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 by the master-planned Market Common district and Grand Park, is one of the safest and most polished areas within the city limits. Visitors should exercise typical awareness near busy highway corridors, but residential and retail hubs are secure and well-patrolled.”
City initiatives have continued to expand lighting, trail connectivity, and dedicated police patrols throughout the Market Common and Grand Park recreation corridors.
About the area
Southwest Myrtle Beach encompasses the revitalized former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, now known as The Market Common, along with surrounding residential enclaves, golf courses, and the airport district. It offers a suburban, resort-style atmosphere with manicured parks, upscale shopping, dining, and close access to Myrtle Beach State Park.
- Family-Friendly
- Master-Planned
- Suburban / Retail Hub
- Park-Adjacent
Walking and biking in Southwest Myrtle Beach
Walk score: 48/100 · Bike score: 58/100
Grand Park and the surrounding Market Common development feature dedicated multi-use paths and bike lanes, with seasonal bicycle rentals available locally.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Lower violent crime rates compared to central Myrtle Beach and the downtown boardwalk strip
- High rates of homeownership, well-maintained modern housing stock, and strong median household incomes
- Extensive green spaces, lakes, and sports facilities with regular police and private security presence
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes like vehicle break-ins in busy commercial and beach access parking lots
- Pockets along Highway 17 Business feature older commercial corridors with occasional panhandling
- Significant vehicle traffic congestion along Farrow Parkway and Kings Highway during summer peak season
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal within The Market Common and upscale neighborhoods, but occasional individuals and panhandling can be observed near transit stops along Highway 17 Business.
What Southwest Myrtle Beach is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with joggers, dog walkers, and cyclists circling Grand Park and the residential streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Busy with shoppers, diners, and families enjoying outdoor plazas and recreational fields with very low safety concern.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Lively and pleasant around Market Common restaurants and theaters with ample street lighting and active foot traffic.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Generally quiet and safe in residential zones, though unlit paths around outer parks and commercial strips should be navigated with standard caution.
Transit, parking and getting around
The Coast RTA bus system serves the area with routes like 15S connecting to downtown Myrtle Beach, though frequency is limited and a personal vehicle or rideshare is recommended.
Ample free street parking and multiple complimentary multi-level parking garages are available throughout The Market Common; paid parking applies at Myrtle Beach State Park.
Things to do in Southwest Myrtle Beach
- Stroll and shop along the pedestrian-friendly avenues of The Market Common
- Walk, run, or rent a pedal boat around the lake trails at Grand Park
- Spend a quiet beach day exploring the maritime forest and pier at nearby Myrtle Beach State Park
Local favorites
- Crepe Creation Cafe · French Bistro · 4.6★ (2350)Charming European-style cafe in The Market Common serving sweet and savory crepes, wines, and breakfast favorites.
- Nacho Hippo · Tex-Mex Restaurant · 4.4★ (3100)Lively open-air cantina known for creative specialty tacos, massive nachos, and craft margaritas.
- 810 Billiards & Bowling · Entertainment Center · 4.3★ (1250)Upscale entertainment venue featuring boutique bowling lanes, billiards, arcade games, and pub fare.
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.