Did you know this about North Myrtle Beach?
North Myrtle Beach is made up of five distinct beach communities, each with its own character. Here's a look at the lay of the land.
Cherry Grove sits at the northern end, known for its fishing pier and quieter, residential feel. Ocean Drive is the historic heart of the Shag dance scene, with live music on Main Street most weekends. Crescent Beach offers a wide stretch of sand that's popular with families. Windy Hill is the southernmost section, closest to the Myrtle Beach border. And Barefoot Landing sits just inland, with shops, restaurants, and live entertainment along the waterway.
Whether you're booking a condo steps from the pier or a house near the waterway, knowing which neighborhood you're in makes all the difference.
North Myrtle Beach History
The City of North Myrtle Beach sits at the north end of the Grand Strand in South Carolina. It's often confused with the City of Myrtle Beach, but it's a distinctively separate municipality, formed over 52 years ago.
Originally settled by farmers, fishermen, and timber harvesters, the area found its footing as a family-friendly seaside destination. That reputation holds today. Every year, thousands of visitors come for the wide white sandy beaches, the laid-back atmosphere, and a long list of recreation and entertainment options.
Hurricane Hazel leveled much of the area in 1954. Out of that devastation came a rebuilt North Myrtle Beach with oceanfront vacation rentals, upscale homes, and mid-rise motels. The rise of beach music and the Shag (South Carolina's official state dance, born right here in Ocean Drive) put the city back on the map as a go-to vacation spot.
Tourism is the leading employer in North Myrtle Beach, supporting thousands of full-time and part-time residents. The Grand Strand has ranked as the second-fastest growing metro area in the country for three years running, at 3.8 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Affordable home prices, good jobs, and a year-round mild climate are drawing young professionals and retirees alike.
