Relocation Questions, Any Info Appreciated! (Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach: HOA fees, insurance, credit)

[patty6418]

Hello, We are looking to relocate to the area. I have many questions, but I'd like to start with taxes and subdivision questions.

HOA fees - most say cable included - how does this work? Do they credit you a certain amount toward the bill?? And what if you don't want to use cable, do you just lose out?

Are there areas where additional taxes are assessed? I recently came across something about Surfside (?) that there are additional taxes to be aware of. I was also wondering if there is a difference between city and county tax rates.

Anyone have info on how much living east of 17 adds to insurance bill yearly?

I am also wondering about what the options are as far as the beach. The reason for everything . Anyone have suggestions for subdivisions or areas we could buy or build and safely access a family friendly beach? We love Briarcliffe Acres but can't really afford what we would be comfortable living in.

Some criteria:
We don't want to be on top of our neighbors. Really important but difficult to find.
Three adults - my husband and myself and my mom.
We have pets and a yard is a top priority with room for a pool, too.
Would love to be near the beach.
We are looking for a large home - $400,000 - 500,000 price range
And to be really difficult, we don't want to be on ANY type of water or golf course. Yes, I know. That really narrows the choices.

We have been looking online for a while but would really value input from those in the know. Thank you in advance!

[Retire in MB]

I can answer a couple of your questions.
Usually when HOA fees are included this means basic cable has been wired for the whole community. If you want a different cable company from the one your HOA covers you are probably out of luck. You don't get a rebate on your HOA for not using cable.
Registered cars are subject to an annual tax. There is a difference between city and county taxes. This site will be helpful in sorting out the various city/county taxes. https://www.avalara.com/taxrates/en/...rolina/cities/
Most developments near the beach are going to optimize their land and the houses will have small or no lawns
Not sure what you mean about not being on ANY type of water. Most developments have retention ponds to help control flooding and runoff. You will probably be able to find a lot not directly on the pond, but again the lots will be smaller and you might have to sacrifice lawn space for a pool.

[SmallTownJerseyBoy]

Also need to be careful, a lot of HOAs won't let you put in your own pool, above ground or otherwise. Some communities have a "community center" with a pool and fitness center. This varies by location. Many subdivisions do have ponds, this is very true in most of the Carolina Forest communities in Myrtle Beach.


I would try subdivisions in North Myrtle Beach if you want a little bit more yard space in the subdivisions. My in-laws live in the Windy hill section and their yard is plenty big enough for my German Shepherd and Pitbull, and their dog to fit comfortably.

[blueherons]

Briarcliff doesn't have anything in your price range? It's a great neighborhood.

Look at Pine Lakes, Dunes Club, Dunes Cove, and Myrtle Heights for what you want.

[patty6418]

Thank you everyone!! I really appreciate any input on the area.

[patty6418]

SmallTownJerseyBoy I'm a Jersey Girl. What area of Jersey do you hail from?

[SmallTownJerseyBoy]

Originally Posted by patty6418

SmallTownJerseyBoy I'm a Jersey Girl. What area of Jersey do you hail from?

Flemington! Hunterdon County!

[beachangel]

as to the HOA, I have lived in two different sub divisions there and it wasn't included at all. I wouldn't put a tremendous amount of weight on things in MLS. SC handles things a little "broadly" if you know what I mean. One HUGE thing to be aware of, they list the sq footage as including the garage lots of time! That would never fly where I live as its not living space I guess I am saying be careful what you buy, make sure you get all the facts. Briarcliff is nice but older. You probably would get more space between homes in a older area. Now they build them very close. Have you considered Pawleys Island?? Such a beautiful place just putting that out there. Best of luck

[patty6418]

Yes, beachangel, we are very open to Pawleys Island. I probably should have specified that we are open to anything from Pawleys and even into North Carolina border area. Any area with close proximity to the beach and close enough to a decent supermarket, Walmart, etc. We really can't handle houses on top of each other or strangers in golf carts going by the backyard. We really love Briarcliffe, however, the entry price is just about over the top of our budget. And, as you stated, they are old. Not only will it need updating (at the very least), the roof and heating/ac systems usually need to be replaced, too. I am also wondering if houses sold in Briarcliffe not on sewer will have to pay to have that done. I am not quite ready to contact an agent yet. I have been getting my house ready to sell. Unfortunately, due to health issues, I'm a little behind! There is an agent, Sara Boling? that seems to handle a lot of the listings in Briarcliffe.

Anyone have any advice about characteristics of the beach from NC to Pawley? Does the beach narrow at high tide in certain areas, leaving little usable beach? Any other issues to be aware of along those lines?

Thanks so much everyone for the help!!