Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
My family may be relocating to the Murrells Inlet area next April. My husband is a General Contractor primarily doing residential additions/renovations and commercial buildings and interiors. My first question is ...Can we make a living there? We have two children under 5 years of age and I've researched the schools which look pretty good. Any information on schools, things for families to do, and the general feel of the place would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help.
I moved to Pawleys last summer from NY and have not regretted it for a second. Our neighbors have been great and we really feel like we have fit into the community well. We have a child in the 2nd grade at Waccamaw Elementary and I have been happy with the school. My wife has a son in the HS and is finding it harder to adapt, but I think it is more his stubborness than the other students. I've been to the HS football games etc and think the kids behave themselves fairly well.
There is alot of new home construction in the area, especially in Murrells Inlet/Rte 707 area. But the salaries are low compared to the north. There are many contractors and construction companies all over the south strand... so competition will be tough I'd imagine for someone starting there own business.
I'm really glad to hear about the schools being ok. That's my biggest concern. Thanks for the info on the construction biz. Is there a "Main Street" area with small shops, or is it just strip malls? Do you know if camping or bonfires are permitted at any area beaches. Thanks for your help...just trying to get an idea of what the place is like.
One more thing. What do you think of lving in a gated community as opposed to not? The HOA fees and restrictions are a turn-off, but homes in the gated communities more desirable?
Most of the communities in the area are not gated but are private. Each community has its own personality... golfer, retirement, family, beach, river etc. Some ooze wealth and others are working class. There are also nice areas that are not in a HOA.
The community I live in is a family area near the HS & the elementary school. Alot of kids but unfortunately no pool nor community/recreation facility. Close to beach (about 1.5 miles). HOA is fairly relaxed and the fees are low, less than $300 a year. www.pawleysretreat.org Another really nice family area is www.ricefields.org. I am not as intimately familiar with the individual communities in Murrells Inlet.
Shopping: You have a variety of choices. There are small shopping areas such as the Hammock Shops & the Village Shops with upscale boutiques gearing towards vistors but not gaudy touristy. There are malls like the Inlet Square Mall in Murrells & the Coastal Grande Mall is a large one near the airport in Myrtle Beach. You also have a Super Walmart, Kohls, Kmart, Lowes, Home Depot etc. Pretty much anything you could ask for although my wife misses Macy's!
Generally there are no open fires on the beach and no fireworks on the actual Pawleys Island. I have heard that you can request a permit for BBQ/bonfire there. You are allowed to camp at Huntington Beach State Park... not sure about fires but feel free to look http://www.southcarolinaparks.com/pa...park/1020.aspx . There are many camping grounds up near Myrtle Beach.
I have compared the area to Long Island 40 years ago if that means anything to you.
Long Island 40 years ago...I lived out in Smithtown in the early 70's and it was beautiful and unspoiled. I'm excited to move!! I will definitely check out those community sites tsent to me. Yes Macy's - well that's what trips to NY are for! You have been so helpful - thanks for taking the time.
Be aware that Murrells Inlet addresses could be in either Horry or Georgetown Counties. Both have good schools, but if you've got your heart set on Waccamaw and end up with St. James because of your address you'll be disappointed. Check with your realtor or the person managing the subdivision you're interested in.
Long Island 40 years ago...I lived out in Smithtown in the early 70's and it was beautiful and unspoiled. I'm excited to move!! I will definitely check out those community sites tsent to me. Yes Macy's - well that's what trips to NY are for! You have been so helpful - thanks for taking the time.
Macy's. Quick trip to Columbia, will fix that. 150 miles.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
