Barefoot Resort, Myrtle Beach, SC

Barefoot Resort Neighborhood Overview

Overview

Barefoot Resort is a premier, master-planned residential and resort community situated in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Nestled along the Intracoastal Waterway, it is strategically located just across the waterway from the popular Barefoot Landing shopping and entertainment complex and is a short drive from the Atlantic Ocean beaches. The neighborhood is renowned for its upscale, amenity-rich lifestyle, blending permanent residential living with vacation rentals in a beautifully landscaped, secure environment.

Developed in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Barefoot Resort transformed a large tract of land into one of the Grand Strand's most desirable addresses. Its character is defined by its world-class golf, extensive recreational facilities, and a network of lakes, canals, and preserved natural areas. The community is divided into distinct villages, each with its own architectural style and feel, creating a diverse yet cohesive neighborhood that functions as a self-contained resort destination within the greater Myrtle Beach area.

Housing & Real Estate

The housing stock within Barefoot Resort is diverse, catering to a range of preferences and budgets. Options include single-family homes, often with custom designs and premium finishes, attached villas, and condominiums in mid-rise buildings with elevator access. Many properties offer direct views of the golf courses, lakes, or the Intracoastal Waterway, with a significant number featuring private boat docks or slips in the community's extensive marina system.

The real estate market features a pronounced mix of ownership and rental, with many homes purchased as second residences or investment properties for the lucrative vacation rental market. Price ranges are broad but generally sit at a premium compared to many other Myrtle Beach neighborhoods, with condos starting in the $300s, villas in the $400s-$600s, and single-family homes often reaching well over $1 million, especially for waterfront lots. Recent trends show sustained demand driven by the community's established reputation and full suite of amenities.

Schools & Education

Barefoot Resort is served by the Horry County Schools district. Students typically attend Ocean Drive Elementary School, North Myrtle Beach Middle School, and North Myrtle Beach High School, all of which are well-regarded within the county and located within a reasonable commuting distance. North Myrtle Beach High School is known for its strong academic programs and championship-level athletic teams, particularly in volleyball and football.

For private education, several options exist in the surrounding area, including the Catholic St. Andrew Catholic School and various Christian academies. Higher education opportunities are available at Horry-Georgetown Technical College's Grand Strand Campus and Coastal Carolina University, both located within a 20-30 minute drive. The community's family-friendly atmosphere and the quality of local schools are significant draws for permanent residents.

Parks & Recreation

Recreation is the cornerstone of life at Barefoot Resort. The community is famously home to four championship golf courses designed by legends Greg Norman, Davis Love III, Tom Fazio, and Pete Dye. Beyond golf, the 25,000-square-foot Barefoot Resort & Yacht Club is a hub of activity, featuring multiple swimming pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, and a full-service marina with 150 wet slips and dry storage.

Residents enjoy miles of walking and biking trails that wind through the community, connecting neighborhoods to amenities and natural areas. While not a traditional public park, the entire resort is meticulously landscaped with abundant green spaces, lakes, and water features. The nearby North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex offers additional athletic fields and facilities, and of course, the Atlantic Ocean beaches are just a short drive away for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing.

Local Dining & Shopping

Convenience and variety define the local dining and shopping scene. Directly across the Intracoastal Waterway via the iconic swing bridge is Barefoot Landing, a sprawling open-air complex featuring over 100 stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Here, residents can find everything from national retailers and specialty shops to popular eateries like Greg Norman's Australian Grille, Flying Fish Public Market & Grill, and the House of Blues.

For everyday needs, a Publix supermarket is conveniently located at the main entrance to Barefoot Resort, along with several strip malls containing pharmacies, banks, and casual dining options. The broader North Myrtle Beach area offers a wide array of seafood restaurants, Southern cuisine, and national chains along Highway 17. The proximity to Barefoot Landing means upscale shopping and diverse dining are essentially within walking or a very short biking distance for many residents.

Who Lives Here

Barefoot Resort attracts a diverse demographic united by an appreciation for an active, resort-style lifestyle. The population includes a significant number of retirees and semi-retirees who have relocated to the South Carolina coast for the climate, golf, and low taxes. These full-time residents are often active, socially engaged, and value the security and maintenance-free aspects of the community.

Equally present are families drawn by the safe, amenity-rich environment and strong schools, as well as affluent professionals and second-homeowners from across the Northeast and Midwest. The community vibe is active, friendly, and well-maintained, with a calendar full of social events at the Yacht Club. The blend of permanent residents and vacationers creates a dynamic atmosphere that is both relaxed and vibrant, appealing to those seeking a permanent home within a vacation destination.

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