Ocean Keyes is a premier gated community in the Ocean Drive section of North Myrtle Beach, built on the site of the former Gator Hole golf course and set just two blocks from the beach. The community pairs a walkable location near the Ocean Drive district with a deep resort amenity package — multiple swimming pools, hot tubs, tennis courts, a fitness center, and jogging trails amid the mature trees and lakes retained from the original course.
About Ocean Keyes
Ocean Keyes is built for buyers who want resort amenities and beach proximity behind a gate, without the maintenance of a detached home. The community occupies the grounds of the former Gator Hole golf course in the Ocean Drive section, and the redevelopment kept much of the original landscape — the mature trees, the lakes, and the natural plantings — which gives Ocean Keyes a greener, more established feel than a typical new development.
Location is a central part of the appeal. The community sits just two blocks from the Atlantic and within walking distance of the Ocean Drive district, the heart of North Myrtle Beach’s shops, restaurants, and the Carolina shag dancing scene on Main Street. That puts the beach, dining, and entertainment within reach on foot, which is unusual for a gated, amenity-rich community. The Ocean Drive district at its doorstep is the historic heart of North Myrtle Beach and the birthplace of the Carolina shag — the state dance — still celebrated each spring and fall at the Main Street clubs and the SOS shag festivals. For a buyer, that means the walkable surroundings carry a genuine local culture, not just a strip of beachfront retail.
Real Estate Market
Condos, townhomes, single-family, gated estates
Gated, multiple pools, tennis, fitness, trails
Ocean Drive section, two blocks from the beach
Figures reflect early-2026 market conditions and are updated regularly, so ask Phil for the latest pricing on any specific building or unit. In Ocean Keyes, value depends on factors like unit size, floor plan, building location, and overall condition. Because the community is made up primarily of condos within walking distance of the beach and Ocean Drive, it’s especially popular with second-home buyers and vacation rental owners. When comparing units, it’s important to consider HOA dues and rental potential alongside the purchase price. Condos just a short walk from the beach and Main Street typically see stronger demand than similar units located farther inland. If you’re buying as an investment, the second homes and investment guide explains what to look for when evaluating rental potential.
Schools
Ocean Keyes 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 condo-dominant community weighted toward second-home and seasonal buyers, schools are a secondary factor at Ocean Keyes. Families relocating full-time should confirm current attendance zones with the district before buying.
Amenities and Lifestyle
- Multiple pools and hot tubs — an extensive aquatics package, including several outdoor swimming pools, kiddie pools, and hot tubs spread across the community.
- Tennis, fitness, and recreation — tennis courts, a fitness center, a game room, jogging trails, and grilling and picnic areas, anchored by a community center.
- Walkable Ocean Drive location — two blocks from the beach and within walking distance of the Ocean Drive shops, restaurants, and the Main Street shag dancing scene.
- Ocean Drive culture — the doorstep district is the birthplace of the Carolina shag, with Main Street clubs and the spring and fall SOS shag festivals giving the surroundings genuine local character beyond the beach itself.
HOA and community details
Ocean Keyes is a gated, condo-focused community, so HOA (regime) dues are an important part of ownership. They cover the gated entrance, landscaped common areas, resort-style amenities, and, for most condos, exterior maintenance and building insurance. Before buying, review the current dues, what they include, and any rental policies that apply if you plan to use the property as a vacation rental.
How the Ocean Keyes market breaks down
Because Ocean Keyes is made up primarily of condos, value depends on factors like unit size, floor plan, building location, floor level, and overall condition. The community’s extensive amenities—including multiple pools, hot tubs, tennis courts, a fitness center, and beautifully maintained grounds—add to its appeal, but HOA dues should always be considered alongside the purchase price.
Its walkable location near the beach and Ocean Drive also makes it popular with second-home buyers and vacation rental investors. Buyers looking for rental income should review the unit’s rental history and community rules, while full-time or seasonal residents often appreciate the low-maintenance, lock-and-leave lifestyle.
Why buyers choose Ocean Keyes
Ocean Keyes is a great fit for buyers who want gated, low-maintenance living with resort-style amenities just a short walk from the beach and Ocean Drive. It’s especially popular with second-home owners, seasonal residents, and vacation rental investors who want convenience without the upkeep of a detached home. Buyers often compare it with the boating lifestyle of Cherry Grove or the historic charm of Atlantic Beach, but Ocean Keyes stands out for its walkable location and extensive amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
