Located along the beautiful Atlantic coast in South Carolina, Myrtle Beach is a vibrant and welcoming community with a rich history and a bright future. Whether you're looking to retire, raise a family, or just enjoy the laid-back beach lifestyle, Myrtle Beach has something to offer everyone. Here's a closer look at the history of this charming coastal town and why it might be the perfect place for you to call home.

The Early History of Myrtle Beach

The area that is now Myrtle Beach has a long and storied history. Native American tribes, including the Waccamaw, Pee Dee, and Chicora, lived in the region for centuries before European settlers arrived. The first known European to visit the area was Captain Florentine, who explored the coast in 1524.

In the early 1800s, the first permanent European settlers arrived in the area, including the Withers and Norris families, who established large plantations along the Waccamaw River. The town of Conway was founded in the 1850s, and a few decades later, the railroad came to the area, opening up new opportunities for trade and tourism.

The Birth of Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach as we know it today really began to take shape in the early 1900s. In 1911, a group of wealthy investors, including Burroughs and Collins, purchased more than 2,000 acres of land in the area from the Wither's family among others and founded the Myrtle Beach Farms Company. They saw the potential for the area to become a popular vacation destination, and they set out to develop the land into a resort town.

The first hotel in Myrtle Beach was the Seaside Inn, which opened in 1914. It was followed by the Ocean Forest Hotel in 1927, which was a luxurious, upscale resort that attracted wealthy visitors from around the country. As more and more people discovered the charms of Myrtle Beach, more hotels and resorts were built, and the town began to grow.

The Modern Era of Myrtle Beach

In the decades since its founding, Myrtle Beach has continued to grow and evolve. Today, it's a bustling, thriving community with a population of over 30,000 people. It's known as a top vacation destination, with millions of visitors coming to enjoy the beautiful beaches, exciting attractions, and world-class golf courses each year.

But Myrtle Beach is more than just a vacation spot. It's also a great place to live and work, with a strong economy and a range of employment opportunities. There are plenty of things to do and see in the area, including the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, the SkyWheel, and the Broadway at the Beach entertainment complex. There are also numerous parks, museums, and cultural attractions to explore.

Why You Should Consider Moving to Myrtle Beach

If you're considering a move to the Myrtle Beach area, there are plenty of good reasons to choose this charming and welcoming community. Here are just a few:

The Beach: Of course, the biggest draw for many people is the beach itself. Myrtle Beach has 60 miles of beautiful, sandy beaches, offering endless opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and all kinds of water sports. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to relax or a place to catch some waves, you'll find it here.The Weather: Myrtle Beach has a mild and pleasant climate, with average high temperatures ranging from the mid-60s in the winter to themid-80s in the summer. There are plenty of sunny days to enjoy the outdoors, and the humidity is generally not too high.The Cost of Living: The cost of living in Myrtle Beach is generally lower than the national average, making it a more affordable place to live compared to some other cities. Housing costs are especially reasonable, with a wide range of options available to suit every budget.The Job Market: The Myrtle Beach area has a diverse economy, with a mix of tourism, manufacturing, and service-sector industries. There are many job opportunities available, and the unemployment rate is generally lower than the national average.The Community: One of the things that makes Myrtle Beach such a great place to live is the sense of community. There are many local events, festivals, and activities to enjoy, and the people are friendly and welcoming. It's a great place to make new friends and feel a sense of belonging.In conclusion, Myrtle Beach is a wonderful place to call home. With its rich history, beautiful beaches, and welcoming community, it's no wonder that so many people are drawn to this charming coastal town. Whether you're looking for a vacation getaway, a retirement destination, or a new place to call home, Myrtle Beach has something to offer everyone.