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Myrtle Beach, SC

The crown jewel of the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach sits in the center of a 60-mile crescent of beautiful beaches. For years, the area’s tranquil qualities have drawn tourists from around the world, and have made Myrtle Beach one of the top retirement destinations in the country.

Myrtle Beach was given its name from the indigenous wax myrtle shrub that thrives in the area’s sandy soil. The first documented landing in the area was in 1526 by the Spanish sailing out of Hispaniola. However, the conquistadors did not find the area to their liking and left shortly there after, preferring the more southern latitudes of Florida for their base of operations. By the late 1800s the strand of natural beaches had become a favorite of inland residents of both the Carolinas, though at the time, accommodations were rustic to say the least, and other than fisherman and nearby rice planters, few made the area home. But all that has changed.

Today, Myrtle Beach is the 13th fastest growing metropolitan area in the United States, with just over 20,000 full-time residents, a good portion of which are retired.

“The mild climate, beautiful beaches and friendly people make Myrtle Beach a wonderful place to retire,” said Karen Panko, a long time Myrtle Beach resident and one of the area’s top real estate agents. “It is replacing Florida as the place to retire. There is less crime, fewer hurricanes, the cost of living is low, and so are taxes.”

Recreation in Myrtle Beach is a serious business. Probably known best for golfing, the “Grand Strand” features almost 200 courses, including some by the top designers in the country. Sportsmen have both saltwater and freshwater fishing opportunities, along with some of the best hunting in the region. There are also historical museums supporting large colonial and Civil War collections, and Myrtle Beach is home to spectacular amusement parks, and the boardwalk there is internationally renowned.

“Today, Myrtle Beach is the 13th fastest growing metropolitan area in the United States."

Also, Myrtle Beach is rapidly becoming the entertainment center of the East, and is often referred to as the “Branson of the South.” With the recent addition of several live music venues, residents and visitors alike are treated to performances by some of the top artists in the country on a regular basis.