A Place at the Beach V

Myrtle Beach takes its name from the native wax myrtle trees that once lined its Atlantic shore, and that coastline still sets the tone for daily life across this 24-square-mile South Carolina resort city. The Grand Strand, one of the longest continuous stretches of beach on the East Coast, is more than a backdrop here. It anchors the economy, shapes the calendar, and gives the city its distinct coastal rhythm. Tourism drives much of that economy, with healthcare, hospitality, and retail rounding out a broad employment base. Coastal Carolina University, about 11 miles away in Conway, adds an academic presence to the wider region. Neighborhood variety gives Myrtle Beach real range as a place to call home. The Market Common, developed on a former Air Force base, delivers a walkable, park-lined residential setting. Grande Dunes offers a quieter feel near the Intracoastal Waterway, while the Boardwalk area keeps residents close to the city's coastal energy.