Ask longtime locals which section of North Myrtle Beach has the most loyal following, and Ocean Drive almost always comes up first. The neighborhood sits at the heart of NMB's beach identity, blends a strong year-round community with steady vacation traffic, and is home to the famous Main Street strip where shag dancing was born. For buyers, Ocean Drive carries a brand value that few other sections of the Grand Strand can match. The question is whether that brand translates into the right purchase for your goals.
What Ocean Drive Actually Is
Ocean Drive, often just called "OD" by locals, is one of the original beach sections that combined with three other communities to form modern North Myrtle Beach. The section sits between Crescent Beach to the south and Cherry Grove to the north, with Main Street and the Pavilion area at its core.
A Historic Stretch of Beach
Ocean Drive has a deep beach-town history. Generations of families have vacationed here, many for decades. The neighborhood retains a sense of identity that most modern beach developments cannot replicate. For background on related NMB sections that share this feel, see our blog on what it is like to live full-time in Cherry Grove, SC.
Home of Shag Dancing
Main Street in OD is the spiritual home of the Carolina shag, the official state dance of South Carolina. Annual SOS (Society of Stranders) events still draw thousands of visitors, and the cultural footprint shapes the everyday character of the neighborhood.
Why Ocean Drive Stays in High Demand
The neighborhood's appeal is not nostalgia alone.
Walkable Beach Lifestyle
Most Ocean Drive homes and condos sit within walking or short-golf-cart distance of the beach. That walkability is the single biggest practical reason buyers gravitate toward OD. For background on what makes daily life here special, see our blog on local events that make North Myrtle Beach, SC a great place to live.
A True Year-Round Neighborhood
OD is not just a tourist area. There is a real year-round community of full-time residents, retirees, and second-home owners who actually use their homes. The neighborhood does not empty out in October the way some beach sections do.
Strong Mix of Product Types
Ocean Drive includes oceanfront condos, raised beach homes, classic single-family beach cottages, and second-row residential streets. The product mix gives buyers options at different price points and lifestyles. For more on the most popular product type, see our blog on why buyers love raised beach homes in North Myrtle Beach.
Who Tends to Land in Ocean Drive
OD attracts a specific buyer profile.
Multi-Generational Families
Many OD buyers have a multi-decade family history in the neighborhood. Buying a home in OD is sometimes about returning to a place that already feels like home, rather than discovering a new one.
Active Retirees Who Want a Real Town
Retirees who want a walkable beach lifestyle and a true neighborhood feel often choose OD over more isolated or resort-driven sections. The combination of Main Street, the beach, and the local social scene supports an active retirement.
Vacation Rental Buyers Targeting Family Stays
OD's rental market is strong, especially for family-oriented stays and the SOS event windows. The neighborhood has a long track record of repeat vacationers who book the same property year after year. For background, see our blog on what buyers should know before purchasing a vacation rental.
What to Look at Before Buying in Ocean Drive
OD is a deep market, and buyers should approach it with the same diligence as any other.
Lot Specifics
OD streets vary block to block. Some streets are quieter and more residential. Others see steady summer traffic. Walking the specific block at different times of day is part of any responsible OD purchase.
Flood Zones
Like the rest of the immediate beach corridor, much of OD sits in a FEMA flood zone. Flood insurance is part of the carrying cost picture, especially for ground-level and second-row properties. For background, see our blog on coastal South Carolina flood zones explained for homebuyers.
HOA Structure for Condo and Townhome Buyers
OD oceanfront and second-row condo buildings each have their own HOA financial profile. Master insurance pricing, reserves, and recent assessment history vary by building. For more on this, see our blog on understanding HOA fees in North Myrtle Beach condo communities.
How Ocean Drive Compares to Other NMB Sections
OD is one of several distinct NMB sections, each with its own personality.
Cherry Grove to the north has a quieter, more residential beach character, with channel homes and a calmer pace. Crescent Beach to the south has its own loyal local following and tends to feel slightly less commercial than the OD core. Windy Hill is more residential still. The honest answer is that none of these sections is objectively better. They are different products. For more context on choosing between NMB submarkets, see our blog on understanding micro-markets within North Myrtle Beach, SC.
Key Takeaways
Ocean Drive holds a unique place in the Grand Strand real estate landscape. Its combination of history, walkability, and year-round neighborhood feel is rare on the coast and explains why buyer demand has stayed strong across multiple cycles.
- Ocean Drive is one of the historic core sections of North Myrtle Beach and home to the Carolina shag tradition
- The neighborhood blends walkable beach access with a real year-round community, which most beach sections do not deliver in equal measure
- Buyers should still respect block-level differences, flood zones, and HOA structure during diligence
- OD competes for buyers with Cherry Grove, Crescent Beach, and Windy Hill, each of which delivers a different version of the NMB experience
For buyers who want a beach lifestyle inside a real neighborhood, with deep local culture and steady demand, Ocean Drive deserves a top-of-list look.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ocean Drive in North Myrtle Beach?
Ocean Drive is one of the original four beach sections that combined to form modern North Myrtle Beach. It sits between Crescent Beach and Cherry Grove and includes Main Street, the historic core where shag dancing originated.
Is Ocean Drive expensive compared to other NMB sections?
Pricing depends more on specific micro-location, product type, and condition than on the section name. OD has options at multiple price points, from oceanfront condos to second-row residential homes.
Is Ocean Drive a good place to live year-round?
Yes, for many buyers. OD has a stronger year-round community feel than some beach sections. Full-time residents, retirees, and second-home owners all coexist here.
Can I rent out my Ocean Drive home short-term?
Often yes, but rental rules vary by specific property and HOA. Always confirm the rules in writing before purchasing if rental income is part of your strategy.
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.