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Myrtle Beach: A Beautiful Spot, But Not So Walkable

Myrtle Beach: A beautiful environment but not so walkable.

News Summary

Myrtle Beach is known for its beautiful ocean views and attractions, but a recent report reveals its poor walkability. With a low Walk Score, residents and visitors face challenges in reaching amenities on foot or by bike. Various ZIP codes in the area show significant disparities in walkability and bikeability, highlighting the car-dependent nature of the city. Despite its charm, those hoping to enjoy leisurely strolls may find it frustrating to navigate the city without a vehicle.

Myrtle Beach: A Beautiful Spot, But Not So Walkable

When you think of Myrtle Beach, images of stunning ocean views and sun-filled days likely come to mind. This charming coastal city has a lot to offer, from its temperate weather to fun-packed attractions. However, there’s a little downside that many residents and visitors might not consider: Myrtle Beach isn’t exactly the friendliest place for those wanting to stroll or bike around.

Walking is a Challenge

Myrtle Beach recently received a Walk Score of just 43 out of 100, which signifies a somewhat surprised revelation—it’s quite a car-dependent city. This means that many of the daily conveniences, whether it’s grabbing some groceries or heading out for dinner, often require hopping into a car rather than enjoying a leisurely walk. Walk Score gauges how easy it is to reach various recommended amenities like culture and entertainment, dining options, errands, groceries, and parks.

Comparing the ZIP Codes

To provide more insight, a deep dive into seven different ZIP codes around Myrtle Beach reveals a variety of results regarding walkability and bikeability. Buckle up as we explore these neighborhoods a little closer!

ZIP Code 29578: The Best Walking Spot

Kicking things off with the star of the show, ZIP code 29578. With an impressive Walk Score of 80, it’s classified as very walkable. Residents in this area enjoy easy access to practically everything—restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues are within sweet strolling distance. While it shines particularly bright in these categories, the access to schools and parks hasn’t quite hit the mark yet, receiving mediocre and poor ratings respectively. However, with a Bike Score of 58, it’s still a pretty nice place to pedal around.

ZIP Code 29587: Surfside Beach Surprises

Next up is ZIP code 29587, which has a slightly lower Walk Score of 39. Although it’s located in the scenic Surfside Beach area, the walkability around here is slightly less appealing, but it does offer decent access to culture and dining options. Residents may find themselves a little challenged when it comes to errands and groceries, as the area has only mediocre scoring. Parks and schools? Well, it seems like there’s no confirmed data to check.

ZIP Code 29577: Downtown Struggles

Moving on to ZIP code 29577, which covers parts of Market Common and downtown Myrtle Beach. This area features a Walk Score of 34, making it clear that while nice spots exist to walk to, it’s still classified as car-dependent overall. The Bike Score here is much better at 75, so cyclists might find this area to their liking—even if walkers may feel a bit stranded.

ZIP Code 29572: Mediocre All Around

Then, we have ZIP code 29572, with its Walk Score settling at 33. While the area offers some good access for errands, the availability of groceries and dining options isn’t enough to get it excited. The Bike Score sits at 47, which is also a bit of a mixed bag.

ZIP Code 29575: A Struggle for Walkers

As we head to ZIP code 29575, things don’t get much better. With a Walk Score plummeting to 18 and a Bike Score of just 44, residents here will find themselves wrestling with significant challenges for accessing culture, parks, and schools. When it comes to errands and dining, the experience is rated mediocre, while groceries and shopping leave much to be desired.

ZIP Code 29579: Poor, But Noticeable Schools

Checking out ZIP code 29579, we hit a low point with a Walk Score of only 4. While it offers decent access to schools and a Bike Score of 38, this area makes it evident that needing a car is essential for nearly everything else. This isn’t the dream for those hoping to stroll.

The Bottom Line: ZIP Code 29588

Lastly, we have that infamous ZIP code 29588, which sneaks in a Walk Score of zero! Yes, that’s not a typo—none of the conveniences are within walking distance, and with a Bike Score of merely 28, it looks like choosing a vehicle is the only way to get around this area. This section of town is bordered by major highways, making it even harder to navigate without a car.

A Beautiful City with a Car-Dependent Grind

So, while Myrtle Beach attracts many for its stunning landscapes and vibrant atmosphere, the harsh reality remains: those looking to enjoy a leisurely walk or a bike ride in this cozy coastal city may end up feeling a bit frustrated. With numerous areas being car-dependent, it’s clear that while the waves beckon, you’ll probably need to drive to get there.