Georgia Real Estate & Relocation Guide

Savannah, Georgia

Population: 220,771

Located in Chatham County

Welcome to Savannah, the Hostess City of the South. Named by Conde' Nast Traveler as one of the top 10 U.S. cities to visit, Savannah offers an enchanting stroll back in time and an invitation to uncover its hidden charms. Bits and pieces of Savannah's rich, colorful history adorn virtually every corner of the downtown area. The stately mansions, moss-draped oaks, and massive churches give the city a unique flavor found nowhere else in the world.

Known as one of the best walking cities in the nation, Savannah offers the perfect environment for strolls along historic squares, azalea-laden parks, 18th-century cemeteries, and riverfront boardwalks. Of course, a detour down River Street or through City Market may be inevitable, considering the wealth of antique shops and the festive continuum of food, music, and activities that can be found there.

Savannah definitely has diversity when it comes to places in which to live. Settle in one of our distinctive neighborhoods or suburbs, and you can surround yourself with history, step back into small-town America, enjoy the security and luxury of a gated community or laze the day away in a laid-back cottage at the beach.

Many residents of the Historic Landmark District can claim the city's verdant squares as their front yards. Historic homes in need of restoration are still available. Newcomers will also find a good selection of restored homes, and new townhouse condominiums crafted to blend into the historic atmosphere of the District. A recent trend in downtown housing involves the conversion of space above retail establishments into apartments and lofts, a situation that's developed along with the city's revitalization of commercial buildings. Adjacent to the Historic District, the Victorian District is attracting more and more folks interested in restoring two- and three-story frame houses.

Ardsley Park, Savannah's first suburb, laid out in 1911, is a mixture of prestigious four- and five-bedroom mansions and quaint, craftsman-style bungalows on tree-lined streets. The secluded neighborhood of Gordonston is similar to Ardsley Park in character, but it's considerably smaller and is waiting to be "discovered." Southside neighborhoods feature everything from ranch-style homes to patio homes and an abundance of apartment complexes and condominiums. Georgetown, an area of mostly upscale homes, was one of the fastest-growing parts of the city in the 1990s, but retains the feel of being out in the country.

Finally, home buyers in search of a less-historic but easy-going setting might consider the islands east and southeast of downtown Savannah. Tybee Island is a barrier island fronting on the Atlantic Ocean, and during this time of economic downturn offers some amazing bargains. The others, including Wilmington, Dutch, and Skidaway, are separated from the mainland by rivers or tidal creeks. All of the islands exude the "getting-away-from-it-all" feeling that comes when you cross a stretch of tranquil marshland on your way home from work or school.

Savannah's strong economy, thriving arts community, historic homes and squares, and natural beauty have drawn accolades from national and international magazines. We've been proud to be called one of the "15 Coolest Cities in North America" by MSN.com, a "Best Romantic Getaway" by Travel + Leisure Magazine, the "Best Southern City" by Southern Living Magazine, a "Top 10 American Travel Destination" by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine, and one of "50 Great Cities to Visit in America" by the London Daily Telegraph. Come visit us. It won't take you long to see why so many people have decided to call us "home."