My Trip to Myrtle Beach to Find Retirement Communities

Are you a retiree envisioning a life of warm breezes,right away. I was lucky and found something steps
walks along the beach, lower cost homes and plentyto the sand. After settling in, the beach was so
of shopping and restaurants. Being around theinviting I decided to join the sunbathers for the rest
retirement age, I was curious to find out what itof the day. I managed to find a quiet spot as the
would be like to retire at Myrtle Beach, Southbeach was not too crowded. The water temperature
Carolina, and what retirement communities arewas as warm as bath water when I waded in. That
located there.evening I enjoyed a dinner of steamed spiced shrimp
On my drive to South Carolina, I found tall pinesthat tasted as fresh and local as the waiter assured
characterizing the scenery. If you drive there, as youme it was. I am told that the most residential area is
cross into the state, be sure to stop at their friendlyon the southern side of The Grand Strand in the
Welcome Center. Maybe I had a lost look as theyMurrells Inlet area, about 60 miles away.
eagerly showed me how to make my first stop atAfter a long stroll along the beach early the next
North Myrtle Beach and loaded me up with maps andmorning, I reluctantly check out, since duty calls, to
brochures. North Myrtle Beach turned out to be adrive to Murrells Inlet for my search. My destination is
good plan as it is at a slower pace on the 60 milea master planned community called Prince Creek,
stretch called The Grand Strand (same thing assince I know there is an over 55 retirement
Myrtle Beach) and makes a good starting point.community there. As I drive along the 60 mile Grand
After the Welcome Center, I continued down 95 andStrand, I am amazed at how much shopping,
then to route 40. I was curious about the largerestaurants, and miniature golf there is, not to
amount of billboards all along this road describing onemention the luxury hotels and golf courses in the
new home community after another. Even forcentral part.
someone whose purpose was to discover over 55Arriving at Murrells Inlet, I sense I am in one of the
retirement communities, the amount of new homenicest residential areas of Myrtle Beach. This is around
activity was -- well, surprising. I then took route 210,Tournament Boulevard and Highway 17. Prince Creek
a road off the beaten track, headed to Wilmingtonis a new premier development composed of multiple
for my first stop before Myrtle Beach, and, again,communities in every price range. I am interested in
more new communities all along this pine-studdedthe over 55 community there called Seasons at
road. I made a wrong turn and was now on highwayPrince Creek by Levitt and Sons. On this hot, slightly
17 headed to Myrtle Beach. I decided to continue inhumid June day, I reviewed the 12 models on display
that direction along highway 17. The amount ofat Seasons and was not disappointed. At completion,
activity with the billboard advertisements of newthe community will have 460 beautiful new homes, a
home communities intensified.clubhouse, 2 pools, lawn maintenance and more.
I have not seen the Atlantic ocean yet. Finally atFinally, I have seen a great over 55 community,
North Myrtle Beach, I leave highway 17 for Oceanreviewed Myrtle Beach and enjoyed the beach as
Boulevard where I can see the ocean and hear realwell. There are a few other nice active adult
surf (not my sound machine) from the road. Thecommunities here, one of them being Centre Pointe
beach was filled with sunbathers due to perfectby Lennar. There are manufactured homes
beach weather--plenty of sun, warm breezes, warmcommunities for over 55 like Jensen's Ocean Pines,
water, and white powdery sand. A sprinkling of palmwhich I reviewed, Lakeside Crossing, assisted living
trees created the perfect tropical setting.communities and mobile home parks. Many of the
I have arrived at the North end of The Grand Strandnumerous new home communities mentioned are also
as recommended and decide to get a place to stayappealing to retirees.