Most homes in Carolina Forest are within a 7–12 minute drive to Myrtle Beach’s public ocean access points, making it a practical everyday beach destination — not just a vacation luxury.
- 1309 Professional Dr Suite 100 Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
HORRY COUNTY, SC | UNINCORPORATED
Carolina Forest
A master-planned community that lives like a town — excellent schools, resort amenities, and minutes to the beach.
By The Numbers
9,000+
ACRES
~35K
RESIDENTS
<10 Min
TO THE BEACH
A-
SCHOOL RATING
HWY 501
MAIN CORRIDOR
Schools & education
- Carolina Forest High School (Horry County Schools)
- Ocean Bay Middle School — award-winning academics
- River Oaks Elementary & Ocean Bay Elementary
- Coastal Carolina University — 15 min away
- Horry-Georgetown Technical College nearby
- Horry County Schools rated A− on Niche
Lifestyle & amenities
- Community pools, walking & biking trails
- Waterbridge — SC’s largest residential pool complex
- Pickleball, tennis, basketball, bocce
- Man O’War, The Witch, & The Wizard golf courses
- Tanger Outlets, Coastal Grand Mall minutes away
- Full grocery, medical, and dining corridor on Hwy 501
Healthcare & Services
- Grand Strand Regional Medical Center — 10 min
- Conway Medical Center — 15 min
- Seacoast Medical Center nearby
- Waccamaw Community Hospital in reach
- Numerous urgent care & specialty clinics in community
Location & Access
Carolina Forest sits midway between Myrtle Beach and Conway along US-501, spanning 25 square miles in unincorporated Horry County. Robert Grissom Parkway, River Oaks Drive, and International Drive give quick access north and south across the Grand Strand.
- Beach: under 10 minutes east
- Downtown Conway: ~15 minutes west
- Myrtle Beach Airport (MYR): ~15 minutes
Move-Up Buyers
Diverse price points from entry-level condos to lakefront luxury estates mean buyers can grow their lifestyle without leaving the community.
Families
Award-winning schools within the community, walkable neighborhoods, and safe suburban streets make Carolina Forest one of Horry County's top family destinations.
Active Retirees
Resort amenities, golf, proximity to world-class healthcare, and a 10-minute drive to the beach deliver an active coastal retirement at an affordable price.
Popular Neighborhoods in Carolina Forest
Waterbridge
Gated · Luxury
Surrounded by 120 acres of protected woodland with SC's largest residential pool, pickleball, tennis, kayaking, and panoramic lake views.
The Farm at Carolina Forest
Family-Friendly
Beloved community with clubhouse, pools, walking trails, and a welcoming neighborhood feel that keeps resale demand consistently strong.
Plantation Lakes
Lakefront · Upscale
Gated enclave with stunning lakefront homes, resort-style amenities, and a quiet prestige that draws move-up and luxury buyers.
Brighton Lakes
Pools · Clubhouse
Established community off River Oaks Drive with private clubhouse, splash pool, lap pool, and easy access to top elementary schools.
The Bluffs on the Waterway
Intracoastal Views
Gated ICW community with boat storage, private launch, two clubhouses, tennis, and over 400 single-family homes.
Waterway Palms
Charleston Style
Planned gated community inspired by Charleston's Battery District — distinctive architecture and easy Intracoastal access.
FAQs: Carolina Forest, SC
Yes. Carolina Forest is one of the Grand Strand’s fastest-growing and most consistently in-demand communities. It offers top-rated Horry County schools, resort-caliber amenities, sub-10-minute beach access, and home prices that remain competitive compared to beachside neighborhoods — making it attractive for families, investors, and retirees alike.
Carolina Forest offers a wide price range. Entry-level condos and townhomes can start in the low-to-mid $200Ks, while single-family homes in popular neighborhoods typically range from the $300Ks to $600Ks. Luxury lakefront properties in communities like Plantation Lakes and Waterbridge can exceed $800K–$1M+. Prices remain more affordable than beachfront Myrtle Beach despite similar proximity to the ocean.