Myrtle Beach continues to earn national recognition as more than a vacation destination, this time being named one of LinkedIn's 2026 Cities on the Rise, a list highlighting the nation's fastest-growing metropolitan areas for jobs and career growth.

The ranking identifies 25 emerging U.S. metros where hiring is accelerating, employers are expanding and professionals are choosing to build their careers based on LinkedIn's proprietary workforce data, tracking trends in hiring, job postings and talent migration to identify communities with growing economic momentum.

Myrtle Beach ranked No. 16 of 25 and alongside communities such as Charleston, Charlotte and Fort Wayne, Indiana. LinkedIn cited the Myrtle Beach region's combination of sustained tourism, expanding healthcare investment and one of the nation's fastest-growing retiree populations as key drivers behind its inclusion.
The recognition reflects a broader shift taking place across the Grand Strand. While tourism remains the region's economic foundation, continued investment in healthcare, technology, entrepreneurship, education and business development is creating a more diverse economy that supports year-round careers.

The Myrtle Beach area has experienced significant population growth in recent years, attracting professionals, entrepreneurs, remote workers and retirees who are drawn by the area's quality of life, coastal setting and expanding career opportunities. Employers across multiple industries continue to invest in the region, while new infrastructure, housing and commercial development are helping accommodate that growth.

"This recognition from LinkedIn reinforces what businesses, residents and investors are already seeing," said Matt Pivarnik, CEO of the Greater Myrtle Beach Collaborative. "The Myrtle Beach region is evolving into a place where people can build rewarding careers while enjoying an exceptional quality of life. It's an exciting time for our community, and we're committed to building that momentum."

The LinkedIn recognition follows several other national accolades highlighting the Myrtle Beach area's growth and livability. Earlier this year, Resonance Consultancy named Myrtle Beach the No. 5 Best Small City in America, recognizing the destination for its strong performance in areas including livability and desirability.

Myrtle Beach has once again earned national recognition as one of America's most desirable places to live and visit, ranking No. 5 among the nation's Best Small Cities in the newly released 2026 America's Best Cities Report by Resonance Consultancy. The Myrtle Beach metropolitan area also ranked No. 55 overall among all 393 metropolitan areas evaluated across the United States. 

Myrtle Beach ranked among the top small cities of Savannah, Boulder, Asheville and Ann Arbor, while ranking No. 2 for lovability and No. 7 for livability. The report specifically cites Myrtle Beach as a prime example of a community that has invested consistently in creating a strong sense of place that attracts both residents and visitors.

Using a combination of performance data and national perception surveys, lovability is measured through factors such as restaurants, arts and entertainment, nightlife, outdoor experiences, attractions, social media engagement and overall visitor appeal. Livability evaluates quality-of-life indicators like access to green space, climate, housing affordability, healthcare, broadband connectivity and other factors.

“The city’s placement among the nation’s top small cities reinforces our one-of-a-kind amenities and experiences that make it beloved by so many,” said Matt Pivarnik, CEO of the Greater Myrtle Beach Collaborative, which includes the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, Visit Myrtle Beach and Partnership Grand Strand. “Through various community initiatives, we continue to look at data like this to measure our successes while finding areas where our MSA can make improvements."

The report also identifies Horry County as one of the nation’s fastest-growing destinations for new residents, which contributes to stronger local economies over time.

For more information, visit worldsbestcities.com.

Myrtle Beach has earned another national recognition, this time for delivering value to travelers.

Travel + Leisure recently named Myrtle Beach one of the 10 most affordable places to travel in the United States this August. The ranking was based on the average cost of a round-trip flight and a one-night hotel stay. For Myrtle Beach, that total was $486, putting the city at No. 8 on the list.

The publication highlighted the destination's wide variety of attractions, entertainment, dining and accommodations, along with special offers available through Visit Myrtle Beach's "Make More Myrtle Moments" promotion.

Affordability remains an important part of Myrtle Beach's appeal. As travelers continue to seek experiences that fit their budgets, the Grand Strand offers a combination of beaches, family attractions, live entertainment and dining options that appeal to a broad range of visitors.

Recognition like this helps reinforce Myrtle Beach's reputation as a destination that delivers both value and memorable experiences while supporting the businesses, jobs and economic activity that strengthen communities throughout the Grand Strand.

Read the full Travel + Leisure article to see the complete list of destinations.

The Myrtle Beach area is marking a decade of leadership in accessibility with the 10-year anniversary of its sensory-friendly initiatives during Autism Acceptance Month. Over the years, the destination has made significant strides in creating a more welcoming and inclusive experience for visitors of all abilities.

Through partnerships, training programs, and community-wide efforts, Myrtle Beach has become a recognized leader in autism-friendly travel—earning certifications and implementing resources that support individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.

This milestone highlights the ongoing commitment to accessibility and reinforces the region’s focus on ensuring every visitor can feel comfortable, supported, and included.

The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce has been awarded the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s prestigious Five-Star Accreditation—its highest level of recognition—for excellence in leadership, operations, and community impact.

This designation reflects the Chamber’s continued commitment to supporting local businesses, driving economic growth, and maintaining strong standards across governance, advocacy, and member services. MBACC has held the Five-Star distinction since 2010, reinforcing its role as a leading voice for the business community in the region.