The Grand Strand Has 60 Miles of Coastline. But One Community Keeps Rising to the Top.

When families start researching a move to Myrtle Beach, they usually start with the beach. Then they discover Carolina Forest — and everything changes.

This 9,000-acre master-planned community sits just inland from the Grand Strand, and it consistently tops the list for relocating families. Not because of the ocean views — but because of what you get when you step back just a few miles: better schools, newer homes, more space, less tourist traffic, and a genuine neighborhood feel that’s hard to find anywhere on the coast.

If you’re planning a move to the Myrtle Beach area and you haven’t looked at Carolina Forest yet, this is your sign.

Carolina Forest is about 10–15 minutes from the Myrtle Beach oceanfront — close enough to make the beach part of your regular routine, far enough that you never feel like you live in a tourist zone.

The community sits along the Highway 501 corridor between Myrtle Beach and Conway, with direct access to Highway 31 (the Carolina Bays Parkway). That’s the connector road that lets residents zip up and down the Grand Strand — bypassing all the Ocean Boulevard traffic — in minutes.

Myrtle Beach International Airport is about a 15-minute drive. Conway Medical Center and Grand Strand Medical Center are both easily accessible. And the Carolina Forest area is roughly equidistant from North Myrtle Beach to the north and Murrells Inlet to the south, making the entire Grand Strand your backyard.

Yes — and for many families, the schools are the deciding factor. Carolina Forest is one of the top-performing school clusters in all of Horry County.

Carolina Forest High School ranks #3 overall in the top public schools in Horry County, and consistently outperforms Myrtle Beach High School in state rankings. For context, Carolina Forest High ranks 33rd in South Carolina — Myrtle Beach High ranks 72nd.

It feels like a self-contained small city. That’s the best way to describe it. Within the community and just minutes away, you have virtually everything a family needs day-to-day.

🏘 Community Feel Many neighborhoods are golf cart-friendly, with residents riding to restaurants, grocery stores, and nearby shops. There’s a tight-knit suburban spirit here that’s genuinely hard to find in most coastal markets. 🛍 Shopping Tanger Outlets, Coastal Grand Mall, and a full range of big-box and local retail options are all within easy reach. The community itself has grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, and everyday services built right in. 🍴 Dining Breakfast & Brunch Scrambled Kitchen & Coffee — coastal comfort breakfast with signature French toast on Carolina Forest Blvd. Famous Toastery (Oakheart Rd) — a local brunch staple. Zeytin (Fresh Drive) — Yelp’s top-rated Mediterranean breakfast & brunch in the area. Eggs Up Grill and Blueberry’s Grill are popular family-friendly options. Lunch & Dinner O.A.K. Prime Kitchen & Bar — Michelin-recognized, chef-driven Southern fare right in Carolina Forest. SOHO Steak & Seafood Sushi Bar (McLeod Health Blvd) — opened November 2025, featuring sushi, hibachi, steaks, seafood, a cocktail bar, and a rooftop lounge with 12 exclusive Carolina Forest sushi rolls. River Oaks Pizzeria — neighborhood pizza with hand-tossed pies and wings. Fullbelly BBQ — classic Southern smokehouse. Simply Southern Smokehouse, Scotch Bonnet, The Grumpy Monk, and The Boathouse Waterway round out a scene that keeps growing every year.

☕ Coffee Shops Knowledge Perk — a small-batch specialty roastery, beloved by locals. C3 Coffee Bar — highly rated local café right in the community. Rustic Roast near Coastal Carolina University — cozy atmosphere with seasonal drinks. Mister Coffee at Tanger Outlets for a quick grab-and-go. 🏃 Parks & Outdoors The Carolina Forest Recreation Center offers sports courts, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The Hulk Bike & Run Park is a popular trail system for cyclists and runners. Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve adds natural beauty nearby. 🏫 Higher Education Coastal Carolina University and Horry-Georgetown Technical College are both just around the corner — a bonus for families with college-bound kids or anyone seeking continuing education. ⛳ Golf Three courses are woven into the community: The Man O’War, The Wizard, and The Witch — all designed by Dan Maples. Myrtle Beach National, World Tour Golf Links, and Wild Wing Plantation are all just minutes away.

Carolina Forest also has medical facilities, urgent care centers, a U.S. Post Office, churches, and fire stations built into the community — the kind of infrastructure that makes daily life genuinely convenient without a long commute.

Carolina Forest has something for almost every budget and lifestyle. From entry-level townhomes to luxury lakefront estates, the range is wider than most communities on the Grand Strand.

Some of the most sought-after neighborhoods include Waterbridge (gated, resort-style pool, lazy river), Waterway Palms Plantation and Bluffs on the Waterway (both offering stunning Intracoastal Waterway access), The Farm, Plantation Lakes, The Parks (resort pool, golf cart community), and Traditions at Carolina Forest. New construction communities are actively building here in 2026, with multiple builders offering move-in-ready and pre-sale options.

3.99 Months Inventory ▲ 26.67% MoM

98.5% Sold/List Price ▲ 0.64% MoM

59 Median Days ▼ 18.06% MoM

$490K Median Sold Price ▲ 11.22% MoM

Single Family Residence · ZIP 29579 · April 2026 · Source: RPR® · Courtesy of Bret French, INNOVATE Real Estate, SC Lic# 51965

Carolina Forest isn’t one neighborhood — it’s dozens of them. And the differences between them matter a lot.

We’ve helped families relocate to Carolina Forest from all over the country — and the questions are always the same: Which neighborhood fits us? Are the schools really that good? How do we do this from 800 miles away? Those are exactly the questions we’re here to answer.

Coastal Carolina Group  •  Myrtle Beach, SC
For informational purposes only. Not financial or real estate advice. Consult a licensed professional for guidance specific to your situation.