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About Us


Since 1973, Garden City Realty has been connecting satisfied guests, property owners, buyers, and sellers in one of the East Coast’s most popular vacation destinations. Over the years, we’ve built a reputation rooted in our unwavering commitment to quality service and genuine Southern hospitality.

Specializing in vacation rentals throughout Garden City Beach and Surfside Beach, we take pride in helping our guests find the perfect coastal retreat to enjoy the beauty and charm of the Grand Strand. From our humble beginnings with just 18 rental properties, our vacation portfolio has grown to include nearly 400 premier homes and condos.

Today, Garden City Realty is proudly owned by President W. Lee Hewitt III and Vice President Andrew (Drew) H. McElveen.

Our Sales Department is home to 16 experienced real estate professionals dedicated to delivering a rewarding, well-informed experience for every client. Whether buying, selling, or investing, our team works diligently to ensure each transaction is handled with integrity, expertise, and care.


1973

Established in June 1973 when President and Broker-in-Charge Eugene (Beau) Forshee, Fred L. Wilcox, and M. Murray (Mackie) McLendon purchased Martin’s Real Estate Co. They changed the business name to Garden City Realty to reflect its location at the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Dogwood Drive in Garden City Beach. 

1977

In August 1977, licensed real estate agent, Dennis McElveen, joined Garden City Realty. 

1978

The first office consisted of two rooms (approximately 500-square-feet) and served the company well until 1978 when Garden City Realty moved to its present location. 


1981

In 1981, W. Lee Hewitt, III, joined the team as a licensed real estate agent and eventually obtained his South Carolina Real Estate Broker’s license.

1982

Dennis McElveen becomes partner and Vice President in 1982.

2001

In 2001, Garden City Realty acquired By The Sea Realty and its on-site oceanfront office located at Surf Master By The Sea. 


2006

In October 2006, President Eugene (Beau) Forshee retired and transferred his stock to President Dennis McElveen and Vice President W. Lee Hewitt III.

2009

In 2009, they purchased Condotels, adding more premier high-end oceanfront properties to their vacation rental inventory. 

2021

In August 2021,  President Dennis McElveen transferred his stock to his son, Andrew (Drew) H. McElveen, a licensed South Carolina Real Estate Broker. Drew joined Garden City Realty after graduating from college in 2014.


In addition to extensive knowledge of the local real estate market, Garden City Realty can assist with real estate needs worldwide through our affiliation with the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®. 

Garden City Realty is proudly affiliated with: Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, Myrtle Beach Area Better Business Bureau, Garden City Beach Community Association, National Association of REALTORS, South Carolina Association of REALTORS, Coastal Carolina Multiple Listing Service, and Leading Real Estate Companies of the World.


VOTED BEST OF THE BEACH & READERS' CHOICE

We know we have the BEST guests, property owners, buyers, and sellers on the Grand Strand and we want to thank you for voting us Best on the Beach. Best of the Beach, an annual contest of The Sun News and MyrtleBeachOnline.com, features the best of Myrtle Beach, SC, area restaurants, attractions, businesses, and more. Readers' Choice, an annual contest of the Georgetown Times and South Strand News, features categories showcasing the best places to eat, shop, golf, have fun, and more as voted by readers in Georgetown and Horry counties.


SC BEST IN BUSINESS 2025

GOLD WINNER!


The Sun News 2025 Best of the Beach AWARDS


Georgetown Times 2025 GRAND STRAND GREATEST


Georgetown Times 2025 Readers' Choice Awards


2024 
  • Best Vacation Rental Company  - The Sun News Best of the Beach
  • Best Real Estate Company - The Sun News Best of the Beach
  • Best Customer Service - The Sun News Best of the Beach
  • Best Property Management Company - The Sun News Best of the Beach
  • Best Vacation Rental Company runner-up - The Georgetown Times Readers' Choice
  • Best Real Estate Company runner-up - The Georgetown Times Readers' Choice
2023 
  • Best Vacation Rental Company  - The Sun News Best of the Beach
  • Best Real Estate Company - The Sun News Best of the Beach
  • Best Customer Service - The Sun News Best of the Beach
  • Best Property Management Company - The Sun News Best of the Beach
  • Best Vacation Rental Company - The Georgetown Times Readers' Choice
  • Best Real Estate Company - The Georgetown Times Readers' Choice
  • Best Property Management Company runner-up - The Georgetown Times Readers' Choice
2022 
  • Best Vacation Rental Company - The Sun News Best of the Beach
  • Best Real Estate Company - The Sun News Best of the Beach
  • Best Customer Service - The Sun News Best of the Beach
  • Best Property Management Company - The Georgetown Times Readers' Choice
  • Best Vacation Rental Company runner-up - The Georgetown Times Readers' Choice
  • Best Real Estate Company finalist - The Georgetown Times Readers' Choice
  • Best Real Estate Group - WMBF Best of the Grand Strand
2021 
  • Best Vacation Rental Company  - The Sun News Best of the Beach
  • Best Real Estate Company - The Sun News Best of the Beach
  • Best Property Management Company - The Georgetown Times Readers' Choice
2019 
  • Best Real Estate Company finalist - The Sun News Best of the Beach
  • Best Vacation Rental Company finalist - The Sun News Best of the Beach
2018 
  • Best Vacation Rental Company - The Georgetown Times Readers' Choice
  • Best Real Estate Company - The Georgetown Times Readers' Choice
  • Best Real Estate Company finalist - The Sun News Best of the Beach
  • Best Vacation Rental Company finalist - The Sun News Best of the Beach
2017 
  • Best Vacation Rental Company finalist - The Sun News Best of the Beach
2016 
  • Best Vacation Rental Company finalist - The Sun News Best of the Beach
2015 
  • Best Vacation Rental Company finalist - The Sun News Best of the Beach
  • Best Real Estate Company finalist - The Sun News Best of the Beach
2014 
  • Best Vacation Rental Company finalist - The Sun News Best of the Beach
2013 
  • Best Vacation Rental Company  - The Sun News Best of the Beach
2012 
  • Best Vacation Rental Company finalist - The Sun News Best of the Beach
2011 
  • Best Vacation Rental Company finalist - The Sun News Best of the Beach
2010
  • Best Vacation Rental Company - The Sun News Best of the Beach
2009 
  • Best Vacation Rental Company - The Sun News Best of the Beach

real estate sales

In 2005 Garden City Realty began surveying buyers and sellers, 100 percent of our clients said they would choose Garden City Realty again to purchase or sell their property – and many of them already have. Garden City Realty’s undisputed reputation of integrity, professionalism, and trust is confirmed time after time by the buyers and sellers who choose us for all of their real estate needs.

For more information on sales, including our Marketing plan, please visit WhyGardenCityRealty.com.


vacation rentals

For many homeowners, the prospect of renting their own property is quite alluring. You take bookings directly from travelers without paying a fee or commission to a rental company – sounds easy right? According to Vacation Rental By Owner reviews, an overwhelming majority of homeowners say they get better results when choosing a professionally-managed vacation rental company like Garden City Realty to rent their property.


PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Garden City Realty is a full-service vacation rental property management company. We offer an end-to-end turnkey solution that gives you peace of mind in knowing your property is being cared for and marketed by local professionals. As one of the largest vacation rental companies in the area, and with over 50 years of experience, see for yourself what it means to be part of the Garden City Realty family.