Surfside Beach 73 Excellent
Surfside Beach Livability #30 ranked city in South Carolina#4,852 ranked city in the USARanks better than 83% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Surfside Beach

PROS
  • Amenities

    Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.

  • Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

  • Ratings

    According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.

CONS
  • Commute

    Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.

  • Schools

    The low schools score might be a result of factors like lower than average education levels, lackluster reading and math scores and the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools.

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What's it like Living in Surfside Beach?

Surfside Beach, South Carolina is a small-sized city with a population of 4,470 inhabitants. According to the most recent Census, 94% of Surfside Beach residents are White, 1% Black and 1% Asian. In Surfside Beach, there seems to be a shift in population towards an older age group. The average age of the population is now 54, which is significantly higher than the nation’s average. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Surfside Beach will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 20 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Surfside Beach, South Carolina could be a good experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, health & safety, education, employment, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Surfside Beach and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Surfside Beach to South Carolina and the national average.

Surfside Beach, SC receives 72/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #29 in South Carolina and #4,867 in the USA. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Surfside Beach ranks very well for amenities (A-). On a less positive note, Surfside Beach does not have favorable ranks for the following: education (D-). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

If you're considering living in Surfside Beach, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Surfside Beach provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area.

Assuming that Surfside Beach meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Surfside Beach. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Surfside Beach are simply unattainable. The median home price for Surfside Beach homes is $276,800, which is 92.8% higher than the South Carolina average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Surfside Beach, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.7, which is 51.6% higher than the South Carolina average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Surfside Beach

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Surfside Beach?

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Compare Surfside Beach, SC Livability

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      Surfside Beach transportation information

      Statistic Surfside Beach South Carolina National
      Average one way commute20min24min26min
      Workers who drive to work76.4%82.8%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.8%9.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%0.6%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.5%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.0%2.2%2.8%
      Working from home7.8%3.6%4.6%
      Source: The Surfside Beach, SC data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).