Should a first-time buyer choose Folly Beach or Goose Creek?

Choosing between Folly Beach and Goose Creek as a first-time buyer comes down to lifestyle and budget more than which town is objectively better, since Folly Beach offers a beach-town setting at a higher price point while Goose Creek typically offers more affordable inventory farther from the coast. A buyer prioritizing walkability to the beach will lean one way, while a buyer prioritizing space and price will lean the other. Brian Beatty compares real listings in both towns so the choice is based on actual tradeoffs, not assumptions.