A Guide to Moving to Savannah, Georgia’s Coastal Gem

Moving to Savannah GA: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re considering a potential move to Savannah, Georgia, it might be the easiest decision you’ve ever made. Georgia’s oldest city is known for its historic architecture, beautiful parks, and friendly locals. Whether you’re making a big move for work, family, or simply a change of scenery, I think you will love Savannah.

One of the biggest draws of moving to Savannah is its affordable cost of living. The city’s housing costs are significantly lower than the national average, and there are plenty of options for families, young professionals, and retirees. Plus, with an average of 216 sunny days per year, you can enjoy the beautiful weather while exploring all that the beautiful city of Savannah has to offer.

If you settle on making your new home in Savannah, be sure to take advantage of everything this coastal city with a small-town feel has to offer. From strolling through the historic district to enjoying fresh seafood at one of the many local restaurants, you’ll quickly fall in love with all Savannah’s charm and character.

Why Move to Savannah?

Savannah is a charming city known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and friendly people. Here are some reasons why you might want to make the move:

Community and Culture

Savannah is a welcoming place with a strong sense of community. You’ll find people here are friendly and hospitable and you’ll quickly feel at home. The city has a rich cultural heritage, with a thriving arts scene and numerous museums and galleries to explore.

If you’re interested in history, you’ll love living in Savannah. The city is home to many historic homes and buildings, including the beautiful Forsyth Park.

Love history? Savannah played a significant role in the American Revolution. Savannah was captured by the British in December of 1778 and remained under British control for the next three years. The Battle of Savannah, which took place on October 9, 1779, was a failed attempt by American and French forces to recapture the city.

Today, Savannah is home to several historic sites and landmarks related to both the American Revolution and the Civil War, including the Battlefield Memorial Park and the Savannah History Museum.

Weather and Climate

Savannah has a warm and humid climate, with mild winters and hot, humid summers. Did I mention humid? The city is known for its beautiful Spanish moss and cobblestone streets, which add to its charm. While it does rain quite a bit in Savannah, the city rarely sees snowfall. We visit frequently in the winter and have never needed a coat.

If you enjoy water sports, you’ll love living near the Atlantic coast. The closest beaches to Savannah, Georgia are located on Tybee Island, which is just 20 minutes away from downtown Savannah. Tybee Island is home to several miles of public beachfront, including popular spots like South Beach and North Beach. 

South Beach is the island’s most popular tourist destination, offering plenty of beachy fun, motels, bars, cafes, and beach shops. North Beach, on the other hand, is quieter and less crowded, making it a favorite among locals. 

Other nearby beaches include Butterbean Beach, located about 13 miles from Savannah, and Bloody Point Beach on Daufuskie Island, which is about an 18-mile drive from Savannah. These beaches offer opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Cost of Living

Savannah is an affordable place to live, with a low cost of living. According to Salary.com, the cost of living in Savannah, GA is -6.7% lower than the national average.  

However, the cost of living in Savannah has increased slightly in recent years, with prices up 1.5% in 2023 from the previous year ago. The largest increases were found in transportation, food, and housing. Other sources, such as PayScale and Best Places, also suggest that the cost of living in Savannah is relatively low, with lower housing and utility costs compared to the national average.

Housing costs are reasonable, and you’ll find a variety of neighborhoods to choose from, including Ardsley Park and Dutch Island. Property taxes are also relatively low in Chatham County.

Where to Live in Savannah?

If you’re considering moving to Savannah, you’ll want to know where the best neighborhoods are and what the housing market looks like. Here is a brief overview of what you can expect:

Neighborhoods

Savannah has a variety of neighborhoods to choose from, each with its own unique charm and character. Some of the most popular neighborhoods include:

• Ardsley Park: A historic district known for its tree-lined streets and beautiful homes.
• Dutch Island: A gated community located on an island in the Wilmington River.
• Richmond Hill: A suburb located just south of Savannah with a small-town feel.
• National Historic Landmark: A district that includes many of Savannah’s famous squares and historic buildings.
• Victorian District: A neighborhood known for its beautiful Victorian homes.
• Chatham Crescent: A neighborhood with large, historic homes and a park in the center.

Each neighborhood has its own pros and cons, so be sure to do your research and choose the one that best fits your lifestyle and budget.

Housing Market

The housing market in Savannah is relatively affordable compared to other cities in the United States. The median home price in Savannah is around $250,000, which is lower than the national average. However, prices can vary greatly depending on the neighborhood and the size and condition of the home.

If you’re looking to buy a home in Savannah, it’s important to work with a local real estate agent who can help you navigate the market and find the best deals. You may also want to consider renting before you buy to get a feel for the different neighborhoods and decide which one is right for you.

Getting Settled in Savannah

After moving to Savannah, it’s time to get settled in your new home. Here are some things to consider:

Transportation

Getting around Savannah is relatively easy. The historic downtown area makes it one of the most walkable cities in the U.S. with a walk score of 51, which means some errands can be accomplished on foot. However, you may still need a car for longer trips or to get to certain parts of town.

Savannah also has a public transportation system called Chatham Area Transit (CAT), which operates buses throughout the city.

If you’re moving to Savannah for a military assignment, you may be stationed at Hunter Army Airfield. The base is located about 8 miles southwest of downtown Savannah, so you may need a car or rely on the base’s transportation services to get around.

You’re in luck if Savannah will be a home base for your future travels. The closest airport to Savannah is Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV). It is located approximately 9 miles from the center of Savannah, GA. This airport offers domestic flights and serves as the primary airport for the Savannah area. It’s a cute little airport I always enjoy traveling through. Get some famous Leopold’s ice cream in the terminal so you can avoid the long line at the shop downtown!

Other nearby airports include Hilton Head Airport (HHH) in South Carolina, which is approximately 35 miles away, and Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) in Florida, which is approximately 140 miles away.

Savannah is right off Interstate 95, the main north-south corridor for the east coast. The primary roads in Georgia are in relatively good shape, especially compared to the same roads a few miles away in South Carolina.

Healthcare

Savannah has several healthcare options for residents. The city is home to several hospitals, including Memorial Health University Medical Center and St. Joseph’s/Candler Hospital.

Military members stationed in Savannah may be eligible for healthcare services at the Hunter Army Airfield Medical Clinic.

Schools

For families with school-aged children, Savannah has several public and private school options. The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System operates over fifty schools in the area from elementary through high school. 

Savannah, Georgia is home to a variety of higher education options for students looking to further their academic pursuits. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is a renowned private university with locations throughout the downtown area, offering degree programs in art, design, and other STEAM fields. SCAD has facilities all over the heart of Savannah as it continues to grow. Consider the college’s calendar when planning your initial visit, especially the film festival and graduation. 

Armstrong State University, now a part of Georgia Southern University, is a public institution that offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a range of subjects, including nursing, education, and business. 

Additionally, Savannah State University is a historically black college that offers undergraduate programs in fields such as engineering, business, and liberal arts. 

With a diverse array of institutions and programs, students in Savannah have many options for pursuing higher education.

Employment

The job market in Savannah is strong, with opportunities in a variety of industries. As of November 2022, the unemployment rate in Savannah, Georgia was 3.5%, according to data from the Federal Reserve. This is lower than the national unemployment rate of 4.2% reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the same month.

Some of the top employers in the area include Gulfstream Aerospace, a leading aerospace manufacturer in the southeast, and the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, which employs thousands of teachers and staff across the region. 

Other major employers include the City of Savannah, the Savannah College of Art and Design, Comcast, and Memorial Health University Medical Center. Many of these companies offer competitive salaries, benefits, and opportunities for career growth. 

Additionally, Savannah is the hostess city of the South with a thriving tourism industry. The many businesses in the hospitality and service sectors employ thousands of workers. With a diverse range of industries and employers, Savannah offers many opportunities for job seekers, including part-time positions for retirees. 

Exploring Savannah

As you settle into your new home in Savannah, you’ll quickly discover that there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this charming Southern city. Whether you’re interested in art, history, food, or simply soaking up the local hospitality, Savannah has something for everyone. Here are some of the top attractions to check out:

Attractions

One of the most popular destinations in Savannah is River Street, a bustling waterfront area lined with shops, restaurants, hotels, and historic buildings. Take a stroll along the riverfront and enjoy the views of the Savannah River, or hop on a riverboat tour to learn more about the city’s history and architecture. 

Savannah has several options for trolley tours, a popular way to explore the city’s historic landmarks and attractions. The three main tour companies are Old Savannah Tours, Old Town Trolley Tours, and Kelly Tours. 

Old Savannah Tours offers a variety of tours, including a hop-on, hop-off trolley tour, a ghost tour, and a historic overview tour. 

Old Town Trolley Tours also offers a hop-on, hop-off tour, as well as a night tour and a historic overview tour. 

Kelly Tours currently does not offer a hop-on, hop-off option, but they do offer several guided tours, including a city tour, a ghost tour, and a pub crawl. You can choose the tour that best suits your interests.

Many tours offer live narration and a unique perspective on Savannah’s rich history and culture. We’ve taken tours from Old Savannah Tours and Old Town Trolley Tours and really enjoyed them both. 

If you’re interested in art and culture, be sure to visit the Telfair Museums, which house an impressive collection of American and European art, including The Bird Girl statue from the book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” at the Telfair Academy museum. The statue gained fame after it was featured on the cover of the popular novel. 

You can also explore the city’s history at sites like the Savannah History Museum and the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters.

Food and Dining

When it comes to dining in Savannah, you’ll find no shortage of options. This port city is known for its coastal cuisine and culinary culture, with many restaurants serving up fresh seafood and Southern classics like fried chicken, fried green tomatoes, and shrimp and grits. Pretty much everything that can be fried is.

For a taste of the city’s famous hospitality, head to The Olde Pink House, a historic mansion-turned-restaurant that serves up classic Southern dishes in an elegant setting.

You can also explore the city’s thriving food scene on a food tour, which will take you to some of the best restaurants and markets in town.

Our family favorite has long been The Pirate’s House, a historic restaurant and tavern. Established in 1794, the building was originally an inn for visiting sailors and became a popular spot for pirates. We’ve always found the food and service to be very good for non-pirates, too. 

With its beautiful parks, beaches, architecture, and fine dining, Savannah is a city that’s easy to fall in love with. Whether you’re exploring the historic district on one of the ghost tours or (figuratively) soaking up the Spanish moss in one of the city’s many parks, you’re sure to find plenty to love about this charming Southern city.

Conclusion

Overall, moving to Savannah, GA can be a great decision. With its lower cost of living, mild weather, and historic charm, there are many pros to living in this city. 

One of the biggest pros of moving to Savannah is the cost of living. As mentioned earlier, the cost of living is 6.4% less than the U.S. average, and housing is 33% lower than the national average. This means that you can get more for your money when it comes to buying a home or renting an apartment.

Another pro of living in Savannah is the weather. While summers can be hot and humid, the winters are mild and comfortable. You’ll also get to enjoy plenty of sunny days throughout the year, which is great if you love spending time outdoors.

However, there are some cons to living in Savannah as well. One of the biggest cons is the traffic. The city can get congested during peak hours, so you’ll need to plan your commute accordingly. Additionally, while the crime rate in Savannah has been decreasing in recent years, it’s still higher than the national average.

Another potential con is the lack of job opportunities in certain industries. While Savannah is home to several large employers some industries may have limited job prospects in the area.

If you’re looking for a city with a rich history, diverse neighborhoods, affordable cost of living, and mild winter weather, Savannah could be the perfect place for you to call home.