Why would you choose to live in Conway, South Carolina?
With so many beautiful areas and cities in South Carolina, you may find it difficult to narrow it down to one for you and your family to settle into and call home. We get a lot of inquiries about different towns in and around the Myrtle Beach area, and there is one in particular that people have their eye on. And for myriad reasons, we understand why.
Nestled about fifteen miles northwest of Myrtle Beach (about a fifteen to twenty-minute drive) lies Conway, South Carolina, which is a beautiful town that is home to an array of unique dining, shopping, and scenic views for residents to enjoy. This city, while a little further away from Myrtle Beach, has been here for years and is actually where all the businesses were located prior to the beach growing into the incredible and active area it is today.
Picture yourself walking down Main Street and seeing moss-draped oaks, charming antique stores, cozy coffee shops, a live theatre, delicious bakeries, and the county courthouse. If you like the nostalgia and southern charm of South Carolina, you are sure to fall in love with Conway, as the town is more architecturally turn-of-the-century and is a growing area with a lot for families to do. Most of the downtown area is listed in the National Historic Register, and Conway is often referred to as South Carolina’s historic river town.
The median home price in Conway is just under $287,000 and approximately 22,800 lucky people reside there. Families that live in Conway attend schools within the Horry County School system, and there are a few private schools in the area, including Conway Christian School. For higher education, Conway is home to Horry-Georgetown Technical College, as well as Coastal Carolina University.
We have a lot of clients who are buying and selling in Conway, as well as many people who are inquiring about the area and what the town is all about. We hope this post brings a little of Conway, South Carolina to life for you and shows you why it could be a wonderful place for you and your family to call home.
A stroll through Conway, SC
Imagine walking or driving through town and seeing several historical markers on your way that depict the charm and history of your surroundings. You will see how the streets were built around live oaks, many of which are protected by a tree ordinance that was put in place to protect the landscape and preserve the town’s “oldest citizens.” Visitors will find many quaint shops, delicious restaurants, and the must-see Ocean Fish Market, which is a smaller building that is nestled just off Main Street beneath old oak trees. It is not only one of the most scenic buildings in town with Spanish moss draping the top, but it is also an incredible spot to buy some of the freshest fish from the coast.
If your stroll leads you down 3rd Avenue, you will be pleased to find a handful of locally owned mom-and-pop stores, a full-service salon and spa, Rivertown Bistro, and an innovative Southern farm-to-table restaurant concept. You will also find the county courthouse, which is over a century old and has a grand and stunning structure. Depending on the time of year, it is also not uncommon to see festivals being held throughout the town with families of all ages coming out to enjoy. These festivals include art celebrations, holiday parties, food festivals and so much more! Whatever it is you are looking for in a town, Conway is sure to have it – along with a little Southern charm and hospitality!
A brief history of Conway, SC
Conway is one of the oldest towns in South Carolina and was founded in 1734, making it rich with both natural and American history. The town has gone through many name changes, from “Kings Town,” which was chosen by early English colonists, shortly after was changed to “Kingston,” then eventually to “Horry,” which honored General Peter Horry. Finally, in 1883 the name “Conway” was established by the General Assembly for General Robert Conway and has stuck ever since. Several homes and communities in the area feature historic Conway Homes for Sale and other historic memorabilia.
What is there to do in Conway, SC?
The Conway Riverwalk is the perfect place for a day outdoors, offering visitors a serene wooden path. Take a stroll along the winding blackwater of the Waccamaw River, enjoy the beauty of the rustic wooden buildings, let the kids burn some energy on the playgrounds, or have lunch at the picnic tables. You will find marinas nearby, as well as a stunning inn. There is also an incredible arboretum at one end of the trail that features a variety of colorful plants and trees that showcases the natural beauty the area has to offer. The Conway Riverwalk is also part of a historical walking trail that defines the early days of the town, featuring many churches, homes, buildings, and other significant places to the history of the town. The path of Conway Riverwalk also leads visitors to Conway City Marina and Riverfront Park, where you can rent canoes and kayaks for a day on the water. The Riverwalk is not only a great place for leisure, but it is also used for festivities such as the annual Christmas Boat Parade and the summer celebration of Riverfest, which offers visitors activities and food along the path as well as in the park.
If you or anyone in your family like live theatre, the Theatre of the Republic is located on Main Street and is a decades-old live performance venue that is committed to providing affordable and quality non-professional theatrical productions. Performed by local actors and actresses, the Theatre of the Republic is where locals and visitors to the area gather together to enjoy shows year-round. Or for those looking for a little history lesson, sample the everyday life of a Horry Country farm family living during the early 1900s at The L.W. Paul Living History Farm. And for the avid golfer, there are numerous golf courses in and around Conway that are ideal for a day spent perfecting your swing. Some of these courses include Burning Ridge Golf Club, South Carolina Golf Center, and The General James Hackler Course. There are so many family-friendly adventures to do in Conway and the surrounding areas that you are sure to keep a smile on everyone’s face no matter the activity!
Black Water Market is a boutique mall with seven stores, including The Haberdashery, HerDashery, Shoe Obsession, Hennigan Salon and Spa, Palmetto Harmony, and Crooked Oak Tavern. Conway is also home to several antique stores, such as Southern Pickers Antiques, Carolina Marketplace Antique Mall, and AAA Resale Antiques & Collectibles.
Conway is home to a large variety of restaurants, offering something for every taste. For delicious seafood in a unique log cabin setting, Luvan’s Fish Camp is a popular draw with locals. Pizza lovers will certainly want to visit Bellissimo Italian Pizzaria, Rotelli Pizza & Pasta, and Ala Mario’s Pizza. Outstanding international cuisine can be found at restaurants such as Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant, El Patio, and Jo Hibachi. And if you’re looking for the best place for breakfast in Conway, look no further than Eggs Up Grill Conway.
What is it like to live in Conway SC?
It is safe to say that there is something for every fashion sense, budget, and palette in Conway, SC! If you are looking for something hot and fresh, be sure to check out Trestle Bakery located on Main Street, where you will find an assortment of goodies from homemade pasta to mouthwatering desserts. Or for the local coffee and tea spots, there are Rivertown Roasters On Main, C3 Coffee Bar and Crispy Yummy Donuts, And Great Food. There is also Crady’s Eclectic, which has been a local favorite for many years. For the shopaholics, residents will be happy to find wonderful boutique shopping around every corner. Bodega is a great local spot that features specialty kitchens and home accessories.
The city of Conway offers many ways for residents to enjoy the natural surroundings through Conway Parks, Recreation & Tourism. You can take the kids to play at parks such as Billy Gardner Recreation Complex, Sherwood Forest Park, and Smith Jones Park. The Conway Blueways Trail and the Waccamaw River Blue Trail are ideal for exploring the scenery of Conway. The Conway Recreation Center offers a number of ways to stay in shape, with a weight room, cardio room, basketball courts, walking track, and 5 lane swimming pool. Conway is situated on the western banks of the Waccamaw River, which also offers scenic views and water-based activities.
The weather couldn’t be better, with most summer days in the 80s and an average of 212 days of sun a year. Winters are mild, and the sea air and ample opportunities for outdoor activities are good for the body and the mind.
What is transportation like in Conway, SC?
If you are traveling to or around the historic downtown area of Conway, unlike Myrtle Beach, the best way to make your way around is by foot. If you do choose to drive, visitors will be pleased to find that parking is free. If you are looking for public transportation around Conway, the Coast Regional Transit Authority (or the RTA) serves the area, with the offices and primary station located near the historic district in downtown Conway. Or by air, the Conway-Horry County Airport (HYW) is a small airport located along the US-378 about three miles outside of Conway.
How do I learn more about Conway, SC?
Call our experienced team at Jerry Pinkas Reality today! We can help answer any questions you have and show you the best places to live in and around Conway, SC. Are you retired to plan to retire soon? Conway is a great place to settle into for your next chapter of life, with a low cost of living and easy accessibility to Myrtle Beach. Our team can review factors of crime, climate, and home prices to make sure you have all the information you are looking for in order to make the right home decision for you and your family. Conway, SC is an incredible community that makes up the Myrtle Beach area and it is filled with Southern charm and a welcoming atmosphere. Call us today and let us help you find your dream home in this wonderful community!
Best Places to Live in Conway, South Carolina
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