Is Southwest Myrtle Beach safe?
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Southwest Myrtle Beach as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on Southwest Myrtle Beach
“Go. Southwest Myrtle Beach, anchored largely by The Market Common and surrounding master-planned residential communities, is one of the safer, cleaner, and most pleasant districts in the city. While property crime and petty theft can occur around busy retail centers, violent crime rates here are significantly lower than in downtown Myrtle Beach.”
About the area
Southwest Myrtle Beach encompasses the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, now redeveloped into The Market Common, Grand Park, and quiet suburban neighborhoods. It offers an upscale, park-filled atmosphere popular with retirees, young families, and visitors seeking dining away from the busy oceanfront strip.
- Suburban / Planned Community
- Family-Friendly
- Upscale Dining
- Park-Adjacent
Walking and biking in Southwest Myrtle Beach
Walk score: 48/100 · Bike score: 56/100
Features excellent bike-friendly paths within Grand Park and dedicated bike lanes along Farrow Parkway, connecting easily to adjacent recreational spaces.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Substantially lower violent crime rates compared to the central tourist oceanfront
- Modern infrastructure with master-planned housing, well-lit sidewalks, and manicured parks
- Higher median household income and homeownership rates than central Myrtle Beach
- Convenient access to Myrtle Beach International Airport and Myrtle Beach State Park
Cons
- Car break-ins and retail theft occasionally occur in large public parking lots
- Heavier traffic congestion along US-17 Bypass and Farrow Parkway during peak seasons
- Pockets near major commercial corridors outside Market Common have older, unevenly maintained infrastructure
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal compared to the downtown boardwalk corridor, though individuals are occasionally seen near major thoroughfares like US-17 Bypass.
What Southwest Myrtle Beach is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with locals jogging around Grand Park Lake and walking dogs through Market Common.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Busy commercial and residential activity with shoppers and diners enjoying an open, safe daytime environment.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Lively around the restaurants and cinema, with steady foot traffic and well-illuminated public squares.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Calm and generally quiet as venues close; residential areas remain secure, though standard personal awareness applies.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is provided by Coast RTA (primarily Route 15S), but service intervals are wide, making personal vehicles or rideshares the preferred method of travel.
Ample free parking is available throughout The Market Common via street parking and dedicated multi-level parking decks; surface lots are plentiful across surrounding strip centers.
Things to do in Southwest Myrtle Beach
- Walk or jog along the multi-use paved trails surrounding Grand Park Lake
- Browse the boutiques and grab a meal at The Market Common shopping district
- Explore military aviation history at Warbird Park along Farrow Parkway
Local favorites
- Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar · Southern Restaurant · 4.5★ (3200)Vibrant eatery serving made-from-scratch Southern classics and craft cocktails in The Market Common.
- 810 Billiards & Bowling · Entertainment & Bowling · 4.3★ (1150)Modern entertainment venue featuring upscale bowling lanes, arcade games, billiards, and casual pub food.
- Crepe Creation Cafe · French Cafe · 4.6★ (1400)Bistro serving sweet and savory crepes, European-style breakfasts, and fine wines with outdoor patio seating.
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.