Ocean Forest Villas in Myrtle Beach

Search Condos for Sale at the Ocean Forest Villas

One of the more popular oceanside condominium projects in the area, the Ocean Forest Villas has a long history and sits on a piece of land that might be on of the most famous in Myrtle Beach. Located in the cabana section of Myrtle Beach, which deserves its own story with its unique layout, design and zoning, the Ocean Forest Villas development is comprised of five buildings that sit perpendicular to the ocean. 

Ocean Forest Villas History

The real story begins with the land which used to be home to the Ocean Forest Hotel, the first grand hotel in the Myrtle Beach area. Among the many amenities were oceanfront dining, outdoor entertainment, exercise clubs, bowling lanes and indoor and outdoor pools. The ground-floor arcade offered men’s and ladies’ clothiers, a coffee shop, a jewelry store, a drug store and salons.

Interestingly enough, the hotel's tower housed Myrtle Beach’s first radio station - WMRA - and it went on the air on June 10, 1948. Rumor has it, the tower also housed a gambling venue. During World War 2, the tower was used as a lookout for U-boats as well as keeping watch on captured Germans in the prison camp a few blocks north. Some of these POWs even stayed after the war and became local businessmen.

After nearly 50 years, the cost of operating the Ocean Forest was too high and, a Sun News article from the time said it was "unable to meet the requirements of its insurers". The hotel was imploded on Friday September 13, 1974 to make way for a condominium development - today's Ocean Forest Villas!

The Ocean Forest Villas buildings sit three stories in height, with no elevator. Each and every condominium shares virtually the same two-bedroom, two-bathroom layout at just under 1000 square feet. Today, you'll find some that are a 40-year time warp. Meanwhile, others have been renovated from top to bottom. You'll find that the buildings and grounds are in excellent shape for a wood frame building of its age in this location - a testament to the well-run homeowners association. The development is a real mix of primary residences, second homes and vacation rentals. For those looking for something that's in an excellent location, minutes to all of the action that Myrtle Beach has to offer but yet a quieter feel this is really an unmatched option.

If you are looking for an outstanding option for a second home but with the potential for some decent rental income it's hard to beat the Ocean Forest Villas. Prices will vary significantly based on the condition and placement in the complex. You'll find some that are further off the beach with not much of a view but also those on the front of the building with outstanding views across Ocean Blvd. and out to the ocean. The first second or third floor always seems to be just a personal preference whether you want to take the steps and the reward for a better view or the convenience of the first floor.

Begin your condo search with TheHomeSearch.com, featuring an interactive map tool to find homes in Myrtle Beach. Whether searching for a primary residence, vacation home, or retirement property, start with us. Register for a free account to receive email alerts for new homes matching your criteria, and save your favorite properties for easy access. Or, begin your search for all Myrtle Beach homes for sale here.

There's so much more that we could explore here but if you're interested in what's on the market today at Ocean Forest Villas, check them out below!

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