Is North Garden City 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 North Garden City as “Go”.
Gogo's take on North Garden City
“Go. North Garden City is a laid-back, family-oriented coastal community that is significantly calmer and safer than the central Myrtle Beach resort strip. Violent crime is rare, and basic vigilance regarding opportunistic car break-ins or unlocked rental properties is typically all that is required.”
About the area
North Garden City offers a classic South Strand beach experience characterized by stilted beach cottages, low-rise condominiums, and quiet marsh inlets. It caters heavily to vacationing families, fishermen, and retirees looking for a slower pace away from the Grand Strand's commercial neon.
- Family-Friendly
- Laid-Back Coastal
- Vacation Haven
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in North Garden City
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 52/100
There is no public bike-share program, but flat side streets and low speed limits make neighborhood biking and golf-carting popular, with links to the nearby East Coast Greenway route in Murrells Inlet.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Substantially lower violent crime rates than downtown Myrtle Beach
- Solid economic base with median household incomes above county averages
- Active neighborhood presence with frequent community and county police patrols during tourist season
Cons
- Elevated seasonal vacancy rates can lead to off-season property and vehicle break-ins
- Narrow roads and heavy summer golf cart and pedestrian congestion create traffic hazards
- Susceptible to severe coastal flooding and storm surges during hurricane season
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is virtually nonexistent in North Garden City, with no permanent encampments or active panhandling in the neighborhood.
What North Garden City is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and scenic, with dog walkers, joggers, and shell seekers enjoying very safe beach and roadside conditions.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Active and bustling with families, golf carts, and beach traffic, maintaining an open and secure environment.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Casual and lively around local seafood spots and beach access points with minimal safety concerns.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet and dark along residential side streets, feeling safe overall though isolated on unlit beach stretches.
Transit, parking and getting around
Coast RTA operates limited bus service through the South Strand (Route 16 connects to Myrtle Beach), but service frequency is low and a personal vehicle or golf cart is essential for daily travel.
County-operated beach access lots require paid parking during peak season ($2-$3 per hour via mobile app or meters), and street parking is strictly regulated to prevent blocking rights-of-way.
Things to do in North Garden City
- Spend a relaxing morning on the uncrowded beaches via Horry County public beach accesses
- Kayak or paddleboard through the calm saltwater marshes of Murrells Inlet nearby
- Stroll south to the Garden City Pavilion Pier for fishing, ocean views, and family entertainment
Local favorites
- Sara J's Seafood Restaurant · Seafood Restaurant · 4.4★ (2150)Long-running, waterfront eatery serving fresh seafood with sweeping views of the marsh.
- Painter's Homemade Ice Cream · Ice Cream Shop · 4.7★ (1820)Beloved local landmark dishing out creative, small-batch ice cream flavors since the 1950s.
- Sam's Corner · Diner · 4.4★ (1640)Classic 24/7 diner known for footlong hot dogs, burgers, and retro beach vibes.
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.