Your Complete Guide to

Carolina Forest, Myrtle Beach

Over 9,000 acres of tree-lined neighborhoods, top-rated schools, and a community that feels like home — just 10 minutes from the beach.

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9,000+
Acres
30+
Neighborhoods
A−
Niche School Rating
10 min
To the Beach

Where Families Put
Down Roots

Nestled between the sandy shores of Myrtle Beach and the historic town of Conway, Carolina Forest is one of the fastest-growing master-planned communities along the Grand Strand. What started as International Paper timberland in the 1990s has grown into a thriving community of over 30 distinct neighborhoods — each with its own personality, but all sharing the same family-first feel.


Nearly half of the total land has been preserved as green space, giving Carolina Forest a canopy-covered character that sets it apart from the typical beach town. Tree-lined streets, interconnected walking trails, and neighborhood parks create an everyday quality of life that's hard to beat — and you're still just a short drive from the sand.


With easy access to Highways 501, 31, and International Drive, daily errands, the airport, and the beach are all within reach. It's the kind of place people move to and never want to leave.

Find Your Place in
Carolina Forest

From luxury waterfront estates to affordable family homes, Carolina Forest offers something for every lifestyle and budget. Here are some of the most sought-after communities.
Luxury · Gated

Waterbridge

A premier gated community surrounded by 120 acres of protected woodlands. Coastal cottage-style homes, 80+ acres of lakes, and SC's largest residential swimming pool headline the resort-caliber amenities.

Gated Lakefront Boat Launch Fitness
Luxury · Lakefront

Plantation Lakes

Custom-built luxury homes wrapped around 170 acres of lakes and ponds. Residents boat through 15 miles of stocked shoreline and enjoy two pools, tennis, basketball, and a sprawling amenities center.

Custom Homes Lake Boating 2 Pools Tennis
Waterfront · Gated

The Bluffs on the Waterway

An elegant gated community directly on the Intracoastal Waterway. Private boat landing, on-site boat storage, and direct ICW lots make this one of Carolina Forest's most coveted waterfront addresses.

Gated ICW Direct Boat Landing Custom Homes
Modern · Amenity-Rich

The Parks

A newer community known for its green spaces, lazy river pool, and golf-cart-friendly streets. Natural gas, walking trails to the library, and a central Carolina Forest location make it a standout.

Lazy River Golf Cart Friendly Natural Gas Trails
Waterfront · Gated

Waterway Palms Plantation

A gated community on the Intracoastal Waterway with Charleston-inspired architecture. Custom homes, a private boat ramp, and elegant amenities including pools, tennis, and a grand clubhouse.

ICW Access Boat Ramp Custom Build Pool
Established · Mature

Waterford Plantation

One of Carolina Forest's original neighborhoods with mature landscaping and tree-shaded streets. Walking distance to the award-winning Carolina Forest Elementary, with a full amenity center.

Walk to School Jr Olympic Pool Tennis Playground

Schools That Families
Move Here For

Carolina Forest is served by some of the highest-rated public schools in the Myrtle Beach area and across South Carolina. The district consistently earns A-range grades on Niche, and the school community is one of the top reasons families choose to relocate here.
Carolina Forest High School
Grades 9–12 · 3,181 students · #3 Best Public HS in Myrtle Beach Area
A−
River Oaks Elementary
Grades PK–5 · 1,415 students · #6 Best Public ES in Myrtle Beach Area
A
Carolina Forest Elementary
Grades PK–5 · 1,306 students · Blue Ribbon recognition
A−
Ocean Bay Elementary
Grades PK–5 · Carolina Forest district
A−
Ten Oaks Middle School
Grades 6–8 · Horry County Schools
A−
Ocean Bay Middle School
Grades 6–8 · Carolina Forest district
A−

Niche.com 2026 grades. Ratings subject to change. Two new elementary schools opened in the Carolina Forest area for the 2025–2026 school year as part of a district expansion.

More Than Just a
Place to Live

Carolina Forest blends suburban convenience with coastal energy. Here's what everyday life actually looks like.
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Shopping & Errands

Tanger Outlets on Hwy 501, plus a growing mix of grocery stores, pharmacies, and everyday services along Carolina Forest Blvd and International Drive. You rarely need to leave the area.

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Dining

The restaurant scene is growing fast — from craft burgers and sushi to tacos and Southern staples. New spots open regularly along Carolina Forest Boulevard, and you're still a short drive from the Grand Strand's full dining scene.

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Outdoors & Recreation

The Hulk mountain bike and run park, Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve, walking trails through neighborhoods, and community pools and recreation centers. Active living is built into the fabric here.

Golf

Legends Golf Resort, Myrtle Beach National, and World Tour Golf Links are all minutes away. Carolina Forest puts you in the heart of the Grand Strand's golf corridor without the tourist traffic.

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Beach Access

Just 10–15 minutes to the sand via Hwy 31 or International Drive. Close enough to enjoy on a weekday evening, far enough inland to avoid the congestion and price tags of beachfront living.

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Connectivity

Easy access to Hwy 501, SC-31, and International Drive. The Myrtle Beach airport is 15 minutes away. Whether you commute along the Grand Strand or work remotely, the location just works.

Carolina Forest
Real Estate at a Glance

A high-demand market with a wide range of price points — from affordable townhomes and condos to luxury lakefront estates.
$250K–$1M+
Price Range
From starter townhomes in The Farm to custom estates in Plantation Lakes and Waterbridge.
30+
Active Communities
New construction and established neighborhoods with a range of home styles and lot sizes.
High
Buyer Demand
Strong relocation interest from the Northeast and Midwest, driven by schools, affordability, and lifestyle.

Ready to Explore
Carolina Forest?

Whether you're relocating to the area, searching for more space, or thinking about selling while the market is strong — we're here with honest guidance and zero pressure. We know this community inside and out, and we'd love to help you find your place in it.

Eric Galvin and Amanda Knapp-Galvin — Chasing the Tides Group
Eric Galvin
Chasing the Tides Group
Amanda Knapp-Galvin
Chasing the Tides Group
coastallivingwithamanda@gmail.com | (843) 650-0998 | 3888 Renee Dr, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579