There are many things to take into consideration when buying a home. It is important to consider the location of your home. This can make a big difference in the value of your home as well as your quality of life. You might be curious about how Garden City Beach and Surfside Beach line up if you are thinking of buying a South Carolina home. We'll be taking a closer look at the two coastal communities, and highlighting some of their key differences below.

Geography

Surfside Beach can be found in Horry County, South Carolina along the Atlantic coast. It is located just south of Myrtle Beach which is one the most visited vacation spots on the East Coast. Surfside Beach, a small community with just over 3,000 residents, covers just over 3 miles. It is well-known for its stunning beaches and laid-back vibe.

Horry County is also home to Garden City Beach, which is located along the Atlantic coastline as well, situated just south of Surfside Beach. Garden Cities population reaches just over 2,000 people and It spans just over 4 miles. Garden City Beach, like Surfside Beach is well-known for its gorgeous beaches and relaxed atmosphere. 

Real Estate Market

The real estate market is one of the main differences between Surfside Beach Beach and Garden City Beach. Surfside Beach's median home value is $275,000; this is slightly higher than Garden City Beach's median home value of $253,000. These values may vary depending on where the home is  located and what type of property it is of course.

Surfside Beach is a more established market for real estate, with a greater number of homes available and more housing options. It is well-known for its stunning beachfront properties as well as a large selection of single-family and condo homes. Surfside Beach's market is more stable with a greater demand and lower supply. This makes it more attractive for buyers but also means that Surfside Beach homes tend to be higher priced properties.

Garden City Beach's real estate market is, however, relatively new. There are fewer homes available and limited housing options. Although the town is well-known for its gorgeous beachfront properties and single-family houses, there are less condos and townhomes. Garden City Beach's market is less stable than Surfside Beach's, due to a lower demand and higher supply. This makes it easier for buyers to find homes in Garden City Beach. However, it can also mean that the value of these homes might not increase as fast as they would in Surfside Beach.

Lifestyle and Amenities

Surfside Beach and Garden City Beach are both known for their relaxed atmospheres and beach town vibes. However, they also offer a variety of amenities and lifestyle choices.

Surfside Beach has a variety of restaurants, shopping centers, as well as entertainment options. There is a lively downtown with many local shops, restaurants, bars, and other amenities. Surfside Beach also has a number of large chain restaurants and stores, as well as a movie theatre and bowling alley. Surfside Beach offers many recreational opportunities, including piers and a lot of access points to the beach.

While Garden City Beach is more low-key than Surfside Beach, it does offer a few amenities and entertainment options. The town has a small collection of local shops and restaurants, as well as a few large chain stores and restaurants. There are also several public beach access points in Garden City Beach, as well as a few parks and recreational facilities.

One of the main differences between Surfside Beach and Garden City Beach is the level of development. Surfside Beach is more developed, with a larger selection of amenities and a more vibrant downtown area. Garden City Beach is more rural, with a smaller selection of amenities and a more laid-back atmosphere. This can be a key factor for some homebuyers, as it will depend on their preferred lifestyle and the level of development they are comfortable with.

Climate

Both Surfside Beach and Garden City Beach have a subtropical climate, with warm temperatures and some humidity throughout the year. The summer months in both towns can be quite hot and humid, with average highs in the low 90s. The winter months are milder, with average highs in the mid 60s and low humidity. Both towns see relatively low rainfall, with the wettest months being September and October.

Hurricanes can be a concern in both Surfside Beach and Garden City Beach, as they are located along the Atlantic coaslinet. While both towns are at risk for hurricanes, Garden City is slightly more vulnerable due to its location further south. It is important for homebuyers to consider the potential impact of hurricanes when deciding on a location in South Carolina.

Conclusion

When it comes to home ownership in Surfside Beach and Garden City Beach, there are a few key differences to consider. Surfside Beach has a more established real estate market, with a higher median home value and a larger selection of housing options. The town is more developed, with a wider range of amenities and a more vibrant downtown area. In contrast, Garden City Beach has a newer real estate market, with a lower median home value and a more limited selection of housing options. The town is more rural, with a smaller selection of amenities and a more small beach town atmosphere. 

Overall, both Surfside Beach and Garden City Beach are beautiful communities with a bunch of positive qualities as well as impressive beaches. The right choice for you will depend on your preferred lifestyle and what you value most in a home and community.