Prince Creek Real Estate
Nestled among the winding channels and marshes of the Intercoastal Waterway lies one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Murrells Inlet—Prince Creek. The coveted neighborhood boasts resort-style living through its multiple amenities, and its convenient location just four miles from the beach and twenty minutes from the airport. This 2,700-acre neighborhood is home to the Dustin Johnson Golf School, the Tournament Players Club, Prince Creek Village Center, and The Bays of Prince Creek—a collection of sub-communities within Prince Creek.
PRINCE CREEK’S HISTORY
Construction on The Bays of Prince Creek began in 2003 with the first home reaching completion in 2004. Today, there are over 700 homes built across the seven sub-communities. Prince Creek utilizes a unique conglomeration of builders throughout the sub-communities, both mainstream and local. Some of the nation’s top builders (such as D.R. Horton, Lennar, and Pulte) have all constructed houses within Prince Creek’s beautiful communities. With a growing population and an ever-evolving seller’s market, the houses in Prince Creek have experienced a 20 percent increase in sales prices over the past 16 years. In 2004 Prince Creek’s homes in the Bays fetched $120 per square foot; now, the homes fetch a whopping $148 per square foot, with experts expecting that price to continue its upward incline.
THE BAYS AT PRINCE CREEK
What makes each sub-community within Prince Creek unique is that each community has its own style of housing. Buyers have a range of home options to choose from within the bays.
Charles Towne Bay is the smallest of the communities, with 12 homes currently adorning its picturesque streets, and a few open lots for buyers that wish to design their dream home. Its HOA fees include trash, landscaping, security, and access to the amenity center. The Charles Towne Bay community also offers access to a natural gas pipeline, a home chef’s dream for gas ovens and stoves. The Charleston-style homes are raised above the garage for a nice view of the surrounding landscape. These homes range from 1,800 to 2,000 square feet.
John’s Bay is a sub-community of two to four-bedroom townhomes. Its specific amenities include security, trash, landscaping, pest control, and it is the only sub-community with its own swimming pool. All of these services and amenities are included in the John’s Bay HOA fee, along with access to Prince Creek’s amenity center.
Shallow Creek Bay is one of the smaller sub-communities, offering small homes that range from 1,400 to 1,900 square feet—perfect for empty-nesters looking to downsize. Shallow Creek Bay offers the same general amenities as the other bays—trash, security, and access to Prince Creek’s amenity center. Shallow Creek Bay boasts a plethora of foliage decorating the front yards—giving the neighborhood some natural beauty.
In Laurel Bay, buyers will find a selection of single-family homes ranging from 2,100 square feet to 2,700 square feet. Laurel Bay also includes services through its HOA fee including security, trash, and common area maintenance. Like all other Bay sub-communities, residents of Laurel Bay receive access to Prince Creek’s larger amenity center. Laurel Bay is a perfectly sized sub-community for first-time homebuyers or small families.
Willow Bay offers buyers an option between the smaller single-family homes of John’s Bay and Laurel Bay, and the large sprawling homes of Palm Bay and Waverly Bay. Willow Bay’s homes are moderately sized and spaced apart ranging from 1,700 to 2,700 square feet. Willow Bay offers the same amenities as the other Bays and is also a natural gas community. Residents of Willow Bay enjoy the beauty of nature with the natural conservation forests that surround this neighborhood, as well as a system of lakes that wind through the area.
Another neighborhood with plenty of foliage and natural gas is Palm Bay—the second biggest sub-community in Prince Creek. As its name suggests, Palm Bay’s sidewalks are decorated with picturesque palm trees that give the Bay a Floridian vacation feel. Palm Bay offers large houses, ranging from 2,100 to 3,100 square feet, an ideal choice for larger families. With larger lot sizes, families will have plenty of space for outdoor activities, lawn decorations, and gardening. Palm Bay offers the same amenities as the other Bays including trash, security, and common area maintenance.
The largest homes in Prince Creek are found in Waverly Bay, ranging from 2,300 to 3,700 square feet. Waverly Bay sports unique homes, and offers the largest lot sizes of all the Bays. This neighborhood is all about spacious and sprawling layouts. No two homes are exactly alike, and there are plenty of empty lots for property owners seeking to design their own home. Waverly Bay offers natural gas, and the same trash, security, and community maintenance as the other Bays.
BELLWOOD LANDING
At the beautiful Bellwood Landing potential buyers will find sizable lots stretching along the Waccamaw River. The half-an-acre and up lots are a water lover’s dream, with several lots allowing residents to station a private dock in the river. These lavish homes span from 2,500 square feet to 4,000 square feet, and all of the homes are privy to the neighborhood’s natural gas line. With some available lots, buyers will have the option to build their own custom homes. Bellwood landing offers wonderful views with natural trails and lakes that wind through the protected wilderness. Some of its many amenities include a community clubhouse with a pool, a picnic area complete with a brick fireplace for roasting s’mores, a playground, tennis courts, and a community dock along the Waccamaw River, where residents can launch small water vehicles, like kayaks.
CHAMPION’S VILLAGE
Named for its views of the sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth holes on the Tournament Player’s golf course, Champion’s Village is one of the few neighborhoods in Prince Creek that builds with Green Smart—an energy-efficient and cost-effective building method that helps preserve the environment. These natural gas homes range from 1,600 square feet to 2,700 square feet with some lots available next to the golf course. Champions Village also borders some of Prince Creek’s nature preserves for nature-loving home buyers. Some of the homes offer screened-in porches as well, so residents can quietly enjoy nature, without the bugs. There are nine floor plans to choose from, including one and two-story houses, and the neighborhood includes a pool and a clubhouse—perfect for hosting private events or cooling off after a long day on the golf course.
COLD STREAM COVE
These spacious townhomes are a whopping 1,700 square feet, offering two and three-bedroom options. Cold Stream Cove’s townhomes back up to many of Prince Creek’s nature reserves and conservation areas for those who enjoy the solitude and privacy that nature provides. Each unit has its own garage, so there is plenty of room for residents to store cars and tools. Several units possess screened-in patios, a great place to entertain guests, or enjoy a morning cup of Joe. The HOA fee includes community and lawn maintenance, so residents do not have to worry about mowing the grass. Cold Stream Cove is within walking distance of the Tournament Players Club for fans of golf. The pool and covered pavilion offer a great place for residents to enjoy the nice weather, with a grill and a large brick fireplace for summer barbeques. Cold Stream Cove is a great option for buyers who are looking for a second home, or empty nesters looking to downsize.
COLLIN’S CREEK LANDING
As one of the few neighborhoods in Prince Creek with private access to the Waccamaw River, Collins Creek provides access to the intercoastal waterway. With houses ranging from 1,600 to 4,200 square feet and up, there is no shortage of options for potential buyers in Collins Creek. There are several floor plans to choose from, as well as the option to custom build a home. Collins Creek is a gated community, offering privacy and security, and offers many other amenities. A clubhouse- complete with a banquet room, kitchen, and wet bar- is the perfect place for residents to host an event. The eight-acre community park offers a swimming pool, batting cage, soccer field, basketball court, and a stocked fishing pond. Residents may enjoy a community boat dock, as well as a picturesque gazebo for relaxing amongst nature. The barbeque and picnic area are available to residents year-round, and the playground offers a lovely place for children to have fun while the adults barbeque up some dinner.
CREEK HARBOUR
Also adorning the banks of Collins Creek is Creek Harbour, which offers alluring, expansive lot sizes ranging from half-an-acre to three full acres. Spanning from 2,000 to 6,000 square feet, these homes have three, four, and six-bedroom floor plans, with some of the models offering private docks on the water. These lovely brick mansion homes are also nestled amongst Prince Creek’s nature preserves, which provide plenty of natural shade and scenery. Creek Harbor’s amenities include walking trails and a neighborhood dock for storing boats. The community pool is perfect for cooling off on long summer days, and the clubhouse is a great place to host events. This gated community also offers plenty of security for residents and their families.
CREEKHAVEN
Creekhaven sports homes with low-country charm. This neighborhood contains 213 homes, all sitting on lifted foundations with sprawling porches that provide residents with a comfortable place to enjoy the surrounding naturally protected wetlands and woods. This neighborhood, full of 1,300 to 3,100 square foot homes, is only one mile from the Wacca Wacca Marina- a fun spot for boat lovers to dock their boat or join the local boat club. The fenced-in park includes a pool with a clubhouse, tennis courts, a playground, nature trails, and picnic pavilion (complete with benches and a fireplace for marshmallow-roasting or campfire story-telling). The walking trails lead to a stunning gazebo nestled among the sweeping cypress trees and natural wetlands—a peaceful place to spend an afternoon reading, or simply enjoying nature.
HIGHWOOD
One of the few neighborhoods that actually borders the Tournament Players Club golf course, Highwood is a smaller community. Some of these luxury homes are located directly on the golf course, with some older houses built in the early 2,000’s. Some new houses under construction are currently available. Ranging from 2,410 to 5,146 square feet, these three, four, and five-bedroom sprawling, classic homes offer beautiful views of the lake that decorates the neighborhood’s center. Several of these houses have private pools and covered patios for buyers who love having a private backyard retreat. Highwood’s homes are all custom-built on lots ranging from one-third of an acre to a full acre. The amenities include a clubhouse and a fitness center. Residents may enjoy the pool or the jacuzzi, and active residents may take advantage of the neighborhood’s tennis court, basketball court, pickleball court, or shuffleboard.
HUNTER’S GROVE
The homes in Hunters Grove are mostly newer builds, so buyers have a range of modern homes to choose from. There are plenty of available lots to build on, all of which range from a quarter of an acre to a full acre. Houses in Hunters Grove range from 1,600 to 3,200 square feet, and offer models with three, four, and five bedrooms. Many of these homes offer a bonus room over the garage, which may potentially be converted into a FROG. Like most Prince Creek neighborhoods, Hunters Grove offers a clubhouse and a pool. The neighborhood also organizes trash pickups, and active residents may utilize the tennis courts. Like all of Prince Creek’s neighborhoods, Hunters Grove is close to all of Murrells Inlet’s main attractions, such as the beach, Wacca Wacca Marina, and the Myrtle Beach Airport.
LINKSBROOK
Construction in Linksbrook has been ongoing since 2005. Centex, now owned by Pulte, is the main builder in this neighborhood. Most of the older models have been upgraded with modern fixtures, such as stainless steel appliances, hardwood flooring, and granite counters, all of which are offer energy-efficient, allowing homeowners to save money in the future. Buyers can choose from seven floor plans, which range from 1,300 to 3,500 square feet. Links Brook’s amenities include a clubhouse with a walk-in, beach-style pool—a new trend that makes the pool feel more like a natural body of water. The clubhouse includes a fitness center and a pool table, while the neighborhood offers tennis courts, horseshoe pits, and a picnic area with a covered pavilion for residents who enjoy outdoor activities. Linksbrook is also only one and a half miles from the Murrels Inlet boat launch, and twenty minutes from downtown Myrtle Beach.
LONGWOOD BLUFFS
With its pristinely manicured lawns and decorative palm trees, Longwood Bluffs offers resort-style living. Built by Tolls Brother’s Builders, a Fortune 500 company, these houses are a product of the nation’s leading builders of luxury homes. Longwood Bluffs backs up to one of Prince Creek’s wooded conservation areas, and each house has a covered porch with room for furniture for residents who enjoy sipping tea while watching the sun set over the trees. All homes offer a two-car garage with plenty of room for cars and tools. These homes range from 1,854 to 3,084 square feet, with three and four-bedroom models available. The Tournament Players Club course is easily walkable from Longwood Bluffs. Other amenities include a community fireplace and community picnic table. Active residents may enjoy walking trails and tennis courts. There are two pools, one lap pool, and one walk-in resort-style pool, as well as a jacuzzi. There’s a neighborhood playground for the kids, making this neighborhood an ideal spot for families.
WILDERNESS POINTE IN PRINCE CREEK
This Charlestonian-inspired community offers low-country living, complete with marsh-grass, palm trees, and homes raised above the garage. This neighborhood is adjacent to the Tournament Players Club golf course, and offers two-story homes with three bedrooms, ranging from 1,955 to 2,577 square feet. The lawns are equipped with a sprinkler system for easy maintenance. This community offers a pool with a clubhouse and is an easy walk or golf-car ride to the Tournament Players Club golf course for golfers.
SEASONS AT PRINCE CREEK
A fifty-five and up active adult community, Seasons at Prince Creek offers one-story homes with easy access. The 1,600 to 2,900 square foot homes offer three and four-bedroom models with upgraded features, such as vaulted ceilings and walk-in closets. This neighborhood is designed to keep adults active and offers plenty of amenities and community activities. The large clubhouse houses a fitness center and card tables. There is an indoor and outdoor pool, so residents may enjoy a swim during any season. A tennis court, shuffleboard court, and bocce ball court provide plenty of active games for the more competitive residents. Seasons at Prince Creek has plenty of walking trails and sidewalks woven throughout the community. Residents may enjoy a leisurely lifestyle with little work, as the lawn maintenance, trash pick-up, and basic cable are all included in the community’s HOA fees.
THE GARDEN HOMES AT STONE GATE
Another exclusive fifty-five and up community, The Garden Homes at Stone Gate offers seven different floor plans. The Garden Homes contain newer models that border the protected wetlands and the Tournament Players Club golf course. All of these homes are single-story, and offer a garage, making for plenty of storage. These three-bedroom homes use energy-efficient windows and natural gas, allowing residents to save money. This neighborhood’s amenities include a community clubhouse with a kitchen, a gaming area, and an indoor fireplace. There is a fitness center and pool room for more active seniors, and a pool and grilling area for those who love outdoor activities.
A GOLFER’S PARADISE
Also located inside Prince Creek are the Tournament Players Club (the only PGA golf course in South Carolina), and the Dustin Johnson Golf School. Designed by Tom Fazio to create the nation’s most prestigious course, the Tournament Players Club is an 18 hole, 72 par course with elevation changes, and challenging water traps. It opened in 1999 with rave reviews. Today, TPC boasts a rating of 74.5 and a slope of 145, five tees and, a total of 6,950 yards. With its undulating greens and multiple practice areas- including putting greens, chipping greens, and a driving range-Tournament Players Club is a golf lover’s dream.
If residents have yet to learn the ins and outs of the game, Dustin Johnson’s Golf School is among one of the nation’s most prestigious places to learn. Allen Terrell and Dustin Johnson run the school. Johnson is at the top of the Official World Golf Rankings with more than twenty wins on the PGA Tour. Terrell, who is the director of coaching at the school, was named one of the top 100 instructors in America by Golf Magazine and cited as one of Golf Channels’ top instructors under forty. With these two golf champions at its helm, Dustin Johnson Golf School was named the top golf academy in the southeast by Golf Digest. It is by far the best place for residents who wish to learn how to golf.
NATURE LOVERS
There is much in Prince Creek for nature lovers to enjoy. Bird Watchers may enjoy sighting Egrets, Great Blue Herons, or Swans. Other animals residents may sight among the golf course or marsh area include otters, foxes, deer, wild turkeys, and alligators. These environmentally protected natural wetlands provide lush foliage that adorns the streets of Prince Creek. Residents enjoy trees such as Red Oaks, Cypress, and Pines. The natural lakes and ponds provide a natural haven for wildlife. Nature lovers may also enjoy Brooke Green Garden (only eight miles away), or Hunting Beach State Park.
OUTSIDE THE CREEK
Gas stations are located just outside of the Prince Creek Community near the entrance including a 7-Eleven under construction in 2021. Highway 707 provides quick access to Highway 17, and easy access to other dining and shopping options, such as the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk. The Murrells Inlet MarshWalk is a popular destination among locals who may enjoy waterfront dining, live music, and regularly scheduled events. It’s only ten minutes from Prince Creek. Water-loving residents may wish to drive their golf carts to the Wacca Wache Marina and enjoy pier-side dining, boat tours, and boat rentals. Like Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, the Marina often hosts events. Sea-faring individuals may wish to join the Wacca Mache Freedom boat club.
There is no shortage of activities and advantages for the residents of Prince Creek. Buyers have the privilege of a wide range of options from town-homes to multi-million dollar estates along the Intercoastal Waterway. Residents of Prince Creek enjoy a relaxed, resort lifestyle, which is why homes in the Bays of Prince Creek are in demand.
Written by Katie Robison for Garden City Realty