Myrtle Beach: North, Central, or South?

I'm considering a family vacation (me, wife, and two kids ages 2 and 5) to Myrtle Beach. What area would be the most convenient to attractions like the Ripley's Museum, Family Kingdom amusement park, etc., but still very clean with good service and amenities? I used to visit MB often as a kid in the early 1980s, and the Central area around 9th Ave & Ocean Blvd. was a popular compromise; things got more upscale as you went futher north into golf-and-condo country. South MB was definitely more affordable, but also looked kind of run down. When I was there last in 1995, the whole central and southern area seemed to have gone downhill. However, people and the press keep talking about MB, so I'm uming it's been (or being) redeveloped and improved. What are your thoughts and recommendations?