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Moving from Maryland / DC to Myrtle Beach

MD/DC to SC — the tax math, the equity picture, and the Grand Strand communities that fit MD/DC buyers

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Why Montgomery County / Howard County / Anne Arundel / Northern VA corridor Buyers Move to the Grand Strand

Maryland has a state income tax plus a county income tax — combined rates of 6.5–8.0% for high-income residents. DC residents pay a top rate of 10.75%. SC's 6.4% top rate with significant retirement income deductions makes SC clearly favorable for most retiree income profiles. Note: Nova55Living also covers Northern Virginia — if you are still weighing VA vs SC, we can compare both markets directly.

The Property Tax Comparison

Annual Property Tax — Maryland / DC vs Horry County SC

Current MD/DC annual property tax~$5,000–$9,000/yr on a $550K home (Montgomery, Howard County)
Horry County SC — 65+ primary with all exemptions~$1,600–$2,000/yr (Horry County, 65+ primary)
Estimated annual savings~$3,400–$7,000/yr
20-year cumulative savings (property tax only)~$68K–$140K
These are estimates based on typical MD/DC county effective rates and Horry County SC millage with all qualifying 65+ exemptions applied. Your actual numbers depend on your specific MD/DC county, current assessed value, home price in SC, and timely filing of all SC exemptions. Consult a CPA for your specific situation.
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What $400K–$1M in Maryland / DC Equity Buys on the Grand Strand

MD/DC buyers typically have among the highest incomes of any feeder state. Del Webb Grande Dunes and Del Webb North Myrtle Beach are the most common landing spots. Some MD buyers who prefer a quieter environment choose Cresswind for its Market Common walkability over the resort character of Del Webb.

Del Webb Grande Dunes →Del Webb North Myrtle Beach →Cresswind Myrtle Beach →

Before You List Your Maryland / DC Home

File for SC primary residence tax exemptions within the year of purchase — do not wait until the following year. The 4% legal residence ratio (filed with the Horry County Assessor) and the 65+ homestead exemption (filed separately with the Horry County Auditor) must both be filed by December 31 of your purchase year. Missing either filing costs you $1,500–$3,000 or more in that tax year with no retroactive correction available.

Horry County Tax Guide →SC Homestead Exemption Filing Guide →All Grand Strand Communities →

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Tell us your Maryland / DC home value and target community — we will run the full tax comparison for your specific situation.

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