When buyers tell me they want to be on the water, inside a gate, and still close to everyday life in Myrtle Beach, Waterway Palms Plantation is usually one of the first neighborhoods I bring up. I have helped clients buy and sell in this community more than 90 times, so I know it street by street, and I want to share what it is actually like here beyond the listing photos.
Waterway Palms Plantation is a gated community in Carolina Forest that sits right on the west bank of the Intracoastal Waterway. The homes take their inspiration from the Battery district in historic Charleston, so you will see front porches, raised foundations, columns, and that classic Lowcountry look throughout the neighborhood. It feels established and cohesive, yet new homes are still being built on the remaining homesites.
Location and Getting Around
The entrance is off River Oaks Drive, just a few minutes from Highway 501 and International Drive. That puts grocery stores, restaurants, shopping, doctors’ offices, and golf all within a short drive. The beach is roughly six miles away, close enough for an evening walk on the sand without living in the middle of the tourist traffic.
Families also like that the neighborhood is in the Carolina Forest school area. Homes here have been zoned for River Oaks Elementary, Ocean Bay Middle, and Carolina Forest High School. School assignments can change, so I always recommend confirming with Horry County Schools for a specific address.
Homes and Homesites
Most homes in Waterway Palms Plantation are single family, two and three story homes, many with three to six bedrooms. You will find a mix of custom builds and builder plans, and a lot of newer construction from the last several years.
Location within the neighborhood makes a real difference in price. Direct waterway homes and homesites along West Palms Drive sit at the top of the range. Second row homes often still catch a view of the water, and pond front and interior lots offer more room in the budget while giving you the same gate and the same amenities. If you would rather build, vacant homesites still come up for sale, and I am happy to walk you through the architectural guidelines and what to expect from the building process.
HOA dues are paid monthly and cover common areas, the amenity center, and association management. The exact amount and what it includes can vary by section, so I pull the current figures for any home you are considering.
Amenities and Community Life
The heart of the neighborhood is the two story clubhouse, which has a full kitchen and a fireplace and is used for everything from holiday gatherings to private parties. Outside, there is a large pool along with a children’s pool, plus a fitness center, tennis and basketball courts, bocce, and a playground.
For boaters, the community has its own boat ramp and landing on the Intracoastal Waterway, along with gated boat storage. Being able to launch a few minutes from home and spend the afternoon on the water is one of the biggest reasons people choose Waterway Palms over other Carolina Forest neighborhoods. Day to day, you will see neighbors out walking dogs, riding bikes on the quiet streets, and fishing along the water.
Is Waterway Palms Plantation Right for You?
Waterway Palms tends to be a great fit for full time residents who want a gated, close knit neighborhood, boaters who want easy access to the Intracoastal, families who want the Carolina Forest schools, and buyers relocating to the Grand Strand who want to be near the beach without living on Ocean Boulevard. It is a full time residential community, so it has a true neighborhood feel all year long.
If you are thinking about buying or selling in Waterway Palms Plantation, I would love to help. I can share current listings, recent sales on your street, and an honest read on what your home or homesite is worth today. Call or text me at 843.503.2247, email [email protected], or reach out through the contact page here on my website.
Jennifer Burgess, Broker, JTE Real Estate
