Overview of Market Common
Market Common sits on approximately 114 acres of thoughtfully planned mixed-use development, with the broader community spanning nearly 4,000 acres. Built on the site of the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base that closed in 1993, this neighborhood opened in 2008 and has been growing ever since. The development follows New Urbanist design principles, which means homes, shops, restaurants, and green spaces are all integrated into a walkable "urban village" atmosphere.
One of the first things you'll notice about Market Common is the golf cart culture. Residents regularly hop in their golf carts to grab groceries, meet friends for dinner, or take the kids to the playground. The beach is just about a mile away, making it an easy morning routine to catch the sunrise over the Atlantic. This blend of convenience and coastal living is what draws families, young professionals, and retirees alike to explore homes in communities like Cresswind, Emmens Preserve, and Sweetgrass Square.
Amenities & Lifestyle at Market Common
Market Common delivers an unmatched lifestyle for those who value walkability and community connection. Unlike typical suburban developments where you drive everywhere, here you can stroll to dinner, bike to boutique shops, and still be just minutes from pristine beaches.
Throughout the community, you'll find amenities that work well for families and active adults:
- Over 60 retail stores including Barnes & Noble, Anthropologie, and Pottery Barn
- More than 20 restaurants from casual cafes to upscale dining
- Grand 14 Cinema with 2,600 seats across 14 screens
- Walking and biking paths connecting neighborhoods to shops and parks
- Beach access approximately one mile from the community center
If you're deciding between an active adult community and a family neighborhood, it helps to think about your daily rhythm. Want resort-style amenities with organized activities? Compare Cresswind. Prefer a lakeside setting with room for kids to play? Start with Emmens Preserve or Belle Harbor.
Real Estate in Market Common
Market Common Real Estate offers everything from townhomes and condos to single-family homes and live/work spaces above retail. The community actively limits short-term vacation rentals, which means your neighbors are actual neighbors—people who invest in the community and build lasting relationships.
If you're drawn to active adult living with premium amenities and low-maintenance homes, most buyers start at Cresswind at Market Common. For families seeking quality homes near excellent schools, Emmens Preserve offers townhomes starting in the low $200s and single-family homes from the mid-$200s to $400s.
Buyers who appreciate Charleston-inspired architecture often fall for Sweetgrass Square, with homes ranging from $275,000 to $450,000. For upscale living with premium finishes, The Reserve at Market Common delivers larger homesites and refined design.
Want help identifying the best match based on your budget and lifestyle? Call (843) 791-0055 and talk directly with Andrew Burnett.
Subdivisions in Market Common
Market Common is made up of distinct communities with different layouts, price points, and living styles. Below are five popular subdivisions buyers and families frequently compare. As you read, you'll see natural call-outs that help you cross-reference similar options.
Cresswind at Market Common
Cresswind at Market Common has earned recognition as one of the nation's Top 50 Best Master-Planned Communities by Where to Retire Magazine. This gated 55+ active adult community offers single-family ranch-style homes ranging from approximately 1,460 to 2,900 square feet. Home prices typically range from the mid-$500s to mid-$600s.
The centerpiece is an impressive 12,500-square-foot clubhouse where residents gather for fitness classes, social events, and community activities. Outside, you'll find a resort-style pool, tennis and pickleball courts, and a beautiful 5-acre park with walking trails. If you're comparing active adult options, The Reserve offers a more upscale alternative, while Emmens Preserve welcomes buyers of all ages.
Emmens Preserve
Emmens Preserve welcomes buyers of all ages and is particularly popular with families seeking quality homes near excellent schools. Named after Colonel Robert G. Emmens, a World War II hero and Doolittle Raider, this community honors the area's military heritage while looking toward the future. The neighborhood centers around a scenic 29-acre lake.
Townhomes start in the low $200s, while single-family homes range from the mid-$200s to $400s, making this one of Market Common's more accessible entry points for first-time buyers. The Monarch Coastal collection features mother-in-law suites for multigenerational families. If you like Emmens Preserve but want Charleston-inspired architecture, compare it with Sweetgrass Square. For a more traditional neighborhood feel, explore Belle Harbor.
Sweetgrass Square
Sweetgrass Square brings Charleston architectural charm to Market Common with pastel-colored facades, charming front porches, and interiors with 9 to 10-foot ceilings. The neighborhood's name pays homage to the sweetgrass baskets traditionally woven in the Low Country.
Homes typically range from $275,000 to $450,000, and the HOA fees include cable, internet, and trash service. The walkable location puts you steps from Market Common's restaurants and shops. If you appreciate this coastal aesthetic but prefer a more established community, Belle Harbor offers similar charm. For larger homesites with premium finishes, consider The Reserve.
Belle Harbor
Belle Harbor offers an excellent option for families seeking single-family homes in Market Common. This established neighborhood features a variety of home styles and sizes, with tree-lined streets and well-maintained common areas that create genuine curb appeal throughout the community.
Belle Harbor residents benefit from walkable access to Market Common's amenities while enjoying a more traditional neighborhood feel. Children attend highly-rated Horry County schools, and the proximity to Savannah's Playground makes it especially appealing for families with young kids. If you want similar community feel with Charleston architecture, compare with Sweetgrass Square. For active adult amenities, revisit Cresswind.
The Reserve at Market Common
The Reserve at Market Common caters to buyers seeking upscale living with premium finishes and larger homesites. This community offers a more exclusive feel while maintaining the walkable convenience that defines Market Common. Homes feature upgraded architectural details, gourmet kitchens, and outdoor living spaces designed for the South Carolina climate.
The Reserve attracts professionals, executives, and retirees who appreciate quality construction and refined design. If you're deciding between The Reserve and Cresswind, consider whether you prioritize 55+ community amenities or all-ages upscale living. For a more accessible price point, Emmens Preserve and Sweetgrass Square offer excellent alternatives.
Parks & Recreation
Market Common takes outdoor living seriously, and Grand Park Athletic Complex proves it. This impressive facility covers over 220 acres and includes nine lighted FieldTurf fields, batting cages, a kayak launch, and numerous picnic shelters. Whether your family loves soccer, baseball, or simply spending time outdoors, Grand Park provides space for everyone to play.
Savannah's Playground is Myrtle Beach's first fully ADA-accessible playground, featuring challenge ropes courses, musical instruments, and adaptive swings so children of all abilities can play together. For pet owners, Barc Parc South offers a spacious dog park with a swimming pond. The combination of these recreation options makes Market Common ideal for active families who value outdoor time.
Schools Serving Market Common
Families moving to Market Common will be pleased with the quality of nearby schools. The area is served by Horry County Schools, South Carolina's third-largest school district with over 45,000 students. Market Common feeds into the Myrtle Beach school cluster, with Myrtle Beach High School earning strong ratings for academics and extracurricular programs.
For elementary-aged children, several well-regarded schools serve the area, offering small class sizes and engaged teaching staffs. The district's investment in technology and advanced programs makes Market Common attractive to families prioritizing education alongside an enviable coastal lifestyle.
