Red Hill, SC
- About the city
- Geography
- Climate and weather
- Transport
- Sport and Sports Legends
- Universities and Educational Institutions
- Healthcare and Medical Institutions
Red Hill is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Horry County, South Carolina, serving as a suburban gateway between the county seat of Conway and the popular tourist destination Myrtle Beach.
About the city
Official status and administrative affiliation
- Official Name: Red Hill, South Carolina.
- Administrative Status: Red Hill is a census-designated place (CDP) , an unincorporated community without its own municipal government. It is located in Horry County and relies on the county for administration .
- Regional Context: It is situated in the northeastern part of South Carolina, a state known for its historic cities, subtropical beaches, and significant role in American history. Horry County itself is a major tourist destination, famously home to the Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of beautiful Atlantic beaches .
Date of foundation and age
Red Hill's development is tied to the growth of the Myrtle Beach metropolitan area. While specific founding date isn't documented, it has grown significantly as a residential area for those working in nearby Conway and Myrtle Beach, particularly since the late 20th century. Its population more than doubled from 5,212 in 1990 to 13,223 in 2010, reflecting this modern expansion .
Geographic location and coordinates
- Geographic coordinates: 33°47′18″N 79°0′49″W / 33.78833°N 79.01361°W (33.788368, -79.013715) .
- Positioning: Red Hill is located in south-central Horry County. It is bordered to the north by the city of Conway, the county seat, and to the south by the Socastee community. The Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge borders its western side .
- Elevation: The area has an average elevation of just 10 meters (33 feet) above sea level, characteristic of the low-lying Atlantic coastal plain .
City type and economic specialization
Red Hill is primarily a residential suburb and a thoroughfare community. Its economy and identity are intrinsically linked to its location between two economic hubs:
- Administrative/Educational Hub: It serves as a bedroom community for workers in Conway, which is home to the county government and Coastal Carolina University.
- Tourist Hub: It acts as a gateway for visitors traveling via U.S. Route 501 to the major tourist destination of Myrtle Beach, located just 12 miles (19 km) to the southeast .
Population and demographics
- Population: As of the 2020 United States Census, Red Hill had a population of 15,906 people .
- City Class: By population, Red Hill is considered a medium-sized community for a CDP in South Carolina.
- Demographics: The 2020 census data shows a diverse and growing community :
- White (non-Hispanic): 71.09%
- Black or African American: 11.02%
- Hispanic or Latino: 11.0%
- Asian: 1.57%
"Calling card" of the city
Red Hill offers a quiet, suburban lifestyle with convenient access to both the historic riverfront charm of Conway and the world-famous beaches and entertainment of Myrtle Beach. It's a place characterized by its natural surroundings, including its proximity to the Waccamaw River and its position as a peaceful retreat from the bustling tourist corridor .
Geography
Water objects (rivers, lakes, waterfalls)
While there are no large lakes within the CDP itself, the defining water feature of the region is nearby:
- Waccamaw River and Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge: The western side of Red Hill is bordered by this expansive wildlife refuge . The refuge protects a significant portion of the Waccamaw River, a blackwater river known for its scenic beauty, cypress-gum swamps, and diverse wildlife. It offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife observation, providing a natural contrast to the nearby urbanized beachfront .
Climate and weather
Climate type and general characteristics
Red Hill has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) under the Köppen climate classification . This climate is characterized by hot, oppressive summers and short, cold winters. It is generally wet and partly cloudy throughout the year, with no distinct dry season .
Average temperatures by month
Temperatures vary significantly between seasons. The hottest months are June, July, and August, while the coldest are December, January, and February .
- Hottest month: July, with an average daily high of 32°C (90°F) and an average low of 22-23°C (72-74°F) .
- Coldest month: January, with an average daily high of 13-14°C (56°F) and an average low of 2-4°C (37-39°F) .
- Extreme Temperatures: Temperatures can occasionally reach up to 37°C (100°F) in the summer and rarely drop to -12°C (11°F) in the winter .
| Month | Average High (°C / °F) | Average Low (°C / °F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 13.5° / 56° | 2-4° / 37-40° |
| April | 23-24° / 73-76° | 11-14° / 53-58° |
| July | 32° / 89-90° | 22-23° / 72-74° |
| October | 24-26° / 75-79° | 12-17° / 55-60° |
| Data compiled from . |
Precipitation and humidity
- Average Rainfall: Red Hill receives significant rainfall throughout the year, with an annual average of about 1250-1390 mm (49-55 inches) .
- Wettest months: The period from July to September is the wettest, with August typically being the peak, averaging around 196 mm (7.7 inches) of rain . This is due to frequent afternoon thunderstorms and the potential for tropical systems.
- Driest months: October and November are the driest, with October averaging as little as 56 mm (2.2 inches) .
- Humidity: Humidity is a defining feature of the climate. The area experiences extreme seasonal variation in humidity, with muggy, oppressive conditions prevailing from May to October. July has about 29 days with muggy or worse conditions .
Snow days and UV index
- Snowfall: Snow is a rare event in Red Hill. The average annual snowfall is minimal, around 5mm (0 inches) , with light dustings possible only in January or February .
- Sunshine: The area enjoys a good amount of sunshine, averaging around 3255 hours annually . The sunniest months are from May to August.
- UV Index: The UV index can reach extreme levels during the summer. The maximum UV index is 11 (Extreme) in May, June, and July, making sun protection essential for outdoor activities .
Seasonality and best time to visit
The best times to visit Red Hill for warm-weather outdoor activities are from mid-April to early June and from mid-September to late October .
- Spring (March-May): Temperatures are mild and warm, with averages ranging from 13-26°C (55-79°F). It's a period of blooming landscapes and comfortable conditions before the summer heat and humidity set in.
- Summer (June-August): This season is characterized by hot, oppressive weather with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. While the weather can be intense, it is also the time for enjoying water-based activities at nearby beaches. Indoor attractions in Conway and Myrtle Beach offer air-conditioned relief.
- Fall (September-November): Early fall can still be warm and humid, but conditions become increasingly pleasant and dry as the season progresses. This is an ideal time for hiking in the wildlife refuge and enjoying outdoor festivals.
- Winter (December-February): Winters are short, cold, and windy. While daytime temperatures can be mild for walking, nights are chilly. It's the quiet season, perfect for enjoying local restaurants and natural scenery without the crowds.
Transport
Major highways and roads
Red Hill's transportation network is dominated by two key roadways that shape the community :
- U.S. Route 501: This major highway passes through the northern part of Red Hill, serving as the primary artery connecting Conway to the north with Myrtle Beach, 12 miles (19 km) to the southeast. This route is heavily used by locals and tourists alike.
- South Carolina Highway 544: This highway runs north-south the length of Red Hill, providing a direct local connection between Conway and the Socastee community to the south.
Airports
Residents and visitors rely on a major regional airport:
- Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR): Located about 12-15 miles southeast in Myrtle Beach, this is the primary airport for the region, offering numerous domestic flights and some international charters. It provides direct access to the Grand Strand's main tourist corridor, which is easily reachable from Red Hill via US-501.
Public Transport
Public transportation options within Red Hill are limited, as is typical for unincorporated suburban areas. The primary mode of transport is the personal vehicle. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available and can provide connections to Conway and Myrtle Beach.
Sport and Sports Legends
Red Hill is a small, unincorporated community in Horry County, South Carolina. While it does not have its own professional sports teams or major sporting venues, its location in the rapidly growing Myrtle Beach metropolitan area provides residents and visitors with access to a wide range of sporting attractions just a short drive away.
Nearby Major Sports Venues
The most significant sporting destinations near Red Hill are located in the Myrtle Beach area, approximately 15-20 minutes away.
- TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark is a premier minor league baseball stadium in Myrtle Beach. It is the home of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, a Minor League Baseball team and the Single-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. The ballpark, which opened in 1999 and has a capacity of over 6,500, is consistently rated one of the best facilities in the minors and has hosted the Carolina League All-Star Game.
- The Myrtle Beach Convention Center hosts major sporting events, including the annual Myrtle Beach Classic, a professional golf tournament on the PGA Tour, and various NCAA basketball tournaments and invitationals.
Professional Sports Teams Nearby
The primary professional sports team associated with the area is:
- Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Myrtle Beach Pelicans) . As mentioned, this Minor League Baseball team plays at TicketReturn.com Field and has been a fixture in the community since 1999, serving as a development team for the Chicago Cubs. Many future Major League Baseball stars have played for the Pelicans on their way to the big leagues.
Golf: A Regional Sporting Passion
The Grand Strand area, which includes Red Hill and Myrtle Beach, is globally recognized as a golf destination. It is often called the "Golf Capital of the World." While there are no singular legendary courses within the immediate Red Hill boundaries, the surrounding area is dotted with hundreds of courses. Notable nearby golf experiences include:
- Pine Lakes Country Club: Known as "The Granddaddy," it's one of the oldest courses in Myrtle Beach, opened in 1927, and a classic example of traditional Southern golf architecture.
- TPC Myrtle Beach: A championship course designed by Tom Fazio that has hosted PGA Tour qualifying events and is known for its challenging layout and impeccable conditioning.
- Dunes Golf and Beach Club: A legendary course consistently ranked among the best in the United States, designed by Robert Trent Jones, and a long-time host of professional tournaments.
Sportspeople Connected to the Area
Given the region's strong association with golf, many professional golfers live in or frequently visit the Myrtle Beach area. While not exclusively from Red Hill, several notable sports figures have strong ties to the broader community, often through the Myrtle Beach Pelicans baseball team:
- Kris Bryant (Kris Bryant) : The former National League MVP and Chicago Cubs star played for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans in 2014 during his rapid rise through the minors.
- Kyle Schwarber (Kyle Schwarber) : Another key member of the 2016 World Champion Chicago Cubs, Schwarber also played for the Pelicans early in his career.
- Dustin Johnson (Dustin Johnson) : A former World No. 1 and two-time major champion in golf, Johnson grew up in nearby Columbia, South Carolina, and attended Coastal Carolina University in Conway, just a short distance from Red Hill, solidifying his deep connection to the region.
Annual Sporting Events
The Myrtle Beach area hosts several recurring major sporting events that are easily accessible from Red Hill:
- Myrtle Beach Classic (Myrtle Beach Classic) : An annual PGA Tour event held at The Dunes Golf and Beach Club, attracting top international golfers.
- Myrtle Beach Marathon (Myrtle Beach Marathon) : A popular road race held every spring, drawing thousands of runners from across the country.
- Collegiate Basketball Invitationals (Collegiate Basketball Invitationals) : The Myrtle Beach Convention Center frequently hosts early-season college basketball tournaments, featuring prominent NCAA Division I teams.
Universities and Educational Institutions
Red Hill itself does not host any universities or colleges. However, it is in close proximity to several higher education institutions that serve the region.
Major Universities and Colleges Nearby
- Coastal Carolina University (Coastal Carolina University) : Located in nearby Conway (approximately 15-20 minutes from Red Hill), Coastal Carolina is a public university founded in 1954. It has grown rapidly and is known for its strong programs in business, marine science, and education. The university is also renowned for its prestigious Wall Fellows College of Business Administration. On the athletic front, the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers compete in NCAA Division I (Sun Belt Conference) and are famously known for their 2016 College World Series championship in baseball.
- Horry-Georgetown Technical College (Horry-Georgetown Technical College) : With its main campus in Conway and a large Grand Strand Campus in Myrtle Beach, HGTC is a two-year public college offering associate degrees and certificate programs. It is a key institution for workforce development in the region and is particularly noted for its programs in golf course management, culinary arts, and health sciences.
Healthcare and Medical Institutions
Red Hill is served by the robust healthcare infrastructure of the greater Myrtle Beach area.
Major Medical Centers Nearby
The primary healthcare providers for the region are located within a 15-20 minute drive from Red Hill:
- Conway Medical Center (Conway Medical Center) : Located in Conway, this is a full-service, non-profit hospital founded in 1928. It serves as a primary healthcare hub for residents of Horry County. CMC offers a wide range of services including emergency medicine, cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. It is a teaching affiliate of the Medical University of South Carolina, providing clinical rotations for medical students.
- Grand Strand Medical Center (Grand Strand Medical Center) : Situated in Myrtle Beach, this is the largest hospital in the region, a 369-bed facility. It is a Level II Trauma Center, the highest level of trauma care available in the area, and serves as a referral center for complex cases. The hospital is known for its specialized services, including a comprehensive stroke center, cardiac surgery, and a dedicated children's hospital. It is also a teaching hospital with residency programs in several specialties, affiliated with the University of South Carolina.
- Tidelands Health Waccamaw Community Hospital (Tidelands Health Waccamaw Community Hospital) : Located a bit further south in Murrells Inlet, this hospital is part of the Tidelands Health system, the largest healthcare provider in the region. It is a modern, full-service hospital offering a wide array of services and is known for its orthopedics and sports medicine programs.
These hospitals, along with numerous specialized clinics, urgent care centers, and physician practices throughout the Myrtle Beach-Conway area, ensure that residents of Red Hill have comprehensive access to medical care.