days on market — real negotiating room for buyers; 71.2% of homes selling under list
✅	800+ active listings across all price ranges
✅	Historic downtown on the Waccamaw River — one of the most charming settings in South Carolina
✅	15–20 minutes from Myrtle Beach beaches via US-501
✅	Coastal Carolina University in town — steady rental demand and community energy year-round
✅	Growing restaurant, arts, and retail scene in one of the most walkable historic downtowns in the Carolinas

The Vibe

🌳 What Does Conway SC Actually Feel Like?

Conway SC vs Myrtle Beach — What’s the Difference?

Conway is not a suburb of Myrtle Beach. It is its own town with its own identity, and that distinction matters more than most buyers realize before they visit.

Live oak canopies over brick streets. A riverfront boardwalk on the Waccamaw where local families walk in the evenings. A historic courthouse square that has anchored the city since the 1700s. Local coffee shops, farm-to-table restaurants, and craft breweries that have nothing to do with the tourist economy 20 minutes east. Conway is the kind of place people move to because they want to live somewhere real — not somewhere curated for visitors.

Coastal Carolina University brings year-round energy: a college-town buzz, arts events, a growing innovation and culinary scene that the university has helped anchor. The result is a community with genuine texture — retirees, young families, university people, artists, and longtime South Carolina residents who have been here for generations. It is one of the most genuinely mixed and interesting communities on the Grand Strand, and it is still one of the most undervalued.

Downtown Scene

🏛 What Is There to Do in Downtown Conway SC?

Is Conway SC Growing? What’s Happening Downtown?

Downtown Conway has been quietly developing for years and it is hitting its stride in 2026. The Waccamaw Riverfront Boardwalk is a genuine community gathering spot — not a tourist attraction, an actual place where people live their daily lives, walk with their dogs, and watch the sun drop over blackwater.

Local restaurants, craft breweries, art galleries, and boutiques line the streets around the historic courthouse. Monthly events, a farmers market, a growing arts community, and a walkability score that punches well above what buyers expect from a small South Carolina city make this one of the most livable downtown cores on the Grand Strand for a town its size.

And in October, Conway becomes something else entirely. Halloween SC transforms the entire city through the end of the month — local businesses, neighborhoods, and community organizations go all-in on Halloween decor, events, haunted experiences, and activities that have made this one of the most talked-about seasonal traditions on the Grand Strand. If you visit Conway in October and aren’t sold on the community energy here, you may not be a Conway buyer. But most people who come for Halloween SC leave with a very different idea of what Conway is.

Market Data

💰 What Is the Average Home Price in Conway SC?

Conway SC Real Estate: What Does Your Money Actually Buy?

This is where Conway separates itself from every other Grand Strand market. The average home value in Conway is $288,359 as of August 2026 — up 0.1% year over year, holding steady in a market that has softened elsewhere. The national median home value is $368,697. You are buying well below that, 15 to 20 minutes from Atlantic Ocean beaches.

With a median list price of $314,900 to $326,385, an average of $187 to $191 per square foot (among the lowest on the Grand Strand), 800+ active listings, and 71.2% of homes selling under list price, this is a buyer-friendly market with real negotiating power. Average days on market of 111 means sellers are waiting — and motivated buyers can move from a position of strength.

Price Range	What You Get	Notes
$219,900 – $284,900	Condos & smaller single-family homes	Entry level; strong rental demand near CCU
$315,000 – $415,000	3–4 bedroom single-family homes	Move-up range; established neighborhoods
$500,000 – $820,000+	Larger homes, golf & river communities	Wild Wing, Rivers Edge, Shaftesbury Estates
High $200,000s – Low $300,000s	New construction	DR Horton, Mungo Homes active

Where to Live

🏘 What Are the Best Neighborhoods in Conway SC?

Conway SC Neighborhoods: Finding the Right Fit

🏛 Historic Downtown Conway

The walkable core — riverfront, brick streets, older homes with real character and renovation potential. Closest to the Waccamaw Boardwalk, the local restaurant scene, and the Coastal Carolina University campus. Ideal for buyers who want to be in the middle of it all. Prices here start low and top out in the mid-$400,000s for larger historic properties.

⛳ Wild Wing Plantation

One of Conway’s most established resort-style communities — golf course, clubhouse, and a range of single-family homes from $400,000 into the $820,000s. Buyers who want a full-amenity community with the price points of Conway rather than Myrtle Beach consistently gravitate here.

🌊 Shaftesbury Estates & Board Landing

Large lots, mature trees, and Waccamaw River access. Homes in the $415,000 to $589,000+ range attract buyers who want space, privacy, and a connection to the river without the ICW price tag you’d pay closer to Myrtle Beach. One of the most naturally beautiful settings in all of Horry County.

🌳 Rivers Edge Plantation

Waccamaw River views in an established community setting. Homes in the $589,000 range. Natural beauty, community character, and the kind of setting that doesn’t exist at this price point anywhere east of Conway on the Grand Strand.

🏡 Myrtle Trace & Myrtle Trace South

One of the Grand Strand’s most established 55+ communities. Homes priced $300,000 to $425,000 in a well-maintained, active-lifestyle setting. Conway is one of the most popular retirement markets on the Grand Strand and Myrtle Trace is consistently at the top of the list for active adult buyers.

🏗 New Construction Near Carolina Forest

Communities like Maple Grove, Coastal Point, and Collins Walk bring new construction starting in the high $200,000s — with the proximity to Carolina Forest amenities, the Grand Strand road network, and Conway price points. DR Horton and Mungo Homes are both active here. For buyers who want new at a price point that no longer exists in Carolina Forest proper, this is the answer.

Is It Right For You?

🧭 Who Is Conway SC Actually For?

Is Conway SC a Good Place to Retire — or Relocate?

In our experience, the buyers who fall hardest for Conway are the ones who weren’t necessarily looking for it — they came to the Grand Strand looking for something and discovered Conway was the something they were looking for.

👥 Conway Is a Great Fit For…

Retirees who want community character, a real downtown, and price points that go further than anywhere on the east Strand

Remote workers who want space, a real downtown, and a lower cost of living without sacrificing coastal access

Families priced out of Myrtle Beach proper who still want Grand Strand schools and amenities

Investors who see the long-term trajectory of a growing riverfront university town

Buyers who visited Myrtle Beach in July and thought “I want to live near here — just not here”

⚠ Conway May Not Be Right If…

You want to walk to the beach — the drive is manageable but it is a drive

You want an oceanfront address specifically — Conway is a riverfront and inland town

You want resort-level tourist-area amenities at your doorstep year-round

You need to be in the heart of the Myrtle Beach commercial corridor for work or daily routine

Due Diligence

📋 What to Know Before You Buy in Conway SC

📍 Verify Flood Zone Before Making an Offer on Riverfront Properties

Parts of Conway are in FEMA flood zones along the Waccamaw River — particularly riverfront and low-lying properties near the water. Always check flood zone designation before making an offer. We check this for every buyer we work with as a baseline step, not an afterthought.

🏛 City vs. County Jurisdiction Affects Your Tax Rate

Horry County taxes apply to properties outside Conway city limits, and the city/county line is not always obvious from a listing. Verify which jurisdiction a property falls under before you build your budget — it affects property taxes and some municipal services. We flag this for every Conway buyer we work with.

🚗 The Beach Is 15–20 Minutes on US-501

The commute to Myrtle Beach proper via US-501 is manageable in most conditions — but summer peak traffic and events can add time to that drive. Visit at different times before you make a final decision if proximity to the beach is a daily priority for you.

🎓 Coastal Carolina University Brings Rental Demand — and Some Competition

CCU is an asset for the Conway rental market and a driver of community energy that buyers consistently value. In some neighborhoods close to campus, you will encounter student rental housing competition. For most buyer segments this is a non-issue — but for buyers specifically targeting residential neighborhoods near campus, it is worth a conversation before you narrow your search.

📌 Why We Love Selling Conway

Conway is one of the markets we know and love most on the Grand Strand. We have helped buyers find everything from historic downtown fixer-uppers with real bones to riverfront estates in Shaftesbury to brand new construction in the communities just west of Carolina Forest. We have seen buyers arrive skeptical about Conway and leave having made an offer — it happens regularly once people actually spend time here. If you have been sleeping on Conway, we are genuinely happy to be the ones to wake you up. It is a special town and it is still priced like a secret.

Want to See What Conway Is Actually About?

Tell us what you’re looking for and what your budget looks like. We’ll set up a Conway tour — the riverfront, the downtown, and the neighborhoods that fit your life. Most buyers who visit come away genuinely surprised. We hear that a lot.

Schedule a Conway Tour

Frequently Asked Questions

💬 Conway SC: Questions Buyers Are Actually Asking

Is Conway SC a Good Place to Live?

Yes — and consistently underrated. Conway offers a historic riverfront setting, a genuine and growing downtown, Coastal Carolina University, and home prices well below the national median and every other Grand Strand market. The community has real character, four seasons of local events, and the kind of small-city livability that buyers coming from larger metros consistently say they didn’t expect to find on the South Carolina coast. It is 15 to 20 minutes from Myrtle Beach beaches and one of the most affordable places on the Grand Strand to own a home.

How Far Is Conway SC from Myrtle Beach?

Conway is approximately 15 to 20 minutes from Myrtle Beach proper via US-501 under normal traffic conditions. Summer peak traffic and events near the Myrtle Beach commercial strip can add time to that drive. Most Conway residents consider it a very manageable commute and many work in Myrtle Beach while living in Conway. Conway is approximately 25 minutes from North Myrtle Beach and 30 to 40 minutes from the southern Grand Strand communities like Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island.

What Is the Average Home Price in Conway SC?

The average home value in Conway is $288,359 as of August 2026, which is well below the national median of $368,697. Median list price runs approximately $314,900 to $326,385. Entry-level homes start around $219,900 for condos and smaller single-family properties. The move-up range is $315,000 to $415,000 for 3-to-4-bedroom homes in established neighborhoods. Upper-range homes in communities like Wild Wing Plantation and Rivers Edge Plantation range from $500,000 to $820,000+. New construction from DR Horton and Mungo Homes is active starting in the high $200,000s.

Is Conway SC Safe?

Like any town, Conway has neighborhoods that differ in character and crime profile. The established residential communities — Wild Wing Plantation, Shaftesbury Estates, Myrtle Trace, and the newer construction communities near Carolina Forest — are well-maintained family neighborhoods with low crime rates. Downtown Conway has seen continued investment and improvement. As with any relocation decision, we recommend visiting in person, researching neighborhood-level crime data, and asking us about specific areas before narrowing your search. We know the neighborhoods here and will give you a straight answer.

What Is There to Do in Conway SC?

More than most buyers expect. The Waccamaw Riverfront Boardwalk is a year-round gathering spot for kayaking, evening walks, and watching wildlife. Downtown Conway has local restaurants, craft breweries, art galleries, boutiques, and a farmers market. Coastal Carolina University brings arts events, athletics, and a college-town energy that the community genuinely benefits from. October brings Halloween SC — a city-wide seasonal tradition that has become one of the most beloved events on the Grand Strand. And all of Myrtle Beach’s beaches, dining, and entertainment are 15 to 20 minutes east.

Is Conway SC Growing?

Yes, steadily and sustainably. Conway has benefited from Grand Strand population growth while retaining its own identity and character. New construction activity — DR Horton, Mungo Homes, and others — is active in communities adjacent to Carolina Forest. Downtown investment has accelerated. Coastal Carolina University continues to grow and invest in the surrounding community. Home values are holding steady (up 0.1% year over year as of August 2026) in a broader market that has softened. Conway is the kind of market that grows from genuine livability, not from hype — and that tends to hold its value better over time.

What Are the Best Neighborhoods in Conway SC?

It depends on what you’re looking for. For resort-style amenities and golf: Wild Wing Plantation ($400,000–$820,000+). For riverfront and large lots: Shaftesbury Estates and Board Landing ($415,000–$589,000+). For Waccamaw River views in an established community: Rivers Edge Plantation (~$589,000). For 55+ lifestyle: Myrtle Trace and Myrtle Trace South ($300,000–$425,000). For walkable historic character: Downtown Conway (from the low $200,000s). For new construction value: Maple Grove, Coastal Point, and Collins Walk (high $200,000s–low $300,000s). We can walk you through all of them based on your priorities.

Is Conway SC a Good Place to Retire?

One of the best on the Grand Strand — and genuinely underappreciated by buyers who focus only on Myrtle Beach or the southern Strand. Conway offers lower prices, a real community with authentic character, established 55+ options like Myrtle Trace, and a quieter pace of life that is meaningfully different from the Myrtle Beach resort corridor. South Carolina has favorable retirement tax treatment — no state income tax on Social Security and significant exemptions on pension and retirement income. Pair that with Conway’s price points and you have one of the most financially compelling retirement destinations in the Carolinas. We have helped a lot of buyers find their retirement home in Conway. Most of them tell us later they wish they’d looked here first.

Moving to Conway SC? Let’s Talk.

Conway is a market where local knowledge matters. The difference between a great buy and a frustrating one often comes down to flood zone details, neighborhood trajectory, builder quality, and knowing which communities are well-managed and which aren’t. We know all of it. No cost, no pressure — just a straight conversation from people who work this market every week.

Coastal Carolina Group • Myrtle Beach, SC
Market data reflects Conway SC figures as of August–October 2026. Individual property values vary. Not financial or real estate advice. Contact a licensed Grand Strand REALTOR® for guidance specific to your situation.