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North Myrtle Beach Relocation Guide
Millions of guests visit the Grand Strand each year, solidifying the area's appeal as a premier vacation destination. Home to 60 miles of white-sand beaches, limitless recreation areas, numerous restaurants and shops, and countless attractions, the area beckons to guests of all types. Some enjoy it so much that they choose to call it home.
North Myrtle Beach (considered part of the Myrtle Beach metropolitan area) is the heart and soul of the Grand Strand. With just over 16,000 residents, North Myrtle moves at a slower pace than its big sister city, while still enjoying the same amenities and coastal culture. Recently named one of America's Top 10 Beach Towns in a WalletHub study, North Myrtle Beach is consistently acknowledged for its storied charm, steady growth and quality of life.
From starting your family to planning for retirement, the area offers the hospitality, community and opportunity your lifestyle demands. Discover the many advantages that make North Myrtle Beach the ideal place to begin your future, and get to know your favorite destination from a whole new perspective.
History
Photo Credit: Ritu Manoj Jethani
The area's rich history pre-dates the city by centuries. Long before European explorations of the 1500s, the Waccamaw and Winyah Indians called the region home. Still relatively undeveloped in the 1700s, the unique and dodgy coastlines served to obscure pirates, like the infamous Blackbeard. The area later provided a primary passage point for Revolutionary War troops, and an overnight host to George Washington himself.
As the area began to take shape in development, farmers and fishermen formed the backbone of the community that would grow to include a series of beachside resorts, seafood eateries, boutique shops, family-friendly attractions, and the famous South Carolina Shag. The small beach communities of Crescent Beach, Cherry Grove, Ocean Drive, and Windy Hill were consolidated in 1968 as the city of North Myrtle Beach. You can learn more about the early days of the area at the Horry County Museum.
Culture
The Grand Strand is home to a diverse and colorful culture. The inspiration of the seaside has made the area a favored home to artists and crafters displaying one-of-a-kind works in an assortment of galleries, as well as outdoor festivals and markets. The natural beauty of South Carolina’s coastal region is on prime display at nearby gardens and plantations, that make for a fun, affordable way to spend many afternoons with the family. Savor the flavors of your new hometown at any number of local eateries serving up regional tastes and seasonal fare, or experience wine tastings at Duplin Winery and La Belle Amie. Festivals and events like Mayfest on Main, the Irish Italian International Festival, and the Society of Stranders (SOS) gatherings celebrate all things South Carolina, and the beauty of being a part of it.
Communities
Photo Credit: StacieStauffSmith Photos
The nine-mile long stretch of the Grand Strand known as North Myrtle Beach is comprised of the four distinct communities of Crescent Beach, Cherry Grove, Ocean Drive, and Windy Hill. Although you can’t go wrong with any section of North Myrtle, it’s a wise idea to consider the vibe of the community that speaks to you!
- Crescent Beach offers a quiet and intimate setting. Nestled between Ocean Drive and Windy Hill, Crescent Beach provides convenient access to the best of North Myrtle Beach, including mini golf courses, antique shops and family-friendly amusements.
- Cherry Grove is a family-friendly beach community bustling with fast-paced watersports action. Nestled along the salt marsh and Intracoastal Waterway, Cherry Grove promises expansive scenery, paddle trails, nature tours, and prime fishing opportunities at multiple waterways, including the 985-foot Cherry Grove Fishing Pier.
- Ocean Drive is located at the center of North Myrtle Beach, which suits its standing as the center of entertainment in North Myrtle as well. The happening strip plays host to most of the area’s festivals and events, as well as the Shag-centric Fat Harold’s Beach Club, and the iconic Main Street.
- Windy Hill is located at the southernmost tip of North Myrtle Beach, providing easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. World-class marinas and golf courses and the.Barefoot Landing boardwalk are prominent highlights of this vibrant seaside community.
Schools
Photo Credit: guys_who_shoot
The greater Myrtle Beach area offers fabulous elementary, middle and high schools, as well as diverse secondary learning centers. With 51 schools overall, the Horry County School System is the third largest of the state’s school districts. Over the past 10 years, more than $500 million has been invested in the construction of new schools, and investment in technology and upgrades at current schools. Horry County schools are A graded, and consistently ranked above South Carolina state averages. North Myrtle Beach is home to three elementary schools, a middle school, high school, and a branch of the Horry County Memorial Library.
North Myrtle Beach Public Schools
North Myrtle Beach Area Colleges And Technical Schools
Horry Georgetown Technical College
Myrtle Beach Academy of Aviation
Miller-Motte Technical College
Places of Worship
Photo Credit: Nattapat.J
Finding a spiritual outlet may be one of the most important aspects of connecting with your community. The North Myrtle Beach area is home to places of worship recognizing an array of religions and welcoming new worshippers of every faith.From large congregations to intimate community fellowship, you’re sure to find a place to celebrate your faith and connect with locals who share your devotion.
First Baptist Church North Myrtle Beach
Trinity United Methodist Church
Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
Health and Wellness
Photo Credit: PeopleImages
The Grand Strand has several medical centers and health care facilities ranked among the best in the nation for heart care, strokes and many other medical specialties. In addition, the area offers a host of spas, clinics, private doctors, hospice, assisted living, and retirement facilities catering to the healthcare needs of all ages. A truly inclusive community, the general Myrtle Beach area has support services, vocational programs and activities for persons with special needs. Best of all, the area’s range of outdoor recreation options provide the ideal environment for an active and healthy lifestyle, naturally!
Top-Rated Area Hospitals And Medical Centers
Tidelands Health - Waccamaw Community Hospital
Tidelands Health - Georgetown Memorial Hospital
Government and Business
If you’re moving to the area from out-of-state, you have 90 days to apply for a South Carolina driver’s license. If your home state driver's license is more than nine months expired, you must also pass knowledge and road tests.
You have 45 days to transfer your out-of-state vehicle registration to South Carolina. The first time you register your vehicle in South Carolina, you must provide the name of your insurance company. You will also need to show your out-of-state vehicle title and registration and vehicle property tax receipt from your new county confirming that you’ve paid all applicable fees.
For more information on vehicle registration or driver’s license requirements in South Carolina, visit www.scdmvonline.com.
Once you have obtained your South Carolina driver’s license or state ID, you can register to vote in your new home county. You can register online at www.scvotes.org, in-person at the county board of voter registration, or by mail or fax to the county board of voter registration.
North Myrtle Beach is governed by a City Council consisting of the Mayor and six Council members who cooperatively appoint a City Manager. You can learn more about local government online at www.nmb.us.
Regardless of the vibe that hooked you or the aspect of our character that made you realize you need to be a part of it, North Myrtle Beach welcomes you with a promise of many more discoveries and memories for years to come
To operate a business within the North Myrtle Beach city limits, you must obtain a business license through the city. For additional information, call (843) 280-5585.
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