Conway, SC Real Estate News 

Century 21 McAlpine Blog

The Agents and Staff at Century 21 McAlpine love our area and one another! We hope to share some of our daily activities with you and see how we might better serve our community!


 

June 3, 2025

What It Is Like to Live in a Small Town in South Carolina

Charm, Community, and Opportunity Await in the Palmetto State

Conway SC Riverwalk

When people think of South Carolina, images of sandy beaches, historic cities like Charleston, and Lowcountry cuisine often come to mind. But beyond the tourist hotspots lies another side of the Palmetto State—its small towns. From the oak-lined streets of Summerville to the quiet farmland of Loris and the riverfront charm of Conway, small-town life in South Carolina offers an unbeatable mix of community, affordability, and quality of life.

Whether you're a homebuyer seeking a slower pace, a seller looking to market your property to the right audience, or an investor exploring emerging areas, South Carolina's small towns present unique and promising opportunities.

The Allure of Small-Town Living in South Carolina

Living in a small South Carolina town means more than just escaping the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s about embracing a lifestyle centered on connection, simplicity, and Southern hospitality.

1. A Strong Sense of Community

In towns like Murrells Inlet, Edisto Island, and Moncks Corner, neighbors still wave to one another, local businesses know your name, and community events—from farmers' markets to Friday night football—are woven into the local culture. This sense of belonging is one of the most common reasons people choose to relocate to smaller towns.

2. Lower Cost of Living

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, South Carolina consistently ranks among the more affordable states in the U.S., and small towns typically offer even more attractive real estate prices. Compared to metropolitan areas, you can often get more square footage, more land, and lower property taxes in places like Walterboro or Aynor—making it a win for first-time homebuyers and retirees alike.

3. Room to Grow—Literally and Financially

Small towns across South Carolina are experiencing steady growth without losing their charm. For real estate investors, this presents a chance to buy early in up-and-coming areas. Towns such as Bluffton and North Augusta have seen significant development in recent years, making them increasingly desirable for renters and buyers.

Top Benefits for Homebuyers

  • Affordability: A median home price far below the national average in many areas.
  • Land Ownership: Acreage is more accessible and affordable in rural and semi-rural communities.
  • Quality of Life: Less traffic, noise, and pollution compared to urban settings.

Whether you're relocating for retirement or seeking a peaceful place to raise a family, towns like Little River, Camden, and Hartsville offer scenic beauty with easy access to coastal or urban attractions.

What Sellers Should Know

If you're selling a home in a small South Carolina town, you're not just selling property—you're selling a lifestyle. Highlight the town's charm, community amenities, and proximity to regional attractions in your listing. More buyers from out of state are seeking alternatives to congested cities and are turning to the Carolinas for their next chapter.

Pro Tip: Use targeted marketing that appeals to remote workers, retirees, and families. The small-town appeal has grown significantly in the post-pandemic housing market, especially as people seek more space and flexibility.

Investor Opportunities in Emerging Towns

With the rise of remote work and an increased demand for affordable housing, smaller towns are on investors’ radar more than ever before. Many communities near Myrtle Beach, Columbia, and Charleston are growing rapidly, offering:

  • Buy-and-hold rental potential
  • Fix-and-flip opportunities
  • Vacation or seasonal home investment

Inland areas like Ridgeville or Saint George are now seeing spillover demand from nearby urban and coastal areas, offering great potential for early movers.

Challenges to Consider

While the perks are many, small-town life also comes with some trade-offs:

  • Limited access to specialty healthcare
  • Fewer entertainment options
  • Less public transportation infrastructure

However, many small South Carolina towns are within driving distance of major hubs like Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and Greenville—offering the best of both worlds.

Is Small-Town South Carolina Right for You?

If you're drawn to slower mornings, friendly neighbors, and wide-open spaces, small-town South Carolina might be exactly what you’re looking for. And with the state’s strong housing market and relatively low cost of living, there’s never been a better time to make the move—or the investment.

Let Us Help You Find the Perfect Small-Town Home

Whether you're searching for a cottage near the coast, a farmhouse in the Midlands, or an investment property in a developing community, our team knows South Carolina inside and out. Contact us today to explore current listings and get expert advice tailored to your goals.

 

 

Posted in Lifestyle
May 8, 2023

Top Reasons to Choose Bothell, Washington for Your Next Home

First of all is the location. Bothell is conveniently located about equal distances from the Eastside communities of Bellevue, Kirkland and Redmond, south to Seattle and North to Everett and is situated near the northeast end of Lake Washington along the Sammamish River. Fun fact, Bothell is one of 6 cities in Washington that are in multiple counties.  Bothell straddles King and Snohomish Counties.

Although Bothell is part of the Seattle Metropolitan area it has a much more suburban feel and as of 2020 had a population of just under 50,000. Bothell’s motto, is Welcome to Bothell for a day, or for a lifetime.

The second reason to consider Bothell Real Estate is its proximity to High Tech and Aerospace Companies.  The Seattle area has the 7th largest Tech talent labor pool in North America with over 180k workers. Seattle is home to over 3500 tech companies among which are companies such as Amazon Web Services, Google and Microsoft. Aerospace is also a major employer here with Boeing leading the field. It is estimated there are over 900 Aerospace companies employing approximately 90k workers/

Access to recreational opportunities and activities is beyond compare. In less than 2 hours you can be skiing the slopes at Stevens Pass, Wine tasting in the Yakima Valley, water skiing on Lake Washington, or hiking in the Olympic National Forest. This is truly a beautiful place to call home.

Western Washington has 4 seasons and while our soggy winters can feel dismal, our beautiful spring and fall seasons, along with our pleasant summers more than make up for it.

Bothell is also home to many fine dining restaurants, fun pubs and wine bars and a plethora of casual dining opportunities.

Finally, Bothell has a wide range of available housing from modest single-family homes in the 500s, to newer large homes priced in the $900-$1.2M range. It’s also possible to find sprawling estates here. If Condominiums are more your style, there is much to choose from single level attached condos to newer build detached condominium homes.

There’s much to explore and you’re going to want a trusted and experienced Realtor who know the neighborhoods to be your guide.

Nik Sir with Windermere Real Estate is just the Realtor you need. Nik brings over 15 years of experience and has orchestrated hundreds of transactions in King and Snohomish County. Having grown up in Bothell and raising his family in the area, his local knowledge is unmatched. Passionate about the community and lifestyle, Nik works tirelessly to ensure his clients obtain their perfect property. His unmatched knowledge and expertise of the local market enables him to obtain the best results for his clients.     Dedicated to serving clients beyond all expectations, trust, respect and great communication are at the heart of his real estate business.

Nik offers free consultations and online video chat tours for out of area buyers. You can reach him directly at 425.466.9666    Check out his reviews here: https://www.niksirrealty.com/nik-sirichoonchan/ 

Posted in Real Estate News
May 5, 2023

Featured City Fargo ND

Featured City: Popular City to Buy Real Estate

Are you considering purchasing a home but unsure of where to settle? Consider Fargo, ND! Fargo is a vibrant city in the heart of the Great Plains, with a population of over 120,000 residents. Here are some reasons why you should consider purchasing a home in Fargo.

Friendly People

Fargo is known for its friendly and welcoming people. This Midwestern charm is hard to come by in other parts of the country. People in Fargo are always willing to lend a helping hand or have a friendly conversation. The community is tight-knit, and residents are proud of their city. You'll feel at home in no time in Fargo. 

Interested in 55 Plus Communities?

Great Weather

Contrary to popular belief, Fargo does not have terrible weather all year round. While it can get quite cold in the winter months, the summers are mild and enjoyable. Spring and fall bring beautiful colors to the area, and residents take full advantage of the mild temperatures. Plus, the snow that comes in the winter is a great excuse to go skiing, snowboarding, or sledding.

Low Crime

Fargo is a safe city, with a low crime rate compared to other cities of similar size. The police department is active and engaged in the community, and residents feel secure in their neighborhoods. You can rest easy knowing that you and your family are safe in Fargo.

Cost of Living

Fargo has a relatively low cost of living, especially compared to other larger cities. Housing is affordable, and there are plenty of options for food, entertainment, and activities. In Fargo, you can live a comfortable life without breaking the bank. Check out some of the most recent Fargo Homes For Sale

Distinct Seasons

One of the great things about living in Fargo is experiencing all four seasons. You'll get to enjoy the changing colors of the leaves in the fall, snow in the winter, blossoming flowers in the spring, and warm weather in the summer. Each season offers a unique set of activities and events that you won't want to miss. 

Purchasing a home in Fargo, ND is a great decision. You'll enjoy friendly people, great weather, a low crime rate, a reasonable cost of living, and distinct seasons. Make Fargo your new home today!

 

Posted in Real Estate News
Feb. 15, 2017

New Subdivision Taking Off!

Brunson Springs

 

Located between Conway and Aynor and just minutes from Highway #22, this subdivision is a great decision for homeowners that would like a little more land.

All of the lots are at least 1/2 acre and homes are priced under $200,000. If you still like some trees and some privacy you should come and take a look. Residence like to ride their bikes or take a walk around the neighborhood to visit their neighbors. If you have children, this area school attendence is zoned for Aynor's award winning schools. 

IF you are tired for the cookie cutter homes really close together, please take a drive out #501 west of Myrtle Beach until you get to the Hwy #22 route to Myrtle Beach. Take the right exit ramp and another right onto Brunson Springs Road. Just a couple of miles down the road and you will see our entrance. Hope you will come see why we feel this is a wonderful value!

 

Posted in Real Estate News
Feb. 9, 2016

Rain, Rain, Go Away...

 

Getting tired of so much rain!

The average rainfall in Horry County is 51” per year. I believe most of that has come in the previous 4 months!! The average rainfall for the United States is 37” so we already have a great deal of moisture to make our countryside very green. We are quick to tell the visitors coming to Myrtle Beach or the Grand Strand that we have an average of 214 days of beautiful sunshine!! All real estate looks better in the sunshine, our attitudes are better in the sunshine, and we get more exercise when there is sunshine. Hopefully by the first of March we will see a lot more sunshine. Until then, here are a few pointers from the National Weather Service on how to drive safely in the rain.

  • First and foremost: slow down!

  • Stay toward the middle lanes - water tends to pool in the outside lanes.

  • Maintain proper following distance (3 Second Rule). This needs to be increased in wet weather.

  • Don't follow large trucks or busses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.

  • Be more alert when driving in wet or slippery conditions. Watch out for brake lights in front of you.

My relatives live in Southern California and it is absolutely beautiful there. But the one thing I missed was the wonderful “green” everywhere back home in South Carolina. As far as you can see there is brown, brown, brown. Occasional green patches of irrigated lawns and heavily landscaped areas around commercial buildings look like patchwork in the dessert. I am tired of so much rain but it will soon be gone and the sunshine and visitors from all across our great nation will be coming to enjoy the sandy beaches and lush green surroundings. 

Posted in Real Estate News
Oct. 12, 2015

Flooding and Clean Up in South Carolina!

disaster areas

As a native of coastal South Carolina, I have seen several natural disasters affect our state. Hurricane Hazel when I was a small child and Hugo which totally devastated our Garden City family beach house and neighborhood. During hurricane Floyd we saw unprecedented flood waters in my home town of Conway, SC.

Last week we experienced similar devastation with massive amounts of rain. Governor Halley said this was a “1000 year event” with over 20” of rainfall over October 3-4 weekend alone.

Roads were impassable, folks stranded waiting for rescue teams to take them to shelters, and millions of dollars of damage to homes. It was and still is a sad time for many South Carolinians.

Now the county Emergency Operations Center is transitioning to recovery mode. There will be two FEMA Disaster Resource Centers open this week. One located in the north end of the county and the other the south end. Each center will have a FEMA representative and other federal agency representatives to help with assistance. There is help for those with no flood insurance as well as those who need help with temporary relocation. You may use the 1-800-621-FEMA number or the website DisasterAssistance.gov to register.

Aid for individual flood victims:

• 18 months of housing

• grants for replacement of personal property , medical or dental

• low interest loans

• Crisis counseling, unemployment assistance, and legal aid

Aid for county and states effected:

• rebuilding infrastructure up to 75% of the costs

The deadline for most assistance programs is 60 days following the Presidents major disaster declaration which was given on October 5, 2015.

Most of the downtown areas are clear now and the majority of roads are open. However, those living on the river and swamps will be dealing with the mud, ruined homes and impassable streets for weeks to come. I am touched by the outpouring of community support and caring.

My home church Trinity United Methodist church was not able to hold services this past Sunday and their parking lot and grounds are flooded. However, there is is no water in the building and we count our blessings.

Posted in Real Estate News
Aug. 31, 2013

Poplar Church Rd. Home Video

Katie Brookshire just posted a video of one of our favorite home listings at 3101 Poplar Church Rd. This is in a beautiful country setting close to the Hwy 22 Conway Bypass for quick access to Myrtle Beach. Give us a call to take a look at this fantastic property. 

Poplar Church Rd. Video Play

3101 Poplar Church Rd. Video

Posted in New Listings
Oct. 18, 2012

Lucas Bay Light

Halloween is just around the corner and like many Halloween fans, I often tell the familiar ghost story of the Lucas Bay Light. If you are from Conway, SC, you most certainly have heard of the Lucas Bay Light or have even experienced the sighting yourself. Legend has it that the light is the ghost of a female slave walking through the woods or down the dirt road searching for her lost child.   

I have seen the Lucas Bay light myself and can tell you that it is unexplainable and very spooky. I had been told prior to my visit as a teenager that the light may or may not be visible and that other experiences included feeling cold or often times the vehicle that you came in could have engine trouble. It has also been reported that you could hear a baby cry. 

On the night that I experienced the light, I was shocked that it was so extremely bright and obvious. I think I imagined it being hard to see or more like an ora but this light traveled smoothly through the air and was as if someone was holding a lantern not to far away from me. When it first appears, you want to believe you will see another light soon like a car coming, or hear the hum of a motorcycle, but then the light turns to an orange, amber glow and in the stillness you feel like you just walked into a standup freezer. I did not experience any car trouble and did not hear the cry of a child but none the less, I have remembered the event so well for all these years.

 

Have you ever experienced the Lucas Bay Light? Tell us your story!

You can see a first hand account of another individual's Lucas Bay sighting below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQSvM6mMVgg

Posted in Lifestyle
Feb. 24, 2012

Cleaning Porcelain Tubs

I've been looking for a long time now to find a way to clean a porcelain enamel tub that is stained badly. As I share a love of old houses and enjoy the chance to remodel while keeping the character that they offer; I often find bathtubs that appear permanently stained and dirty. 

Without having to spend hundred's of dollars to have your bathtub re-enameled there are a few tricks to clean the tub without harsh chemicals. If you are selling an older home and want it to appear it's best, you may need to give this a try as well.

First, mix a generous amount of Baking Soda and warm water into a paste. Rub the gritty paste over all of the stained area's of your porcelain bathtub and prepare yourself for a little elbow greese action. Next, re-use any clean squirt bottle and fill with lemon juice. Turn the nozzle to mist and lightly spray the surface of the prepared baking soda mixture. Finally, using protective gloves scrub the surface of the bathtub in a circular motion with a soft cloth. Small stained area's will come clean in no-time but those of you with stubborn stained surfaces over the majority of the surface will find that you may need to use more lemon juice and repetition. Don't forget, as with all acidic fruit juices that wear away at enamel on our teeth- it will do the same to an enameled tub so don't use this treatment as an everyday cleaner.

After an hour of hard work last night, my bathtub looks like brand new using only common household products! As my 4 year old says- "Wow- it looks so sunny now mama!" The added bonus; I got a great arm workout!!! 

Items Needed:

Baking Soda, Warm Water, Squirt Bottle, Lemon Juice, Protective Gloves

Posted in DIY and Staging
July 12, 2011

The Value of Remodeling My Home

The Final Tally

by Nancy M. Lee

President

Century 21 McAlpine Associates

My family is closing this week on a cute little bungalow in Surfside Beach, SC. It is located only 4 blocks from the beach and is on a beautiful wooded lot.  It has 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths.The home is presently loved and well cared for and has that comfortable family “feel”. The only problem is that the house is over 30 years old and needs some face lifting. What items do we spend money on that will be recoupable when the time comes to sell?

 

This is the same question home owners ask us all the time. For example, if you really want a pool, can you get your investment back? In most cases “NO”. In my experience, only about 50% of your investment will be recuperated when you sell the home. This percentage will be higher if you are in a beach front community and rent your home on a weekly basis. Tourists like a pool just like if they were staying in a motel and will rent your house for more money with that amenity.

 

In our case, we would like to paint or change the outside of the home from wood to vinyl for fresh color and low maintenance. According to residential specialist, that will be an investment that you can get 80% of the value back for your expense. We may also do some minor kitchen remodeling and should get 72.8% of that expense back in value. We also plan to add an additional bath and outside shower. I really want that part, even though the experts say I will only get 53% of my investment back. The upgrades that you do to the exterior will be the most profitable. Curb appeal is still the main attraction for buyers of your home.

 

In the final tally, you need to know that not all of the money you will spend on your home will be realized back in value when you decide to sell.

Posted in Lifestyle