Two coastal markets with zero competitor coverage — Horry County tax stack vs Florida Save Our Homes, Grand Strand vs First Coast, the honest comparison
| Factor | Myrtle Beach SC | Jacksonville FL |
|---|---|---|
| State | South Carolina | Florida |
| State Income Tax on SS | None | None |
| State Income Tax (IRA/pension) | SC low effective rate w/ senior deductions | None |
| Property Tax Structure | Horry Co. 4% ratio + $50K homestead + school mill exemption — 3 layers | FL $50K homestead + Save Our Homes 3%/yr cap |
| Best Long-Term Tax Protection | Year 1 very low via Horry stack | Years 2–20+ via Save Our Homes compounding cap |
| CDD Fees | None in Horry County | Yes at Nocatee ($1,500–$3,500/yr) |
| Entry Price | ~$200K (Myrtle Trace) | ~$280K (Cascades WGV) |
| Homeowners Insurance | ~$900–$4,500/yr (lower risk) | ~$2,200–$5,500/yr |
| Beach Character | 60 miles Grand Strand — resort-oriented | Ponte Vedra Beach / Atlantic Beach — quieter, higher quality |
| Healthcare Anchor | Coastal Carolina + Grand Strand Medical; Charleston 90 min | Mayo Clinic 20 min from Nocatee |
| Historic City | Charleston 90 min | St. Augustine 25 min |
| HOA Range | ~$180–$310/mo | ~$180–$420/mo |
| Competitor Coverage | 55places: 0 results | 55places: 0 results |
Myrtle Beach wins on lowest entry price, lowest insurance, no CDD fees, and the Horry County Year 1 tax stack. Jacksonville wins on Mayo Clinic proximity, Florida income tax advantage, St. Augustine cultural access, and the Save Our Homes long-term cap that compounds over 15–20 years of ownership. For buyers prioritizing lowest annual cost in retirement, Myrtle Beach is usually cheaper. For buyers prioritizing healthcare access and long-term tax efficiency, Jacksonville often wins over a 15–20 year horizon.
Tell us your priorities and we will give you a straight recommendation for your situation.
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