The Market Common is a walkable urban village on the south side of Myrtle Beach, built on the grounds of the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. It pairs an open-air district of shops and restaurants with residential neighborhoods including Withers Preserve and Emmens Preserve, plus Grand Park and the all-abilities Savannah’s Playground — making it one of the few places on the Grand Strand where residents can live, walk, dine, and shop without a car.
About the Market Common
The Myrtle Beach Air Force Base closed in 1993, and the redevelopment that followed produced a master plan for an urban center, recreation, an airport, and parks. The Market Common district held its grand opening in April 2008, and the surrounding residential neighborhoods filled in over the following years.
The defining feature is walkability. The central district is a true main-street layout, with ground-floor retail and restaurants below residences, parks within walking distance, and a street grid built for pedestrians rather than the strip-commercial pattern that dominates much of the Strand. That design draws buyers who want an active, low-car lifestyle — a profile that skews toward both younger professionals and downsizing retirees.
The base history is kept visible rather than paved over. Warbird Park displays retired fighter aircraft including an A-10 Warthog, an F-100, and an A-7, alongside the Valor Memorial Garden and a Wall of Service honoring those who served. More than 150 historical markers are set along the parks, bike paths, and walkways throughout the former base grounds.
Market Common Real Estate Market
~$300K (condos/townhomes) to $1M+ (estate sections)
Condos, townhomes, single-family, estate homes
Emmens Preserve, Withers Preserve, and adjacent sections
Walkable town center, parks, dining, retail
Figures reflect early-2026 market conditions and are updated regularly, so ask Phil for the latest pricing in any specific section. In Market Common, home values vary mainly by property type and how close a home is to the town center, parks, restaurants, and shops. Homes within easy walking distance of these amenities are typically in higher demand than similar properties farther away. The community is especially popular with relocating buyers and second-home owners. If you’re moving from the Northeast, the relocation guide explains why so many buyers choose this lifestyle.
Schools Serving the Market Common
The Market Common is served by Horry County Schools, on the Myrtle Beach-area attendance track:
- Myrtle Beach Elementary School
- Myrtle Beach Middle School
- Myrtle Beach High School
Attendance zones in the south-Myrtle Beach area can shift — families relocating full-time should confirm current zoning for a specific address directly with Horry County Schools before buying.
Amenities and Lifestyle
- The Market Common district — an open-air main-street center with shops, a movie theater, and restaurants including Tupelo Honey, Travinia Italian Kitchen, Gordon Biersch, and Nacho Hippo.
- Grand Park and Savannah’s Playground — a large central park with lakes and trails, plus Savannah’s Playground, an all-abilities “enabling” park opened in 2016 with ADA-accessible equipment.
- Emmens Preserve amenities — a pool, fitness room, lake, and a park with an amphitheater, bocce, and outdoor kitchens, within the Lennar-built neighborhood.
- Warbird Park and the weekly farmers market — the military-heritage park with its retired fighter aircraft and Wall of Service, plus a seasonal Saturday farmers market at Valor Park.
HOA and community details
The Market Common is made up of several neighborhoods and condo communities, so HOA fees and amenities vary by property. Communities like Emmens Preserve, Withers Preserve, and the condo and townhome sections each have their own dues, which may cover amenities, common-area maintenance, and, for attached homes, exterior maintenance and insurance. Before buying, review the HOA or regime fees for the specific property so you understand the full monthly cost.
The residential mix at the Market Common
One of the biggest advantages of the Market Common is its variety of housing. Buyers can choose from condos and townhomes within walking distance of shops and restaurants, single-family homes in neighborhoods like Emmens Preserve and Withers Preserve, or larger estate homes that offer more space while staying close to the town center.
Each neighborhood has its own amenities, HOA structure, and price point, so the best choice depends on your lifestyle. Homes closest to the parks, restaurants, and town center are typically the most sought after, while properties farther out often provide more space at a lower price.
Why buyers choose the Market Common
The Market Common is ideal for buyers who want a walkable lifestyle with shopping, restaurants, parks, and entertainment just steps from home. It appeals to active retirees, professionals, families, and second-home owners who value convenience and low-maintenance living.
Buyers often compare it with the gated waterfront homes of Cypress River Plantation or the low-maintenance lifestyle at Pine Island. Among Myrtle Beach communities, the Market Common stands out for its vibrant, pedestrian-friendly setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
