Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Garden City Beach, SC
Thinking of relocating to Garden City Beach, SC? This coastal community of around 3,900 residents offers a relaxed beach lifestyle, with a median home price of $392,000 and average rents near $1,350. Enjoy warm, sunny weather with 67% sunny days per year and a short 22.8-minute average commute. While property crime rates are higher than national averages, the area features convenient access to healthcare, well-rated schools, and a friendly, retirement-friendly atmosphere perfect for lovers of sun and sand.
Demographics - Garden City Beach, SC
Demographics - Garden City Beach, SC
Garden City Beach is a small coastal town with a population of about 3,900, characterized by a predominantly White community and a median age of 59.2, suggesting a strong retirement presence. The area has a balanced gender ratio and a low percentage of non-English speakers, creating a close-knit and accessible atmosphere.
Population:
3,900
Density:
930 per sq mi
Median Age:
59.2
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
91.7%
Black:
3.6%
Asian:
1.3%
Others:
3.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Garden City Beach, SC?
Living in Garden City Beach is affordable, with a cost of living index just below the national average and median home values around $392,000. Housing and utility costs are slightly above average, while groceries and health care remain budget-friendly, making it an attractive spot for retirees and families alike.
Median House Value:
$392,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$150
Auto Insurance:
$1,340
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,810
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$720
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
98.7
Grocery:
97.2
Housing:
101.8
Utilities:
105.0
Transportation:
97.5
Health Care:
96.3
Miscellaneous:
94.8
Crime
Is Garden City Beach, SC a safe place to live?
While Garden City Beach enjoys a lower rate of violent crime compared to national figures, property crime is more common, with a 1 in 39 chance annually. Residents should take typical precautions, but overall, the community maintains a safe and welcoming environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
238
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,550
Crime Index:
2,788
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 420
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 39
Weather
What is the weather like in Garden City Beach, SC year-round?
Residents experience mild winters, warm summers, and abundant sunshine, with 67% of days being sunny each year. The area receives about 52 inches of rainfall annually, making outdoor activities enjoyable for most of the year.

Winter
Min:
38°F
Max:
60°F

Spring
Min:
53°F
Max:
75°F

Summer
Min:
71°F
Max:
88°F

Fall
Min:
55°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
52.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
67%
Neighbors
The community has a median household income of $55,700 and a poverty rate under 10%, reflecting modest but comfortable living standards. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, with average commute times under 23 minutes, fostering a laid-back coastal lifestyle.
Median Income:
$39,100
Household Income:
$55,700
Family Income:
$66,900
Per Capita Income:
$36,100
Income Male:
$41,200
Income Female:
$32,500
Poverty Rate:
9.5%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
22.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.1%
Bachelors or More:
27.3%
Education
How are the schools in Garden City Beach, SC?
Families in Garden City Beach benefit from well-rated public and private schools, including Seaside Elementary and St. James Middle School, plus access to nearby colleges such as Coastal Carolina University. The community values education, with most adults holding at least a high school diploma.

Public Schools
Name:
Seaside Elementary School
Street:
10940 Hwy 707, Murrells Inlet
Phone:
843-650-3490
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
St. James Middle School
Street:
9775 St. James Rd, Myrtle Beach
Phone:
843-650-5543
Students:
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.1

Private Schools
Name:
St. Michael Catholic School
Street:
542 Cypress Ave, Murrells Inlet
Phone:
843-651-6795
Students:
320

Colleges
Name:
Coastal Carolina University
City:
Conway
State:
SC
Distance:
21 miles
Students:
10,600
Name:
Horry-Georgetown Technical College
City:
Conway
State:
SC
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
6,000
Healthcare
Garden City Beach provides access to quality healthcare services, with major hospitals like Tidelands Waccamaw and Grand Strand Medical Center nearby. Health coverage is high at over 91%, and the area offers a good number of physicians for the population size.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital
Address:
4070 Hwy 17 Bypass, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Phone:
(843) 652-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Grand Strand Medical Center
Address:
809 82nd Pkwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
Phone:
(843) 692-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
72.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Garden City Beach, SC?
The housing market in Garden City Beach is strong, with a median home price of $392,000 and a healthy owner-occupancy rate of nearly 71%. Home values have appreciated by over 7% in the past year, making it an appealing area for both buyers and investors.
Median Home Price:
$392,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
70.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.1%
New Construction Rate:
2.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle services through the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, with resources easily accessible online and at nearby offices. The DMV provides standard licensing, registration, and title services for new and current residents.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
410 University Ridge, Greenville, SC 29601
Phone:
1-803-896-5000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.