Moving to Carolina Forest, SC: The 2026 Insider’s Guide to the Grand Strand’s Top Family Community
After you’ve decided to make the big move to Myrtle Beach, you’re left with the question of where in Myrtle Beach is the best fit for you or your family. If you have children, Carolina Forest is a solid choice.
Born and Raised
Most "moving guides" are written by AI or people who have never stepped foot on Carolina Forest Boulevard. I am one of those rare gems in Myrtle Beach that locals self-termed “natives.” I was born and raised here, and not just me, generations of my family. Older family members like to share photos and chuckle about what the beach was like “way back when,” talking of dirt roads and bushes and trees on the beach. While I may not have been born early enough to experience that Myrtle Beach life, I was around when Carolina Forest was just that, a forest.
When Carolina Forest Elementary first opened, the road abruptly stopped after those first few neighborhoods. Throughout my childhood I watched this area develop at an exceptional pace, with intent and purpose. Yarborough’s Moving Service has been the trusted local mover serving the Grand Strand since 1987 and we have been moving families in and out of Carolina Forest neighborhoods since its inception in the mid-90’s.
The 2026 Neighborhood Vibe: Active & Family-First
That 'forest' I grew up in has transformed, but it kept its soul. Today, the Carolina Forest vibe is the epitome of a family-oriented community. It’s defined by a safe, active energy that you feel the second you turn onto the Boulevard. With roughly 10,000 acres of master-planned land, this space has become its own community with a plethora of neighborhood options, recreation, eateries, businesses and services.
The Heart of the Forest: Life Along Carolina Forest Boulevard
Driving along the 6-mile route you’ll see palmetto trees and flower beds sprinkled throughout the medians. You’ll pass by dozens of family neighborhoods with grand entrances, and you’ll probably notice the wide, multi-use paved pathway that stretches along both sides of the boulevard.
This space is widely used by local families looking to take a run, take their babies for a stroll, or bike from one neighborhood to another, among many other uses. The pathways are well lit, and you’ll find community members making use of the space at almost any time, day or night. The local schools encourage kids to ride their bikes to school and usually have a “bike to school” week some time on their calendar.
A "Town Within a City"
While it’s technically part of Myrtle Beach, Carolina Forest feels like its own self-contained town with everything you need. From grocery stores and medical centers to banks and a post office, it’s all just a five-to-ten-minute drive away. For families with young kids, there are plenty of sports options through local churches and community programs, especially at Carolina Forest Community Church.
On Wednesdays, locals often stop by the Carolina Forest farmers market in the library parking lot. It’s small and seasonal, but it’s a popular community spot with fresh produce, baked goods, and local vendors. Larger markets exist nearby on weekends, but having a midweek option you can swing by on your way home adds to the small-town feel residents love.
Education Excellence: Major 2026 School Updates
As a parent with a child in one of our newest elementary schools, I’ve seen firsthand how the district has stepped up to meet our growth. Within the community you’ll find some of the highest-ranking schools in the state.
New Elementary Growth
To keep class sizes smaller, Ten Oaks Elementary and Pine Island Elementary are now fully operational. These schools join the award-winning Ocean Bay Elementary and bring the total number of elementary schools serving the area to five. My daughter was rezoned to one of the new schools, and her class size dropped from 30 students to 20.
High School Expansion & Options
The highly anticipated Coastal High School (a 100+ acre charter campus on River Oaks Drive) is now complete, providing even more specialized options alongside the powerhouse Carolina Forest High School and the Academy of Arts, Science, and Technology.
For those looking for smaller environments, Bridgewater Academy (K-8 charter) and specialized private options like Christian Academy of Myrtle Beach provide excellent alternatives right on our doorstep.
School Report Cards
The state administers the SC Ready assessment test in grades 3 through 8 and provides an overall score out of 35 possible points for academic achievement. Of course the two new elementary schools do not have academic achievement scores as of yet. But we expect these new schools to perform as well as their neighboring schools given that the staff and students were pulled from these other schools.
School Name | Academic Acheivement Score (out of 35) | Overall Ranking Notes |
Ocean Bay Elementary | 24.16 | Consistently ranks #1 in the Myrtle Beach area |
Ocean Bay Middle | 23.32 | #2 middle school in Horry County for 2026 |
River Oaks Elementary | 22.96 | Ranked #20 overall in the district |
Carolina Forest Elementary | 22.85 | Ranked #4 in district elementary schools |
Ten Oaks Middle | 21.21 | #6 middle school in Horry County for 2026 |
Carolina Forest High School ranked in the top 22% of high schools nationwide, according to U.S. News & World Report, and it is in the Top 5% of schools in the state for Math and Reading proficiency (80% and 91% respectively).
Hidden Gems: Park and Recreation
Carolina Forest isn’t just a mega neighborhood with places to eat and grab groceries. There are some really unique spots if you know where to look.
The “Ten Oaks” at Huger Park
Located in The Parks neighborhood, Huger Park (pronounced YOO-jee) preserves 300-year-old live oaks on land once granted to Revolutionary War General Isaac Huger. The park has been approved for upgrades by Horry County Parks and Recreation, including new picnic areas, a proper entryway, and a paved parking lot with lighting. It’s shaping up to be a great spot for weekend family gatherings.
“The Hulk” (Horry County Bike & Run Park)
For something a little more adventurous, the Carolina Forest Bike Run Park offers a 7-mile trail system broken into two one-way loops, the upper track and the lower track. Trails are clearly marked and feature berms, bridges, drops, jumps, pump tracks, and roller-coaster-style sections.
A newer addition is the Lil’ Hulk Skills Park, added in 2023. This loop includes smaller, man-made hills and terrain designed for younger riders to build confidence before tackling the larger trails.
Palmetto Adventure Land Playground
Tucked behind the library and recreation center is a playground and soccer field that’s been a staple for local families. The original Adventure Land design featured a massive wooden pirate ship that kids absolutely loved.
After years of heavy use, the park began a major upgrade at the start of 2026. The original wooden pirate ship structure was removed at the beginning of the year, and the area is being expanded into additional soccer fields. A brand-new playground is being built adjacent to Carolina Forest Library and is expected to open in the summer of 2026. The county has published the renderings of the new playground and they look impressive.
Why Local Experience Matters When Moving to Carolina Forest
Moving into Carolina Forest is different from moving into many other areas of the Grand Strand. Because most neighborhoods are part of master-planned communities, there are often HOA rules, designated unloading areas, specific gates that large trucks must use, and layouts that can catch out-of-town movers off guard.
Having a mover familiar with Carolina Forest can make a big difference. We frequently move families into multi-story homes with narrow staircases that aren't always 'furniture-friendly.' Because Carolina Forest is our backyard, we’ve learned how to navigate these tight turns, and even perform the occasional balcony hoist when a king-size headboard just won't make it up the stairs. If you’re moving into a multi-story home, let’s chat about it during your estimate so there are no surprises on moving day.
What we see most often are families relocating from other states, particularly the Northeast, who want newer homes, good schools, and a suburban neighborhood feel while still being a short drive from the beach. Many are moving into newer construction homes and coordinating closing dates, builder timelines, and deliveries all at once. Understanding how these moves typically unfold helps avoid last-minute surprises. After decades of moving families into communities like Berkshire Forest, Waterbridge, and The Farm, we’ve learned the small details that help moves go smoothly.
Looking for a Guaranteed Price? For interstate moves (out of state), we offer Binding Estimates—a locked-in price that won't budge. For local moves within SC, state law requires hourly billing to ensure transparency.
Pro-Tip: "Did you know? Because we are a fully licensed SC mover, every local move we perform includes $50,000 in Full Valuation Coverage FREE of charge. Most 'budget' movers only offer the state minimum ($0.60 per pound), but we believe your family's belongings deserve better."
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