Myrtle Beach is known far and wide for its beautiful beaches and Vegas-like traffic, attractions, and excitement. The city itself was incorporated in 1957, and extends from 84th Ave North, where 17 branches into the bypass, to the old Myrtle Beach Airforce Base, right past 28th Ave South.
In recent years, the attractions have branched out as far as the bypass, where you find Broadway at the beach, and the finest of luxury condominium and home communities such as Grande Dunes. Its main entrance artery, Highway 501, has been widened and developed into a grand entranceway full of malls, golf course developments, and more theatres, continually growing and servicing Myrtle Beach Proper's sprawling need for more living and business space.
The population has increased reportedly as much as 36% in the past 10 years, as more people retire or move to the area to live and work. Famous for its proximity to over 100 golf courses, live theatres, fabulous restaurants, and unlimited shopping extravaganzas, it is the preferred vacation destination for over 14 million people a year. Many of the retirees have vacationed here through several generations, and fulfill their dreams of spending their golden years in its milder climate and relaxed but luxurious way of life.
The real estate boom of the early 2000's has seen hundreds of mom-and-pop motels disappear to be replaced by the grand condominium resorts. Truthfully, few true hotels or motels will be found on the oceanfront in Myrtle Beach now. Fabulous resorts such as The Caribbean Resort, The Patricia Resort, The Anderson Ocean Club, Bay View Resort, and many other high-rises line the oceanfront now, with more being built every day.
The north end of Myrtle Beach is a bit more residential and the land and homes there are somewhat more expensive than the south end, although this is changing with a city-wide long term redevelopment plan that is underway to create a new and more high class image to the area. Once known as the "Redneck Riviera", the scenery is changing quickly to accommodate all the luxury homes and condos, and the lifestyle that the more wealthy property owners demand.
Now, as never before, investing in Myrtle Beach condos and resort real estate may be one of the smartest moves for baby boomers and those that can afford to live or vacation here. This may be the last chance to take advantage of its moderate cost of living before the prices start to meet neighboring resorts like Hilton Head and all of Florida.
