Need help with schools (Myrtle Beach, Conway: rental homes, townhouses, transfer)

[thebalogas]

I posted about rental homes in Conway and got no responses. I hope that doesn't mean there isn't rental property around the area. My husband will be transferred to Conway in late January. He is the store manager of Tractor Supply. I haven't been there for a couple of years, so I am not sure exactly where that is.

I have been reading posts and I read that the schools in Conway were not that great. I have a nine year old that is in a gifted program and a four year old that is coming up right behind him. I would like to find a good school system for them. What towns are close to Conway that that might apply? My husband doesn't mind to drive to work as long as he doesn't have to get into the "beach" traffic and it isn't really far. He drives a Dodge 1500, gas eater! LOL

Any information would be appreciated. We are in western north carolina now and will be taking a trip down shortly after Christmas.

Thanks
Terri

[beachmomma]

Hi Terri, I feel your pain! We moved here recently and have been thinking of schools for our almost 4 year old. We live in Carolina Forest, which is an area in Myrtle Beach near-ish Conway, and is a planned community with its own stores, shops, doctors offices, churches, post office, and on and on. They also have new schools -- the best in Horry County, I understand, which is one of the reasons we chose here. The problem is that as the crow flies, Conway isn't far, but you have to get there using Hwy. 501 which gets heavy traffic in the summer months. (Most locals avoid it if at all possible.) I'd say it's going to be a toss-up whether your husband can stand the 20 minute drive to work in the summer for the kids to go to the best school around, or if you'd rather stay in Conway where everything is close (and it's a very charming little town, by the way, and yes there are rentals) and the schools are just okay. Obviously, we made our choice so I'm clearly biased toward the better schools in Carolina Forest. Just check it out when you come down and tour the schools -- that's really the best way to get a feel for yourself. Once you walk into the schools and see the actual kids and teachers interact, and look at the artwork and announcements on the walls, and talk with the principal, you'll come away with a clearer sense of direction, I'm sure. Good luck! Oh, and if you look at rentals in the Carolina Forest area, make sure you check out the townhouses at The Farm and at Saw Grass East -- both are brand new and really very nice. There are also quite a few little houses at The Farm for rent for a very reasonable price, and the kids could walk to school and have tons of kids in the neighborhood their age. Happy Hunting!