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.
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.
Located in the state of South Carolina, Surfside Beach is a small city with a population of 4,617 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (94% White). Given that fact, Surfside Beach could be considered less diverse than other cities. With an average age of 54 years, Surfside Beach residents appear to be older compared to the national average. For seniors and retirees, this city presents itself as a compelling choice. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Surfside Beach. With an average one way commute time of only 20 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new area to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Surfside Beach could be a positive experience compared to other cities in South Carolina if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, commute, 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.
The livability score in Surfside Beach is 73/100 and the city is ranked in the 83rd percentile of all cities across America. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Surfside Beach ranks well for amenities (A-) and housing (B+) Surfside Beach does not rank well for the following: education (D-). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to 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.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Surfside Beach excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Surfside Beach. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Surfside Beach are affordable. The median home price for Surfside Beach homes is $499,087, which is 91.9% 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 5.6, which is 47.4% higher than the South Carolina average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Surfside Beach | South Carolina | National |
| Average one way commute | 20min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 76.4% | 82.8% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.8% | 9.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 0.6% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.5% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 3.0% | 2.2% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.8% | 3.6% | 4.6% |
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