Things to Know Before Moving to Savannah
Savannah is the epitome of Southern hospitality. Just ask the millions of visitors who rank it among the most friendly cities in the world. You’ll find a unique blend of old world charm and modern style thanks to the rich history, beautiful architecture and vibrant culture.
But Savannah isn’t just a world class tourist destination. It’s also a fantastic place to live. It’s so great, in fact, that thousands of people contemplate moving to Savannah each year. Here’s everything you need to know when planning your move to The Hostess City of the South.
History of Savannah
Established when a group of English colonists landed at Yamacraw Bluff in February of 1733, Savannah is Georgia’s oldest city. A new community grew from those initial settlers who lived alongside the indigenous peoples that inhabited the area and greeted them upon their arrival.
Savannah played a crucial role in the American Revolution, Civil War and Reconstruction over the decades. The city was able to withstand many battles and sieges, including economic hardship and sea blockades. As such, Savannah still has many well-preserved structures from bygone eras.
Savannah is perhaps best known for its beautiful old homes. The city’s Historic District, which is one of the largest in the United States, was designated a National Historic Landmark in the middle of the 20th century.
Life in Savannah
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Savannah is consistently ranked as one of the South’s best cities by Southern Living magazine. With a population of over 145,000 residents Savannah is home to beautiful parks, beaches, diverse neighborhoods, and an ever growing restaurant scene.
Have you ever dreamed of sitting on your porch on a warm summer night while enjoying your favorite beverage? Maybe you’d prefer stopping for a lunch of fresh and local seafood on a day of shopping at local boutiques along cobblestone streets. Perhaps you’d rather enjoy long days of water sports or simply relaxing at the beach. All of this and so much more is available to you in Savannah.
Considering its popularity, it may come as a surprise to learn that Savannah real estate and its cost of living are still relatively affordable. With no estate tax, and a median home price 31% below the national average, Savannah is a great place to retire.
Although Savannah is not large in size, you’ll find plenty of space to spread out here. Its modest dimensions make it highly walkable as well as bicycle friendly. You’ll still have all the benefits of a large city, but with a more peaceful lifestyle.
Savannah neighborhoods
One of the first things you have to consider if you are moving to Savannah is which neighborhood would you like to live in. Much like the people that call it home, the best Savannah neighborhoods all have their own style and vibe. Savannah has many housing options for everyone, from families to empty nesters to young professionals.
Savannah was originally divided into 24 squares. Each square had its own central green space and was surrounded by homes. Of course with the growth of the population came many more options for areas to live. Today you’re certain to find your ideal home in any of Savannah’s communities, no matter what you’re looking for.
Midtown Savannah and historic downtown Savannah have great dining, shopping, entertainment and nightlife options for those who wish to be close to the action. This area is home to many historic buildings. New construction and landmark homes can be found in the Thomas/Starland Square Streetcar District. It is close to Savannah College of Art and Design, making it a popular choice among young professionals and creative types.
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The Victorian District is located to the north and contains historic homes. This is a great area to start a project if you are a DIYer or a renovator. You can expect your neighbors to include young couples, families, retirees and people with an interest in preservation.
The Ardsley Park neighborhood is located just south of downtown. This area is popular with families because of its abundance of Craftsman homes and bungalows. The Chatham Crescent neighborhood is next door and offers quiet streets with Beaux-Arts architecture.
The Isle of Hope neighborhood is an upscale area that offers affordable homes and historic estates. This highly sought-after community is located on a small island and offers waterfront living only a few minutes away from downtown.
Dutch Island is a great place to find a relaxing getaway. Dutch Island is located between three rivers. This quiet neighborhood is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, while still being close enough to all amenities.
Raising a family in Savannah
If you’re thinking of moving to Savannah to start or raise a family, then you’ll be glad to know that it’s an ideal place to raise children. In addition to excellent schools, there are many family-friendly activities and attractions in the city.
Education
Savannah-Chatham County Schools District is Savannah’s central school district. There are several schools in the community that have high performance, including the Stem Academy at Bartlett or the Savannah Arts Academy. You will also find several charter and private schools in the area.
As for post-secondary education options, Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah State University, and South University, Savannah can all be found in the city.
Attractions
Forsyth Park
Forsyth Park, Savannah’s most popular and largest park, was created from 10 acres of land donated by William Hodgson in the 1840s There are two playgrounds, two large fields, tennis and basketball courts, as well as the Forsyth Fountain.
Riverfront Morell Park
Savannah’s only park located along the river, Morell Park contains the cauldron that was lit for the Olympic yachting events held in Savannah during the 1996 Summer Olympics. Also, the famous Waving Girl statue honoring Florence Martus can be found here.
Savannah National Wildlife Refuge
Located on both the South Carolina and Georgia sides of the Savannah River, the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge spans over 30,000 acres. The refuge is home to a large variety of wildlife, including endangered and threatened species such as bald eagles and manatees. On warmer spring and summer days, don’t be surprised to see alligators sunning along on the banks of the waterways.
Tybee Island
Located just under 20 miles from downtown Savannah, Tybee Island has been a popular tourist destination for well over a century. Whether you’re looking to enjoy some fun in the sun at one of the several beaches, catch a movie at the historic Tybee Post Theater, or meet the local aquatic life at Tybee Island Marine Science Center, this barrier island makes the perfect family getaway.
Savannah’s climate
If you’re from up north and are looking to escape the harsh winters, then moving to Savannah might be a smart choice. Due to its location along the Atlantic Ocean in the Deep South, Savannah has a humid subtropical climate. While this is characterized by long hot summers and mild winters, Savannah does experience a few days below freezing each year, and on rare occasions even some snow fall!
While there are frequent thunderstorms during the summer months, they tend to be short. So if a storm pops up while you’re enjoying a walk around town or a beach day at Tybee Island, don’t worry! It probably won’t stick around long.
Economy and job market
The major industries of Savannah include manufacturing, the port and transportation, healthcare, and of course, tourism. Prominent employers in the area include Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Memorial Health University Medical Center, Savannah-Chatham County Public School System and St. Joseph’s/Candler hospital system.
The Savannah job market is very healthy when compared to the rest of the country, with an unemployment rate lower than the national average. This, coupled with the relatively low cost of living make moving to Savannah an appealing choice for working professionals.
Dining in Savannah
In recent years, Savannah has become one of the South’s best food cities. From high-end four-star dining establishments to casual, local eateries, you can enjoy classic Southern dishes such as fried green tomatoes and shrimp and grits.
Treylor Park is a South Carolina-inspired restaurant that serves Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
The Olde Pink House offers an elegant, yet casual setting. Famous for its specialties such as grilled pork tenderloin and cornbread fried oysters, it is located in a mansion that dates to 1771.
Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room, which has been family owned since 1943, offers homestyle traditional favorites.
Things to do in Savannah
Savannah has so many things to do and see. Begin with a tour through Savannah’s historic squares. You will see beautifully restored 18th century homes, lush gardens, and trees covered with Spanish moss.
A Savannah Riverboat cruise will allow you to see the city from a different perspective. You can choose from a moonlight cruise or a delicious mid-day brunch.
Enjoy the city’s many art museums. The Jepson Center has modern art, while Telfair Academy houses American and European artworks from the 19th through 20th centuries. The Owens-Thomas House displays home décor and art from the 18th and 19th century.
Stroll through the City Market’s galleries for more local art. Downtown’s Design District is home to even more creativity with its artisan shops, studios, and restaurants.
Festivals and other events
In addition to all the great permanent attractions, Savannah is home to several festivals and other gatherings throughout the year. These are just some of the amazing events the city has to offer.
The arts
The mission of the Savannah Music Festival is to showcase the musical arts through innovative and enduring productions. The fest promotes arts education, drives economic development, and brings together artists and audiences in Savannah.
The Stopover Music Festival provides a warm and inviting destination for touring musicians heading to Austin’s esteemed SXSW Music Conference. Over the years, the festival has grown to feature many national and international acts.
While not as well known as some of the city’s other Southern counterparts, Savannah has a rich jazz history. The Savannah Jazz Festival celebrates just that. It’s sponsored by Savannah Jazz, which also hosts other live performances and jazz education programs throughout the year.
The Savannah Film Festival, presented by the Savannah College of Art and Design, is 8 days of cinematic innovation and artistry. The festival showcases the works of acclaimed industry experts and aspiring student filmmakers. The 63,000 annual attendees enjoy a diverse range of feature-length and short-form competition film screenings. In addition, there are special screenings, workshops, and panels.
Food and drink
The Savannah Food & Wine Festival features the finest culinary traditions of the hostess city. The festival unites top-notch culinary experts, wine connoisseurs, beverage specialists, and more!
If you’re a fan of craft beer, then you’re in luck! The Savannah Craft Brew Fest has become a signature event for the city. This event features multiple beer gardens, educational sessions, and even a silent disco.
Celebrations
St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah is truly a sight to behold. In fact, the only cities in the country that do it bigger are New York City and Chicago. The festivities start with a mass at Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.
This is immediately followed by the parade which features floats, marching bands, and traditional Irish dancers. The parade is so popular that some attendees will camp along the route to ensure the best view!
Closing out each current year and ringing in the new one is Savannah Holly Days. A collection of events throughout the holiday season, it all starts with the Thanksgiving weekend Christmas tree lighting.
Over the following six weeks, there are parades, concerts, shopping events, and much, much more. It wraps up with New Year’s Eve and the wide array of ways to celebrate, including fireworks on the river.
Landmarks of Savannah
Savannah is home to many beautiful historic buildings and homes that represent a variety of architectural styles.
Congregation Mickve Israel is a landmark that truly stands out. Built between 1876 and 1878, it is a rare example of Gothic architecture amongst synagogues.
Another beautiful and historic house of worship is the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. French Catholic émigrés founded Congrégation de Saint Jean-Baptiste shortly before the end of the 18th century. The current church building, with its towering spires and beautiful stained glass, opened in 1896.
The First African Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. is the oldest Black church in America. While the congregation dates back to 1773, the church as it stands today was completed in 1859, and was an important stop on the Underground Railroad.
Bonaventure Cemetery is a great example of Southern Gothic architecture. This stunning cemetery was used as a backdrop in the film “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil”, and dates back to the 18th century.
Getaways
With all the amazing opportunities there are for fun and staycations in Savannah, who would want to leave? But everyone needs to get away now and then, right? Another advantage of life in Savannah is its proximity to other great cities.
Are you interested in the rich history of Charleston or love the outdoors and mountain hiking of Asheville? Maybe you’d prefer a beach getaway to Jacksonville or a tour of America’s oldest city, St. Augustine. How about a family trip to the theme parks of Orlando, or Georgia’s capital city of Atlanta?
In just a 5 hour or less drive you can be in any one of these cities. Plus, there’s a lot more where that came from. Charlotte, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, and the list goes on and on.
In addition, the area is served by the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. Which, by the way, has been named by Condé Nest’s Readers’ Choice Awards as the top airport in the US. For three consecutive years!
The airport offers daily and weekly direct flights to many of the nation’s popular destinations. Whether you’re planning a trip to the Big Apple, Big Easy, or Big D, there’s a non-stop flight.
In closing
So now that you know what moving to Savannah has to offer, all that’s left to do is find your perfect home! Historic, beautiful, and a lot of fun, it’s a fantastic place for anyone at any stage of their life. Just ask anyone that lives here. They’ll be more than happy to tell you all about it.
