Is Central Carolina Forest safe?
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Central Carolina Forest as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Central Carolina Forest
“Go. Central Carolina Forest is a safe, bustling suburban community popular with families, retirees, and golfers. While you will need a car for nearly all errands and activities, the neighborhood enjoys low violent crime rates and well-maintained public spaces.”
Recent Horry County road-widening projects on Carolina Forest Boulevard have improved traffic flow and pedestrian crossings along the central corridor.
About the area
Central Carolina Forest is a master-planned suburban hub located just west of the Myrtle Beach city limits across the Intracoastal Waterway. It is characterized by modern residential subdivisions, strip malls, golf courses, and county parks. It offers visitors a quieter, family-oriented alternative to the bustling oceanfront strips.
- Suburban / Master-Planned
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
- Golf & Outdoors
Walking and biking in Central Carolina Forest
Walk score: 24/100 · Bike score: 38/100
There is no municipal bike-share system, but recreational cycling is popular within private subdivisions and along the dedicated trails of the Carolina Forest Bike & Run Park.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rates compared to the Myrtle Beach oceanfront core
- High rates of homeownership and well-maintained newer residential construction
- Abundant family amenities including community centers, parks, and retail plazas
Cons
- High vehicular dependency with fast-moving traffic along major arterial roads
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes such as unlocked car break-ins in subdivisions
- Limited walkability between disjointed residential and commercial developments
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Central Carolina Forest, with panhandling and encampments virtually nonexistent in this suburban district.
What Central Carolina Forest is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with joggers, school traffic, and commuters moving safely along neighborhood connectors.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Subdivisions are quiet while commercial retail plazas experience safe, high-volume suburban shopper traffic.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Family restaurants and pub patios fill up with locals in a relaxed, secure environment.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Streets and subdivisions become extremely quiet with virtually zero foot traffic and minimal safety concerns.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transportation is minimal in Carolina Forest; Coast RTA provides limited scheduled bus service in the wider county, making personal vehicles or rideshares essential.
Parking is abundant, stress-free, and free of charge, with large surface lots servicing every shopping center, golf course, and public facility.
Things to do in Central Carolina Forest
- Hike, run, or mountain bike through the wooded trails at the Carolina Forest Bike & Run Park
- Book a tee time at the uniquely designed Man O' War Golf Club
- Utilize the courts, fitness facilities, and indoor tracks at the Carolina Forest Recreation Center
Local favorites
- Handley's Pub & Grub · American Pub · 4.5★ (1420)Popular local tavern known for craft beer selections, wings, patio dining, and game-day viewing.
- Gino's Real New York Pizza · Pizzeria · 4.6★ (1150)Casual strip-mall staple serving authentic New York-style pies, calzones, and classic pasta dishes.
- Sol y Luna Taqueria & Tequila Bar · Mexican Restaurant · 4.4★ (580)Vibrant Mexican eatery offering elevated street tacos, fresh guacamole, and specialty margaritas.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.