GARDEN CITY, SC
LIVING IN GARDEN CITY SC
Last updated November 2026
THE SHORT ANSWER
Garden City is a beach community on the South Carolina coast, between Surfside Beach and Murrells Inlet. It sits about 25 minutes south of downtown Myrtle Beach, uses zip code 29576 and straddles the line between Horry County and Georgetown County.
Garden City is one of the spots buyers ask me about when they want an oceanfront condo or a beach home without the high-rise feel of central Myrtle Beach. I have been in real estate since 1995, and I work with buyers and sellers across Horry County and Brunswick County. These are the questions people ask me most about Garden City, along with the latest market numbers.
Where is Garden City SC located?
THE SHORT ANSWER
Garden City is on the Grand Strand in South Carolina, south of Surfside Beach and next to Murrells Inlet. It is about 15 miles south of downtown Myrtle Beach. This is Garden City, South Carolina, not Garden City, New York or Garden City, Georgia.
Garden City is not an incorporated town, so county government handles zoning, permits and services. The beach side is a long, narrow strip between the ocean and the marsh, and the mainland side runs along US 17 Business.
What county is Garden City SC in?
THE SHORT ANSWER
Garden City is split between two counties. The northern part is in Horry County and the southern part is in Georgetown County.
Always check the tax record for the exact county before you buy. Property taxes, building rules and services follow the county, not the mailing address. I confirm this on every home I show here.
What is the zip code for Garden City SC?
THE SHORT ANSWER
Garden City uses zip code 29576, the same zip code as Murrells Inlet.
Because the two areas share a zip code, market reports for 29576 include both. I explain what that means for prices below. You can also read my Murrells Inlet living guide for more on the neighbor to the south.
What is Garden City SC known for?
THE SHORT ANSWER
Garden City is known for its pier, a wide public beach and a laid back, low-rise feel compared with central Myrtle Beach. The inlet side offers marsh views, fishing and boating.
The Garden City Pier is a local landmark for fishing and walking at sunset. The seafood restaurants on the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk are just a few minutes away, and Huntington Beach State Park and Brookgreen Gardens are a short drive south.
How far is Garden City SC from Myrtle Beach and Charleston?
THE SHORT ANSWER
Garden City is about 25 minutes from downtown Myrtle Beach and about 1 hour 45 minutes from Charleston. Murrells Inlet is about 5 minutes away.
| From Garden City to | Distance | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Murrells Inlet | about 3 miles | about 5 min |
| Surfside Beach | about 4 miles | about 10 min |
| Myrtle Beach International Airport | about 10 miles | about 15 min |
| Downtown Myrtle Beach | about 13 miles | about 25 min |
| Georgetown | about 25 miles | about 30 min |
| Charleston | about 85 miles | about 1 hr 45 min |
Drive times are approximate and run longer on summer weekends.
What is the weather like in Garden City SC?
THE SHORT ANSWER
Garden City has hot, humid summers and mild winters. Summer highs are usually around 90 degrees, and winter highs are often in the 50s. Snow is rare.
Ocean water is warmest from July through September, often in the low to mid 80s, and coolest in January and February. For today's water temperature and forecast, check the National Weather Service. Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, so plan for wind and flood insurance on any coastal home.
What do homes cost in Garden City SC?
THE SHORT ANSWER
In September 2026, the median sold price for single-family homes in zip code 29576 was $535,000 based on MLS sales. Public records show a median of $490,000. These numbers cover Garden City and Murrells Inlet together.
| Single-family homes, 29576 | Number | Month |
|---|---|---|
| Median sold price (MLS) | $535,000 | September 2026 |
| Median sold price (public records) | $490,000 | September 2026 |
| Median list price, active | $599,000 | September 2026 |
| Median days on market | 25 days | September 2026 |
| Sold price vs. list price | 97.2% | September 2026 |
| Months of inventory | 5.46 | September 2026 |
| Median estimated value | $518,940 | October 2026 |
Oceanfront homes on the Garden City Beach strip often sell well above these medians. Homes on the mainland side and in nearby subdivisions tend to fall closer to them.
How much are condos for sale in Garden City SC?
THE SHORT ANSWER
In September 2026, the median sold price for condos and townhomes in zip code 29576 was $300,000 based on MLS sales. Public records show a median of $295,000.
| Condos and townhomes, 29576 | Number | Month |
|---|---|---|
| Median sold price (MLS) | $300,000 | September 2026 |
| Median sold price (public records) | $295,000 | September 2026 |
| Median list price, active | $275,000 | September 2026 |
| Median days on market | 46 days | September 2026 |
| Sold price vs. list price | 97% | September 2026 |
| Months of inventory | 6.73 | September 2026 |
| Median estimated value | $294,240 | October 2026 |
Many Garden City condos are oceanfront or ocean view. Before you buy, ask for the HOA budget, reserve study, master insurance policy and any special assessment history. Those papers tell you a lot about future costs.
Is Garden City SC a good place to live or retire?
THE SHORT ANSWER
It depends on what you want. Garden City offers beach access, a quieter feel than central Myrtle Beach and quick access to Murrells Inlet dining. Insurance near the ocean can be costly, and summer brings more traffic and visitors.
Get insurance quotes early, especially for oceanfront and marsh-front homes. I often send clients to Keith Gore with Brightlight Insurance (910-207-7662). He is worth a call even if you already have a quote. Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital in Murrells Inlet is a short drive away.
Spend time here in both summer and winter before you decide. The feel of a beach town changes a lot with the seasons.
What are the advantages of living in South Carolina?
THE SHORT ANSWER
South Carolina offers low property taxes on a primary home, mild winters and a long coastline. A home you live in is taxed at a 4% assessment ratio, while second homes and rentals are taxed at 6%.
File for the 4% legal residence rate with the county right after you close. Moving from out of state? My Moving to Horry County SC guide covers the first steps.
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Market data: Realtors Property Resource (RPR), MLS and public records, September 2026; estimated values as of October 2026. Drive times are approximate. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
DANIELLE KING, REALTOR®
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Danielle King, REALTOR®
Licensed in NC (#363826) and SC (#145618) | Realty ONE Group Dockside
Danielle helps sellers, buyers and investors in Brunswick County NC, Tabor City NC and Horry County SC. Her real estate roots go back to 1995. She writes about the local market here on her blog.