Myrtle Trace, Conway

Myrtle Trace is one of the Grand Strand's original and most beloved 55+ retirement communities — and for buyers who want genuine value, a true community feel, and a serene natural setting, it consistently delivers. Chosen by New Choices Magazine as one of America's top 20 retirement communities, Myrtle Trace was carved from a pine forest beginning in 1996 and has grown to offer three distinct neighborhoods: Myrtle Trace, Myrtle Trace South, and Myrtle Trace Grande. What sets Myrtle Trace apart from newer communities is its character. Tall pines line the streets. Over 40% of homes sit on one of the community's 15 scenic lakes. The Burning Ridge Golf Course borders the community directly — some homes back directly up to the fairways. And the HOA fee, at approximately $90 per month, is one of the lowest of any active adult community in the Myrtle Beach area. For buyers coming from high-cost Northeast or Midwest markets who want an authentic coastal retirement experience without the premium price tag of Del Webb or Cresswind, Myrtle Trace is one of the most compelling options in the Grand Strand.

 

At the heart of Myrtle Trace is a well-maintained clubhouse with a multi-purpose room, hobby and game room, and a lending library. Outdoors, residents enjoy a pool, bocce ball courts, shuffleboard courts, and horseshoe pits. The activities calendar includes card clubs, movie nights, bocce tournaments, holiday parties, potluck dinners, and organized day trips. The community is self-managed by an elected five-person Board of Directors with volunteer support, which is why HOA fees stay remarkably low.

Myrtle Trace (original, est. 1996) sits directly off Hwy 501 — the most affordable homes with the longest-established community culture. Myrtle Trace South (est. 2001) runs between Hwy 501 and 544 and sits most directly on the Burning Ridge Golf Course with the best golf views. Myrtle Trace Grande (est. 2006, built by D.R. Horton) is off Hwy 544 — newer construction with slightly updated floor plans and its own clubhouse and pool.

Conway Medical Center — a full-service accredited hospital — is within a half mile of the community entrance. Coastal Carolina University and Horry-Georgetown Technical College are two miles away. Walmart, Lowe's, restaurants, banks, and shopping are within one mile along Hwy 501. Myrtle Beach and its beaches are 15 minutes away. For buyers who prioritize healthcare proximity and everyday conveniences, Myrtle Trace is exceptionally well-located.

 

Rabbits, squirrels, ducks, fish, turtles, and dozens of bird species are part of daily life at Myrtle Trace. The community's mature pines, 15 lakes, and wooded lots create a park-like atmosphere unlike newer, more developed communities. For buyers from wooded or rural regions who want natural beauty without giving up coastal access, Myrtle Trace feels immediately like home.

Myrtle Trace homes are consistently in demand due to their value relative to other Grand Strand 55+ communities. As a 55places Partner Agent, Brendan D'Anna markets Myrtle Trace listings to a national audience of retirement-focused buyers who have specifically been searching for affordable 55+ communities near Myrtle Beach — a highly targeted audience that standard MLS marketing simply does not reach.

 

 

The HOA fee at Myrtle Trace is approximately $90 per month — one of the lowest of any active adult community on the Grand Strand. This covers pool and clubhouse maintenance, lawn mowing, landscaping, and a variety of community activities. Always verify the current figure with the HOA directly, as dues can be adjusted annually.

Yes — Myrtle Trace was recognized by New Choices Magazine as one of America's top 20 retirement communities. It offers affordable pricing, a natural pine-and-lake setting, a true community culture, low HOA fees, and excellent proximity to Conway Medical Center and the Myrtle Beach beaches. It is one of the best-value 55+ communities in coastal South Carolina.

Myrtle Trace is approximately 10–15 miles from Myrtle Beach's oceanfront, or about a 15-minute drive. It sits in Conway along Hwy 501, making it easy to access the beach without living in the more tourist-heavy areas closer to the coast.

Myrtle Trace (original) is the oldest neighborhood with the most established community feel, located directly off Hwy 501. Myrtle Trace South sits between Hwys 501 and 544 and has the best Burning Ridge Golf Course frontage. Myrtle Trace Grande is off Hwy 544, built by D.R. Horton around 2006 with 96 newer-construction homes and its own separate clubhouse and pool.

 

Yes — Myrtle Trace South in particular has excellent Burning Ridge Golf Course views, with some homes backing directly up to the fairways. Many homes also sit on lakefront lots across all three neighborhoods.

Conway Medical Center — a fully accredited hospital — is located within a half mile of the Myrtle Trace entrance. Several medical specialists' offices are also located just inside the community entrance road. This is one of the strongest healthcare proximity stories of any 55+ community in the Myrtle Beach area.

 

Golf carts are popular in Myrtle Trace, particularly for cruising around the community to the clubhouse and pool. Residents also use them along the nearby Burning Ridge Golf Course access. Confirm current community rules on golf cart use with the HOA.