Historic Home

1. Housing Market Snapshot

Conway — Historic Charm, Attractive Prices

  • Affordability: As of June 2025, the median sale price in Conway is roughly $298,000, down about 4.2% year-over-year. January 2025 data from Bankrate shows a modest uptick, with a median of $300,528, reflecting a 1.9% increase year-over-year.
  • Listing Trends: The median listing price in January 2025 was $319,900, up 3.9% year‑over‑year, with homes selling for about 2.7% below listing price and taking ~72 days to sell.
  • Market Balance: Supply is increasing—270 homes for sale in January vs. 223 in January 2024—leading to a balanced market with a slightly more favorable stance for buyers.

coastal appeal homeMyrtle Beach — Coastal Appeal, Rising Demand

  • Appreciation: In October 2024, the median sale price in Myrtle Beach stood at $310,000, marking a 14% increase year-over-year. Earlier in 2025, February saw a median of $271,000, up 7.4% from the previous year.
  • Days on Market: Homes are taking longer to sell—103 days as of late 2024, and 119 days in February 2025, —indicating a gradual shift toward a more balanced market.
  • Condo/Townhome Market: Buyers have significant leverage with 8.2 months of condo inventory—the highest in years—and sales lasting ~134 days, suggesting excellent opportunity for deals indicating a gradual shift toward a more balanced market.
  • Condo/Townhome Market: Buyers have significant leverage with 8.2 months of condo inventory—the highest in years—and sales lasting ~134 days, suggesting excellent opportunity for deals. 

2. Cost of Living & Affordability

According to BestPlaces data:

  • Median home cost: Conway — $265,900, Myrtle Beach — $299,700.
  • Percentage difference: Conway’s housing costs are roughly 11.3% lower than Myrtle Beach’s.
  • Overall cost of living: Both cities score ~90.4 (below the U.S. average of 100). Housing is notably cheaper in Conway (71.9 vs. 75.0 in Myrtle Beach).

A nuanced calculation shows Myrtle Beach is about 1.5% cheaper to live in overall—but rent is 11% cheaper in Myrtle Beach compared to Conway.

3. Lifestyle & Demographics

Conway

  • A historic river town, founded in 1732, with a charming downtown and cultural amenities tied to Coastal Carolina University and the Riverwalk. 
  • Younger population: median age is 35.6, about 10 years younger than Myrtle Beach’s median of 45.7.
  • Slightly longer commutes but quieter, more laid-back living.

Myrtle Beach

  • Known for beaches and golf—dubbed the "Golf Capital of the World" with over 100 courses 
  • Appeals to retirees and tourists, fueling short-term rental demand and vibrant tourism-driven investment opportunities.

4. Investment & Market Trends

Myrtle Beach: High appeal for investors and vacation rentals. The area ranks among the most affordable beach towns and sees a significant share of all-cash purchases, indicating investor interest. 

  • New construction is underway throughout the region (Carolina Forest, Market Common, Conway), offering opportunities for pre-construction buyers and sustainable, energy-efficient housing.
  • Sustainability is gaining traction—expect demand for green-certified homes in Myrtle Beach, especially within new and upgraded builds.
  • Flood and climate resilience is becoming critical; coastal buyers need to evaluate elevation, flood zones, and resilient building features.

5. Risks & Community Considerations

  • Flooding and hurricane risk: Conway’s proximity to the Waccamaw River makes flood history especially relevant. Reports note major floods (2015, 2016, 2018) and ongoing concern for properties near waterways.
  • Traffic congestion: Summer traffic out of Conway toward the beaches can extend commute times dramatically—20–30 minutes turning into an hour or more.
  • Sellers should be upfront about flood history and preparation; buyers weighing Conway need to factor elevation and access.

Final Takeaways for Buyers, Sellers & Investors

For Home Buyers (Owner-Occupiers):

  • Choose Conway if you value affordability, cultural charm, and a younger community—just be mindful of flood zones and potential commute delays.
  • Myrtle Beach offers coastal living, lifestyle amenities, and long-term value—but comes at a higher cost and greater weather-related risk.

For Sellers:

  • In Conway, a balanced market means staging your home well and pricing competitively will be key.
  • In Myrtle Beach, highlight upgrades like energy efficiency and flood mitigation to appeal in a competitive, investor-driven market.

For Investors:

  • Myrtle Beach is prime territory for short-term rental returns—leverage tourism demand, but stay informed on licensing, HOA, and flood insurance requirements.
  • Conway offers potential for appreciation through new development and long-term buyers focused on affordability.

Final Word

If you’re seeking long-term, cost-effective living with historic community appeal, Conway is an excellent choice. If you're focused on vacation rentals, resort lifestyle, and golf/beach culture, Myrtle Beach offers robust investment potential—just be ready for higher prices and seasonal considerations.