Golf and coastal real estate have grown up together on the Grand Strand. The region is home to dozens of courses, from championship layouts to hidden-gem tracks, and many are woven directly into residential communities. For buyers who play, or for buyers who simply value the lifestyle these communities deliver, golf course neighborhoods are a distinct product category with their own set of tradeoffs. Below is a practical guide to how golf course communities work on the Grand Strand and how to think about them as a buyer.
Why Golf Course Communities Have Staying Power Here
Golf has been part of the Grand Strand identity for decades. The demand structure reflects that.
Depth of Courses
The Grand Strand has one of the highest concentrations of golf courses of any region in the country. Buyers have real choice, whether they want a championship course, a resort layout, or a value-oriented local option.
A Buyer Pool That Cares
A meaningful share of Grand Strand relocators and second-home buyers are active golfers. That deep, ongoing pool supports demand for golf course community inventory even in slower parts of the year.
Amenity-Rich Communities
Modern golf course communities package more than the course itself. Pools, fitness centers, dining, and social calendars are typically part of the deal. For buyers who value amenity access, these communities can be efficient one-stop lifestyles.
Standout Golf Course Communities Across the Grand Strand
Several Grand Strand golf course communities consistently attract strong buyer interest.
Barefoot Resort
Barefoot Resort in North Myrtle Beach is one of the largest and best-known golf communities in the region. Multiple courses, extensive condo and townhome inventory, and a strong owner community make it a favorite of both second-home buyers and full-time residents. For a broader look, see our blog on why Barefoot Resort continues to attract buyers.
Tidewater Plantation
Tidewater Plantation in North Myrtle Beach delivers a championship course with dramatic coastal views, a gated community feel, and a mix of condos and homes that support multiple price points and lifestyles. Tidewater consistently attracts serious golfers who want a real course experience alongside their home.
Long Bay Golf in Longs
Buyers looking for value-oriented golf course living often head inland to Long Bay Golf Homes in Longs. The community offers a strong course, family-friendly homes, and pricing that beats comparable beach-area golf communities.
Bluffs at Sun Colony
Also in Longs, the Bluffs at Sun Colony combines golf-oriented amenities with an active adult friendly lifestyle. It appeals to buyers who want the golf community package without the resort scale of Barefoot.
What to Consider Before Buying in a Golf Course Community
Golf communities have specific considerations that non-golf communities do not.
HOA Fees and Amenity Structure
Golf course community HOA fees tend to be higher because the amenity package is more extensive. What is included, from pool access to gym use to security, varies by community. Match the fee level to the amenities you actually plan to use. For background, see our blog on understanding HOA fees in North Myrtle Beach condo communities.
Golf Membership Structure
Some communities include course access in the HOA. Others require a separate membership. A few operate the course as fully public with no owner discount. Understanding the specific structure is essential before you buy.
Course Sustainability
Not every golf course is financially healthy. In some markets, older courses have closed or been converted. Buyers should evaluate the long-term viability of the course itself, not just the current condition.
Lot Position Relative to the Course
Homes directly on the course often carry a premium, along with some tradeoffs including foot traffic, occasional stray balls, and higher fees. Lots one street back can be a smart value play for buyers who want to be in the community without paying for the direct fairway position.
Who Golf Course Communities Fit Best
The right buyer profile is fairly consistent.
Active Golfers
Obvious but true. Buyers who play regularly get the most everyday value from a golf community.
Retirees and Active Adults
Retirees who value social amenities, walkable community life, and predictable maintenance profiles often gravitate to golf communities even when they do not play every day. For background, see our blog on the best active adult and 55+ communities on the Grand Strand.
Second-Home Buyers Who Want Turnkey Amenities
Buyers whose second home is a lifestyle purchase often value the amenity depth of a golf community more than any single feature. Everything they need is essentially inside the front gate.
Vacation Rental Investors in Certain Communities
Some golf communities support strong short-term rental demand, especially for golfing groups. Rules vary widely by community. For background, see our blog on what buyers should know before purchasing a vacation rental.
Key Takeaways
- The Grand Strand has one of the deepest golf community markets in the country, with real choice across price points and locations
- Barefoot Resort and Tidewater Plantation are two of the strongest North Myrtle Beach options, with Long Bay Golf and the Bluffs at Sun Colony as value-oriented inland alternatives in Longs
- HOA fees, golf membership structure, course sustainability, and lot position all matter more in golf communities than in generic residential neighborhoods
- Active golfers, retirees, second-home buyers, and select investors are the buyer types that tend to see the most everyday value
The right golf community is a lifestyle decision as much as a real estate decision. Buyers who spend time in the community before committing, ideally including a round on the course itself, make the strongest long-term choices.
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.