Is East Socastee safe?
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates East Socastee as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on East Socastee
“Go. East Socastee is a quiet, predominantly residential suburban community situated just inland from the Myrtle Beach coastline. It is generally safe for visitors and residents alike, with violent crime rates well below those of the oceanfront tourist strip.”
Recent Horry County public works projects have focused on upgrading stormwater drainage infrastructure along Highway 707 to reduce flash-flooding risks during heavy coastal storms.
About the area
East Socastee is an unincorporated suburban area in Horry County stretching between Highway 17 Bypass and the Intracoastal Waterway. It offers convenient proximity to The Market Common, local waterways, and coastal amenities while maintaining a relaxed, low-density neighborhood feel.
- Suburban
- Car-Dependent
- Residential
- Quiet
Walking and biking in East Socastee
Walk score: 22/100 · Bike score: 31/100
There is no public bike-share program, and cycling on major arterials like Hwy 707 is hazardous due to fast traffic, though nearby Market Common features dedicated multi-use trails.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rates than the dense oceanfront resort corridor
- High proportion of owner-occupied single-family homes in stable subdivisions
- Close proximity to The Market Common, golf courses, and Myrtle Beach International Airport
Cons
- Car-dependent area with limited sidewalks along busy arterial roads
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes and vehicle break-ins near commercial corridors
- Select low-lying areas near the Intracoastal Waterway are prone to storm-related flooding
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal within East Socastee's residential subdivisions, though occasional individuals may be seen near commercial centers and major bus stops along the Highway 17 Bypass corridor.
What East Socastee is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with light local commuter traffic and residents walking dogs within residential subdivisions.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and quiet, though traffic increases noticeably along Highway 17 Bypass and Socastee Boulevard.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet in residential pockets with relaxed dining crowds at local eateries; safe for standard suburban activity.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark and low-activity outside major roadways; generally safe, though foot travel on unlit roads is not recommended.
Transit, parking and getting around
Coast RTA operates limited bus routes through Horry County (such as Route 10 and Route 15) connecting Socastee to downtown Myrtle Beach and Conway, but there is no passenger rail service in the metro area.
Parking is ample and virtually always free in dedicated commercial surface lots, private driveways, and unmetered residential streets.
Things to do in East Socastee
- Launch a kayak or boat onto the Intracoastal Waterway at Peachtree Landing
- Play a round of golf at the nearby Arrowhead Country Club along the riverway
- Take a short drive to explore the shopping, parks, and dining at The Market Common
Local favorites
- Socastee Station · Bar & Grill · 4.3★ (420)A casual local gathering spot serving classic pub fare, burgers, and cold drinks with a neighborhood atmosphere.
- Island Bar and Grill · American Restaurant · 4.3★ (1150)A lively sports pub known for chicken wings, live music, outdoor patio seating, and casual comfort food.
- Danny's Authentic NY Style Pizza · Pizza Restaurant · 4.6★ (560)A family-run neighborhood pizzeria crafting traditional hand-tossed pies, calzones, and Italian subs.
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.