Why You Should Move to Conway, SC

Before settling down in a new city, it’s important to learn a bit about the area and the pros of living there. While there are many great options in the south, there’s something to be said about Conway, SC. Today it seems like more and more people are hankering to live in this historic small town, but why?   As a premier home builder in Conway and the surrounding Myrtle Beach area, Dream Finders Homes knows the answer. Conway features natural beauty, extraordinary charm, a great location, and so much more. After learning more about living in Conway, you’re sure to be one of those flocking to this unique town. And once you’ve made that decision, Dream Finders Homes is here to build a home to the highest standard with superior-quality materials, designed to provide you with the utmost comfort.  

Historic Conway SC

 Historic Conway, SC, located in Horry County, is the third-oldest city in the state and was established before the Revolutionary War. Known for its small-town charm, many sites in Conway’s Downtown District are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it is also recognized as a Tree City USA.    Though Conway is just 15 miles from Myrtle Beach and the Atlantic Ocean, it has managed to keep its identity as a historically charming southern town despite the tourists. The old live oak trees and the beautiful Waccamaw River provide the perfect setting for this scenic town. There is a boardwalk that runs along the river, plus a variety of parks, festivals, and athletic programs that benefit its citizens.  

Top Reasons to Move Here

In addition to its historical charm and natural beauty, there are so many reasons to move to Conway.   

The Climate

The weather in Conway is generally warm and humid during the summer, and mild during the winter. The temperature very rarely drops below 40 degrees, and snow is extremely rare. January is the coldest month. It can get below freezing at times, but usually just for a few hours. Summers are hot, but generally pleasant.     

Myrtle Beach

Though the beach is just a quick drive away, Conway is not nearly as crowded or as hectic as Myrtle Beach. When you live in Conway, you are close enough to enjoy all that the resort has to offer and you have a relaxed place to retreat when you get tired of the beach. It’s the best of both worlds.  

The Cost of Living

The cost of living in Conway is a solid 5% below the national average. It is much cheaper than Myrtle Beach, and you can still enjoy the benefits of living near the beach. Property taxes are generally low in South Carolina, and Conway has one of the lowest tax rates in the state.   

Housing

Conway has strong roots and 65% of the people in the city own their homes. The average home price in Conway is 22% below the national average. This is another advantage of being further from the beach; houses are much cheaper than they are in nearby Myrtle Beach.  

Transportation

In many southern towns, there is little, if any, public transportation available. Conway is different. There are buses that will take you anywhere in Horry County, including all of the beaches. All public offices are in the downtown area, and it is very easy to get around. The city is also cyclist-friendly with special lanes for traffic.  

Educational Opportunities

Overall, the Conway School District is a great place to receive an education. The district has very good graduation rates, enrollment rates, and teacher-to-student ratios. There are plenty of extracurricular activities like band, choir, art, and drama. All students are required to take core classes, such as math, English, science, and social studies. In addition, students have the opportunity to take AP and dual credit classes. The city is also home to Coastal Carolina University.   

Small-Town Charm

From Myrtle Beach, head 14 miles northwest to Conway—a pleasant drive that takes less than 20 minutes. The vibrant life of the resort town is in your rearview mirror and you’re about to discover why Conway, SC, is rated one of the best places to live in the Myrtle Beach area.

Conway’s population has increased from about 17,400 people in 2010 to almost 29,000 in 2024, a testament to its appeal. Although it’s technically a city, Conway, SC, feels more like a small town. The friendly people, locally owned businesses, and relaxed atmosphere present a warm welcome, whether you’re visiting or living here. 

The townspeople love a celebration, a chance to gather together and enjoy their neighbors. There are so many things to do in Conway, SC! In any season of the year, you’ll experience special events, like Conway Riverfest, a day-long festival that’s free to attend. From the opening ceremony in the morning to the fireworks display at night, Conway Riverfest is an annual summer event—dating back to 1980—that demonstrates the lively spirit of the community.

Downtown Conway 

Downtown Conway, SC spans a few blocks in each direction, so it’s pedestrian-friendly. But if you choose to drive, parking is free. It’s a pleasant walk along the tree-lined streets to the boardwalk along the Waccamaw River that flows through Conway, SC. The downtown blocks are bike-friendly, and the city also has public bus transportation to locations around Horry County, including the beaches. 

Conway is a pedestrian-friendly place with plenty of diversions to explore and restful places to just sit and take it all in—an important addition to the list of the top reasons to move to Conway, SC.

The Conway Riverwalk 

The Riverwalk in Conway is a boardwalk that stretches 1.5 miles along the shoreline of the Waccamaw River, which flows through the city. Follow the wooden walkway to Riverfront Park, a popular venue for festivals and live performances. From the Conway Riverwalk, you’ll get a great view of the Christmas Boat Parade and the annual Riverfest celebration every summer. And you can take in a scenic view of the 494 acres of conservation land across from The Riverwalk. 

The Riverwalk in Conway, SC also leads to the Conway City Marina, where you can launch your boat at no charge and set off for a leisurely paddle on the Waccamaw.

The city has begun an expansion of the Riverwalk to connect the riverfront to the downtown area. 

Wine & Dine with Southern Flavor

Do you enjoy dining out? Living in Conway, SC, boasts a varied menu of eateries. Stroll through Downtown Conway and stop for a light snack or a full meal at one of the many restaurants in Conway, SC. 

Carolina Cheese & Provisions is known for its mouthwatering charcuterie boards, baked goods, gelato, and sandwiches, plus an impressive wine and cheese selection.

For brunch, lunch, dinner, or dessert, Rivertown Bistro fuses your favorite fare with contemporary flair, like sushi, pan-seared duck breast, and parmesan encrusted grouper. Follow up your meal with banana butterfinger pie, a mini ice cream cone sampler, or a homemade peach cobbler.

While walking through Downtown Conway, plan to stop at Stella’s Homemade Ice Cream for a scoop, a sundae, a flurry, or a float. The ice cream is crafted in small batches and the variety changes regularly, but you’ll always find a tempting treat here.

The Hop N Wich is a Conway treasure among the restaurants in Conway SC. The enticing menu of appetizers, sandwiches, salads, and entrees includes Who Doesn’t Like Nachos, Fried Green Tomatoes, All American Hero, Original Moo Burger, and the Naughty Grandpa. Equally popular as a place to meet friends for drinks, Hop N Wich’s extensive beer menu features local craft brews on tap and your favorite bottled beers. You can also find cocktails, wine, and spirits.

When you’re in the mood for a visit to the neighborhood bar, Whitaker’s is your destination. Known for its hand-crafted cocktails, array of draft beers, and wine selection, a visit to Whitaker’s is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Retail Therapy

The streets of Downtown Conway showcase another of the top reasons to move to Conway, SC. Wander through the locally owned shops, where the proprietors extend a warm welcome. While shopping in Conway, SC, you’ll discover new treasures every time you visit the boutiques, gift shops, and specialty stores.  The shopkeepers take pride in their businesses, so expect special treatment when you stop in at places like The Daisy Fair Flowers, The Haberdashery and HerDashery Clothiers, Mountain Man Honey and Goods, Oak & Ivy Children’s Boutique, Our Next Chapter Bookstore, Pickers and Grinners Co-op and Gallery, and River City Christmas, to name just a few of the ways you can enjoy shopping in Conway SC

History Lovers Love Conway

Conway is the third oldest city in South Carolina, established in 1732, before the Revolutionary War. Of the 39 historic buildings here, 17 are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. A self-guided walking tour of Conway provides a fascinating look at the people and places that contributed to the founding and growth of this quaint Southern city.

Homes for Sale in Conway SC

These are only a few reasons to move to Conway. If you’re considering making the move to this area, Dream Finders Homes is your go-to resource. We have multiple communities in Conway like Spring Oaks, Rivertown Landing, and Shaftesbury that are sure to check off all of your must-haves. Our homes also come in a range of open-concept floor plans with an extraordinary level of personalization. If you need something a bit sooner, we have quick move-in homes for sale in Conway, SC.    Dream Finders Homes has years of experience building homes in the most desirable locations across the US. We can’t wait to build yours! Connect with our Online Sales Associates to learn more about our homes throughout the Myrtle Beach area.