Is East North Myrtle Beach 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 East North Myrtle Beach as “Go”.
Gogo's take on East North Myrtle Beach
“Go. East North Myrtle Beach is a laid-back, family-friendly coastal community with significantly lower crime rates than its southern neighbor, Myrtle Beach proper. Visitors should exercise basic beach-town awareness regarding unattended belongings and locked vehicles, but it is generally a very safe and welcoming destination.”
About the area
East North Myrtle Beach encompasses the scenic oceanfront stretches including Ocean Drive, Crescent Beach, and Cherry Grove. Known for shag dancing heritage, expansive sandy beaches, and quiet residential streets, it caters largely to vacationing families and retirees.
- Family-Friendly
- Beachside Resort
- Laid-Back
- Coastal Calm
Walking and biking in East North Myrtle Beach
Walk score: 48/100 · Bike score: 54/100
There is no municipal bike-share system, but wide residential side streets and flat topography make neighborhood cruising popular, with connections to local greenways like the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex trails inland.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are notably lower than regional averages across Horry County
- High rate of homeownership and well-maintained resort/residential properties
- Calm, family-oriented atmosphere with dedicated municipal beach patrols
- Excellent vehicle access, high rates of private vehicle ownership, and modern utility infrastructure
Cons
- Seasonal property theft and opportunistic vehicle break-ins peak during summer months
- High seasonal housing vacancy rate due to vacation rentals and second homes
- Heavier summer vehicular traffic along Highway 17 and Ocean Boulevard increases pedestrian risk
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal in East North Myrtle Beach compared to downtown Myrtle Beach, with virtually no encampments or concentrated panhandling present in the oceanfront districts.
What East North Myrtle Beach is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with joggers, dog walkers, and sunrise watchers along the oceanfront, feeling exceptionally safe.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Bustling with beachgoers, families, and shoppers along Main Street with high visible foot traffic and comfortable safety.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Pleasant dinner and patio crowds around dining districts; very safe for strolling and enjoying ocean breezes.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet and residential in most areas with low ambient crime, though standard vigilance is recommended outside late-night beach clubs.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is limited, operated by Coast RTA with Route 17 running along Kings Road and Highway 17 into North Myrtle Beach; service is infrequent and the area lacks rail transit.
Paid municipal street and lot parking is enforced between March and October via ParkMobile/meters (typically around $2 to $3 per hour), with ample free parking provided at private condo complexes and businesses.
Things to do in East North Myrtle Beach
- Stroll, fish, or enjoy ocean views from the Cherry Grove Pier
- Experience historic Carolina Shag dancing at oceanfront beach clubs along Main Street
- Rent a kayak to explore the serene marshes of the Cherry Grove Inlet and Heritage Shores Nature Preserve
Local favorites
- Hoskins Restaurant · Southern & Seafood Restaurant · 4.6★ (3200)Long-running Main Street landmark famous for classic Southern breakfasts, fried seafood, and homemade pies.
- Fat Harold's Beach Club · Dance Club & Bar · 4.6★ (1100)Legendary dance venue celebrated as the heart of the Carolina Shag dance scene with live music and friendly crowds.
- Boulineau's IGA · Grocery Store & Deli · 4.6★ (4300)Massive multi-level community hub offering groceries, hot prepared meals, beach gear, and hardware.
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.