Drive through North Myrtle Beach, ask any agent who has worked the area for more than a couple of years, and Barefoot Resort comes up over and over. The community has built one of the strongest reputations along the Grand Strand thanks to a rare combination of golf, waterway access, condos and homes for every budget, and a true resort lifestyle. For buyers exploring homes for sale in North Myrtle Beach, Barefoot Resort tends to land somewhere on every serious shopping list, and for good reason.
The Setup That Makes Barefoot Different
Barefoot Resort is a master-planned community that sits along the Intracoastal Waterway in North Myrtle Beach, just inland from Cherry Grove and Ocean Drive. The community blends four championship golf courses, a private beach cabana, a marina, a yacht club, and an extensive mix of housing types. That breadth is part of what keeps demand high. A buyer can walk into Barefoot looking at a one-bedroom condo and walk out under contract on a waterfront home, all within the same gates.
Four Championship Golf Courses
The golf is one of the biggest draws. Barefoot is home to four courses designed by Greg Norman, Davis Love III, Tom Fazio, and Pete Dye, which is a roster of names you rarely see in a single community. Even buyers who don't play golf often appreciate the matured landscaping, the long sight lines, and the way the courses define the community's feel.
Intracoastal Waterway Access
Barefoot owners have direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway, with a marina inside the community and a yacht club for those who keep boats on site. For buyers who want easy water access without paying oceanfront pricing, this is one of the strongest combinations in coastal Carolina.
Why Buyers Keep Choosing Barefoot
The depth of inventory and the lifestyle behind the gates explain most of the demand.
A Wide Range of Housing Choices
Few communities offer the breadth of options that Barefoot does. Barefoot Resort condos include golf-villa style condos with low entry pricing, mid-rise communities with great amenities, and luxury condos with waterway and golf course views. For buyers who want a single-family home, Barefoot Resort homes range from cottages on the golf courses to large custom estates along the Intracoastal Waterway.
Private Beach Cabana and Shuttle
Even though Barefoot sits inland, owners have access to a private oceanfront beach cabana in the Cherry Grove section of North Myrtle Beach. The community runs a shuttle to the cabana during peak season, which gives buyers the unusual benefit of golf-and-water living during the day and an easy beach trip whenever they want it.
Resort Amenities and Year-Round Activity
From multiple community pools to dining at the clubhouse to the marina village vibe, Barefoot delivers the kind of resort feel that keeps both retirees and second-home owners engaged year-round. The community attracts a strong mix of full-time residents and seasonal owners, which keeps it from feeling empty in the off-season.
The Strong Investment Profile
Buyers and investors continue to look at Barefoot because the community has a track record of steady demand and resale strength.
Vacation Rental Performance
Several Barefoot communities allow vacation rentals, and the resort amenities make the units attractive to families and golf groups. Owners considering a rental property should always confirm the specific community's rental policy and review the HOA documents carefully, but Barefoot's brand recognition gives it an edge with renters looking at the Grand Strand.
Resale Strength
When buyers ask which North Myrtle Beach communities tend to resell well, Barefoot is almost always on the short list. The combination of golf, water, amenities, and brand makes it easier to attract the next buyer when the time comes to sell. That matters whether you plan to stay for ten years or build a second-home strategy around it.
What Buyers Should Know Before Purchasing
Like any large community, Barefoot has details that should be part of the diligence before going under contract.
HOA Structures Vary
Barefoot includes multiple sub-communities, and HOA fees and what they cover can vary significantly between sections. Some include golf membership components, some include marina access, some are amenity-light. A careful review of the specific HOA documents for any property you're considering is essential.
Golf Membership Options
Barefoot owners have access to a range of golf membership options, including some that are bundled with certain sub-communities. Buyers who are serious golfers should ask about current membership tiers, transfer rules, and any waiting lists.
Insurance and Flood Considerations
Properties closer to the waterway will carry different flood insurance requirements than properties set further back. Pulling the flood zone and getting an insurance quote early in the process is just smart diligence in any waterfront community.
Key Takeaways
Barefoot Resort has earned its position as one of the most consistently desirable communities in North Myrtle Beach by offering breadth that almost no other community can match. From four championship golf courses and Intracoastal Waterway access to a private beach cabana, a marina, and a wide range of condo and single-family housing options, the community delivers resort living without sacrificing investment potential. Buyers serious about Barefoot should plan to walk multiple sub-communities, study the HOA documents carefully, and weigh golf membership choices against their actual lifestyle. With the right strategy and a local agent who knows the community, Barefoot can be both a wonderful place to live and a strong long-term asset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Barefoot Resort known for?
Barefoot Resort is known for its four championship golf courses designed by Greg Norman, Davis Love III, Tom Fazio, and Pete Dye, along with its Intracoastal Waterway access, marina, private oceanfront beach cabana, and broad mix of condo and single-family housing options in North Myrtle Beach.
Are there short-term rentals allowed in Barefoot Resort?
Some Barefoot Resort communities allow short-term vacation rentals, while others restrict them. Rental policies are set at the sub-community level and detailed in each community's HOA documents. Buyers planning to rent the property should confirm the specific rules before going under contract.
How do HOA fees work in Barefoot Resort?
HOA fees vary significantly across Barefoot Resort's many sub-communities. Some fees include golf membership components, marina access, or extensive amenity packages, while others are more amenity-light. Reviewing the specific HOA documents and recent assessments for any property you're considering is essential to understanding the total cost of ownership.
Does Barefoot Resort offer beach access?
Yes. Although Barefoot Resort sits along the Intracoastal Waterway rather than directly on the ocean, owners have access to a private oceanfront beach cabana in the Cherry Grove area of North Myrtle Beach. The community typically runs a seasonal shuttle to the cabana during peak months.
Is Barefoot Resort a good place for retirees?
Barefoot Resort attracts a strong mix of retirees, second-home owners, and full-time residents thanks to its low-maintenance condo options, single-story home choices, golf access, resort amenities, and active community calendar. Many retirees appreciate the year-round activity along with the easy beach access via the private cabana.
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.