Community Information - Myrtle Beach Area InformationThe Grand Strand stretches from Georgetown, South Carolina to Little River, South Carolina. Myrtle Beach sits in the center of the 60 miles of beautiful beaches. For years many have visited the area for all the relaxing qualities. Now many now have made Myrtle Beach one of the Top Second Home and Top Retirement Destinations in the United States.
A Little Myrtle Beach History History records that the first tourists here were a party of Spaniards from Hispaniola, who landed about 50 miles north of present-day Myrtle Beach in 1526 and eventually established the first European settlement in the U.S. about 30 miles to the south.
During the 18th century, pirates found the waters of the Atlantic a virtual paradise for their wild activities. Legends began here, the most popular being the infamous "Blackbeard," who regularly terrorized the Carolina shores. In the late 1800's a majority of the real estate was purchased by F. G. Burroughs, a Conway businessman. He decided to claim 80,000 acres, including the entire coastline from Little River and Murrells Inlet. Mr Burroughs built the Conway & Seashore Railroad, that was easily accessible to people everywhere and the tourism business began. A contest was held among local residents to rename the new town. Myrtle Beach was the winning name, in honor the Myrtle Tree, a waxy shrub native to the area.
The area's first hotel, The Seaside Inn, offered $2 rooms in 1901. Soon after, growth was underway and simple cottages began popping up all along the coast. Beachfront lots were $25 back then, (What A Great Investment!) and many beach cottages served as peaceful summer retreats, tucked away in the secluded beautiful setting of sand dunes and crystal blue Atlantic waters.
In 1925, Myrtle Beach gained the attention and respect of the rich and famous. A wealthy textile magnate from Greenville built the Ocean Forest Hotel, with an enormous ballroom, elaborately decorated rooms, the coast's first golf course, horseback riding and tennis. It was a well-know resort for the wealthy until it was demolished in 1974. In 1954 Myrtle Beach had grown into a pleasant little resort area, but hurricane Hazel did its damage. Following the storm, the redevelopment was plentiful and many golf courses, resorts and homes were built. The push toward resort development was bigger, better and stronger... and it hasn't slowed since!
Big development got underway in the 1960's & 1980's with the growth of North Myrtle Beach. Today, Myrtle Beach is the 13th fastest growning metropolitan area in the United States. The Grand Strand features over 100 golf courses, and is know as the golf capital of the world. Sportsman have both saltwater and freshwater fishing opportunities. The area features many historical museums and fantastic amusment parks. With the addition of several live music and theater venues, locals experience some of the top performing artists in the country. Many full time residents enjoy the mild climate, beautiful beaches, recreation, and the relaxing lifestyle.
Average Temp - 75 F Average Age - 37 Nearest Hospital - Grand Strand Regional Medical Center Nearest Airport - Myrtle Beach International Airport
Myrtle Beach features 25,000 permanent residents, and welcome millions of visitors to this full-service resort community. Guests come to enjoy the wide beaches, the Atlantic Ocean, and an incredible range of activities, entertainment, golf, shopping and dining.
Now, new condos, resorts, beach houses, and new homes dominate the resort scene of Myrtle Beach. Myrtle Beach still has some of the simple little beach cottages. The Grand Strand has had a long and colorful history, and history is still being made as this popular beach resort continues to grow and prosper.
Whether you're buying a home, selling your home or relocating to Myrtle Beach, the following information, resources and tools will help to guide your decision.
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