Conway, SC

Conway sits along the western banks of the Waccamaw River, roughly fifteen miles inland from Myrtle Beach. Serving as the seat of Horry County, it has grown steadily as more people look for a traditional small-town feel within an easy drive of the coast. The historic downtown and county courthouse sit right by the river, while newer subdivisions, shopping plazas, and the Coastal Carolina University campus stretch out along Highway 501. Your daily routine will look different depending on where you settle. Downtown living puts you within walking distance of local restaurants and the water, while homes on the outskirts offer larger lots and quiet neighborhoods tied to highway commutes.

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As one of the oldest settlements in South Carolina, Conway holds onto a lot of its historic Lowcountry charm. Massive live oaks draped in Spanish moss canopy the streets, and brick storefronts from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries still house thriving local businesses. The scenic Conway Riverwalk runs alongside the blackwater Waccamaw River, providing wooden boardwalks, boat docks, and grassy picnic spots just steps from Main Street. Because the river is such an important part of the landscape, keeping an eye on water levels and low-lying areas is a familiar part of life here.

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Downtown Conway serves as the community's primary gathering place. You can catch a play at the Theatre of the Republic, explore regional history at the Horry County Museum, or grab coffee and lunch at locally owned spots along Main Street. Community traditions bring neighbors together throughout the year, especially in October when the city decorates from top to bottom for its annual Halloween festivities. Having Coastal Carolina University right next door brings Division I college sports, arts performances, and energetic college crowds into the area. Local jobs cluster around healthcare, education, and county government, with easy access to tourism and hospitality careers closer to the beach.

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If you are planning a move to Conway, taking time to research a few local details will pay off. Lowcountry geography means you should always check flood zones, request elevation certificates, and get quotes for flood and wind insurance before buying. Many neighborhoods with a Conway mailing address actually sit in unincorporated Horry County, which changes your local tax rates, emergency services, and trash collection. Highway 501 serves as the main artery through the region, so test your commute during summer tourist peaks and college game days. With a clear understanding of the local roads and drainage, Conway offers a welcoming hometown with quick access to everything the Grand Strand has to offer.