Relocation - Real Estate

If you choose to visit the Grand Strand in the early spring, you’ll probably be surprised at how early the flowers blossom—and by how much construction is going on. For spring fix-up (as opposed to spring cleaning), Grand Stranders get out their hammers and wrenches, nail guns and compressors, bulldozers and cranes to prepare for the busy summer months ahead. Burgeoning growth is evidenced by a wealth of new construction, too. In fact, the 2001 Census put Horry County as the 13th-fastest growing area in the nation.

The Strand’s permanent population has tripled in the last 30 years. Horry County is one of the nation’s fastest-growing retirement communities. In fact, nearly 20 percent of the population in both Horry and Georgetown Counties is older than 65. That figure can be compared to only 9 percent in 1980.

With a relatively low cost of living (despite regressive state sales tax on food, clothing, and housing), the Myrtle Beach area appeals to active retirees, singles, and new families. Residential opportunities abound: golf-course villas, country clubs, sprawling residences with amenities, smaller single-family neighborhoods, friendly mobile-home communities, and condominium villages.

As is the case in many resort areas, real estate scams have posed problems in Myrtle Beach. Federal consumer watchdogs have done pretty well in helping to close down many real estate shams in the past several years.

Do be careful before you sign on the dotted line, but don’t fret; with a little research and homework, you should do fine. Take time to analyze your real estate purchases carefully, whether for investment or permanent occupancy. You should consider the long-term potential of the property. Is high tide already lapping at the back deck? Is insurance a manageable expense? Is an oceanfront view worth it, or should you consider a purchase off the beach . . . on a lake, the Waccamaw River, or a golf course? Do zoning ordinances protect the long-term integrity of your investment? And don’t forget to inquire about homeowner-association fees; these are not included in your mortgage but are assessed monthly or annually—and can increase rather considerably, and unexpectedly, as well.

Myrtle Beach boasts many reputable and well-established communities. Historically, these areas tended to be concentrated on the North Strand. That is changing, albeit slowly. Enduring communities such as the Dunes, Pine Lakes, and anything on Ocean Boulevard from 30th to 80th Avenues North will certainly prove a strong purchase. In these areas, zoning laws are already in place to protect the value of your purchase. As a result, such properties come with a hefty price tag. But there are plenty of newer developments all over the Strand that are well worth considering. One of the most exclusive addresses in America, with past residents including Amy Vanderbilt and professional football player Michael Fox of the Carolina Panthers, is the South Strand neighborhood of DeBordieu (locally pronounced “debby-doo”). Remember, these days a place “at the beach” doesn’t necessarily mean “on the beach.”

The subsequently listed developments represent a few of our favorite communities. These are followed by a sampling of the dozens of real estate agencies with strong reputations.

Relocation - Volunteer Opportunities

Want to get the pulse on a seemingly erratic resort area in a hurry? Become a volunteer! We highly recommend a volunteer pastime as one of the best ways to become entrenched in the community. Whether you’re a newcomer to the Grand Strand or have chosen this sandy coast as your retirement home, joining a volunteer corps can open an insightful window to local politics, culture, and people.

For those who are coming into town to tackle a new job assignment or career, a number of area businesses encourage volunteer activity by paying club membership dues for their employees. Civic, which means “of citizenship,” organizations can often plug you right into a networking circuit of business contacts. Even Fortune magazine cites volunteer experience as a highlight many American corporations look for on resumes.

On a purely social level, civic involvement in a specific club will serve you up a slice of local life. Each organization presents its own microcosm or cross section of Grand Strand citizenry, where you’re bound to meet an interesting friend or two and, perhaps, the man or woman of your dreams. For singles, we can assure you that meeting locals through volunteer activities will beat a werewolf lifestyle of moonlight bar stalking.

Volunteer opportunities abound up and down the Grand Strand strip and in its pockets of subcommunities. To get a fairly comprehensive listing of volunteer outlets, we suggest dropping into the main office of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce on Oak Street to pick up the free-to-the-public guide Civic & Service Organizations of the Myrtle Beach Area. You can also get updated volunteer information from the Sun News: Civic and support-group meetings are announced in Sunday’s “Coastal Living” section.

Included here are some volunteer organizations we know would gratefully welcome your help and/or participation.