Is Forestbrook Safe, Pros and cons of living in Forestbrook

Forestbrook, a census-designated place in Horry County, South Carolina, offers a distinct living experience with a blend of suburban tranquility and proximity to coastal attractions. Its population of approximately 7,479 residents contributes to a community that feels both established and growing (as reported by Data USA and World Population Review). The median age in Forestbrook is 50.5 years, suggesting a community with a significant portion of its residents in their mature years (as reported by World Population Review).

The demographic makeup of Forestbrook is predominantly White, comprising about 84.6% of the population, with smaller percentages of Black or African American and Hispanic residents (as reported by World Population Review and Point2Homes). A notable aspect of Forestbrook’s population is its high rate of U.S. citizenship, with approximately 99.9% of residents being citizens, which is higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA). The foreign-born population is around 10.4%, which is comparable to the national average (as reported by Data USA).

Is it Safe to Live in Forestbrook?

Forestbrook is generally considered a safe neighborhood, boasting a crime safety grade of A+ (as reported by DoorProfit). The overall crime index in Forestbrook is 49, which is significantly lower than the national average of 100 and 20% lower than the average crime index in Myrtle Beach (as reported by DoorProfit). This indicates that Forestbrook is safer than 48% of neighborhoods within Myrtle Beach (as reported by DoorProfit).

While the overall crime rate is low, larceny and theft are areas of greater concern, with an index of 138, which is 38% above the average (as reported by DoorProfit). Conversely, assault is the lowest risk crime in Forestbrook, with an index of 27 (as reported by DoorProfit). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime, aligning with broader national trends (as reported by DoorProfit).

Crime Statistics

The violent crime rate in Forestbrook is reported at 6.2 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the national average of 3.6 per 1,000 residents (as reported by Kurby AI). However, other sources indicate a more favorable safety profile, with overall crime rates being 33% lower than the national average and violent crimes being 28% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Forestbrook is considered safer than 40% of cities in the United States, with a year-over-year decrease in crime of 10% (as reported by AreaVibes).

Neighborhood Safety Grade

Forestbrook has earned an A+ safety grade, reflecting its low overall crime index (as reported by DoorProfit). This rating suggests that the neighborhood is extremely safe, with crime rates substantially below both national and local averages for Myrtle Beach (as reported by DoorProfit). The community’s commitment to safety is evident in its low crime statistics across most categories.

Housing Costs in Forestbrook

The housing market in Forestbrook presents a range of options for potential buyers and renters. The median listing price for homes in Forestbrook is approximately $369,900 (as reported by Realtor.com). Other reports indicate a median sale price of around $366K, with prices increasing by 23.0% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin).

The median home value in Forestbrook is estimated at $271,800 (as reported by Kurby AI), while Zillow reports an average home value of $339,443 as of March 2026, noting a slight decrease of 1.3% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). These figures suggest some variability in reported home values, but generally place the market in the mid-$300,000s range (as reported by Homes.com).

Home Prices

The median listing price in Forestbrook is around $364,900, with an average of 67 days on the market (as reported by Homes.com). Owner-occupied homes have a median value of $335,800, according to U.S. Census data (as reported by Homes.com). The housing market is described as not very competitive, with homes selling for about 5% below list price and going pending in around 117 days (as reported by Redfin).

Rental Market

For renters, the average rent price in Forestbrook was approximately $2,111 last month, showing a slight increase month-over-month (as reported by Redfin). RentCafe reports a median rental price of $2.0K per month (as reported by Home.com). Other sources indicate a median rent of $1,840, with 5 active homes for rent that spend an average of 63 days on the market (as reported by Realtor.com).

Job Market and Economy

Forestbrook’s economy is supported by a growing employment sector. From 2023 to 2024, employment in Forestbrook grew by 1.09%, reaching approximately 3,600 employees (as reported by Data USA). The primary industries employing Forestbrook residents include Educational Services, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA).

The median household income in Forestbrook is $81,286 (as reported by World Population Review and Point2Homes). This income level is higher than that of some surrounding areas, such as Summerville and Cottageville (as reported by Point2Homes). The poverty rate in Forestbrook is reported at 6.82% (as reported by World Population Review).

Major Employers

While specific major employers within Forestbrook are not detailed, the proximity to Myrtle Beach provides access to a broader job market. Major employers in the wider Horry County area include entities such as Adidas America Inc., City of Myrtle Beach, Coastal Carolina University, Conway Hospital Inc., Food Lion LLC, and Wal-Mart Associates Inc. (as reported by SC Department of Employment & Workforce). These employers span various sectors, including retail, healthcare, education, and government services.

Salary and Unemployment

The average per capita income in Forestbrook is $40,639 (as reported by World Population Review). For the broader Myrtle Beach area, the average salary is around $45,120 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The unemployment rate in South Carolina was 4.9% in March 2026 (as reported by USAFacts).

Climate and Weather

Forestbrook experiences a climate characterized by hot, oppressive summers and short, cold, windy winters, with conditions being wet and partly cloudy year-round (as reported by World Weather Online). The temperature typically ranges from 38°F to 88°F, rarely dropping below 25°F or exceeding 93°F (as reported by World Weather Online).

The hot season spans from late May to mid-September, with daily high temperatures averaging above 81°F (as reported by World Weather Online). July is the hottest month, with average highs of 88°F and lows of 74°F (as reported by World Weather Online). The cool season lasts from early December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 62°F (as reported by World Weather Online). January is the coldest month, with average lows of 38°F and highs of 56°F (as reported by World Weather Online).

Seasonal Precipitation

Rainfall in Forestbrook is significant, particularly during the summer months. The chance of a wet day increases from 35% at the beginning of summer to 43% by the end (as reported by World Weather Online). July experiences the most wet days, with an average of 15.5 days (as reported by World Weather Online). The wet season generally runs from early June to mid-September, with a greater than 37% chance of precipitation on any given day (as reported by World Weather Online).

Temperature Ranges

Throughout the year, Forestbrook experiences a wide range of temperatures. Summer highs typically reach around 85°F, with occasional peaks up to 93°F (as reported by World Weather Online). Winter lows can drop to around 38°F in January (as reported by World Weather Online). The shoulder seasons, spring and fall, offer more moderate temperatures, with pleasant conditions ideal for outdoor activities from mid-April to early June and again from mid-September to late October (as reported by World Weather Online).

Education in Forestbrook

Forestbrook is served by the Horry County Schools district, which is ranked 9th out of 75 districts in South Carolina (as reported by SchoolDigger). The area features several educational institutions catering to different age groups. Forestbrook Elementary School serves students from Pre-K to 5th grade and is rated highly for its academic performance, particularly in English Language Arts and Mathematics (as reported by SchoolDigger).

Forestbrook Middle School serves students in grades 6-8 and is recognized for its teachers and diversity (as reported by Niche). The school has a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1 (as reported by Niche). While Forestbrook Elementary generally outperforms its peers academically, some nearby schools like Palmetto Academy of Learning and Success Charter show even stronger performance in upper grades (as reported by SchoolDigger).

Forestbrook Elementary School

Forestbrook Elementary School consistently ranks among the top elementary schools in South Carolina, holding a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger (as reported by SchoolDigger). The school demonstrates strong academic proficiency rates in ELA and Mathematics, exceeding state and district averages (as reported by SchoolDigger). It also excels in supporting Hispanic and low socioeconomic status students (as reported by SchoolDigger).

Forestbrook Middle School

Forestbrook Middle School is a public school in Myrtle Beach, SC, serving grades 6-8. It has received an A- Niche grade and is noted for its public middle school teachers, ranking among the top in South Carolina (as reported by Niche). The school has 820 students, with 46% proficient in math and 54% in reading according to state test scores (as reported by Niche).

Pros and Cons of Living in Forestbrook

Forestbrook offers a compelling lifestyle for those seeking a balance between coastal living and a more settled community atmosphere. Its safety, predominantly suburban feel, and proximity to Myrtle Beach’s amenities are significant advantages. The community is generally considered safe, with low overall crime rates and an A+ safety grade (as reported by DoorProfit). This, combined with a median age that skews older, suggests a potentially quieter pace of life (as reported by Homes.com).

The housing market, while having a median listing price in the mid-$300,000s, is described as not very competitive, which could be beneficial for buyers (as reported by Homes.com and Redfin). The strong owner-occupied housing rate further contributes to a sense of community stability (as reported by Homes.com). Educational opportunities are also a strong point, with highly-rated public schools like Forestbrook Elementary and Forestbrook Middle School serving the community (as reported by Niche).

However, potential drawbacks include the prevalence of larceny and theft, which is higher than the average (as reported by DoorProfit). While the cost of living is 11% higher than the South Carolina average, it is considered affordable compared to national averages (as reported by AreaVibes). Additionally, traffic can be a concern due to limited two-lane roads in the area, despite its connection to major highways (as reported by Homes.com). The climate features hot, humid summers, which may not appeal to everyone (as reported by World Weather Online).