The United States is full of incredible places to live.
Everyone can find the perfect city or town somewhere.
However, not every location is perfect for every individual or family.
One of those incredible places is Murrells Inlet, SC – home to many happy people.
The question is whether it’s the right place for you to live.
To help you answer that, let’s take a look at some of the best and not-so-great things about living in Murrells Inlet.
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Pros of Living in Murrells Inlet, SC
Murrells Inlet is a beautiful place that makes the perfect home for many people.
Take a look at some of the most common advantages that residents enjoy.
1. Cost of Living
Residents of Murrells Inlet, SC enjoy a relatively low cost of living in comparison to the rest of the country.
In fact, although the utilities are typically 15% higher, the overall cost of living is 6% lower than the nation’s average.
They really shine with housing costs, as they are 28% lower than the national average.
2. Property Taxes Are Low
And while we’re on the topic of living costs, Murrells Inlet residents typically enjoy a relatively low property tax rate.
Property tax rates as low as four percent have been reported for primary residences.
As South Carolina has – overall – one of the lowest property tax rates in the country, this percentage can definitely make home ownership more affordable.
3. It Has a Low Poverty Rate
With everything going on with the economy, you want to live somewhere that you can still make it.
Murrells Inlet boasts a poverty rate of less than 8%, while the American average is about 11.4%.
That might not seem like a big jump, but every percent makes a big difference.
4. The Weather Can Be Really Nice
Living in Murrells Inlet gives you access to some pretty nice weather most of the year.
Though the temperature can vary, of course, it is usually between 50 and 90 degrees.
Additionally, many of those days are sunny, giving you plenty of opportunities to get outside and enjoy some fresh air.
5. There Are a Few Educational Benefits
If you have children, the education system is important, and your kids can gain a few benefits from a Murrells Inlet education.
For one thing, the classroom size is pretty small, with only 14 students per teacher.
Additionally, there are plenty of extracurricular activities, such as drama, band, Future Farmers of America, Spanish Club, and more.
6. There Is Some Really Great Food
What is your favorite food?
Seafood?
Specialty pizza?
Juicy steak?
Sandwiches?
Fresh produce?
No matter your tastes, Murrells Inlet has you covered.
Everything from casual eateries to fine dining is available for your enjoyment.
Do not miss out on the delicious fudge and fresh wine while you enjoy live music each night.
And as you are only a few miles from Myrtle Beach, you have even greater access to fresh flavor for all members of your family.
7. Do Not Forget Some Great Shopping
There is also no shortage of shopping experiences in and around Murrells Inlet.
As it is a tourist destination, you will find plenty of gift and specialty shops.
You will also find some amazing stores for residents, including book stores, antique stores, consignment shops, various malls, seafood markets, art galleries, farmer’s markets, and more.
8. Nature Is At Your Disposal
If you love to spend time outdoors, Murrells Inlet can be a great place to be.
Take in the beauty of the Waccamaw River, hike the scenic trails, visit Huntington Beach State Park, marvel at Brookgreen Gardens, and more.
You can also enjoy everything from kayaking and dolphin tours to picnics and golf.
Cons of Living in Murrells Inlet, SC
No matter how good a place can get, there are always some downsides to deal with.
Below are some of the most common disadvantages to living in Murrells Inlet, SC.
1. The Weather Can Also Be Unpleasant
It is not fair to mention the weather without discussing the downsides of it, too.
Though you can enjoy pleasant weather, you can also expect cold and windy winters, though they tend not to last long.
Summers can get really hot, and a good portion of the year is cloudy and wet.
2. It Has a Moderate Crime Rate
Murrells Inlet, SC is certainly not the most dangerous place in America, but not exactly the safest either.
On a scale of A+ to F, Murrells Inlet has been given a B- for violent crime and C- for property crime.
However, other crimes in the area were graded an A+, giving the location a B- for an overall crime.
If you move there, be sure to set up a home security system to minimize your risk.
3. The Population Might Be An Issue for Some
The population of Murrells Inlet is not a very large one and it seems to be declining.
Additionally, the median age is 56 and there is not a large number of young children.
This is not a con for everyone.
If you are looking for somewhere quieter to escape or retire and you do not have young children, it can be a dream locale.
If you like larger or younger crowds, though, you might want to consider moving elsewhere.
4. There Is a Lack of Diversity
If living in a diverse population is important to you, Murrells Inlet might not be the best move.
The population is currently broken down as 82.4% White, 13.2% Black, 2% Hispanic, 1.8% Asian, and 0.5% Two or More Races.
If you enjoy more diversity, nearby cities, including Myrtle Beach, are better options.
5. The Education System Might Be Lacking
Though your kids can enjoy smaller classroom sizes and extracurricular activities, there are some downsides to continuing.
Murrells Inlet has lower graduation, testing, and college enrollment rates are lower than many other areas in the state.
If you choose to move your children to Murrells Inlet, be prepared to supplement some of their learning at home to give them the boost they need.
6. Traffic Can Be a Bear
It’s difficult to live in or around a tourist area without expecting traffic to be rough during tourist season.
Murrells Inlet is no stranger to busy roads when tourists flock to South Carolina.
During the tourist season, be prepared to leave home early to get to your destination and be ready to fight the traffic.
7. Pests Can Be a Pesky Problem
In the midst of the natural beauty of the area lies many pests that most homes deal with regularly.
The most common are mice, ants, cockroaches, and spiders.
You are also going to have some annoying mosquitoes to deal with.
Snakes are also pretty common in the area, though they tend to stick to themselves.
However, do not be surprised if you see a few each spring around your yard.
8. Some of Your Neighbors Are Alligators
It’s not unusual to see an alligator crossing the street in and around Murrells Inlet and Myrtle Beach.
There are some regular occurrences of them hanging out in people’s yards.
In most cases, they are said not to bother you until you bother them, but that is not a risk many people are willing to take.
If you choose to make the move, use precautions and maybe take a good look out of your window before stepping out your door.
Pros and Cons of Living in Murrells Inlet, SC – Summary Table
| Pros of Living in Murrells Inlet, SC | Cons of Living in Murrells Inlet, SC |
|---|---|
| 1. Cost of Living | 1. The Weather Can Also Be Unpleasant |
| 2. Property Taxes Are Low | 2. It Has a Moderate Crime Rate |
| 3. It Has a Low Poverty Rate | 3. The Population Might Be An Issue for Some |
| 4. The Weather Can Be Really Nice | 4. There Is a Lack of Diversity |
| 5. There Are a Few Educational Benefits | 5. The Education System Might Be Lacking |
| 6. There Is Some Really Great Food | 6. Traffic Can Be a Bear |
| 7. Do Not Forget Some Great Shopping | 7. Pests Can Be a Pesky Problem |
| 8. Nature Is At Your Disposal | 8. Some of Your Neighbors Are Alligators |
Frequently Asked Questions
How likely am I to find a job?
There are currently nearly 5,000+- jobs open in and close to Murrells Inlet.
While the chance of landing a job really depends on the job that you are looking for, there are jobs available.
There is expected to be a 35.2% job market increase over the next decade in the area.
And as it is a tourist location, it should not be difficult to find a way to earn an income.
Will I have to pay state taxes in Murrells Inlet?
Yes, and a pretty high rate, too.
In the last report, the state tax rate was 7% – that’s $7 of each $100 you earn.
This might not seem like much, but it certainly adds up pretty quickly.
If you are looking to avoid state taxes in the South, Tennessee is the place to go.
What’s the average income in Murrells Inlet?
The Census Bureau reports a median household income of $60,487.
However, that drops to $29,940 for non-family residents.
The great thing is that with the low cost of living, people tend to do well with these annual income levels.
Is Myrtle Beach a better place to live?
It really depends on what you are looking for.
Myrtle Beach is often a better option for younger crowds, those who like more diversity, and those who wish to provide a better education.
Murrells Inlet is an awesome place for slowing down and enjoying a laid-back life.
Many locals suggest renting a home in either Murrells Inlet or Myrtle Beach for at least a year to determine which is best for you and your family.
After that year, you will have a better idea of which city to purchase a home in.
Am I really going to have to worry about alligators in my yard?
Sorry to say that if you do choose to live in Murrells Inlet, there is a reasonable chance you will see an alligator in or around your yard.
If you do, though, there are people who will remove it – especially if it is posing a threat.
To be safe, never feed any that you see, and try to be sure there are no food sources in your home.
Additionally, if you have kids, be sure that they play inside of an enclosed outdoor space – like a fenced-in backyard with a closed gate.
This place is known for the best gold courses, making it a golfer’s paradise with numerous opportunities to tee off. As a golfer, this is like a heaven on Earth.
In my opinion, Murrells Inlet, SC is a beautiful place to live with a low cost of living, low property taxes, and a low poverty rate, but it also has unpleasant weather, a moderate crime rate, and a lack of diversity.