Conway, South Carolina

Southern Charm with a Modern Twist

Honoring its historical past while welcoming dynamic growth for this charming city

Located along the beautiful Waccamaw River, Conway, South Carolina, is a city where history and modern growth intersect. With its inviting downtown, deep cultural heritage, and strong community spirit, Conway draws families, businesses, and visitors in search of a vibrant and welcoming environment. As the city continues to expand, its leadership is dedicated to improving the quality of life through revitalized public spaces, flourishing local businesses, and a commitment to preserving its distinctive Southern charm.

Conway’s key figures, including Mayor Barbara Blain, Deputy City Administrator Mary Catherine Hyman, and Councilman Tom Anderson, share their insights on the city’s transformation. “Conway is a progressive, unique, and fast-growing community,” Blain says, reflecting on recent changes in recent years. “What was once a sleepy town is now bustling with activity.” Together, they highlight a city proud of its heritage but fully committed to shaping a dynamic future.

A city on the move

In the last decade, Conway has experienced a population boom fueled by its proximity to Coastal Carolina University and the attraction of its historic downtown. Between the 2010 and 2020 censuses, the city’s population grew by 50 percent, and according to Blain, that number is likely to reach 75 percent by 2030. “We’re seeing phenomenal growth,” she explains, “and we expect that trend to continue.”

One of the most exciting developments on the horizon is the city’s effort to bridge the gap—literally and figuratively—between downtown Conway and the university. “We’ve got plans to introduce a ferry service that would connect pedestrians and bicyclists from the campus to downtown,” Hyman says. Still in the planning stage, this project reflects the city’s broader goal of creating a seamless, walkable community where residents and visitors can enjoy what Conway offers.

The heart of Southern hospitality

A fundamental part of Conway’s appeal is its family-friendly atmosphere. “Our schools are improving, our tax base is low, and the people here are friendly,” Blain notes. “We’ve done a lot of placemaking over the years, drawing families and businesses to the area.”

Hyman adds that the city has invested heavily in parks and recreational areas, further enhancing Conway’s quality of life. “If I were a business owner, I’d want to bring my family and staff here,” she says. “There’s so much to do outside of the day-to-day work.” With a wide range of activities available, including access to the nearby Atlantic Ocean, it’s easy to see why Conway is becoming a popular choice for professionals with the flexibility to work remotely.

Anderson, who has been involved in Conway’s leadership for decades, also highlights the city’s welcoming nature. “Conway is a place where people care,” he says. “You can feel it in the way folks interact with each other. It’s not just Southern hospitality—a real sense of community.”

Keeping tradition alive

While Conway’s growth is undeniable, the city remains deeply rooted in its history and traditions. “We’re very intentional about preserving the character of Conway,” Blain explains. The city’s historic downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and efforts are underway to expand that designation to allow business owners to capitalize on more tax credits and preservation opportunities.

Anderson reflects on Conway’s changes over the years, noting that while the city has modernized, it has never lost its sense of identity. “When I was growing up, downtown was starting to decline,” he says. “But we’ve turned that around, and now I’ve never been more excited about Conway than I am today.”

This careful balance between growth and preservation is a key part of Conway’s strategy for the future. Blain says, “We want to honor our past while building a city our children will want to return to. Everything we do is with that in mind.”

Business growth and economic expansion

Conway’s rapid population growth is paralleled by an expanding business sector that reflects the city’s commitment to fostering economic development. “We’re not having to call businesses to come here anymore; they’re calling us,” Hyman says, illustrating the city’s appeal to new ventures.

One standout success story is Hoppin’ Witch, a restaurant that opened in downtown Conway and has quickly become a beloved local hotspot. “It’s one of those happy accidents,” Hyman says. “They embraced the quirky Halloween theme that Conway is famous for, which has taken off.” Hop N Which has become a significant draw for locals and visitors with its unique branding and community-focused vibe. “They’ve engaged with our events, especially Halloween, and that’s helped their business grow while adding to the city’s festive atmosphere,” she adds.

The growth of businesses like Hop N Wich reflects Conway’s broader strategy of creating a fun and engaging environment that encourages investment and entrepreneurship. “Years ago, cities would offer cash incentives to lure businesses,” Anderson says. “Now, we focus on making Conway a fun place to live and work. When people see that, they want to invest here. It’s not about throwing money at them—it’s about creating a place they want to be part of.”

In addition to restaurants, Conway has seen an uptick in retail and service businesses opening in the downtown area. The city’s investment in infrastructure, including the expansion of the Riverwalk and the creation of public spaces, has helped create a bustling atmosphere that draws foot traffic to local businesses. “Downtown is alive again,” Hyman says. “We’ve revitalized areas that were once neglected, and now people want to come here, shop, dine, and spend time with their families.”

Building resilience

Conway’s rapid growth has not come without challenges, particularly infrastructure and flooding. Situated in a low-lying area near the Waccamaw River, Conway has had to contend with frequent flooding, especially during hurricane season. However, the city has taken proactive steps to address this issue, implementing innovative infrastructure projects designed to manage and mitigate the effects of flooding.

One such project is the construction of an artificial Carolina Bay, a natural depression that helps slow water movement and filter runoff. “We’re building this bay as part of our flood management strategy,” Hyman says. “We know we can’t control nature, but we’re doing everything possible to manage it.”

In addition to Carolina Bay, Conway is working on several stormwater parks that will manage runoff and provide recreational spaces for residents. “We’re turning areas that used to flood into green spaces where people can gather and enjoy themselves,” Hyman explains. “It’s part of our overall strategy to create a more resilient city.”

Anderson also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the city and Horry County in tackling these challenges. “Our relationship with the county is fantastic,” he says. “We’re working together on projects that will have a lasting impact on the region.”

One of the city’s most ambitious infrastructure projects is the expansion of the Riverwalk, a scenic pathway along the Waccamaw River that has become a popular destination for residents and tourists. Plans are underway to extend the Riverwalk, adding boardwalks and a public beach in downtown Conway. “This is going to be a game-changer for our city,” Hyman says enthusiastically. “It will give people more reason to come downtown and enjoy everything Conway offers.”

Cultural revival through arts

While Conway is known for its natural beauty and historic charm, the city also makes a name for itself as a hub for arts and culture. “Conway has had a live theater for decades,” Anderson notes, “and it’s consistently drawn people from out of town. We’ve had people tell us that while our venue is smaller, the talent here is on par with what you’d see in bigger cities.”

The city has recently expanded its support for the arts with public art installations and many cultural events. One particularly notable project was the creation of a paint-by-number mural on 501 Business, which involved over 200 city employees. “It was a huge collaboration,” Hyman says, “and the pride that came from that was incredible. People love to point out the part of the mural they painted.”

Conway’s commitment to the arts is part of a greater effort to create a sense of place and belonging for its residents. “Public art is important because it reflects who we are as a community,” Blain says. “It’s something that brings people together.”

Festivals and fun: a year-round attraction

Conway’s sense of community is perhaps most evident in its events and festivals. While many towns across the country celebrate the holidays, Conway has taken things to a new level. The city’s Halloween celebrations, in particular, have become legendary. “In October, we changed our name to Halloween, South Carolina,” Blain says with a smile. “We go all out. You wouldn’t believe it—you need a reservation for lunch, and it’s hard to find parking. People come from states away to see what we do.”

But it’s not just Halloween that draws people to Conway. The city also hosts various events throughout the year, from Christmas festivals to Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day. “We’ve found that people don’t just want one big event,” Hyman explains. “They want lots of smaller things they can enjoy throughout the month, so we’ve created an atmosphere where there’s always something going on.”

These events have significantly impacted the local economy, particularly for downtown businesses. “Last year, our downtown was shoulder to shoulder with people during the holidays,” Hyman says. “Businesses that used to be closed on weekends are now staying open because they see the return on investment.”

The success of these events is a testament to Conway’s focus on creating a vibrant, welcoming environment for everyone. “We don’t just want to attract visitors,” Blain says. “We want to create a place where people want to live, work, and raise their families.”

Looking ahead: growth with intent

As Conway grows, its leaders are mindful of balancing progress with preservation. “We’re cautious about how we grow,” Blain explains. “We don’t want to lose what makes Conway special.”

This philosophy extends to the city’s approach to residential and commercial development. Conway has several large-scale housing developments in the works, but each one is carefully planned to ensure that it aligns with the city’s long-term vision. “We require these planned developments to include commercial space,” Hyman says. “That way, people don’t have to drive out onto the highways just to get basic services.”

With a strong sense of purpose and a dedication to collaboration, Conway is well on its way to becoming one of South Carolina’s most desirable places to live, work, and visit. “We’re just getting started,” Blain says, her voice filled with optimism. “The best is yet to come.”

AT A GLANCE

Who: Mayor Barbara Blain, Deputy City Administrator Mary Catherine Hyman, and Councilman Tom Anderson

What: A historic town known for its charming downtown, with oak-lined streets, unique boutiques, and Southern architecture.

Where: Located in Horry County, near the eastern coast of the state, just inland from Myrtle Beach