If you are searching for the "Myrtle Beach lifestyle" but want North Carolina taxes and a quieter zip code, Carolina Shores has likely crossed your radar. It is frequently marketed as the ultimate budget-friendly golf retirement destination.

But if you are looking at listings today, you might be confused. "Where is the golf course?"

Here is the insider reality of buying in Carolina Shores, where the landscape—quite literally—is shifting.

The "Golf Course" Reality Check

For decades, the Carolina Shores Golf & Country Club was the centerpiece of the community.

The Reality: As of late 2024, the original golf course has closed and is slated for residential redevelopment. Similarly, the nearby Farmstead Golf Links (famous for its par-6 hole) closed in 2021.

The Strategic Spin: Don't let this scare you off. While the on-site fairways might be turning into housing, you are still in the "Golf Capital of the World." You are within a 15-minute drive of over 20 championship courses (like Crow Creek, Thistle, and Pearl) without the noise of cart paths running through your backyard. You get the location without the premium golf-front price tag.

Old School vs. New School

The "Town of Carolina Shores" actually encompasses two very different real estate products. Knowing the difference is critical for your budget.

1. The Original Subdivision ("The Tree Section")

The Vibe: Established ranch-style homes from the 80s and 90s sitting on mature, wooded lots. It feels like a neighborhood, not a resort.

The "Hidden" Asset: The HOA fees here are incredibly low—often under $300 per year. You get a pool, tennis courts, and a clubhouse without the bloated monthly amenities fees of newer developments.

Insider Tip: Watch for "flat lot" drainage. Because the trees are mature and the land is level, heavy rains can sit in backyards. Always check the crawlspace.

2. The New Developments (The Farm, Calabash Lakes, Eagle Run)

The Trade-off: You get fiber-optic internet, resort-style zero-entry pools, and 2024 construction standards, but you will pay higher monthly HOAs and likely have a smaller lot.

The Lifestyle: These neighborhoods are social engines. If you are moving here to make friends immediately, the organized social calendars in "The Farm" are unbeatable.

The "State Line" Strategy

Carolina Shores sits right on the South Carolina border. This is a strategic financial move.

Tax Arbitrage: You pay North Carolina property taxes (generally lower for retirees) but do your grocery shopping and dining in Little River and North Myrtle Beach, enjoying the lower SC gas prices and sales tax caps.

The Calabash Connection: You are minutes from the "Seafood Capital of the World." This isn't just a tourist slogan; it means fresh shrimp off the boat is your standard Tuesday dinner.

Your Next Step

Carolina Shores offers one of the best value-per-square-foot ratios in our entire market, provided you understand that the "golf course community" is evolving into a "residential sanctuary."

Are you looking for the low-overhead freedom of the original neighborhood, or the turnkey social life of the newer sections?

Aspyre Realty Group are experts in listening and communicating people's wants into homes that work for them. We know which streets have the best drainage, which HOAs fit your fixed income, and where the hidden value lies in this shifting market. Let’s sit down and map out your retirement strategy.