Is East North Myrtle Beach safe?
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates East North Myrtle Beach as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on East North Myrtle Beach
“Go. East North Myrtle Beach offers a substantially quieter, family-oriented coastal environment compared to the central Myrtle Beach boardwalk area. While seasonal petty theft and vacation rental break-ins occur during peak summer months, violent crime rates remain relatively low.”
About the area
East North Myrtle Beach encompasses the vibrant yet laid-back beach communities along the Atlantic coastline, including Ocean Drive and Cherry Grove. It is famous for its classic beach clubs, shaggers' heritage, broad sandy shores, and relaxed family-resort atmosphere.
- Coastal Resort
- Family-Friendly
- Laid-Back Beach Town
- Seasonal Tourist Hub
Walking and biking in East North Myrtle Beach
Walk score: 48/100 · Bike score: 52/100
Biking is common along residential neighborhood side streets and Ocean Boulevard, though dedicated protected bike lanes are limited.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Lower violent crime rates compared to central Myrtle Beach and surrounding commercial corridors
- Stable economic base with above-average homeownership equity and strong tourism investment
- Family-oriented coastal environment with active police patrol presence along the beach boulevards
- High household vehicle availability and well-maintained regional road infrastructure
Cons
- Elevated seasonal property crimes, including vehicle break-ins and theft of unattended beach gear
- High seasonal housing vacancy rate due to short-term rental concentration
- Heavy summer traffic congestion and increased pedestrian-vehicle conflict points on Ocean Boulevard
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal in East North Myrtle Beach, with virtually no encampments in the oceanfront resort or residential areas.
What East North Myrtle Beach is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe with joggers, dog walkers, and early beachgoers enjoying the sunrise along Ocean Boulevard.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Busy and energetic with heavy family beach traffic, golf carts, and safe pedestrian flow around retail nodes.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Lively around Main Street dining spots and beach clubs with a generally safe, convivial atmosphere.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Calm in residential oceanfront sectors, with minor alcohol-related noise near active Main Street bars.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is limited; Coast RTA provides seasonal bus routes along Highway 17 and connecting corridors, but service frequency is low and car travel remains essential.
Paid city-managed beach access parking lots and street spaces are enforced seasonally from March through October, with ample free parking at select businesses off peak hours.
Things to do in East North Myrtle Beach
- Stroll along Cherry Grove Pier for ocean views and saltwater fishing
- Dance the Carolina Shag at historic beach clubs along Main Street in Ocean Drive
- Relax on the wide, public-access beaches along Ocean Boulevard
Local favorites
- Hoskins Restaurant · Southern / Seafood · 4.6★ (3200)A Main Street staple since 1948 serving traditional fried seafood, Southern sides, and scratch-made pies.
- Boulineau's Foods Plus · Grocery & Beach Store · 4.5★ (4100)A massive multi-level community market in Cherry Grove offering groceries, fresh deli fare, and beach supplies.
- The Shack · Southern Comfort Food · 4.6★ (2400)Casual, beloved breakfast and lunch diner known for hearty country cooking and classic coastal hospitality.
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.