Myrtle Beach Condos

[Chris Haas]

I live in Pennsylvania, but have visited Myrtle Beach several times and think at a minimum it will become our future snow bird destination, or possibly our future full time residence.  I realize it's now hot in the winter but I can assure you it's a lot warmer than where I live.

To that end, I think we will be most content with a condo with some amenities like swimming and walking trails etc. Therein lies one of my challenges. It's very difficult to determine online what I am looking at in regards to HOA fees. While some trulia listings show the fees I would say only about 20% actually do. Even for the ones that do I have no idea what that HOA fee covers. trash? cable? pool dues? etc.

So my questions are for the myrtle beach experts out there.  What are you favorite communities related to the HOA fees.  Essentially which communities do you feel get you the biggest bang for the buck.  I don't need to be beachfront, I probably would rather a bit more sq footage instead of paying the beach front premium.

Last question:  If I buy a condo as a 2nd home and do not rent it, is it taxed at the same rate as if I would rent it ?  I'm undecided if I would rent it or not.  Leaning towards just using it with my family and extended family.  Thanks for your time.