Myrtle Beach and Raleigh-Durham are both strong 55+ markets in the Carolinas, both drawing heavily from the PA/NJ/NY/DC corridor. The decision between them typically comes down to one factor: beach access. Myrtle Beach is coastal. Raleigh-Durham is 2.5–3 hours from the Outer Banks — too far for regular beach use. Buyers who plan to live near the ocean should choose Myrtle Beach. Buyers who want exceptional healthcare proximity (Duke, UNC, WakeMed — all within 30 minutes of Triangle communities) should strongly consider Raleigh-Durham. Property prices in the Triangle run comparable to or slightly higher than Grand Strand communities. The Raleigh-Durham market has Carolina Preserve, Carolina Arbors, Del Webb Traditions, and Encore — all solid HOPA-certified communities. The NC senior tax treatment differs from SC's: NC eliminated income tax on Social Security in recent years, but the property tax exemption structure is less generous than SC's stacked 4% + 0K homestead + school mill combination. SC wins on property tax math for most 65+ primary residents. Raleigh-Durham wins on healthcare, urban access, and no-humidity April–October. Myrtle Beach wins on coastal lifestyle and overall affordability.
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