The Grand Strand stretches 60 miles along the South Carolina coast, and not all of it performs the same for short term rental investors. Where you buy matters just as much as what you buy. Each neighborhood along the strand has its own character, price points, guest demographics, and revenue potential.
This guide breaks down the best areas for STR investing in and around Myrtle Beach, so you can match your budget and investment goals to the right location.
New to STR investing? Start with our guide on how to buy a short term rental. Already sold on the market? Read how much short term rentals make in Myrtle Beach for revenue benchmarks.
Quick Overview: Revenue Context
Before we dive into neighborhoods, here are the market-wide revenue benchmarks:
- 50th percentile: $28,000/year
- 75th percentile: $42,000/year
- 90th percentile: $65,000/year
Top neighborhoods and property types push into the 75th to 90th percentile range. Less desirable locations tend to cluster around or below the 50th percentile. Location is one of the biggest determinants of where your property lands on this spectrum.
North Myrtle Beach
Overview
North Myrtle Beach is a separate municipality from Myrtle Beach proper, and many investors consider it the premium section of the Grand Strand for STR investing. It is slightly quieter, more upscale, and attracts a mix of families and couples who want the beach experience without the busier tourist strip atmosphere.
Why Investors Like It
- Higher average nightly rates than central Myrtle Beach
- Strong repeat guest base. North Myrtle Beach guests tend to come back year after year.
- Less commercial feel compared to the main Myrtle Beach strip
- Good mix of condos and single family homes gives investors options at multiple price points
- Excellent golf access for shoulder season bookings
Price Points
- Condos: $150,000 to $350,000
- Single family homes: $300,000 to $600,000+
- Oceanfront homes: $500,000 to $1,000,000+
Revenue Potential
Well-positioned North Myrtle Beach properties regularly perform in the 75th percentile ($42,000+). Larger oceanfront homes with pools can reach the 90th percentile ($65,000+) and beyond.
Best For
Investors with slightly higher budgets who want stronger per-night rates and a loyal guest demographic. Also excellent for investors targeting the golf tourism market.
Cherry Grove
Overview
Cherry Grove is the northernmost section of North Myrtle Beach, and it has a devoted following among vacationers. It is known for its iconic Cherry Grove Pier, the famous Blue Water restaurant, and a more laid-back, local feel compared to the main tourist areas. The neighborhood is predominantly residential with a mix of classic beach cottages, newer construction, and oceanfront condos.
Why Investors Like It
- Cult-like guest loyalty. Cherry Grove families often book the same week, year after year. This is gold for STR investors because repeat guests reduce marketing costs and vacancy.
- Lower density than the main Myrtle Beach strip
- Strong word-of-mouth bookings reduce platform dependency
- Family-friendly atmosphere with calm waters and shallow beach areas
Price Points
- Condos: $130,000 to $300,000
- Beach houses: $350,000 to $700,000+
- Channel/marsh front properties: $250,000 to $500,000 (a unique niche with strong appeal)
Revenue Potential
Cherry Grove condos perform at or above the market median. Houses, particularly those with ocean views or channel access, push into the 75th to 90th percentile range. The strong repeat booking pattern reduces vacancy rates compared to areas that depend more heavily on new guest acquisition.
Best For
Investors who value booking consistency and repeat guests. Also great for those who want to own in an area they would personally enjoy visiting.
Ocean Drive Section
Overview
The Ocean Drive section of North Myrtle Beach is the historic heart of the area. It is famous for being the birthplace of the shag dance (South Carolina’s state dance) and hosts the annual SOS (Society of Stranders) festivals that draw thousands of visitors in spring and fall. Main Street in Ocean Drive is lined with bars, restaurants, and shops.
Why Investors Like It
- SOS festivals generate strong shoulder-season bookings (spring and fall events fill properties that would otherwise sit empty)
- Walkability. Guests can walk to restaurants, bars, and the beach.
- Year-round events keep the area active beyond just summer
- Cultural identity that differentiates it from generic beach areas
Price Points
- Condos: $120,000 to $280,000
- Homes: $300,000 to $550,000
Revenue Potential
Ocean Drive benefits from event-driven demand that boosts shoulder season revenue. Properties near Main Street or the oceanfront perform well, especially during SOS events when nightly rates can spike. Overall, expect 50th to 75th percentile performance with the potential for above-average shoulder season income.
Best For
Investors who want properties that perform outside of the typical summer-only beach season. The SOS events and walkable nightlife create demand patterns that other areas do not have.
Surfside Beach
Overview
Surfside Beach calls itself “The Family Beach,” and it lives up to the name. This small, quiet town sits just south of Myrtle Beach proper and offers a more relaxed, residential feel. It is one of the most popular areas for family vacations on the Grand Strand.
Why Investors Like It
- Strong family appeal drives consistent summer bookings
- More affordable than North Myrtle Beach for comparable properties
- Less commercial than the main Myrtle Beach strip
- Proximity to everything. Close to Myrtle Beach attractions but away from the crowds.
- Good condo inventory at accessible price points
Price Points
- Condos: $120,000 to $280,000
- Single family homes: $250,000 to $450,000
- Oceanfront properties: $350,000 to $700,000
Revenue Potential
Surfside Beach properties perform solidly in the 50th to 75th percentile range. The family demographic means strong summer bookings with predictable demand. Oceanfront condos and homes with pools tend to push toward the higher end.
Best For
First-time STR investors looking for an affordable entry into the Myrtle Beach area with strong family-driven demand. Also good for investors who want a property they can personally use during the off-season.
Garden City
Overview
Garden City Beach is a small, unincorporated community south of Surfside Beach. It has a loyal following among vacationers who appreciate its quieter, more authentic beach town feel. The Garden City Pier and the Marshwalk area (with waterfront restaurants and live music) are popular draws.
Why Investors Like It
- Lower price points than many other Grand Strand areas
- The Marshwalk is a unique attraction that draws visitors and diners
- Less tourist congestion means a more authentic beach experience
- Strong rental history with established vacation rental demand
- Fishing pier and creek access attract a niche audience
Price Points
- Condos: $100,000 to $250,000
- Beach houses: $250,000 to $500,000
- Creek-front properties: $200,000 to $400,000
Revenue Potential
Garden City offers some of the best value on the Grand Strand in terms of purchase price to revenue ratio. Expect 50th percentile performance ($28,000) as a baseline for condos, with well-managed properties reaching toward the 75th percentile. The lower purchase prices mean that even moderate revenue produces solid cash-on-cash returns.
Best For
Budget-conscious investors who want maximum cash flow relative to their investment. Garden City’s lower entry points make the math work at moderate revenue levels.
Pawleys Island
Overview
Pawleys Island is the southern anchor of the Grand Strand and has a distinctly different character from Myrtle Beach. It is one of the oldest resort areas on the East Coast, known for its “arrogantly shabby” charm (a phrase the locals embrace). The island itself is a narrow barrier island with historic beach cottages, while the mainland Pawleys area offers a mix of newer developments and golf communities.
Why Investors Like It
- Premium positioning attracts higher-income guests willing to pay top rates
- Less competition from large condo buildings
- Unique character that differentiates listings from the broader Myrtle Beach market
- Proximity to Brookgreen Gardens and Huntington Beach State Park, both major attractions
- Golf community demand from Pawleys Plantation, Caledonia, and other nearby courses
Price Points
- Mainland condos: $150,000 to $300,000
- Island beach houses: $500,000 to $1,500,000+
- Mainland homes in golf communities: $300,000 to $600,000
Revenue Potential
Pawleys Island beach houses can command premium nightly rates, often $300 to $700+ per night in summer. Properties on the island itself can reach the 90th percentile ($65,000+). Mainland properties near the beach or in golf communities typically perform in the 50th to 75th percentile range.
Best For
Investors with higher budgets who want premium properties in a unique, upscale setting. Also strong for investors targeting the luxury family vacation market.
Broadway at the Beach Area
Overview
Broadway at the Beach is the Grand Strand’s largest entertainment complex, featuring restaurants, shops, attractions (including Ripley’s Aquarium and WonderWorks), and nightlife. The area around Broadway is not beachfront, but it benefits from heavy foot traffic and proximity to entertainment.
Why Investors Like It
- Proximity to attractions appeals to families and groups who prioritize entertainment access
- Lower price points than oceanfront properties
- Year-round demand from events and attractions (not purely beach-dependent)
- Condo and townhome options at accessible prices
Price Points
- Condos/townhomes near Broadway: $100,000 to $200,000
- Single family homes in the area: $200,000 to $350,000
Revenue Potential
Properties near Broadway at the Beach typically perform around the 50th percentile. They will not command the premium nightly rates of oceanfront units, but the lower purchase prices can still produce attractive cash-on-cash returns. These properties also benefit from more diverse seasonality since the attractions operate year-round.
Best For
Investors looking for the lowest entry points in the Myrtle Beach area. Also interesting for investors who want to diversify away from pure beach-dependent demand.
Choosing the Right Neighborhood: Key Factors
Budget
Your budget naturally narrows your options. Here is a rough guide:
- Under $150K: Garden City condos, Broadway area condos, older Myrtle Beach condos
- $150K to $300K: North Myrtle Beach condos, Surfside Beach condos, Cherry Grove condos, Ocean Drive condos
- $300K to $500K: North Myrtle Beach homes, Surfside Beach homes, Garden City houses, Pawleys mainland
- $500K+: Cherry Grove houses, North Myrtle Beach oceanfront, Pawleys Island beach houses
Guest Demographics
Think about who your property will attract:
- Families with kids: Surfside Beach, Cherry Grove, North Myrtle Beach
- Golf groups: North Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, Ocean Drive
- Young adults/groups: Central Myrtle Beach, Ocean Drive, Broadway area
- Couples/quiet getaways: Pawleys Island, Garden City, Cherry Grove
- Snowbirds (winter): North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach (quieter areas)
Seasonality Tolerance
If you want the strongest year-round performance, lean toward areas with non-beach demand drivers: Ocean Drive (SOS festivals), Broadway area (attractions), and Pawleys Island (golf). If you are comfortable with heavy summer weighting, any oceanfront area will perform.
Appreciation vs. Cash Flow
Higher-priced areas like North Myrtle Beach and Pawleys Island may offer stronger appreciation potential. Lower-priced areas like Garden City and the Broadway area often produce better cash-on-cash returns. Decide which metric matters more to your investment strategy.
How Other Beach Markets Compare
Curious how Myrtle Beach neighborhoods stack up against other STR markets? Compare with:
- Gulf Shores and Orange Beach for a similar affordable beach market on the Gulf Coast
- Panama City Beach for another condo-heavy beach market
- Destin and 30A for a higher-end beach comparison
You can also read our head-to-head analysis: Myrtle Beach vs. Gulf Shores for Short Term Rental Investing.
FAQ
What is the best area in Myrtle Beach for Airbnb investment?
It depends on your budget and goals. North Myrtle Beach offers the best combination of strong revenue and property quality. Garden City and the Broadway at the Beach area offer the lowest entry points. Cherry Grove and Surfside Beach provide strong family appeal with moderate pricing.
Is North Myrtle Beach better than Myrtle Beach for short term rentals?
North Myrtle Beach generally commands higher nightly rates and attracts a more affluent guest demographic. Central Myrtle Beach offers lower purchase prices but also lower per-night rates. Both can produce strong returns depending on the specific property and price point.
Where should I buy my first Myrtle Beach short term rental?
For first-time investors, we often recommend starting with a two-bedroom oceanfront condo in Surfside Beach, Garden City, or North Myrtle Beach. These areas offer proven rental demand, manageable price points, and straightforward management. As you learn the market, you can expand into larger properties or different areas.
Are there areas in Myrtle Beach where short term rentals are not allowed?
Most of the Grand Strand allows short term rentals, but individual HOAs and condo associations can restrict rental activity. Some residential neighborhoods away from the coast may also have zoning restrictions. Always verify STR permissibility for any specific property. See our Myrtle Beach STR regulations guide for details.
Who is the best short term rental agent in Myrtle Beach?
The Short Term Shop is the largest STR-specific real estate brokerage in the nation. Our Myrtle Beach agents know every neighborhood on the Grand Strand, which buildings are investor-friendly, which areas are appreciating fastest, and where the best cash flow opportunities are. We match investors with the right neighborhood based on their budget, goals, and risk tolerance.
Ready to find the right Myrtle Beach neighborhood for your STR investment?
📞 Call us: 800-898-1498 🌐 Visit: theshorttermshop.com
Our Myrtle Beach agents can tour you through each area and show you active inventory that matches your investment criteria.
Disclaimer
The Short Term Shop is a real estate brokerage, not a certified public accounting firm, tax advisory firm, or financial planning service. Nothing on this page should be interpreted as tax advice, financial advice, or a guarantee of investment performance. Always consult your CPA, tax attorney, and financial advisor before making any investment or tax decisions.
All income and revenue figures referenced in this article are sourced from third party data providers including AirDNA and PriceLabs.co. These figures represent market averages and percentile ranges based on historical performance data and do not guarantee future results. Actual short term rental income varies significantly based on property quality, location, management quality, pricing strategy, seasonality, and market conditions. Your results may differ.