Are you dreaming of a lifestyle that combines the tranquility of waterfront living with the excitement of coastal South Carolina? Look no further than Myrtle Beach's stunning Intracoastal Waterway communities.
This comprehensive guide explores the top 10 waterway neighborhoods, offering insights into amenities, home prices, HOA fees, property taxes, and proximity to the beach. Whether you're seeking a luxurious estate or a cozy townhome, there's a perfect waterfront community waiting for you in Myrtle Beach.
1. Grande Dunes
Grande Dunes is the crown jewel of Myrtle Beach's waterway communities, spanning 2,600 acres along both the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean.
Key Features:
- Mediterranean-style homes and estates
- Multiple golf courses, including a private Members Club
- 126-slip marina and Ocean Club with private beach access
- Marina Park for live entertainment
- Home prices: High $500,000s to multi-million dollar estates
- HOA fees: $200 to $500+ per month (varies by neighborhood)
- Property taxes: 0.7% to 1% of assessed value
- Distance from beach: 0.5 to 2 miles, depending on the specific neighborhood
Grande Dunes offers an unparalleled luxury experience with its high-end finishes, exclusive amenities, and stunning views. The community caters to those seeking the very best in waterfront living, with the added benefit of being incredibly close to the beach.
2. The Battery on the Waterway
This luxury townhome community in northern Carolina Forest offers upscale living with direct Intracoastal Waterway access.
Key Features:
- Charleston-inspired architecture
- Clubhouse, fitness center, and swimming pool
- Private boat ramp
- Gated community
- Home prices: Mid-$300,000s to $600,000+
- HOA fees: $250 to $400 per month
- Property taxes: 0.5% to 0.7% of assessed value
- Distance from beach: Approximately 5-6 miles
The Battery on the Waterway is ideal for those seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle without sacrificing luxury or waterfront access. While it's a bit further from the beach, it offers a serene waterway setting with easy access to Myrtle Beach attractions.
3. Waterway Palms Plantation
Located in the popular Carolina Forest area, Waterway Palms Plantation offers upscale living with resort-style amenities and direct Intracoastal Waterway access.
Key Features:
- Range of home styles from single-family to luxury waterfront
- Large clubhouse with fitness center
- Tennis courts and resort-style pool with lazy river
- Private marina for boat access
- Home prices: Mid-$400,000s to $1 million+
- HOA fees: $150-$200 per month
- Property taxes: 0.5% to 0.7% of assessed value
- Distance from beach: About 6-7 miles
Waterway Palms Plantation is perfect for those seeking a luxury lifestyle with extensive amenities. While it's not beachfront, it offers a tranquil waterway setting with easy access to Myrtle Beach attractions.
4. Plantation Point
One of the few Intracoastal Waterway communities within Myrtle Beach city limits, Plantation Point offers convenience and waterfront living in one package.
Key Features:
- Mix of single-family homes and townhouses
- Community pool and clubhouse
- Private boat ramp
- Close proximity to Broadway at the Beach and local attractions
- Home prices: Mid-$400,000s to $1 million+
- HOA fees: $100 to $150 per month
- Property taxes: 0.6% to 0.8% of assessed value
- Distance from beach: Roughly 2-3 miles
Plantation Point's central location provides residents with the perfect balance of waterfront living and urban convenience, with the beach just a short drive away.
5. Cypress River Plantation
Located in the Socastee area of southern Myrtle Beach, Cypress River Plantation offers a more secluded waterfront experience with custom-built homes.
Key Features:
- Gated community with custom homes and available lots
- Clubhouse, pool, and private boat ramp
- Scenic river views and natural surroundings
- Home prices: Mid-$300,000s to $800,000+
- HOA fees: $80 to $120 per month
- Property taxes: 0.5% to 0.7% of assessed value
- Distance from beach: Approximately 7-8 miles
Cypress River Plantation is perfect for those seeking a quieter waterfront lifestyle while still being within reach of Myrtle Beach attractions and beaches.
6. Carolina Waterway Plantation
Nestled in the sought-after Carolina Forest area, Carolina Waterway Plantation offers an intimate gated community experience with direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway.
Key Features:
- Custom-built homes
- Private boat access and docks
- Clubhouse, tennis courts, and community pool
- Average home prices: $450,000 to $1 million+
- HOA fees: $105-$115 per month
- Property taxes: 0.5% to 0.7% of assessed value
- Distance from beach: About 6-7 miles
Carolina Waterway Plantation provides a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities, with the beach just a short drive away.
7. Waterford Plantation
Another gem in the Carolina Forest area, Waterford Plantation offers a mix of waterfront and water view properties along the Intracoastal Waterway.
Key Features:
- Mix of single-family homes and townhouses
- Clubhouse, pool, and fitness center
- Private boat ramp and day docks
- Home prices: Mid-$300,000s to $800,000+
- HOA fees: $100 to $150 per month
- Property taxes: 0.5% to 0.7% of assessed value
- Distance from beach: Approximately 6-7 miles
Waterford Plantation combines the convenience of Carolina Forest with stunning waterway views and amenities, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a waterfront lifestyle with easy beach access.
8. Bridgewater
Located in North Myrtle Beach, Bridgewater offers affordable luxury with easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway and the beach.
Key Features:
- Mix of single-family homes and townhouses
- Clubhouse, swimming pool, and fitness center
- Private boat ramp
- Custom features in many homes
- Home prices: Mid-$200,000s to $500,000+
- HOA fees: $100 to $150 per month
- Property taxes: 0.6% to 0.8% of assessed value
- Distance from beach: About 1-2 miles
Bridgewater provides a more relaxed atmosphere while still being close to North Myrtle Beach attractions and the ocean, making it an excellent option for those seeking waterfront living with easy beach access.
9. Harbour Watch
Situated in the Little River area, Harbour Watch offers a tranquil waterfront setting with easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway.
Key Features:
- Mix of custom-built homes and available lots
- Community dock and boat ramp
- Clubhouse and pool
- Home prices: Mid-$400,000s to $1 million+
- HOA fees: $100 to $150 per month
- Property taxes: 0.5% to 0.7% of assessed value
- Distance from beach: Approximately 3-4 miles
Harbour Watch is perfect for those seeking a quieter waterfront community with the option to build their dream home, while still being close to beaches and attractions.
10. Palmetto Harbour
Located in North Myrtle Beach, Palmetto Harbour offers waterfront living with easy access to both the Intracoastal Waterway and the beach.
Key Features:
- Mix of single-family homes and condos
- Community pool and clubhouse
- Private boat ramp and day docks
- Home prices: Mid-$300,000s to $700,000+
- HOA fees: $150 to $250 per month
- Property taxes: 0.6% to 0.8% of assessed value
- Distance from beach: Roughly 1-2 miles
Palmetto Harbour provides residents with the best of both worlds – waterway living and quick beach access, making it an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy all aspects of coastal living.
Find Your Dream Waterway Home with Living in SC
Ready to make one of these stunning waterway communities your home? The Living in SC team is here to help you navigate the Myrtle Beach real estate market and find your perfect waterfront property. With extensive knowledge of the area and a commitment to exceptional service, we can assist you in locating and purchasing your dream home anywhere in South Carolina.
Our team of experienced real estate professionals understands the unique aspects of waterfront living and can guide you through the process of selecting the right community for your lifestyle and budget. We'll help you consider factors such as:
- Water access and boat storage options
- Flood insurance requirements and costs
- Community amenities and HOA regulations
- Future development plans in the area
- Resale potential and investment value
- Proximity to beaches and local attractions
Don't miss out on the opportunity to live in one of Myrtle Beach's best waterway communities. Contact the Living in SC team today and take the first step towards your new waterfront lifestyle! Whether you're looking for a permanent residence, a vacation home, or an investment property, we have the expertise to help you find the perfect waterway community in Myrtle Beach that balances your desire for waterfront living with easy beach access.
