Why Conway Is Different From the Rest of Horry County
Conway has its own rhythm. About 15 miles inland from Myrtle Beach, the town sits along the Waccamaw River and keeps a pace that feels closer to the South Carolina I knew growing up than to the resort towns along the coast. Buyers who land here usually tell me the same thing: they wanted a real downtown, real neighbors, and a yard with some breathing room. That is what Conway delivers.
I have shown homes in Conway long enough to watch the same conversation play out year after year. A couple flies in to look at oceanfront condos, and somewhere on the drive back from the beach they ask if I can show them that cute town with the river. Two days later, they are under contract on a historic cottage off Main Street or a new build in a community south of town. Conway has a way of grabbing people.
A Quick Look at What Makes Conway Tick
Conway is the county seat of Horry County and the home of Coastal Carolina University. That mix matters more than people realize when they first visit. You get a working downtown with shops and restaurants that stay busy on a Tuesday in February, not just during tourist season. You also get a steady stream of energy from the university, which keeps housing in certain price ranges moving regardless of what the coastal markets are doing.
The Waccamaw River runs right through the heart of town. The riverwalk, the boats tied up at the docks, the cypress trees and Spanish moss — it sets a mood that is hard to find in newer coastal developments. Buyers from the Midwest and Northeast tell me Conway reminds them of the small river towns they remember from family vacations decades ago.
What Buyers Are Looking For in Conway
There is no single Conway buyer profile. I work with three groups regularly:
- Out-of-state retirees who want quieter coastal Carolina living but still want to be 20 minutes from the beach
- Younger families looking for more land, better prices per square foot, and access to good schools
- Investors who watch the Coastal Carolina University rental market and the steady demand for downtown rentals
What unites them is what they are trying to get away from: the traffic on Highway 17, the density of beach condos, and the seasonal swing of tourist-driven neighborhoods. Conway gives you the Grand Strand zip code without the Grand Strand crowds.
Conway's Housing Mix
Conway's housing inventory is more varied than most buyers expect.
Historic Homes Near Downtown
The streets around Main Street and along Elm Street, Laurel Street, and Sherwood Drive hold some of the most charming historic homes in coastal South Carolina. You will find Craftsman bungalows, Victorian-era homes, and brick cottages, many on lots large enough for big oaks and side gardens. These homes have stories. They also come with the maintenance realities of older structures, which is something I always walk buyers through before they fall in love with a porch swing.
New Construction South of Town
Newer subdivisions south and west of Conway have grown quickly over the last decade. Buyers who want a modern floorplan, lower maintenance, and predictable HOA fees usually look here. Communities like Shaftesbury Glen blend golf course access with home prices that still come in below comparable beach-area builds.
Homes on Acreage
Conway's outer edges give you the chance to own real land. If a buyer tells me they want a few acres, a garage they can actually work in, or room for horses, we are almost always headed toward the Conway area. Comparable acreage in Longs and Loris is a natural alternative if Conway inventory is tight.
Conway Market Conditions in 2026
Conway is not running on the same clock as the oceanfront condo market. Inventory has loosened compared with the post-2021 squeeze, but well-priced homes in good condition still move quickly, especially in the downtown historic district and in family-friendly subdivisions near schools. Prices have leveled out from the sharp climbs of a few years ago, which is good news for buyers who were priced out before.
A few things I am watching this year:
- Flood zone awareness has changed how buyers shop near the river. Lenders are paying closer attention, and so should you.
- Property taxes in Horry County are still very reasonable for primary residences, which keeps relocation buyers interested.
- The new construction pipeline is steady but not flooded, which has kept resale values stable.
Lifestyle: Why Conway Feels Like Conway
This is the part you cannot read on a listing sheet. Conway has a real downtown. People sit outside at restaurants on Main Street. There are local festivals on the river. Coastal Carolina football and basketball games bring the town together. The Conway Riverwalk gets used year-round. And you are still 20 to 30 minutes from the beach when you want salt air.
For buyers coming from larger cities, the trade is simple: less convenience, more community. People who value the community side never look back.
Practical Considerations Before You Buy
- Get a flood zone determination early, especially for any home within walking distance of the river or its tributaries
- Have older homes properly inspected — pay attention to roofing, electrical, and HVAC systems
- Understand school zones if children are part of the move; the lines can run further than you would expect
- Factor in commute time to coastal employment centers if you will be working in Myrtle Beach or North Myrtle Beach
Key Takeaways
Conway draws a steady, growing share of Grand Strand buyers because it offers something the beach towns cannot: a working downtown, a real river, historic neighborhoods, and prices that still feel reasonable. The market is balanced, the lifestyle is grounded, and you are never far from the coast. If small-town charm matters to you, Conway deserves a serious look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Conway, SC a good place to retire?
Conway has become one of the more popular retirement destinations in Horry County for buyers who want a slower, more community-oriented version of coastal Carolina living. Property taxes are low for primary residences, healthcare access is solid, and the town has a walkable downtown with restaurants and events. The biggest draw for retirees is the balance of quiet neighborhoods and easy beach access.
How far is Conway from the beach?
Most of Conway sits about 15 to 20 miles from the Myrtle Beach oceanfront and roughly 30 to 35 minutes from North Myrtle Beach, depending on traffic. Highway 501 connects Conway directly to the coast, which makes day trips to the beach simple.
Are Conway homes more affordable than coastal homes?
In most cases, yes. Conway's price per square foot generally runs lower than comparable homes in beachfront or near-oceanfront communities. Buyers can often get more land, a larger home, or a newer build for the same money they would spend on a small condo near the water.
What should buyers know about Conway flood zones?
Sections of Conway, especially those close to the Waccamaw River and its surrounding wetlands, are in higher-risk flood zones. Flood insurance can add significantly to a monthly housing cost, so buyers should get a flood zone determination before making an offer and budget accordingly.
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.