Moving to Atlantic Beach, SC: Living in the Black Pearl

Atlantic Beach is one of the smallest towns on the Grand Strand and one of the most historic. Known for generations as “The Black Pearl,” it was founded in 1934 as an oceanfront resort for African American families during segregation, and in the 1950s and ’60s it drew performers like Ray Charles, Little Richard and Otis Redding. The town covers just four oceanfront blocks between the Windy Hill and Crescent Beach sections of North Myrtle Beach. In January 2025, the Atlantic Beach Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Living here suits people who want a quieter, less crowded stretch of beach with deep cultural roots, while still being minutes from North Myrtle Beach’s shopping, dining and golf. Because the town is so small, most daily errands happen in North Myrtle Beach, and it helps to know how the area works before you buy or rent.

Planning a move to Atlantic Beach? Call our NC & SC team at 910-758-0081 or get your price online.

Where Is Atlantic Beach?

Atlantic Beach is in Horry County, South Carolina, on the northern Grand Strand. It is almost completely surrounded by the city of North Myrtle Beach and shares the 29582 ZIP code with it. Historically, visitors arrived by Interstate 95, US-17 and SC-9, and US-17 is still the main road running parallel to the coast here.

Approximate driving distances (OpenStreetMap routing):

Main Street, North Myrtle Beach: about 3 miles, under 10 minutes
Barefoot Landing: about 2 miles
Calabash, NC: about 12 miles, roughly 20 minutes
Myrtle Beach: about 13 miles, roughly 25 minutes
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR): about 17 miles, roughly 30 minutes
Conway: about 26 miles
Wilmington, NC: about 59 miles
Charleston: about 109 miles
Columbia: about 157 miles
Charlotte: about 179 miles

Summer traffic on US-17 can stretch those times considerably, especially on weekends.

Atlantic Beach Population & Demographics

Atlantic Beach had 195 residents in 87 households at the 2020 Census. With so few people, the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) numbers for the town come from a very small sample and carry large margins of error. We show them below next to Horry County so you have context, but for a town this size they are rough indicators, not precise measurements.

Measure (ACS 2020–2024)	Atlantic Beach	Horry County	South Carolina	United States
Population	237	383,016	5,296,225	334,922,500
Median age	41.5	48.7	40.2	38.9
Median household income	$33,500	$66,880	$69,324	$80,734
Bachelor’s degree or higher (age 25+)	21.1%	27.1%	32.1%	35.7%
Owner-occupied homes	23.3%	77.3%	71.9%	65.2%
Median home value	$385,000	$287,700	$259,000	$332,700

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates via Census Reporter; 2020 Census count via Wikipedia.

Even allowing for the margins of error, the owner-occupancy figure tells you something useful: fewer than a quarter of occupied homes in town were owner-occupied, so the local market leans heavily toward rentals. Horry County as a whole is much older than the state, with a median age of 48.7.

Is Atlantic Beach Safe?

We did not find reliable, current crime data for a town this small, and numbers based on a couple hundred residents plus large numbers of visitors can be misleading. The better approach is to talk to the town’s police department about the specific block you’re considering and to visit on a regular weekday evening, not only during a big event weekend. Memorial Day weekend in particular brings very large crowds, so plan around it.

Cost of Living in Atlantic Beach

Home Prices

Zillow’s Home Value Index, an estimate of what a typical home is worth, was about $288,993 for Atlantic Beach in August 2026, down 0.4% from a year earlier. For comparison, the 29582 ZIP code that Atlantic Beach shares with North Myrtle Beach was about $397,774 (up 0.8%), Horry County was about $319,813, and South Carolina was about $306,323.

Few homes trade in Atlantic Beach in a given year, so prices swing a lot depending on what’s for sale: an oceanfront condo and an older cottage a few blocks back are very different purchases. Ask your agent for recent sales on your exact block, and get flood-zone and insurance quotes before you make an offer.

Rent

Rents in this part of the Grand Strand have risen quickly. Zillow’s Observed Rent Index for the 29582 ZIP code was about $1,823 a month in August 2026, up 13.2% from a year earlier. The ACS median gross rent for Atlantic Beach itself was $1,083 (2020–2024) and $1,255 for Horry County, but those figures lag the market.

Best Neighborhoods in and Around Atlantic Beach

The Atlantic Beach Historic District

The historic district runs between 29th and 32nd Avenues South, from South Ocean Boulevard to Wiley Avenue, and includes 72 contributing buildings. This is the heart of the town, with the oceanfront, older cottages, small motels and the landmarks of the Black Pearl era. It suits buyers who value history and a quiet beach and don’t mind a small-town pace. The town received several preservation grants in 2022, a sign of ongoing investment in its historic buildings.

Windy Hill

Windy Hill is one of the two North Myrtle Beach sections that border Atlantic Beach. Because it’s part of a much larger city, you’ll find far more homes and condos for sale or rent here than in Atlantic Beach itself, along with city services from North Myrtle Beach. It suits people who want to be next door to Atlantic Beach with a wider choice of housing.

Crescent Beach

Crescent Beach is the North Myrtle Beach section on the other side of Atlantic Beach. Like Windy Hill, it gives you a larger pool of beach-area homes and condos while keeping you minutes from the Atlantic Street beach access and the historic district. It suits retirees, second-home owners and families who want an easy walk to the sand.

Weather & Climate

Atlantic Beach has a warm, humid coastal climate. At NOAA’s North Myrtle Beach station, right next door, the 1991–2020 normals show January averaging a high of 55.7°F and a low of 36.7°F. July averages a high of 87.6°F and a low of 73.7°F. Snow is rare.

The station averages 48.5 inches of rain a year. The wettest months are July (5.40 inches), August (6.25 inches) and September (6.65 inches), which overlap with the peak of hurricane season. The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, and the town’s own history includes Hurricane Hazel in 1954, which destroyed its wooden oceanfront buildings.

Month	Avg. high	Avg. low	Precipitation
January	55.7°F	36.7°F	3.01 in.
April	71.8°F	53.3°F	2.77 in.
July	87.6°F	73.7°F	5.40 in.
October	75.6°F	56.3°F	4.20 in.

Source: NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, North Myrtle Beach station.

For moving, October, November, March, April and early May are usually the easiest months: mild temperatures, less rain and lighter tourist traffic. Avoid Memorial Day weekend if you can, and in summer, schedule early-morning starts to beat the heat.

Things to Do in Atlantic Beach

The Beach Itself

Visit Myrtle Beach describes Atlantic Beach’s shoreline as wide and less crowded than neighboring areas, and there is free parking at the Atlantic Street Beach Access. For residents, that means an easy morning walk or swim without the crowds you’ll find farther south.

Atlantic Beach Bikefest

Held every Memorial Day weekend, Bikefest (also called Black Bike Week) is one of the largest African American motorcycle rallies in the country. Visit Myrtle Beach puts attendance at around 400,000 visitors. It’s a huge celebration, but it also brings heavy traffic, so plan errands and moves around it. Wikipedia notes that attendance has been reported anywhere from 350,000 to 400,000, and it is considered the third- or fourth-largest motorcycle rally of any kind in the United States.

Gullah Geechee Festival

In late summer, the town hosts a Gullah Geechee Festival with music, crafts, storytelling and artisans. In 2025 it ran August 29–31. It’s a good introduction to the culture that shaped Atlantic Beach.

Black Pearl History

George Tyson bought 47 acres of beachfront here on October 11, 1934, and a second tract of about 49 acres, known as Pearl Beach, was added in 1941. In the 1940s and ’50s, places like the Black Hawk Night Club drew top R&B acts. The town describes itself as the only remaining African American owned and governed oceanfront municipality in the United States. Take a walk through the historic district to see what remains.

Local Businesses, Art and Water Sports

Visit Myrtle Beach points to a few small businesses in town worth knowing: Atlantic Water Sports for jet skis and parasailing, the CJSS Skillern Family Art Museum, and historic lodging such as the E&E Motel and Woods Villas. Supporting these local owners is part of living in a town this small, and they are good places to meet neighbors.

Barefoot Landing and North Myrtle Beach

Barefoot Landing, about 2 miles away, has restaurants, shopping and shows. Main Street in North Myrtle Beach is about 3 miles away, and the area’s golf courses, mini-golf and water sports are all a short drive from home.

Where to Eat Near Atlantic Beach

Atlantic Beach has only a handful of businesses of its own, so most dining happens a few minutes away in North Myrtle Beach.

Hoskins Restaurant

Hubert and Leona Hoskins opened this restaurant in 1948, and it still serves breakfast, lunch and dinner at 405 Main Street in North Myrtle Beach. The menu is built around seafood, steaks and fried chicken, with local and seasonal produce.

SeaBlue Restaurant & Wine Bar

SeaBlue, at 501 Highway 17 North, serves contemporary American food with classic French technique and a farm-to-table focus, using seafood from local fishermen. It’s open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday and is a good choice for a special night out.

Villa Tuscanna

Open since 2003, Villa Tuscanna at 97 Highway 17 North serves Northern Italian dishes like lasagna, meatballs and osso buco, with sauces and stocks made in-house. It’s a family-run spot and a reliable pick for a sit-down dinner.

Jobs & Economy

Tourism drives the economy here. Hotels, vacation rentals, restaurants, retail, golf and entertainment in North Myrtle Beach and along US-17 provide many local jobs, and much of that work is busiest in the summer season.

Horry County Schools is another large employer, with 59 schools and 48,662 students according to NCES (2024–2025). County government jobs are centered in Conway, the county seat. If you work remotely, the quieter pace of Atlantic Beach can be a big plus.

Schools Near Atlantic Beach

Public schools in Atlantic Beach are run by Horry County Schools, the only school district in the county. NCES data for 2024–2025 show the district’s North Myrtle Beach-area secondary schools as:

North Myrtle Beach High School (3750 Sea Mountain Highway, Little River): about 1,673 students, grades 9–12
North Myrtle Beach Middle School (11240 Highway 90, Little River): about 1,267 students, grades 6–8

Attendance zones can change, so confirm the elementary, middle and high school for your address with Horry County Schools before you sign. For college, Coastal Carolina University is in the Conway area.

Atlantic Beach Quick Facts

County	Horry County, South Carolina
Founded	1934
ZIP code	29582 (shared with North Myrtle Beach)
Area codes	843, 854
Land area	About 0.16–0.2 square miles
Population	195 (2020 Census)
Historic designation	Atlantic Beach Historic District, National Register of Historic Places (January 24, 2025)
School district	Horry County Schools
Nearest airport	Myrtle Beach International (MYR), about 17 miles
Nickname	“The Black Pearl”

Moving to Atlantic Beach: Tips From Our Crew

Don’t schedule around Memorial Day weekend. Bikefest brings hundreds of thousands of visitors, and traffic on US-17 and the side streets slows to a crawl. Pick a date at least several days before or after.
Plan for stairs and elevators. Many beach homes are raised on pilings, with long outdoor staircases, and oceanfront condos often require you to reserve a freight elevator. Tell us about both when you book, and ask your building for its move-in rules.
Get a certificate of insurance early. Condo associations and property managers usually want a COI before movers arrive. We provide COIs for free; just send us the building’s requirements.
Book hurricane season with a backup plan. Between June and November, keep an eye on the tropics. If a storm threatens, we’ll work with you on a new date, and we never charge a rescheduling fee.
Beat the heat and the sand. In summer, start early in the morning. Protect floors from sand with runners, and keep electronics and paperwork out of hot garages and storage units.
Ask about flood zones and insurance before you buy. Flood and wind insurance can make a big difference in your monthly cost. Get quotes before you’re under contract.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Atlantic Beach

Is Atlantic Beach part of North Myrtle Beach?

No. Atlantic Beach is its own town with its own government, but it is almost entirely surrounded by the city of North Myrtle Beach and shares the 29582 ZIP code. Most shopping, dining and services are in North Myrtle Beach, just a few minutes away.

Why is Atlantic Beach called “The Black Pearl”?

During segregation, Atlantic Beach was one of the few beaches where African American families could vacation, and in the 1940s and ’50s it became a popular resort with hotels, restaurants and nightclubs. The nickname reflects that history. The town’s historic district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2025.

How much do movers cost in Atlantic Beach?

Costs depend on the size of your move, distance, stairs or elevators, and any packing you need. A condo with a freight elevator and a raised beach house with outdoor stairs take different amounts of time. Call for a free quote; an owner calls you back within 15 minutes between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

What schools serve Atlantic Beach?

Horry County Schools serves Atlantic Beach. The North Myrtle Beach-area middle and high schools are in Little River. School assignments are based on your address, so confirm your zone with the district before buying or signing a lease.

When is the best time to move to Atlantic Beach?

Fall and spring are usually best, with mild weather and fewer tourists. Avoid Memorial Day weekend because of Bikefest, and remember that hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. If you move in summer, start early in the day to avoid the heat.

Move to Atlantic Beach With A & M Friendly Movers

A & M Friendly Movers is a family-owned company, founded in 2015, with an office in North Myrtle Beach, just minutes from Atlantic Beach. Our crews are background-checked, drug-tested W-2 employees, never subcontractors. With our Owner’s Promise, you talk to an owner, not a call center. If anything is damaged, an owner calls you the same day, and claims are resolved in 60 to 90 days. We handle local moves, long-distance moves with a binding estimate and guaranteed delivery date, packing and storage. Visit our Atlantic Beach movers page or our South Carolina hub, or call 910-758-0081.

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Moving to Atlantic Beach, SC: Living in Atlantic Beach Guide