Garden City Beach, SC Neighborhood Guide

Garden City Beach sits in ZIP code 29576 along Horry County's southern Grand Strand, directly between Surfside Beach and Murrells Inlet. The community had a 2020 Census population of 10,235, a median property value near $194,100, and is zoned to Horry County Schools' St. James attendance area.

Category	Detail
ZIP Code	29576
County	Horry County (southern edge extends into Georgetown County)
Population	10,235 (2020 Census); most recent local estimate approximately 11,190
Median Property Value	Approximately $194,100 (2023 Census ACS estimate; individual settings such as oceanfront, inlet-front, or interior vary widely)
School District	Horry County Schools, St. James attendance area

Population and property value figures per the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey, as aggregated by Data USA and the 2020 Decennial Census (Wikipedia summary of Census data).

Oceanfront or Inlet Side? Start Here.

Garden City Beach is a narrow peninsula with two very different living experiences: direct Atlantic oceanfront and quieter inlet or marsh-front settings near Murrells Inlet.

See Oceanfront-Style Listings or Ask Taylor Keenan About Inlet-Side Homes

Thinking about buying or selling in Garden City Beach? The Taylor Keenan Team tracks pricing and inventory across every setting in this market, from oceanfront condos to inlet-front homes with docks.

Search Garden City Beach Homes Contact Taylor Keenan

Welcome to Garden City Beach

A narrow strip of coastline where the Atlantic Ocean meets Murrells Inlet.

Garden City Beach is a relaxed, family-oriented coastal community located directly south of Surfside Beach and just north of Murrells Inlet on South Carolina's Grand Strand. The community occupies a narrow peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and the tidal creeks connected to Murrells Inlet, which is why almost every property here falls into one of two categories: oceanfront or ocean-view homes and condos on the beach side, or inlet, marsh, and creekfront homes on the water side.

Most of Garden City Beach sits in Horry County, while its southernmost streets cross into Georgetown County, a distinction that can affect property taxes, rental licensing, and building permits. Buyers are typically drawn here for second homes, retirement, vacation rentals, and full-time coastal living, with the Garden City Pier and the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk anchoring the area's dining and entertainment.

What to Love About Garden City Beach

The Garden City Pier

A 668-foot wooden fishing pier at 110 S Waccamaw Dr that anchors the town's beach, dining, and entertainment scene.

St. James School Zone

Zoned to Horry County Schools' St. James Elementary, Intermediate, Middle, and High School attendance area.

Highway 17 Business Corridor

Direct access to Highway 17 Business puts Murrells Inlet, Surfside Beach, and Myrtle Beach within a short drive.

Two-County Living

The Horry/Georgetown County line runs through Garden City Beach, so buyers should confirm jurisdiction property by property.

Local Lifestyle and Getting Around

Garden City Beach has a classic beach-town rhythm built around the pier, the beach, and the water on both sides of the peninsula. Boating, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and crabbing are part of daily life for inlet-side residents, while oceanfront residents lean toward swimming, surfing, and beach walking.

Per the U.S. Census Bureau, the community has a median age of 61.2 and a homeownership rate of 82.3%, reflecting its popularity with retirees and second-home owners rather than a young, full-time workforce population.

Demographic figures per the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey, as aggregated by Data USA.

Dining, Entertainment and Shopping

Dining in Garden City Beach ranges from oceanfront cafes to historic seafood houses, with the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk a short drive south for additional waterfront options.

Conch Cafe: 1870 N Waccamaw Dr, Garden City Beach, SC 29576, open daily 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., oceanfront dining serving seafood and steaks since 1984.

Hot Fish Club: 4911 Highway 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, open evenings, a historic Grand Strand seafood restaurant with marsh views.

Murrells Inlet MarshWalk: a half-mile creekside boardwalk of restaurants and live music, roughly ten minutes south of Garden City Beach.

Business hours and details per each business's official website; confirm before visiting, as hours can change seasonally.

Things to Do

Beyond the beach itself, Garden City Beach residents are within a short drive of two of the Grand Strand's best-known outdoor destinations.

The Pier at Garden City: 110 S Waccamaw Dr, Garden City, SC 29576, open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, no charge to walk the pier; fishing passes are $12 for adults and $6 for children.

Huntington Beach State Park: 16148 Ocean Highway, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, open daily (6 a.m. to 6 p.m., later during Daylight Saving Time), admission is $8 per adult, $5 for South Carolina seniors, and $4 for youth ages 6 to 15.

Brookgreen Gardens: off U.S. Highway 17 Bypass between Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island, open daily 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., general admission is $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $10 for children ages 4 to 12.

Golfers also have easy access to nearby courses including Willbrook Plantation, International Club, and Wachesaw Plantation East.

Hours and admission fees per the official Pier at Garden City, South Carolina State Parks, and Brookgreen Gardens websites, current as of 2026 and subject to seasonal change.

Schools

Garden City Beach is zoned to Horry County Schools, one of South Carolina's largest districts. The local elementary feeder is Seaside Elementary School (PK to 4th grade), which feeds into St. James Intermediate, St. James Middle School, and St. James High School (grades 9 to 12, enrollment approximately 1,880).

Per GreatSchools.org, Seaside Elementary's most recent state-test-based rating runs below the South Carolina state average; families should review current GreatSchools and Horry County Schools report card data directly, since ratings are updated annually.

School zoning can change. Buyers should confirm current attendance zone assignments directly with Horry County Schools before purchasing.

School and enrollment data per GreatSchools.org and Horry County Schools; state report card ratings per Horry County Schools' published 2025 results.

Real Estate Market

Garden City Beach real estate spans oceanfront homes and condominiums, inlet and creekfront properties with docks, raised beach houses, and townhomes, with median property values around $194,100 across the broader ZIP code and individual settings (oceanfront versus interior versus inlet) driving significant price variation.

Per the 2020 Census, the area has roughly 10,110 housing units, of which nearly half sit vacant at any given time, a reflection of how many properties here are second homes or vacation rentals rather than full-time residences.

Buyers should also plan for South Carolina's owner-occupied versus non-owner-occupied property tax assessment structure, which taxes primary residences at a lower assessment ratio than second homes and investment property.

Search current Garden City Beach area listings or contact the Taylor Keenan Team for off-market and pre-listing opportunities.

Housing unit and vacancy figures per the 2020 U.S. Census Bureau Decennial Census; property tax structure reflects general South Carolina statute, not a Garden City Beach-specific rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ZIP code is Garden City Beach, SC in?

Garden City Beach uses ZIP code 29576. Most of the community sits in Horry County, though its southernmost streets extend into Georgetown County.

Is Garden City Beach a good place to buy a second home?

Yes. Nearly half of the area's roughly 10,110 housing units sit vacant at any given time per the 2020 Census, reflecting a market built around second homes and vacation rentals alongside full-time residences.

What schools serve Garden City Beach, SC?

Garden City Beach is zoned to Horry County Schools, feeding from Seaside Elementary into St. James Intermediate, St. James Middle School, and St. James High School. Buyers should confirm current attendance zones directly with the district.

What is there to do near Garden City Beach?

The Pier at Garden City anchors the town's beach and entertainment scene, and residents are a short drive from Huntington Beach State Park, Brookgreen Gardens, and the restaurants of the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk.

Is Garden City Beach in Horry County or Georgetown County?

Both. Most of Garden City Beach lies in Horry County, while its southern edge extends into Georgetown County, a distinction that can affect property taxes, rental licensing, and permits.

Explore More

Search Garden City Beach Homes

1. U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Decennial Census and American Community Survey (population, housing units, vacancy, median age, homeownership, property value), aggregated via Data USA and Wikipedia. 2. GreatSchools.org and Horry County Schools (school zoning, enrollment, ratings). 3. Official business and attraction websites: conchcafe.net, hotfishclub.com, marshwalk.com, pieratgardencity.com, southcarolinaparks.com, brookgreen.org (hours, fees, addresses). 4. sccoastalre.com/agents/taylor-keenan (agent license, brokerage, credentials).

Overview for Garden City, SC, SC

10,820 people live in Garden City, SC, where the median age is 61.2 and the average individual income is $42,643. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

10,820

Total Population

61.2 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density
This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$42,643

Average individual Income

Around Garden City, SC, SC

There's plenty to do around Garden City, SC, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

46

Car-Dependent

Walking Score

41

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Charm & Sweets, Donahue Brothers Produce Stand, and Mango Thai Cuisine.

Name	Category	Distance	Reviews	Ratings by Yelp
Visit the Charm & Sweets page on Yelp	Dining	0 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Donahue Brothers Produce Stand page on Yelp Search 2560 S Highway 17 on Google Maps	Dining	0.14 miles	2 reviews	3.5/5 stars
Visit the Mango Thai Cuisine page on Yelp Search 2520 Hwy 17 on Google Maps	Dining	0.15 miles	102 reviews	4.1/5 stars
Visit the Gino's Real New York Pizza page on Yelp Search 2520 US 17 on Google Maps	Dining · $	0.15 miles	130 reviews	3.9/5 stars
Visit the My Olive Shack page on Yelp Search 2464 Hwy 17 Business S on Google Maps	Dining	0.2 miles	4 reviews	4/5 stars
Visit the Johnny's Hot Spot page on Yelp Search 2464 Hwy 17 S Business on Google Maps	Dining	0.21 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Michelangelo’s Pizza page on Yelp Search 2751 S Hwy 17 on Google Maps	Dining	0.34 miles	1 review	1/5 stars
Visit the Greg's Cabana Bar & Grill page on Yelp Search 2800 S Hwy 17 on Google Maps	Dining · $$	0.36 miles	263 reviews	4.2/5 stars
Visit the Walmart Bakery page on Yelp Search 545 Garden City Connector on Google Maps	Dining	0.4 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Drippy's Homemade Ice Cream page on Yelp Search 2115 S Highway 17 on Google Maps	Dining · $	0.46 miles	166 reviews	4.5/5 stars
Visit the Bohemian Bull page on Yelp Search 2859 US-17 Bus on Google Maps	Dining	0.5 miles	68 reviews	4/5 stars
Visit the Starbucks page on Yelp Search 2939 S Hwy 17 on Google Maps	Dining · $$	0.69 miles	11 reviews	3.4/5 stars
Visit the Southern Suppers page on Yelp Search 3043 S Hwy 17 on Google Maps	Dining	0.74 miles	1 review	1/5 stars
Visit the Sara J's page on Yelp Search 314 Atlantic Ave on Google Maps	Dining · $$	0.86 miles	288 reviews	3.1/5 stars
Visit the Carolina's Escape Games page on Yelp Search 541 Atlantic Ave on Google Maps	Active	0.72 miles	5 reviews	4/5 stars
Visit the Gilligan's Island Funland page on Yelp Search 3009 S Hwy 17 on Google Maps	Active	0.8 miles	40 reviews	2.4/5 stars
Visit the Garden City Inlet page on Yelp	Active	0.81 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the The Watering Hole Saloon & Grill page on Yelp Search 2132 S Hwy 17 on Google Maps	Nightlife	0.41 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Pink Pony page on Yelp Search 2851 S Highway 17 on Google Maps	Nightlife	0.47 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Regal Nails page on Yelp Search 545 Garden City Connector on Google Maps	Beauty	0.4 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Hair & Nails To Please page on Yelp Search 671 Jamestown Dr on Google Maps	Beauty	0.54 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Garden City, SC, SC

Population Households Employment

Garden City, SC has 5,692 households, with an average household size of 1.86. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Garden City, SC do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 10,820 people call Garden City, SC home. The population density is 2,024 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

10,820

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

61.2 years

Median Age

48 / 52%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

Less Than 9th Grade
High School Degree
Associate Degree
Bachelor Degree
Graduate Degree

5,692

Total Households

1.86

Average Household Size

$42,643

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married

Single

Divorced

Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes

15 to 29 Minutes

30 to 59 Minutes

60+ Minutes

Schools in Garden City, SC, SC

All ()

Primary Schools ()

Middle Schools ()

High Schools ()

Mixed Schools ()

The following schools are within or nearby Garden City, SC. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Type

Name

Current Listings

Sold
$3,900,000

580 Parker Dr.

580 Parker Dr., Pawleys Island, SC 29585
- 6 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2,300 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$1,300,000

261 Atlantic Ave.

261 Atlantic Ave., Pawleys Island, SC 29585
- 7 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 4,056 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$1,300,000

9841 Ocean Highway

9841 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
- 6,624 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$940,000

293 South Dunes Dr. Unit: A-32

293 South Dunes Dr. Unit: A-32, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,626 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$825,000

320 Exchange St.

320 Exchange St., Georgetown, SC 29440
- 3,150 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$779,000

709 Retreat Beach Circle Unit: D-1E

709 Retreat Beach Circle Unit: D-1E, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 1,650 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$760,000

48 Cottage Dr.

48 Cottage Dr., Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2,720 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$725,000

68 Heron Marsh Dr. Unit: 41

68 Heron Marsh Dr. Unit: 41, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 1,350 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$700,000

1690 N Waccamaw Dr. Unit: 101

1690 N Waccamaw Dr. Unit: 101, Garden City Beach, SC 29576
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 1,570 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$699,900

9850 McDowell Short Cut Rd.

9850 McDowell Short Cut Rd., Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 3,000 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$685,000

1020 Ocean Blvd. S Unit: A

1020 Ocean Blvd. S Unit: A, Surfside Beach, SC 29575
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 1,625 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$650,000

38 Mandarin Ct.

38 Mandarin Ct., Pawleys Island, SC 29585
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2,000 Sq.Ft.
Sold

$650,000

S.E. Corner Retreat Beach Circle

S.E. Corner Retreat Beach Circle, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
Sold
$560,317

16 Lake View Circle Unit: 91

16 Lake View Circle Unit: 91, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,224 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$529,000

553 Heartland Ct.

553 Heartland Ct., Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
- 5 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2,719 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$520,000

38 Mandarin Ct.

38 Mandarin Ct., Pawleys Island, SC 29585
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2,000 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$518,000

11 Chapel Creek Rd. Unit: 11

11 Chapel Creek Rd. Unit: 11, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 1,950 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$485,000

293 Lassoed Circle

293 Lassoed Circle, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 3,126 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$482,000

140 Splendor Circle

140 Splendor Circle, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2,095 Sq.Ft.
For Sale

$450,000

Portion Wall St.

Portion Wall St., Pawleys Island, SC 29585
Sold
$439,900

4411 Bed Straw Ct.

4411 Bed Straw Ct., Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 1,745 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$435,000

1027B Lakeside Dr. Unit: B

1027B Lakeside Dr. Unit: B, Surfside Beach, SC 29575
- 2 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 1,250 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$415,000

510 Antebellum Ln.

510 Antebellum Ln., Georgetown, SC 29440
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,962 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$413,835

500 Aft Ct Unit: 102

500 Aft Ct Unit: 102, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,802 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$399,999

1970 Governors Landing Rd. Unit: 113

1970 Governors Landing Rd. Unit: 113, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
- 2 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 1,628 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$395,000

116 Great Lakes Rd.

116 Great Lakes Rd., Pawleys Island, SC 29585
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 1,900 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$392,000

235 Waties Dr.

235 Waties Dr., Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,521 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$390,000

264 Alexandria Dr. Unit: 12

264 Alexandria Dr. Unit: 12, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,060 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$350,000

80 Island Sign Pl.

80 Island Sign Pl., Pawleys Island, SC 29585
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,622 Sq.Ft.
Sold

$340,000

Lot 4-B Wall St.

Lot 4-B Wall St., Pawleys Island, SC 29585
Sold
$329,000

420 Warrington Way Unit: 420

420 Warrington Way Unit: 420, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,850 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$320,000

139 Chenoa Dr. Unit: 9 B

139 Chenoa Dr. Unit: 9 B, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,429 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$304,900

35 Delray Dr. Unit: 1-D

35 Delray Dr. Unit: 1-D, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,277 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$300,000

718 Botany Loop Unit: 718

718 Botany Loop Unit: 718, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,309 Sq.Ft.
Sold

$287,500

Tract C-1 Windsor Dr.

Tract C-1 Windsor Dr., Georgetown, SC 29440
Sold
$280,000

108 Kenzgar Dr.

108 Kenzgar Dr., Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 1,480 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$258,000

3557 Chestnut Dr. Unit: 3557

3557 Chestnut Dr. Unit: 3557, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 1,400 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$255,000

2958 Mary Hines Ln.

2958 Mary Hines Ln., Georgetown, SC 29440
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,260 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$252,500

924 Jackline Place Unit: 202

924 Jackline Place Unit: 202, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,405 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$240,000

1015 Blue Stem Dr. Unit: 38c

1015 Blue Stem Dr. Unit: 38c, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,050 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$240,000

398 Blue Stem Dr. Unit: 59-F

398 Blue Stem Dr. Unit: 59-F, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 850 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$230,000

4310 Lotus Ct. Unit: A

4310 Lotus Ct. Unit: A, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,450 Sq.Ft.
Sold

$201,000

TBD Lot 4 Trey Ave.

TBD Lot 4 Trey Ave., Georgetown, SC 29440
Sold
$133,000

1105 S Ocean Blvd. Unit: 848

1105 S Ocean Blvd. Unit: 848, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
- 1 Bath
- 375 Sq.Ft.
Sold
$131,500

210 28th Ave. S Unit: 5

210 28th Ave. S Unit: 5, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
- 1 Bed
- 1 Bath
- 630 Sq.Ft.
For Lease
$4,166/mo

11382 Ocean Hwy. Unit: Unit 1

11382 Ocean Hwy. Unit: Unit 3, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
- 1,900 Sq.Ft.