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Moving from Pennsylvania to Myrtle Beach

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

Why Philadelphia / Pittsburgh / Lehigh Valley Buyers Move to the Grand Strand

No SC income tax on Social Security. Pennsylvania taxes Social Security at 0% too — but PA also has a flat 3.07% income tax on other retirement income. SC taxes retirement income at a graduated rate but with significant senior deductions that often result in lower effective SC income tax than PA for most retirement income profiles. Run both state income tax scenarios before you move.

The Property Tax Comparison

Annual Property Tax — Pennsylvania vs Horry County SC

Current PA annual property tax~$4,500–$8,000/yr on a $400K home (Southeastern PA)
Horry County SC — 65+ primary with all exemptions~$1,100–$1,500/yr (Horry County, 65+ primary with all exemptions)
Estimated annual savings~$3,000–$6,500/yr
20-year cumulative savings (property tax only)~$60K–$130K
These are estimates based on typical PA county effective rates and Horry County SC millage with all qualifying 65+ exemptions applied. Your actual numbers depend on your specific PA county, current assessed value, home price in SC, and timely filing of all SC exemptions. Consult a CPA for your specific situation.

What $200K–$600K in Pennsylvania Equity Buys on the Grand Strand

Seasons at Prince Creek West and Myrtle Trace — both draw heavily from the PA corridor and have established PA-origin resident communities. Del Webb Norte Myrtle Beach and Grande Dunes for buyers with stronger budgets.

Del Webb Grande Dunes →Del Webb North Myrtle Beach →Cresswind Myrtle Beach →Seasons at Prince Creek West →Myrtle Trace →

Before You List Your Pennsylvania 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 →

Ready to Run Your PA to SC Numbers?

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

Get Your Numbers