A Postcard from Surfside Beach, South Carolina
No doubt about this as our second home spot: near enough to action to enjoy it, far enough to not have to deal with it. We love it. Dunes, ocean and balmy weather ours for the taking.

About Surfside Beach, South Carolina

Whether it's for vacation or retirement, a second home in Surfside Beach is an affordable choice in a desirable ocean region. Surfside has two miles of clean beach, and shares the temperate South Carolina climate that has attracted so many people to retire here.

Families have been the mainstay of vacationers, with the beach safe for kids, and the town small enough for families to enjoy. Since its only four miles from Myrtle Beach, you get to live in a quiet area, and still access all the activity and services you need up the road at Myrtle Beach. Other nearby towns for second homes include Georgetown, Pawleys Island, Garden City (which has more retirees) and Murrell's Inlet. Some people break the Grand Strand into North and South, splitting it Myrtle Beach. From Surfside Beach south, along the Grand Strand, simplicity and natural beauty predominates.

Local History

As with most of the US, the first inhabitants were the Native Americans Waccamaw and Winyah tribes. In 1791 George Washington toured the Grand Strand, checking out the area. Originally named Roach's Beach, much was wiped out in the 1893 hurricane. It was then purchased in the 1920s for framing and developing. Property changed hands again in 1952, and the beach was still undeveloped with natural sand dunes. Hurricanes again hit in 1954, and rebuilding took place. Serious growth began in 1956, and by the time Surfside Beach was incorporated in 1964, it was becoming popular with families and retires.

An Average Lifestyle in Surfside Beach, South Carolina

Why choose Surfside Beach instead of its more famous neighbors? It all comes down to lifestyle. Surfside Beach has a more leisurely pace, less neon, and low key. However, there is no compromise in the natural beauty, marshland, inlets and forest. People choose Surfside for serenity and privacy.

Housing

Options: Beach cottages and homes.

Costs: Median Costs (census 2000) $150,200

Things to Do in Surfside Beach

Enjoy the beach at one of five beach parks

Fishing, off the pier, or off a boat

Miniature Golf

Spend the day at State Parks (Myrtle Beach or Huntington Beach)

Take the kids to the water park

 
Cultural Activities in Surfside Beach

Brookgreen Gardens, with sculpture and wildlife trails

Legends in Concert

Music at local pubs and lounges

 
Near-By Excursions

Myrtle Beach

Location
Located on the Atlantic Ocean, in Horry County, in the heart of the Grand Strand which includes Myrtle Beach and other coastal towns.

Elevation: 13 feet

Size: 1.9 square miles

Distance to other major cities

Myrtle Beach, SC: 4 miles

Georgetown, SC: 29

Wilmington, NC: 74

Charleston, SC: 87

Columbia, SC: 155

Charlotte, NC: 176

Hilton Head, Island, SC: 188

Raleigh, NC: 202

Getting To Surfside Beach, South Carolina

Fly into Myrtle Beach International Airport

Weather
Watch for Hurricanes in late august and september.

Annual Average Temperature: Jan: 47.1, July: 81.0

Annual Average Rainfall: less than 60 inches

Economics and Demographics

Population: 4,425

Median Age, 2000: 44.5

Median Household Income: $40,612

Principle Industries: mostly tourism