Many families moving to the Myrtle Beach area look beyond the beachfront to inland communities like Conway, Aynor, and Carolina Forest, and to Little River, North Myrtle Beach, and Murrells Inlet. Many focus their search on the Aynor, St. James, and Carolina Forest school areas, which are among the most sought-after in Horry County Schools. School assignments are by address, so confirm zoning with Horry County Schools.
Many families look inland and to the north and south ends of the Grand Strand rather than right on the beach. Betsy and Farah Hyman focus on Conway, Aynor, and Carolina Forest inland, plus Little River, North Myrtle Beach, and Murrells Inlet. Many families focus their search on the Aynor, St. James, and Carolina Forest school areas, which are among the most sought-after in Horry County Schools. School assignments are by address, so confirm zoning with Horry County Schools.
Inland areas often offer more space and a quieter, year-round residential feel than neighborhoods closer to the beach, while keeping the coast within reach. Carolina Forest is a large master-planned area between Conway and Myrtle Beach with many subdivisions and newer homes. Conway, the county seat of Horry County, has a historic downtown and a small-town Southern feel. The Aynor area, northwest of Conway, has a small-town feel as well.
Many families enjoy Conway's small-town Southern feel, Historic Downtown Conway, the Conway Riverwalk along the Waccamaw River, and its location about 15 miles from Myrtle Beach via US-501. Conway's public schools are part of Horry County Schools; families who want to be near Conway often also look at the nearby Aynor and Carolina Forest school areas. Betsy works extensively with families moving to the Conway area and can share firsthand insight into daily life there.
Carolina Forest offers many subdivisions and newer homes between Conway and Myrtle Beach and includes Carolina Forest High School. Conway and the Aynor area offer an inland, small-town setting. Little River is a historic fishing community on the Intracoastal Waterway near the North Carolina line, with marinas and seafood. Murrells Inlet is a historic fishing village known for the MarshWalk, and families there often look at the St. James school area. North Myrtle Beach, at the north end of the Grand Strand, is another option Betsy and Farah work in. Each has a distinct personality, and Betsy helps families identify which one fits.
Families can kayak and fish on the Waccamaw River, walk the Conway Riverwalk, and explore Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington Beach State Park. Brookgreen Gardens is near Murrells Inlet, Little River offers fishing charters on the Intracoastal Waterway, and golf is plentiful across the Grand Strand. Many neighborhoods also have their own community amenities.
It depends on where you live and where you're headed. Conway is about 15 miles from Myrtle Beach via US-501, roughly 30 minutes depending on traffic, and SC-22 (Veterans Highway / Conway Bypass) connects toward North Myrtle Beach. Carolina Forest sits between Conway and Myrtle Beach off US-501. Betsy can help you evaluate commute times based on where you work and what matters most to your family.
Betsy recommends starting with your top priorities: schools, commute, budget, and lifestyle. From there, she narrows down which areas are the best fit. Many relocating families focus on the Aynor, St. James, and Carolina Forest school areas, which are among the most sought-after in Horry County Schools. Betsy provides virtual and in-person tours, school zoning guidance, and neighborhood comparisons to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Costs vary widely by area and home type, and inland areas often offer more space for the money than homes closer to the beach. South Carolina has a state income tax, and owner-occupied primary residences receive a lower property tax assessment ratio than second homes or investment properties. HOA fees vary by neighborhood. Betsy provides transparent guidance on total cost of ownership so families can plan with confidence.
Yes. Carolina Forest includes many newer subdivisions, and new construction is available in parts of the Conway area and elsewhere in Horry County. Betsy can guide families through selecting lots, evaluating floor plans, and understanding builder contracts, and reminds buyers to confirm school zoning for any new-build address with Horry County Schools.
Betsy takes a consultative, family-first approach. She starts by understanding your priorities, including schools, commute, lifestyle, budget, and long-term plans, then matches you with neighborhoods and homes that align. With Farah Hyman, she focuses on Conway, Aynor, Carolina Forest, Little River, North Myrtle Beach, and Murrells Inlet.
Contact Betsy Hyman at (843) 446-9602 to find the right neighborhood for your family.