So, you’re looking into zip code 29568 in Longs, SC. It’s a weird little pocket of the Grand Strand that most tourists drive right through on Highway 9 without a second glance. They're usually too busy dreaming of the Myrtle Beach boardwalk or trying to find their hotel in North Myrtle. But for people actually looking to live here? Longs is basically the "Goldilocks" zone.
It's quiet.
Really quiet. Yet, you're ten minutes from a Cherry Grove sunset.
Longs isn't an incorporated city. It’s an unincorporated community in Horry County, which sounds like a technicality, but it matters for your taxes and how the area grows. While Myrtle Beach gets the neon lights and the noise, zip code 29568 is where the locals have been hiding out to avoid the traffic. But the secret is definitely out. If you look at the census data and the recent housing permits, the growth in this specific zip code is staggering. We’re talking about a rural landscape that is rapidly transforming into a suburban haven.
What is Actually Happening in Zip Code 29568?
Honestly, the main draw of Longs is the breathing room. In the 29568 area, you aren't stacked on top of your neighbors like you are in some of the high-density builds in Carolina Forest or Market Common.
You’ve got a mix of everything here. You might see a $500,000 custom home on a couple of acres sitting right down the road from a century-old farmhouse with a rusted tractor in the front yard. That’s the charm. Or the chaos, depending on how you look at it.
The geography of zip code 29568 is expansive. It stretches from the North Carolina border down toward the Waccamaw River. Because it's so spread out, your experience living in Longs depends entirely on which "side" of the zip code you pick. If you're near the Highway 9 and Highway 90 intersection, you’re in the heart of the action (if you can call a Food Lion and a few gas stations "action"). If you're further out toward Star Bluff or Freeland, you’re basically in the country.
The Real Estate Reality Check
Let’s talk money because that’s why most people search for this zip code.
Historically, Longs was the "budget" option. You went there because you couldn't afford the beach. That’s shifting. Builders like D.R. Horton, Lennar, and Beazer have moved in heavily. Neighborhoods like Chestnut Ridge and Pelican Bay are popping up where tobacco fields used to be.
- Price Points: You can still find homes in the $300k range, which is becoming a rarity closer to the ocean.
- Lot Size: Unlike the 0.15-acre lots in the city, zip code 29568 often offers 0.25 to 0.5-acre lots in newer developments.
- No City Taxes: This is the big one. Since it’s unincorporated, you’re only paying Horry County property taxes. For a retiree on a fixed income or a young family, that’s thousands of dollars saved over a decade.
It's not all sunshine and low taxes, though. Infrastructure is struggling to keep up.
Highway 9 can be a nightmare during the summer changeover days. When the tourists head home on Saturdays, that road turns into a parking lot. Residents in zip code 29568 have to learn the "back ways"—roads like Highway 905 or S-C-77 (Wampee Rd)—to get around without losing their minds.
Life in the 29568: Not Your Average Beach Town
If you’re moving to Longs SC expecting a walkable downtown with craft breweries and boutiques, you’re going to be disappointed. There isn't a "Main Street."
Instead, life revolves around the river and the golf courses.
Aberdeen Country Club and Crown Park Golf Club are staples of the area. Even if you don't play, these courses provide the "green space" that prevents the area from feeling like one giant strip mall. Then you have the Waccamaw River. It’s blackwater, moody, and beautiful. If you have a kayak or a small boat, the landings in the 29568 area offer some of the most peaceful water access in the state.
The School Situation
Education is a frequent concern for people moving into zip code 29568. Most of this area feeds into the North Myrtle Beach school cluster. Specifically, you’re looking at Riverside Elementary or Daisy Elementary, depending on where exactly you land. North Myrtle Beach High School is generally well-regarded in the county, but the sheer volume of new residents means these schools are getting crowded. Fast.
The Horry County School Board is constantly redrawing lines. If you're buying a house specifically for a certain school, check the latest maps. Don't trust the real estate listing. Seriously.
The "Longs" Commute: Is it Worth It?
People ask me if the drive to the beach is annoying.
It’s 15 to 20 minutes.
That’s it. In a major city like Charlotte or Atlanta, 20 minutes gets you three miles. Here, 20 minutes gets you from your quiet porch in zip code 29568 to your toes in the sand at 18th Avenue North.
The trade-off is the lack of immediate amenities. You’re going to spend a lot of time in your car. Want a Target run? That’s North Myrtle. Want a high-end steakhouse? That’s Little River or the Grand Strand. Longs has some local gems—Shorty’s Grill is a classic for a reason—but for the most part, you are driving for your entertainment.
Flooding and Insurance: The Conversation Nobody Wants to Have
We have to talk about the water.
Parts of Longs are near the Waccamaw River basin. While most of the new construction is built up and graded properly, older homes or properties near the creeks can have flood issues during major hurricanes.
When looking at property in zip code 29568, look at the FEMA flood maps. Don't just take the seller's word for it. Look at the elevation certificate. Since 2016, we’ve seen some record-breaking river crests. If the property is in a "Zone AE," your insurance premiums will reflect that. Most of the newer "Longs" is "Zone X" (minimal risk), but it's worth the due diligence.
The Future of 29568
What does this place look like in 2030?
It’s going to be more suburban. There’s a proposed "Southern Connector" and various road widenings planned for Highway 90 that will eventually change the face of the area. We’re seeing more commercial interest, too. More grocery stores and small medical plazas are in the works because the rooftops are already there.
The "rural" feel is fading. If you want a place where you can shoot guns in your backyard and not see a neighbor, you need to look even further west toward Loris. But if you want a modern home, a manageable yard, and a price tag that doesn't make you weep, zip code 29568 is still the place to be.
Actionable Steps for Newcomers
If you're serious about moving to or investing in this part of South Carolina, don't just browse Zillow.
- Drive the commute at 5:00 PM. See what Highway 9 actually feels like when everyone is coming home from work.
- Check the Horry County GIS. This tool is your best friend. It shows property lines, flood zones, and recent sales prices.
- Visit the Waccamaw River landings. Go to Chris Anderson Landing. It’ll give you a feel for the "real" Longs that isn't just a planned subdivision.
- Inquire about fiber optic internet. Some parts of the 29568 zip code are still catching up. If you work from home, verify that Horry Telephone Cooperative (HTC) or Spectrum actually services the specific lot you're looking at.
- Look into the "Impact Fees." Horry County has implemented fees on new construction to help pay for roads and schools. If you're building custom, factor this into your budget.
Longs isn't a hidden gem anymore, but it's still a smart play for anyone who wants the coastal lifestyle without the coastal price tag. It's a place in transition, caught between its farming roots and its suburban future. Just make sure you know which side of that transition you're buying into.
