How Much Does It Cost to Own a House in Ocean Lakes? The Real Numbers
Apr, 20 2025
Thinking about owning a house in Ocean Lakes? This isn't just another beachside campground—it's basically its own little world. People picture permanent vacation vibes, but the real question is, what's it truly going to cost you?
First off, forget cookie-cutter answers. Prices jump around depending on the size and age of the house, and how close you want to be to the ocean. You can find older manufactured homes for less, but those fancy raised beach homes with all the upgrades will set you back a lot more. It's not just about the mortgage. Ocean Lakes has homeowner association fees, and they aren't just pocket change. Great news is, those fees cover a load of stuff, including resort basics like pools, trash pickup, even cable TV in most cases.
On top of that, you still have to budget for utilities, property taxes, and insurance. Insurance is a biggie here—hurricanes, remember? Plus, don't forget those random repairs and upgrades. That salty air loves to eat away at almost everything over time. Some folks come in planning to rent their place out when they're not using it. That can help offset costs, but it also means extra wear and tear.
There's a lot to unpack before making the leap. Stick around for the real numbers and some tips that could save you a ton of headaches (and dollars) down the line.
- Buying In: What Houses Actually Sell For
- Ocean Lakes HOA Fees and What They Cover
- Recurring Living Costs: Utilities, Taxes, and Insurance
- Extra Expenses: Renovations, Upgrades, and Surprises
- Renting vs. Owning at Ocean Lakes
- Hints and Tips from Residents
Buying In: What Houses Actually Sell For
If you search for houses for sale at Ocean Lakes right now, you’ll spot a huge range. On the low end, a small, older mobile home might show up for around $150,000 in 2025. That’s for units a few rows from beachfront, sometimes dating back to the ’80s or ’90s. These places move fast when they’re clean and updated.
If you want a newer or totally renovated beach-style cottage, expect prices between $275,000 and $425,000, depending on square footage and how close you’re getting to the beach access. Walk just a block or two closer to the sand, and numbers creep right up. There are raised beach homes and bigger two-story places listed for $500,000 or even more, especially if they come with wraparound decks or peekaboo ocean views. The most desirable corner lots that fit oversized golf carts or offer parking for several cars? Those have a bidding war almost as soon as they hit the market.
Here’s an at-a-glance look at typical listing prices as of this spring:
| Type | Price Range (2025) | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Older Mobile Home | $150,000 – $225,000 | Compact, basic, away from the ocean |
| Renovated Cottage | $275,000 – $425,000 | Modern interiors, mid-park locations |
| New/Raised Beach Home | $440,000 – $600,000+ | Ocean proximity, parking, decks |
You also need to factor in closing costs, just like buying anywhere else—usually 2% to 5% of the price. And if you’re paying cash, more sellers pay attention. Not all homes in Ocean Lakes are fancy, but even the basic ones tend to hold value because the site fees include so many amenities. You get the beach, pools, security, and everything is basically turnkey. That’s a big reason houses here can hold higher prices than similar spots nearby.
Bottom line: It’s not cheap to own a spot at Ocean Lakes, but it’s not out-of-reach for the typical family looking for more than just a vacation home. Do your homework and you’ll spot deals, especially in the off season. Just don’t hesitate too long, because many buyers are watching those listings the minute they go live.
Ocean Lakes HOA Fees and What They Cover
People are always surprised by how much the HOA fees run at Ocean Lakes. As of early 2025, you’re looking at about $350 to $450 a month, depending on your property. That might sound steep if you’re used to regular neighborhoods, but wait until you see what’s rolled in.
These fees aren’t just some bill you pay and forget. They go straight back into making the place feel like a full-blown resort. You’re getting:
- 24/7 gated security (seriously tight—nobody sneaks in with just a handshake)
- Trash and yard waste pickup (so you’re not dodging overflowing bins on vacation)
- Cable TV and WiFi in most areas—no more fighting with antennas
- Access to pools, splash zones, the lazy river, and sports courts
- Maintenance of all those roads, landscaping, and epic golf cart paths
Here’s a quick breakdown to show where those fees really go:
| Included Service | Estimated Share of Fee |
|---|---|
| Security & Gated Access | 28% |
| Sanitation & Waste Pickup | 15% |
| Cable/WiFi | 16% |
| Recreation (Pools, Courts, Beach Access) | 27% |
| Roads, Landscaping, Common Areas | 14% |
Another cool thing? You’re not paying for separate pool memberships or club passes—all of that is baked in. If you’ve got family or friends who visit often, this saves them from shelling out extra, too.
Bottom line: the HOA fees at Ocean Lakes cover a ton, and while they’re a chunk of your living costs, you do see where the money goes. Don’t forget to factor these in when figuring your monthly spend—ignoring them trips up a lot of first-timers.
Recurring Living Costs: Utilities, Taxes, and Insurance
Now let’s talk about the bills you’ll keep paying long after you buy a place in Ocean Lakes. These costs don’t get as much hype as sticker price, but trust me, they can really add up. Here’s what you’re looking at if you want the real monthly picture.
Utilities in Ocean Lakes aren’t the cheapest, but they’re not out of control either. Most folks report spending $150–$250 a month total for electricity, water, and sewer (if you run the A/C all summer, expect to be at the higher end). Trash pickup’s included in your HOA fee, so you don’t have to budget extra there. Some places include basic cable too, but if you’re after fast internet, Spectrum and Frontier both serve the area—figure another $50–$90 a month, depending on the speed you want.
Property taxes aren’t as steep as you might expect in Myrtle Beach. A typical manufactured home in Ocean Lakes will run you about $700–$1,000 a year. If you’ve got a two-story raised beach house, you could be looking at $2,000–$3,000 annually. Always check the newest millage rates for Horry County, because they do change occasionally.
| Expense Type | Monthly Cost (Est.) |
|---|---|
| Electricity/Water/Sewer | $150 – $250 |
| Internet | $50 – $90 |
| Property Taxes | $60 – $250 |
| Home Insurance | $100 – $200 |
Now for the biggie—insurance. Because this is the coast, you’ve got to cover hurricane, wind, and flood risk. Regular homeowners insurance usually starts around $100 a month, but throw in wind and flood, and you’re more likely to end up at $200 or more monthly. Insurance companies sometimes bump up rates if there’s been a really rough storm season. It’s a pain, but you can’t skip it. If you buy your house with a mortgage, the lender won’t let you anyway.
Quick tips? Shop around every year. One neighbor found out he could knock $700 off his yearly total just by switching. Also, if your house is newer or built to newer code, you might qualify for wind mitigation discounts. Ask about it, don’t just settle for whatever your agent quotes.
Extra Expenses: Renovations, Upgrades, and Surprises
Here's something that catches nearly every new homeowner in Ocean Lakes off guard: the constant drip of extra expenses. It might look like a sweet deal up front, but homes here—especially the older manufactured ones—demand regular tune-ups. That ocean breeze you love also means rust, peeling paint, and worn-out decks almost every year.
Plan on setting aside at least $3,000 to $5,000 per year for maintenance and surprise repairs. No joke—I've seen neighbors drop five grand just fixing a single roof leak after a nasty storm, and decks/patios need attention pretty fast with that salty air. And if your home's on piers or stilts, you might have to reinforce or replace supports sooner than you think—I've heard stories of folks shelling out $8,000 or more on under-home repairs in just one go.
If you want your place to feel more like a home and less like a campground cabin, upgrades will eat into your budget, too. Here are common updates nearly every new Ocean Lakes owner makes:
- Replacing carpet with waterproof floors (average cost: $2,000-$4,500)
- New appliances that won’t rust out in a year (fridge, stove, washer: $1,800-$4,000 total)
- Bathroom or kitchen remodels (even small ones can hit $7,000+)
- HVAC replacements for the sticky summer heat (often $4,500 or more)
- Outdoor showers—pretty much essential for sandy days ($500-$1,500)
And don’t forget the little surprises. If you rent out your place, guests might be harder on everything. Lost remote controls, dented doors, broken window screens—sounds small, sure, but those fixes add up, especially over a busy season. Last year, a family down the road spent $1,200 just updating siding after a heavy hailstorm in March.
Here’s a quick look at typical costs local owners face:
| Project | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic roof repair | $1,500 - $4,500 |
| Deck rebuild (mid-size) | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Full HVAC replacement | $4,500 - $6,500 |
| Major kitchen remodel | $7,000 - $20,000 |
The bottom line is this: Budget more than you think for ongoing repairs and fun upgrades. Living in Ocean Lakes is awesome—but only if you’re ready for what the salt, storms, and steady stream of guests throw your way.
Renting vs. Owning at Ocean Lakes
The big question at Ocean Lakes is whether it makes more sense to rent or buy. If you’re only in the area a week or two each year, renting a house onsite can be cheaper and way less hassle. Peak season summer rentals often run $2,000 to $4,000 a week for a 3-bedroom house close to the beach. Off-season rates can drop to $1,200 or even lower, so you really have to weigh how often you’ll actually use the place before buying.
On the flip side, owning at Ocean Lakes means you can use your home whenever you want, make upgrades that fit your family, and maybe rent it out when you aren’t using it. Owners who rent out their property usually manage to cover big chunks of their mortgage and fees, especially during spring break and holidays. But don’t forget, rental management companies typically take 25-35% of your rental income, and homes that see a lot of renters will always need repairs or upgrades faster.
| Cost/Benefit | Renting | Owning |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Costs | Security deposit, rental price | Down payment, closing costs |
| Monthly Expenses | Usually none (all in rent) | Mortgage, HOA, utilities, insurance |
| Maintenance | Not your problem | Your responsibility |
| Flexibility | High (come and go as you like) | Lower (committed long term) |
| Control | None (can't renovate) | Total (renovate & rent if you want) |
One perk of family campsites like this is you get a built-in social scene whenever you visit—your neighbors can quickly turn into lifelong friends. But keep in mind, owning means dealing with those oddball costs: emergency plumbing, weather damage, or a surprise jump in HOA fees (it happens!).
Here’s a quick tip: if you’re not ready for a big commitment, try renting a few different houses in Ocean Lakes during different times of year. You’ll get a real feel for the place—without taking on all those costs right up front.
Hints and Tips from Residents
If you're serious about snagging a place in Ocean Lakes, you really want to hear from the folks who already call it home. After all, nobody understands the real deal like they do. Here are some of the most useful tips shared by long-timers and recent buyers alike. If you've searched for advice about Ocean Lakes homeownership, you'll want to bookmark a few of these.
- Buy during the off-season. Most homes hit the market in late fall or winter, and prices are sometimes a bit softer after the summer rental rush ends. One neighbor told me his family saved nearly $20,000 buying in December versus waiting for spring.
- Look beyond just the house. Location inside the resort makes a huge difference. Spots closer to the beachfront pull a higher price, but houses near the southern end are way quieter and still an easy golf cart ride to everything.
- Pay attention to HOA rules. Ocean Lakes is serious about keeping things tidy. If you're thinking about parking a boat long-term or want to put up wild decorations, check the handbook first. Fines aren’t cheap.
- Budget for upgrades upfront. Even the best-maintained places need work because the salty air wears down roofs, decks, and windows. Your first year will probably include surprises, so have an extra $5,000 set aside just in case.
- Shop for insurance early. Coverage can be expensive and tricky on the coast. Some owners use local agents who know which providers actually cover this area. Higher deductibles save money on premiums, but only if you’re ready for more out-of-pocket if a storm hits.
- If you plan to rent, know the rules. Ocean Lakes has set check-in times, parking limits, and guest guidelines. You can't just rent-to-anyone, anytime. Mess this up, and you’ll get hit with fees or lose rental privileges.
Just as a quick reference, here’s a table some residents have shared: real-life monthly costs (as of early 2025). Actual numbers will vary, but this gives you a realistic ballpark:
| Expense | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| HOA Fee | $400 - $560 |
| Utilities | $150 - $300 |
| Insurance | $200 - $390 |
| Property Taxes | $100 - $175 |
| General Upkeep | $75+ |
It’s not just about numbers, though. Residents recommend connecting with your street neighbors right away—they’re usually the best source for local handymen, fun community events, and those unspoken rules that make living in Ocean Lakes way smoother.