Address
The Galleria 9626 N. Kings Hwy
Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
Golf and real estate have long shared a deep connection in South Carolina, but today, that relationship is driving some of the most exciting trends in the market. At Pinnacle Real Estate Academy, we’ve analyzed the latest figures to bring you a clear picture of how golf is shaping property values, community development, and future opportunities across the state.
Let’s break down the numbers and what they mean for buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals.
The 15% Premium: How Golf Course Proximity Boosts Home Values
Research shows that homes located along golf courses sell for an average of 15% more than comparable non-golf properties. This “golf premium” reflects not just the view but the entire lifestyle package that golf communities offer—privacy, green spaces, recreation, and status.
What it means: If you’re investing in real estate or advising clients, properties adjacent to golf courses represent built-in value and long-term appeal.
Kiawah Island: A Billion-Dollar Showcase
In 2024, Kiawah Island reported over $1 billion in real estate sales across 447 transactions, with an average sale price of $3.8 million. Even more impressive, more than 20 homes exceeded the $5 million mark.
Key takeaway: Luxury golf communities are thriving, even amid broader economic uncertainty. High-end buyers are willing to pay top dollar for exclusivity and recreation-rich environments.
Palmetto Bluff: Full-Time Living on the Rise
Traditionally seen as vacation getaways, many golf communities are now bustling with permanent residents. Palmetto Bluff’s full-time residency rate jumped from 20% to over 50% within five years.
Why it matters: Remote work trends and a desire for safe, amenity-rich neighborhoods have turned golf communities into year-round homes, not just seasonal retreats.
Myrtle Beach: Quantity and Quality
With over 100 golf courses, Myrtle Beach offers some of the widest selections of golf community living in the country. Communities like Grande Dunes and Barefoot Resort cater to a range of buyers, combining affordability with access to world-class recreation.
Opportunity: Myrtle Beach’s broad inventory creates accessible entry points for first-time buyers and investors looking to tap into golf-driven demand.
Market Movement: Country Club, SC
In smaller markets like Country Club, SC, median home prices rose 3.5% year-over-year to $274,250, with a median price per square foot of $211.
Trend insight: Even less-publicized golf communities are seeing healthy appreciation, suggesting that the golf lifestyle remains resilient and attractive across various price points.
Development Challenges and Opportunities
As South Carolina’s desirable land becomes scarcer, developers are increasingly eyeing struggling golf courses for redevelopment opportunities. While community opposition can be a hurdle, sensitive projects can revitalize neighborhoods while maintaining green space aesthetics.
Tip: Watch for golf course redevelopment projects in established communities—they often signal upcoming demand spikes.
Palmetto Bluff: A Lowcountry Luxury Icon
Spanning 20,000 acres, Palmetto Bluff blends golf, nature conservation, and Lowcountry architecture into one cohesive community. It stands as a blueprint for how golf can anchor not just a neighborhood, but an entire lifestyle.
Final Thought:
Golf isn’t just a sport in South Carolina—it’s a key driver of real estate value, community development, and buyer demand. Understanding the numbers behind this trend empowers you to make smarter real estate decisions.
At Pinnacle Real Estate Academy, we’re committed to keeping you informed and ahead of the curve. Stay connected with us for more insights, expert advice, and market trends that matter.
Sources: Forbes, National Golf Foundation, Charter One Realty, HomeGuide Myrtle Beach, Private Communities, Builder Online, Rocket Homes, Simply Grand Properties.
