Buyers who want acreage keep landing in Loris for one reason: land costs less here than closer to the beach, and you can still reach the coast in a reasonable drive. If you're searching homes for sale in Loris, SC with a few acres in mind, you're in the right part of Horry County, as long as you do the homework that rural land demands.
Why Does Loris Appeal to Acreage Buyers?
Space, mostly. Loris sits along Highway 9 and Highway 701 in the northern part of the county, with farmland, pine woods, and open lots in every direction. It's the town that throws the Loris Bog-Off every October, and the feel of the place matches that: practical, friendly, and not in a hurry.
Out-of-state buyers tell me the same thing every year. They want a garden, a workshop, a place for the dogs, maybe a few chickens, and they don't want to hear the neighbor's television. In Loris, that's an ordinary request. In Carolina Forest it's a fantasy.
What Kinds of Acreage Properties Are Available Near Loris?
You'll find three main types. First, a house on one to three acres, usually in a rural subdivision or along a county road. Second, a farmhouse or older home on five or more acres, often with outbuildings. Third, raw land you plan to build on. For the second type, start with the 5-acre homes for sale list, which gives you a feel for what the larger parcels look like. For smaller lots in a neighborhood setting, look at communities like Barker Farms.
Don't stop at the Loris town line. Buyers who like the idea of country living also tour Galivants Ferry, which sits toward the Little Pee Dee River and offers the same slow pace with a different landscape. Compare the two on a Saturday and you'll know which one feels right.
What Should You Check Before Buying Acreage in Horry County?
Rural land comes with rules that city lots don't. Here's the short list I give every buyer.
- - Access. Make sure the property touches a public road or has a recorded easement. Private roads need a maintenance agreement.
- - Septic and well. If there's no sewer, the SC Department of Environmental Services has to approve the septic site. Test the well water before you close.
- - Flood and wetlands. Pull the FEMA flood map and look for wetlands on the survey. Wet ground limits where you can build.
- - Zoning and use. Ask Horry County Planning what the parcel allows, including barns, rentals, and mobile homes.
- - Survey. Order a new boundary survey. Old fence lines and old deeds don't always agree.
Skipping any one of these is how a good deal becomes an expensive lesson. I've watched buyers lose months because the lot they loved couldn't pass a septic evaluation.
What Does It Cost to Own Land Out Here?
The purchase price is only the beginning. You'll pay for mowing, driveway upkeep, fencing, and a longer drive for groceries and doctors. Insurance can also run differently on rural properties, because fire protection distance matters. Ask for a quote with the exact address, and ask what the nearest fire station is.
On taxes, a primary residence qualifies for the Horry County legal residence exemption, and some working farmland can qualify for agricultural use assessment. Call the county assessor to see what applies to the specific parcel.
Key Takeaways
Loris gives acreage buyers more land per dollar than most of the Grand Strand, with the beach still within driving range. Look at one to three acre homes, farmhouses on five acres or more, and raw land, and compare Loris with Galivants Ferry before you decide. Verify access, septic, well, flood zone, wetlands, zoning, and survey before the contract goes firm. Budget for upkeep and insurance, and ask the county about tax exemptions for the exact parcel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much land do I need for a septic system in Horry County?
It depends on soil conditions and the size of the home, not just acreage. The SC Department of Environmental Services evaluates the site, so get the evaluation done during your due diligence period.
Can I build on any parcel I buy in Loris?
No. Access, wetlands, flood zone, zoning, and septic approval all decide whether a lot is buildable. Verify each one before the contract goes firm.
Is Loris close enough to the beach for a daily commute?
It's a real drive, not a short hop. Plan your route and your timing before you buy, because the trip changes with traffic and season.
Do I need a survey on rural land?
Yes. A new survey shows boundaries, easements, and wetlands that an old plat can miss.
About Greg Harrelson
Greg Harrelson is a seasoned Realtor® with more than 30 years of experience serving the Myrtle Beach and Grand Strand markets. As the founder of Century 21 The Harrelson Group, Greg has built his career helping buyers, sellers, and investors achieve success in every corner of the coastal Carolina real estate market. His expertise spans residential homes, investment properties, land development, and coastal condos. Known for his deep local knowledge, innovative marketing strategies, and commitment to personal service, Greg consistently helps clients reach their real estate goals while navigating the ever-changing market with confidence and precision.