Is North Myrtle Beach safe?
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates North Myrtle Beach as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on North Myrtle Beach
“Go. North Myrtle Beach offers a substantially safer, more relaxed, and family-oriented coastal environment than the busier commercial core of Myrtle Beach to the south. Visitors should exercise standard vacation precautions regarding vehicle security and ocean safety, but general safety risks are low.”
About the area
North Myrtle Beach is an independent coastal municipality known for its distinct neighborhood communities including Cherry Grove, Ocean Drive, Crescent Beach, and Windy Hill. The area features broad Atlantic beaches, a celebrated Carolina Shag dancing culture along Main Street, family resorts, and expansive marsh waterways.
- Family-Friendly
- Relaxed Coastal
- Golf & Resort
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in North Myrtle Beach
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 48/100
While municipal bike-share is not available, flat terrain along Ocean Boulevard makes recreational biking common, and local outfitters offer weekly beach cruiser rentals.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rate compared to the City of Myrtle Beach proper
- Strong local economy anchored by higher median household incomes and stable residential communities
- Well-maintained, family-oriented public beach accesses with active seasonal lifeguard and police presence
Cons
- Seasonal surges in opportunistic property crimes such as vehicle break-ins and theft from beach rentals
- Heavy summer traffic bottlenecks along US-17 and major connector roads
- High density of seasonal and short-term rentals creates fluctuating neighborhood activity
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal in North Myrtle Beach, with no established encampments and virtually no panhandling along tourist corridors.
What North Myrtle Beach is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with morning joggers, dog walkers, and anglers gathering along the beachfront and Ocean Boulevard.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Lively and family-centric across beaches and shopping plazas with virtually no daylight safety concerns.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Active and welcoming around Main Street and Barefoot Landing dining spots, remaining safe for evening walks.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Calm and quiet in residential areas, though basic situational awareness is recommended around late-night bars and unlit beach accesses.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is very limited; Coast RTA provides sparse seasonal bus service, making private vehicles, golf carts, or rideshare services essential for getting around.
The city enforces paid public parking from March through October at most beach access lots via mobile apps and pay stations; off-street parking is widely available at shopping centers and rental properties.
Things to do in North Myrtle Beach
- Walk the historic Cherry Grove Pier to fish or take in panoramic ocean views
- Experience live beach music and traditional Carolina Shag dancing at venues along Main Street
- Browse the waterfront boardwalk shops, dining, and entertainment at Barefoot Landing
Local favorites
- Hoskins Restaurant · Southern Restaurant · 4.6★ (3200)A beloved Main Street institution serving homestyle Southern breakfast and fresh fried seafood since 1948.
- Flying Fish Public Market & Grill · Seafood Restaurant · 4.5★ (4350)Vibrant waterfront dining at Barefoot Landing offering fresh catch, raw oysters, and Lowcountry fare.
- Boulineau's IGA · Grocery & Beach Goods · 4.6★ (5600)Massive multi-level Cherry Grove staple featuring a grocery market, bakery, deli, and beach essentials.
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.