North Myrtle Beach History

The City of North Myrtle Beach is a delightful community at the north end of the Grand Strand region of South Carolina. Often confused with the City of Myrtle Beach, the City of North Myrtle Beach is a distinctively separate municipality formed over 52 years ago.

Originally settled by farmers, fishermen and timber harvesters, the area was discovered to be a tranquil seaside destination. That image as a family friendly seaside vacation destination remains today. Every year, North Myrtle Beach attracts thousands of visitors from around the world. They’re drawn to the famous family friendly atmosphere, a vast array of recreation and entertainment options, and of course, the wide-white sandy beaches.  

Hurricane Hazel razed the area in 1954. The upside from all of the devastation was it allowed for a new and improved North Myrtle Beach to emerge. The City of North Myrtle Beach now features ocean-front vacation rentals, upscales homes and mid-rise motels. The booming popularity of beach music and a dance known as “The Shag”, helped put North Myrtle Beach back on the map as the sought-after vacation destination that it is today.

The booming tourism industry is the leading employer in North Myrtle Beach. The tourism industry employs thousands of the area’s residents on both a full-time and part time basis. Following tourism, the service industry, light manufacturing and other industry are the next major employers. North Myrtle Beach is located in Horry County and is just miles away from the county seat of Conway.

The area is experiencing amazing growth. The Grand Strand area of South Carolina has again been recognized as the second-fastest growing metro area, at 3.8 percent, for the third year in a row according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Attractive home prices, the availability of good paying jobs and the year-round temperate climate are attracting young professionals and retirees alike.    

The City of North Myrtle Beach continues to thrive. The exciting, vibrant family friendly atmosphere is very well situated for growth, and its citizens are interested in a sustainable future.