Dreaming of a Vacation Home in Pawleys Island?

By The Taylor Keenan Team

If you’ve been thinking about investing in a vacation home in Pawleys Island, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not dreaming. We love helping people find their slice of paradise right here in one of South Carolina’s most beloved coastal towns. From laid-back beaches to the scenic mainland, owning a getaway spot in Pawleys Island means peace, charm, and a timeless Lowcountry lifestyle. Let’s take a look at why this place captures hearts year after year.

• Why Pawleys Island is ideal for vacation home buyers
• Key features of both the island and mainland areas
• Tips on buying a vacation home in this laid-back market
• What lifestyle perks come with owning property here

A vacation home in Pawleys Island offers more than a break from your daily routine—it’s an invitation into a slower, sweeter pace of life. With its historic charm and unspoiled coastlines, this area draws buyers looking for more than just ocean views.

Whether you're spending summer with extended family or sneaking away for a long weekend, Pawleys Island delivers a sense of peace that’s hard to find elsewhere. It’s the kind of place where front porches matter, seafood boils are a regular event, and the Atlantic is always just a short walk away. This lifestyle is why so many buyers are looking to plant vacation roots here—and keep them for generations.

• Distinct Island Vibe: The island itself is narrow and peaceful, with historic cottages, unspoiled beaches, and no commercial development.  After all, it does claim to be “The Oldest Seaside Resort in America”.
• Mainland Access: Just across the causeway, the mainland offers more variety—restaurants, golf, shopping, and full-service amenities.
• Convenient Location: Situated between Myrtle Beach and Charleston, Pawleys Island gives you access to top-tier attractions with fewer tourist crowds.
• Year-Round Appeal: With its mild winters and warm summers, a vacation home in Pawleys Island works in every season.

One of the most important decisions when buying a vacation home in Pawleys Island is choosing between the island and the mainland. Both areas offer unique advantages, depending on how you plan to use your property.

The island is ideal for buyers looking for rustic charm and a deeper connection to the natural environment. There’s no commercial development on the island, which preserves its quiet atmosphere and allows for more traditional beach living. The mainland, meanwhile, expands your options—offering everything from custom homes in gated golf communities to low-maintenance condos just minutes from the ocean.

• • Oceanfront and creekfront cottages
  • Quiet, walkable streets and  beaches
  • Limited development = greater rental demand
  • Classic Lowcountry architecture with elevated foundations

• • Gated communities like The Reserve, Pawleys Plantation, and Heritage Plantation
  • Access to restaurants, boutiques, and grocery stores within minutes
  • Homes with larger square footage, modern floor plans, and attached garages
  • Community amenities like tennis courts, pools, and clubhouses

No matter which side you choose, you’ll have easy access to the beach, the marsh, and that unmistakable Pawleys Island charm.

Buying a second home in a beach town comes with its own set of considerations. From local regulations to property upkeep, it’s important to plan ahead so your investment stays enjoyable—and manageable.

Some buyers prefer homes that they’ll use exclusively for personal getaways, while others are hoping to offset costs with rental income. Each path comes with different responsibilities, so getting clear on your goals early makes a big difference. The buying process can also vary depending on whether you're looking in a homeowners association, a historic zone, or a new development.

• Short-Term Rental Options: Some properties are eligible for weekly or seasonal rentals, while others may have HOA restrictions.
• Maintenance & Upkeep: Island homes can face more wear from salt air and storms. Many owners opt for property management services.
• Insurance Costs: Flood zones can affect premiums—especially on the island side. Be sure to review maps and policies closely.
• Market Timing: The spring and fall are prime seasons for vacation home buying in Pawleys Island. That’s when inventory turns and competition eases.
• Zoning and Permits: If you're planning renovations or considering adding a pool, the local permitting process can differ between island and mainland properties.

We help buyers evaluate all of these variables so your second home feels like a dream—not a burden.

Living in—or frequently visiting—Pawleys Island means more than just owning a beautiful home. The real magic comes from the lifestyle, community, and experiences that make this coastal town a local and national treasure.

Whether you’re catching a breeze from your porch hammock or watching the tide roll in on the beach or creek, life here encourages you to slow down. You’ll find yourself embracing traditions like creek fishing at sunrise, sipping iced tea under live oaks, or heading to The Hammock Shops Village (home of the Pawleys Island Hammock) for locally made goods and good eats at The Local or Bisquit. It's these daily rhythms that transform a second home into a forever retreat.

• World-Class Golf: The mainland boasts some of the best public courses in the Lowcountry, including Caledonia and True Blue.
• Local Dining: Fresh seafood, Southern classics, and no-frills favorites like Frank’s, Bistro 217, and Pawleys Island Tavern (aka The PIT).
• Water Activities: Kayaking, crabbing, paddleboarding, and surf fishing are all part of daily life.
• Natural Beauty: From the Murrells Inlet Marshwalk to Brookgreen Gardens and Huntington Beach State Park nearby, nature is always close.
• Art & Culture: Local galleries and seasonal festivals like the Pawleys Island Festival of Music & Art bring a creative spirit to the coast.

It’s a way of life that encourages you to live in the moment—and that’s something a vacation home here delivers in abundance.

Yes, many homeowners do—especially on the island side. Just be sure to check HOA rules and local zoning laws.

Spring and early fall are ideal. Inventory is active, but competition isn’t as intense as in summer.

It depends on your goals. For quiet getaways and charm, go island. For amenities and convenience, consider the mainland.

Thinking about a vacation home in Pawleys Island? We’d love to help you take the next step toward owning your perfect retreat. At The Taylor Keenan Team, we know this market inside and out—whether you're dreaming of a beachfront escape or a golf course hideaway.

Reach out to us at The Taylor Keenan Team, and let’s make your Pawleys Island dream a reality. We’ll walk you through every step of the buying process and help you find a home that fits the way you want to live.

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