Is South North Myrtle Beach safe?
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates South North Myrtle Beach as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on South North Myrtle Beach
“Go. The southern section of North Myrtle Beach, encompassing communities like Windy Hill and Crescent Beach, is a relaxed and family-friendly coastal area that is considerably safer than downtown Myrtle Beach. While standard vigilance against seasonal property theft is necessary, violent crime is low and the area is welcoming for vacationers and families.”
Local police continue routine seasonal outreach reminding visitors to secure golf carts, bicycles, and rental vehicles to prevent opportunistic thefts.
About the area
South North Myrtle Beach offers a blend of tranquil residential beachfronts, vacation condo towers, and waterway attractions centered near Barefoot Landing. It provides a noticeably quieter, low-key alternative to the high-density tourist strip further south, supported by established retail corridors along Highway 17.
- Family-Friendly
- Beachfront
- Resort Community
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in South North Myrtle Beach
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 48/100
There is no municipal bike-share system, but cycling is popular and easy along low-speed residential stretches of Ocean Boulevard, though crossing Highway 17 requires care.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rate than central Myrtle Beach
- High household income and stable residential beach communities along the coast
- Close proximity to Barefoot Landing shopping, dining, and family entertainment
Cons
- Seasonal upticks in opportunistic property crime, such as vehicle and golf cart break-ins
- Significant tourist-driven traffic congestion along US-17 during summer months
- High rate of seasonal vacancy and rental turnover typical of vacation markets
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal in South North Myrtle Beach compared to urban Myrtle Beach, with occasional individuals present near major commercial intersections along US-17.
What South North Myrtle Beach is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, filled with morning joggers, dog walkers, and beachcombers along Ocean Boulevard.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Bustling and vibrant with beachgoers, families on golf carts, and shoppers moving safely across the area.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Lively around dining and entertainment venues at Barefoot Landing, with comfortable and secure conditions for family walks.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Generally quiet and safe in residential neighborhoods, though unlit beach accesses and large condo parking garages require basic caution.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is very limited, primarily served by seasonal Coast RTA bus routes along the Highway 17 corridor; personal vehicles, rideshares, or golf carts are essential.
Public beach accesses offer street and lot parking, which is metered from March through October, while major shopping centers like Barefoot Landing provide extensive free surface parking.
Things to do in South North Myrtle Beach
- Browse the boardwalk shops and watch boats along the Intracoastal Waterway at Barefoot Landing
- Spend a relaxing morning on the wide, uncrowded sands of Windy Hill Beach
- Experience a live musical or variety performance at the Alabama Theatre
Local favorites
- Flying Fish Public Market & Grill · Seafood Restaurant · 4.4★ (4200)Waterfront seafood market and restaurant at Barefoot Landing known for fresh catches and raw oysters.
- Greg Norman Australian Grille · Fine Dining · 4.5★ (2500)Upscale waterway eatery serving Australian-inspired steak and seafood with extensive wine selections.
- LuLu's North Myrtle Beach · American Restaurant · 4.3★ (4800)Vibrant, family-friendly coastal dining venue featuring scratch-made southern food, an arcade, and live music.
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.