Cherry Grove Beach is the channel-laced north end of North Myrtle Beach, where raised beach homes back up to a lattice of saltwater channels on one side and face the Atlantic a street or two away on the other. Many homes carry private docks with direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway and the ocean through the Little River Inlet — a combination that makes Cherry Grove one of the rare neighborhoods where buyers can have both boating and the beach.
About Cherry Grove
Cherry Grove is defined by water on two sides. Behind the oceanfront, a network of tidal channels winds through the neighborhood, so a large share of homes sit on the water with private docks, while the ocean is only a short walk across the street or a few blocks away. That dual exposure — channel-front boating and near-ocean beach access — is the neighborhood’s signature and the reason it commands a following among buyers who want water access without the premium of true oceanfront.
The housing is dominated by raised beach homes, elevated structures built above the flood plain that have become the standard along this stretch. Cherry Grove is one of the original beach towns — Cherry Grove, Ocean Drive, Crescent Beach, and Windy Hill — that combined to form the city of North Myrtle Beach. The neighborhood’s anchor landmark is the Cherry Grove Pier. Damaged by Hurricane Floyd in 1999, it was rebuilt and lengthened, and it now runs roughly 985 feet with a distinctive two-story observation deck — a community gathering point for fishing, crabbing, and views.
The marsh side of the neighborhood has its own draw in the Heritage Shores Nature Preserve, created in 2007 at the end of 53rd Avenue North beside the Cherry Grove Park boat ramp. A roughly mile-long elevated boardwalk loops through the salt marsh and maritime forest, with observation decks and abundant bird life — blue herons, egrets, white ibis, and osprey — giving Cherry Grove a quiet natural amenity to balance the activity of the pier and the beach.
Real Estate Market
~$400K (interior) to $2M+ (channel-front / oceanfront)
Channel-front raised beach homes with private docks
Channel-front, oceanfront, near-ocean, interior
Private docks to the ICW and ocean via Little River Inlet
Figures reflect early-2026 market conditions and are updated periodically, so ask Phil for the latest pricing on any specific street or property. In Cherry Grove, location on the water has the biggest impact on value. Oceanfront homes and channel-front properties with private docks typically command the highest prices, while near-ocean and interior homes offer more affordable options.
Because many homes here are used as second homes or vacation rentals, rental income potential is often part of the buying decision. Buyers should also factor in flood insurance, as costs can vary significantly depending on a home’s elevation and flood zone. If you’re buying as an investment, the second homes and investment guide explains what to consider, while the luxury buying guide offers helpful insights into understanding waterfront premiums.
Schools
Cherry Grove is served by Horry County Schools, on the North Myrtle Beach attendance track: Ocean Drive Elementary, North Myrtle Beach Middle, and North Myrtle Beach High. As a market weighted toward second-home and rental buyers, schools are a secondary factor for much of Cherry Grove. Families relocating full-time should confirm current attendance zones with the district before buying.
Amenities and Lifestyle
- The saltwater channels — a lattice of tidal channels behind the oceanfront, giving channel-front homes private docks with access to the Intracoastal Waterway and the ocean through the Little River Inlet.
- Cherry Grove Pier — the rebuilt landmark pier, roughly 985 feet long with a two-story observation deck, a hub for fishing and views on the north end.
- Direct beach access — a wide, family-oriented beach a short walk from most of the neighborhood, with the quieter character of the north end.
- Heritage Shores Nature Preserve — a free marsh preserve at the end of 53rd Avenue North, with a roughly mile-long boardwalk loop, observation decks, and abundant bird life, plus the adjacent Cherry Grove Park boat ramp.
HOA and community details
Unlike many Grand Strand communities, Cherry Grove is made up mostly of individually owned single-family homes rather than one large HOA-managed neighborhood. That gives homeowners more flexibility, but it also means buyers should pay close attention to property-specific details. For channel-front homes, it’s important to verify the condition of the dock and any required permits. For raised beach homes, flood zones, elevation, and insurance costs can have a significant impact on long-term ownership expenses. Before closing, buyers should confirm the flood zone, elevation certificate, dock status (if applicable), and any HOA or neighborhood association requirements for the property.
The Cherry Grove Lifestyle
Channel-front owners crab and kayak from their docks, run their boats out through the Little River Inlet for offshore fishing or a short cruise up to the Calabash seafood houses across the North Carolina line, and walk a block or two to a wide, family-oriented beach. The historic Ocean Drive entertainment district and the Carolina shag scene on Main Street sit minutes south, and the Heritage Shores Nature Preserve offers a marsh-and-forest counterpoint at the north edge.
Why buyers choose Cherry Grove
Cherry Grove is a favorite for buyers who want to enjoy both boating and the beach in one place. Channel-front homes with private docks are especially popular, offering easy access to the inlet and open water. Combined with a strong vacation rental market and the laid-back feel of North Myrtle Beach’s north end, it appeals to second-home buyers, investors, and full-time residents alike.
Those comparing communities often also consider Tidewater Plantation for its gated golf lifestyle or Barefoot Resort for its larger golf community, but Cherry Grove stands out for its unique mix of boating, beach access, and coastal charm.
Frequently Asked Questions
