Moving to Garden City, SC: Garden City Beach Guide

Garden City is a laid-back beach community on the south end of the Grand Strand, between Surfside Beach and Murrells Inlet. It is known for its fishing pier with live music on summer nights, a Fourth of July golf cart parade, and a stretch of beach that runs all the way to the mouth of Murrells Inlet. Compared with Myrtle Beach, it is quieter, lower-rise and more residential.

Garden City is especially popular with retirees and semi-retirees: the median age here is over 60. It also suits second-home owners, anglers, and anyone who wants to walk to the beach from a condo or cottage. At the 2020 Census, nearly half of the housing units were vacant, which likely reflects the many vacation rentals and second homes here. For year-round residents, that means a relaxed off-season and a lively summer.

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

Where Is Garden City?

Garden City is a census-designated place (CDP) in southern Horry County. It is bordered by the town of Surfside Beach to the northeast, US-17 to the northwest, the Georgetown County line to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast. The developed beach, known as Garden City Beach, continues past the CDP into Georgetown County and ends on a peninsula at the mouth of Murrells Inlet.

US-17 Business is the main road through the middle of the community. Distances by road:

Myrtle Beach: about 10 miles northeast
Georgetown: about 25 miles southwest via US-17
Charleston: about 86 miles
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR): the nearest commercial airport, with more than 50 nonstop destinations on 10 airline partners

The Census Bureau puts the CDP’s total area at 5.4 square miles, nearly all of it land.

Garden City Population & Demographics

Garden City’s year-round population is growing again after a flat decade. The CDP had 9,357 residents at the 2000 Census, 9,209 in 2010 and 10,235 at the 2020 Census. The latest Census survey estimate is 11,591.

Measure (ACS 2020–2024)	Garden City	Horry County	South Carolina
Population	11,591	383,016	5,296,225
Population (2020 Census)	10,235	—	—
Median age	62.2	48.7	40.2
Residents 65 and older	42.0%	26.4%	—
Median household income	$47,249	$66,880	$69,324
Per capita income	$45,274	$38,025	$39,236
Bachelor’s degree or higher (25+)	22.2%	27.1%	32.1%
Owner-occupied homes	85.4%	77.3%	71.9%
Average household size	1.9	2.4	2.4
Veterans (share of adults)	10.2%	8.9%	8.3%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates, via Census Reporter; 2020 Census counts via Wikipedia.

At the 2020 Census, Garden City had 5,272 households. About 41.9% were married couples, 37.5% were people living alone, and 23.5% were someone 65 or older living alone. Only 12.3% of households had children under 18.

A few numbers help explain Garden City. The median household income is lower than the county’s, but per capita income is higher. That pattern is common in communities with many small retiree households: the average household here has just 1.9 people. At the 2020 Census, 47.9% of the 10,110 housing units were vacant, and the rental vacancy rate was 31.7%, likely because so many units are vacation rentals and second homes.

Is Garden City Safe?

We did not find a reliable, recent crime data source specific to Garden City, so we are not going to quote one. Garden City is unincorporated, so the Horry County Police Department provides law enforcement through its precinct system. Like any beach town, it gets busier in summer, and many streets have a mix of full-time residents and short-term renters. Visit in both July and January to get a feel for the street you are considering.

Cost of Living in Garden City

Home Prices

The Census Bureau puts the median value of owner-occupied homes in Garden City at $217,400 (2020–2024), below the Horry County median of $287,700 and the South Carolina median of $259,000.

For recent sales, Garden City shares ZIP code 29576 with Murrells Inlet. Redfin reports a median sale price of $394,829 in 29576 for the three months ending August 2026, down 2.3% from a year earlier, while the median price per square foot rose 8.6% to $241. Sales volume jumped 28.9% to 362 homes, and the median home sold in 75 days, typically about 3% below list price. The best-priced homes still go quickly: Redfin says “hot homes” in 29576 can sell for around list price and go pending in about 19 days.

Rent

The median gross rent in Garden City is $1,472 a month (2020–2024), higher than the Horry County median of $1,255 and the South Carolina median of $1,180. With so many vacation rentals in the area, year-round leases can be harder to find. Start looking early, and ask whether a unit is available for 12 months or only until the summer season.

Best Areas of Garden City

Oceanfront and Waccamaw Drive

The blocks along the ocean, including Waccamaw Drive where the pier sits, are the classic Garden City beach experience: condos, beach houses and walk-to-the-sand living. This area suits retirees, second-home owners and anyone who wants the beach as their backyard. It is also in Horry County’s hurricane evacuation Zone A, so expect higher insurance costs and plan for evacuations.

The South End Toward Murrells Inlet

Garden City Beach continues south across the county line into Georgetown County and ends on a peninsula at the mouth of Murrells Inlet. Homes here sit between the ocean and the marsh, with views of both. It suits boaters, anglers and buyers who want a quieter stretch of beach. Check which county a home is in, since taxes and services differ.

West of Business 17

The residential streets between US-17 Business and US-17 are a short drive or bike ride from the beach. This area suits year-round residents and families who want beach access with a little more distance from the summer crowds on the oceanfront. Horry County’s Zone A covers areas east of Business 17, so these streets generally fall outside it, but check the county map for your exact address.

Weather & Climate

Garden City has a humid subtropical climate moderated by the ocean. The closest long-term normals are for Myrtle Beach (NOAA 1991–2020):

January: average high 55.5°F, average low 33.6°F
July: average high 87.4°F, average low 71.6°F
Rainfall: about 53.6 inches a year; September is the wettest month at 6.77 inches

Hurricanes are part of Garden City’s history. Hurricane Hazel hit on October 14, 1954, and left only two houses habitable. In September 1989, Hurricane Hugo destroyed 43% of the beachfront structures along Garden City’s coast, along with the pier. After Hugo, Horry County’s administrator said, “Garden City for all practical purposes is gone.” The community rebuilt, and work on the new pier began in February 1992. The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, peaking around September 10, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Best time to move: Late fall through spring is ideal. You avoid summer vacation traffic and rental changeovers, and most of peak hurricane season is behind you by late October.

Things to Do in Garden City

The Pier at Garden City

The 668-foot pier at 110 South Waccamaw Drive is the heart of the community. Fishing passes cost $12 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under, and no fishing license is required. There is a café serving breakfast and burgers (try the Hugo burger, named after the 1989 hurricane that destroyed the pier), a classic arcade, and live bands most summer nights, weather permitting. In summer, fishing is open around the clock; in winter, the pier is open from 6am to 10pm.

Garden City Golf Cart Parade

Every Fourth of July, residents decorate golf carts in red, white and blue and parade through the community. It is a longtime local tradition and a fun way to meet neighbors.

Murrells Inlet MarshWalk

Just south of Garden City, the MarshWalk is a half-mile wooden boardwalk along a saltwater estuary, lined with waterfront restaurants and free live music.

Huntington Beach State Park

Near Murrells Inlet in Georgetown County, this 2,500-acre park has a wide, uncrowded beach, surf fishing, 173 campsites and some of the best bird-watching on the East Coast. Atalaya, the Huntingtons’ Depression-era winter home, is inside the park. The campground has 107 standard sites with water and electric and 66 full-hookup sites, which makes it a handy place for visiting family with an RV.

Brookgreen Gardens

Just south of Murrells Inlet, Brookgreen Gardens opened in 1932 on the grounds of four former rice plantations. The 9,100-acre property includes sculpture gardens, the Lowcountry Zoo and nature trails.

Where to Eat in Garden City

Gulfstream Cafe

At 1536 South Waccamaw Drive, Gulfstream Cafe has served coastal seafood and Southern favorites with a waterfront view for nearly 40 years. Watch the sunset from the rooftop deck, and look for its seasonal oyster roasts.

The Pier Café and Deck Bar

The café at The Pier at Garden City serves hot breakfast in the morning and burgers, hot dogs and fries all day. In summer, the deck bar hosts afternoon karaoke and live bands after dark.

River City Cafe (Surfside Beach)

Just up the road at 11 North Seaside Drive in Surfside Beach, River City Cafe is a Grand Strand burger spot with several locations from Murrells Inlet to North Myrtle Beach. It is an easy casual meal during a busy moving week.

Jobs & Economy

Tourism drives Garden City’s economy, from vacation rentals and property management to restaurants, fishing and the pier. With a median age over 60, many residents are retired. For those still working, the average commute is 22 minutes, shorter than the state average of 25.6.

The Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation lists Horry County’s largest employers as Horry County Schools (about 6,400 employees), Coastal Carolina University (about 2,700), Horry County Government (about 2,650), Conway Medical Center (about 1,800), McLeod Seacoast (about 1,700) and Grand Strand Regional Medical Center (about 1,300). Myrtle Beach, about 10 miles away, is the closest major job center, and the Georgetown County side of the Grand Strand is right next door.

Remote workers are a good fit for Garden City, too. The lower pace in the off-season, a short drive to the airport and year-round beach access are big draws for people whose jobs are not tied to a local office. Just confirm internet options at a specific address before you sign, especially in older beach cottages.

Schools in Garden City

The Horry County side of Garden City is served by Horry County Schools, the third-largest district in South Carolina, with more than 45,000 students (2018–19) in 56 schools across nine attendance areas: Aynor, Carolina Forest, Conway, Green Sea Floyds, Loris, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Socastee and St. James. Homes on the Georgetown County side of Garden City Beach fall under the Georgetown County School District instead. Because the county line runs through the area, always confirm school assignments by exact address.

For college, Horry-Georgetown Technical College has a Grand Strand Campus in Myrtle Beach, and Coastal Carolina University is in Conway.

Garden City Quick Facts

County	Horry County (the beach continues into Georgetown County)
Type	Unincorporated census-designated place
ZIP code	29576
Area code	843
Population (2020 Census)	10,235
Median age (ACS 2020–2024)	62.2
Main roads	US-17 Business, US-17
Nearest commercial airport	Myrtle Beach International (MYR)
Landmark	The Pier at Garden City (668 feet)
Hurricane evacuation zone	Zone A east of US-17 Business (check your address)

Moving to Garden City: Tips From Our Crew

Plan for stairs and pilings. Many beach homes sit high off the ground, with long outdoor staircases and tight landings. Measure large furniture and tell us about the stairs when you get a quote, so we bring the right crew size and equipment.
Reserve the condo elevator. Most oceanfront condo buildings require you to book the service elevator and use elevator pads. Many also ask for a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover. We provide COIs free.
Avoid rental changeover days. Saturdays in summer bring heavy traffic on Business 17 and full parking lots as vacationers check in and out. A weekday move is usually faster and easier.
Know the beach rules. Pets and bikes are not allowed on Horry County public beaches from 10am to 5pm, May 1 through Labor Day. Plan dog walks around moving-day chaos accordingly.
Know your zone. Much of Garden City east of Business 17 is in evacuation Zone A. If you move between mid-August and mid-October, keep medications, documents and a go-bag in your car, not on the truck.
Downsize before you move. Going from a larger home to a beach condo usually means letting go of furniture. Our junk removal crew can clear what won’t fit, and storage can hold the rest.
Protect against salt air. Wrap electronics, tools and metal furniture well if they will sit in a garage or storage room near the ocean, where salt air can cause corrosion.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Garden City

How much does it cost to hire movers in Garden City?

The cost depends on the size of your move, the distance, packing and access at both homes, such as elevators, outdoor stairs and parking. A condo move within the Grand Strand is priced very differently from a long-distance move into a beach house. For an exact number, call 910-758-0081 for a free quote. An owner will call you back, typically within 15 minutes between 8am and 8pm.

Is Garden City a good place to retire?

Many people think so. The median age is 62.2, and 42% of residents are 65 or older. The beach, pier, MarshWalk and state parks are close by, and daily errands are easy. Look closely at flood and wind insurance costs and HOA fees before you buy, especially for oceanfront property.

Is Garden City part of Surfside Beach or Murrells Inlet?

Neither. Garden City is its own unincorporated community in Horry County, next to the town of Surfside Beach. It shares the 29576 ZIP code with Murrells Inlet, and the southern end of Garden City Beach is in Georgetown County.

How bad is summer traffic in Garden City?

US-17 Business gets busy on summer weekends, especially on Saturdays when vacation rentals turn over. Locals run errands early in the day and use US-17 for longer trips. If you can, schedule your move on a weekday or outside the summer season.

Do you move condos and beach houses?

Yes. Our Garden City movers handle condos with elevators, raised beach houses with long staircases, and local moves of all sizes. For long-distance moves, you get a binding estimate, your own dedicated truck, the same W-2 crew door to door and a guaranteed delivery date. Military families save 5%.

Move to Garden City With A & M Friendly Movers

A & M Friendly Movers has been family-owned since 2015. 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 60–90 days. We help with packing and unpacking, pianos and safes and military moves. See how our Garden City moving crew can help, or call our NC & SC team at 910-758-0081.

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Moving to Garden City, SC: Living in Garden City Guide