Myrtle Beach Crime --Let's Set the Record Straight (condo, high crime) - Myrtle Beach - Conway area - South Carolina (SC) -Horry County - City-Data Forum

Mec4U · 01-11-2010, 03:26 PM

I would like to address the concerns and comments regarding the issue of crime in Myrtle beach.

When I was first considering buying a condo in MB, I kept putting my plans on hold because of the crime stats and reviews I would read.

But as I continued visiting and talking to people and getting to know the city better and better, I finally decided to buy a condo located near "Broadway at the Beach". This is in the 29577 zip code which, if you go by the crime stats on such sites as Homefair.com, is supposedly the second most dangerous of the 5 zip code areas.

Well, I must be clueless, because I see no reason why I should have any concerns about my safety, and I can't help wonder if all the publicity about crime is some sort of conspiracy by the locals to keep this beautiful place all to themselves.

I have found the South Carolinians to be just about the nicest people on Earth, and I am blessed and grateful to have found a condo for under $50,000! Where else can you buy anything near the beach for that price?

With its mild weather year round, Myrtle Beach is both a cozy winter retreat as well as a charming summer resort. The fabulous restaurants, shops, and cultural events along with the beautiful beaches and the State Park enhance the city's charm.

Don't live your life in fear or put your dreams on hold because of a few negative reviews. Some people would do nothing but complain even if they lived in Paradise. So come down and see for yourself. Make my home yours!

TNKY · 01-11-2010, 04:41 PM

Great post. If all goes well I might be joining you. MB is not perfect, but it's a far cry better than what I have now. Thanks for sharing.

baylovers · 01-11-2010, 10:49 PM

Good for you, glad you are happy. I think you have summed it up.

Under $50k, huh? Amazing.

Judes · 01-21-2010, 01:53 PM

Wonderful insight! Thank you for helping me make up my mind about retiring to MB. I, too, have been hesitant because of the statistics. You have convinced me. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Will be there soon.

Geoff Amor · 05-19-2011, 06:20 AM

Im visiting from the UK in Oct of this year and was a bit concerned about the negative reports of high crime . I shall stay alert and mindful of these reports but feel much better about this visit after reading your statement .
Regards Geoff Amor

Dawne · 05-19-2011, 07:05 AM

I have always felt the crime statistics were highly inflated, possibly due to criminals preying on tourists, who are there to have a good time and sometimes let their guard down. As with anywhere else in the world, you have to be smart about things. Don't let valuables in plain sight in your vehicle, lock your doors, etc., etc., etc. - all the things "Mom" always told us anyway.

Thanks for your "good head on the shoulders" report, and I'm happy for you that you're loving your new home.

blueherons · 05-19-2011, 10:00 AM

That we are the most dangerous city of our size in the US is misleading.

Myrtle Beach city limits only has a population of 35,000 people.

Those statistics use the crime data from the tourist and permenant population. We swell to a city of one million people during tourist season.

As a lifelong resident, I've never been the victim of a serious crime.

I am good friends with both Sheriffs and the MB CofP and the Horry County CofP and these inflated crime statistics are bogus.

Keep in mind that we also have police departments the size of cities 20 times our size.

Mr. Dale · 06-24-2013, 04:12 PM

I believe all the talk of the crime is overrated. I live here and during the winter months there is no crime at all going on. Population of around 40,000 in Myrtle Beach and 1,500,000 during tourist season. During tourist season if there is thousands of crimes, they are basing that on a population of 40,000 not 1,500,000.
Horry county schools are the best in the state. They have numerous programs going on from charter to stem programs. The state has a ranking of best schools and some of the local schools were number 1 ranked. Where else can you buy an ocean front home for $400,000 with unbelievable schools.

crestliner · 06-24-2013, 08:53 PM

I like Myrtle beach and wouldn't be quick to believe things I cant confirm. Best way I know of is to visit the myrtle beach SUN NEWS on the net and every day they list the most recent arrest with pictures and added details about the more serious crimes. Most of the offenders don't look like out of town tourist and their crimes are petty.

CarolinaDreams · 06-25-2013, 07:19 AM

I've been many years and never had a issue, in fact just got back from there not to long ago. I've carried my designer bags, shoot even left electronics on the beach in my beach bag and walked off and left them all day, only to come back and find them right where I left them. I've been all over town and up and down the 60 mile coast and even into NC and never had or seen any issues. I've even been out late at night in different parts of the city and experienced no issues. I think for the most part it's a generally safe area. I think like with every other single city in the world there will be some crime here and there what I notice most on the news is robberies. I don't think there is anywhere in the world that you are 100% safe, but overall from my experience MB seems like a generally safe place to relocate.