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14 Things to Know About Living in Savannah

Thinking about moving to Savannah, GA? The Hostess City of the South is known for its history, welcoming citizens, and open-air markets—and there’s so much more to love about Georgia’s oldest city! Check out these 14 things to know about living in Savannah.

Live Affordably in a Friendly City

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When thinking of Southern hospitality, Savannah, GA, frequently comes to mind—and no wonder. Recognized as one of the friendliest cities in the world, the City of Savannah is full of pleasant locals known for their amiable nature. Affordability may play a role in the city’s positive attitude—respectively, the cost of living in Savannah and its median home price are 3% lower and 12% lower than the national average. And with the sunny, warm weather of the area and Savannah’s famous park “squares”, residents are able to enjoy local recreation outdoors and take advantage of unique shopping and dining experiences. Savannah’s generous tax incentives attract and benefit small business owners considering a move to the area. Due to all these perks and more, Savannah’s population has steadily grown.

Find Employment in Savannah’s Job Market

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Looking for jobs in Savannah? This Georgia city offers a variety of employment opportunities across major industries like aerospace, manufacturing, distribution, healthcare, and entertainment. Work for Georgia-based companies like Georgia-Pacific or Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, or find a job near water with the Port of Savannah—the fourth busiest seaport in the United States. Apply for work as a healthcare professional or staff member at one of Southeast Georgia’s largest hospitals, the Memorial Health University Medical Center, or in the St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System, which have been awarded for high-quality stroke care and patient safety, among other recognitions, respectfully. Hoping to find a job in tech? Check out Savannah start-ups like Bluworkz!

Get Around Town Easily

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With the downtown area making Savannah one of the South’s most walkable cities and attractions often being grouped in small areas throughout the city, Savannah is a very pedestrian-friendly locale. When you don’t want to walk, take advantage of the city’s great public transportation options—the Chatham Area Transit bus routes span the city, and the DOT shuttle service is perfect for exploring Savannah’s historic district! Explore the city’s top sites on an electric scooter, travel between the downtown riverwalk and Hutchinson Island on the free ferry service, or rent a bike in Savannah—which students of Savannah College of Arts & Design can do for free. Join the local bike community or riding groups like Coastal Bicycle Touring Club and take advantage of the bike lanes, racks, and accessible bicycle routes throughout the city until they add more!

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Retire in Savannah

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With affordable housing and warm temperatures year-round, it’s no surprise why Savannah is one of the best cities to retire. Not only does the city offer premier retirement communities like The Marshes of Skidaway Island and Summer Breeze Senior Living, but there are also senior-catered programs like the The Learning Center, run by Senior Citizens Inc. Retirees moving to Georgia can also enjoy golfing in Savannah at top golf courses like The Club at Savannah Harbor or The Savannah Golf Club. Residents over the age of 62 can also take advantage of free tuition at state universities, a unique perk that allows for lifelong learning!

Enroll in Savannah Universities

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Looking to attend college or university in Savannah? The city of Savannah is home to quite a few options! Earn your B.F.A in fashion marketing and management or a B.A. in advertising and branding from the Savannah College of Arts and Design. Obtain your Master of Science in mathematics or accounting from Savannah State University. Attend South University, Savannah campus for a bachelor’s degree in nursing, psychology, information technology, and more. Enroll in an undergraduate program in civil engineering, economics, biochemistry, and more from Georgia Southern University Armstrong Campus. Or earn your Nail Technician Certificate or CNA certificate from Savannah Technical College.

Explore the Historic Downtown District

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History lovers will find an abundance of things to do in Savannah. Few areas represent that better than the Historic District in Downtown Savannah, a National Historic Landmark with 22 squares. Visit Forsyth Park to see its iconic fountain, or attend the weekly Forsyth Farmers’ Market. Learn about the art, architecture, and historical significance of the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters in Oglethorpe Square. See a musical, play, or concert at the 200-year-old Historic Savannah Theatre. Take a Docent-led tour of the 19th-century Cathedral of Basilica of St. John the Baptist. And be sure to stroll down the brick-paved Jones Street to marvel at the tenderly preserved historical Colonial and Georgian homes lined by oak trees.

Visit Savannah Museums

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The Hostess City of the South is chock-full of museums—which are an excellent way to learn about the city’s historical significance. Learn about the history of Savannah and see Battlefield Memorial Park—an American Revolution battle site—at the Savannah History Museum, located in the Old Central of Georgia Railway Passenger Depot. Tour historic railcars or take a guided tour by train at the Georgia State Railroad Museum. Pay homage to local “freedom fighters” and educate yourself on Savannah’s journey to civil rights for all at the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum. Listen to stories of the enslaved people of the past while touring the Federal-style home of Isaiah Davenport at the Davenport House Museum. See the model ship collection, walk through the largest private gardens within the historic district, and tour the Scarbrough House at the Ships Of the Sea Maritime Museum. Or marvel at the stunning three-story home of the Low Family, and explore The Historic Formal Garden and The Courtyard Garden at the Andrew Low House Museum.

Do Fun Family Activities in Savannah

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With safe, family-friendly neighborhoods and attractions available throughout the area, Savannah is a great place to settle down. Host a birthday party or cookout at Mother Matilda Beasley Park, which has a pavilion, multiple sports fields, a dog park, and two playgrounds. Get in touch with nature from sunrise to sunset at the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, which spans over 30,000 acres. Take the little ones to see 39 different species of animals at the Oatland Island Wildlife Center. Explore the maze and sensory garden at the Savannah Children’s Museum in downtown, and take advantage of their fun events. Go inside the Jepson Center to take the kiddos to Artful Tales Storytime, or let them interact with the digital Portrait Gallery at Telfair Children’s Art Museum. Watch the Savannah Bananas play “banana ball” at Grayson Stadium, and support the senior citizen dance team, the Banana Nanas. Or get great views of the Savannah River while enjoying brunch, lunch, or dinner on a Savannah Riverboat Cruise.

Peruse Savannah’s City Market

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Established in the 1700s, the open-air Savannah City Market has long stood as the go-to place for dining, nightlife, shopping, and entertainment in Savannah. See artist demonstrations, listen to live music, and participate in an interactive public art project on display in the City Market Art Center at the free Art & Soul Music Festival. Appreciate local and international Contemporary art pieces at A.T. Hun Art Gallery. Learn about Prohibition, try era-appropriate drinks, or take a cocktail class in the ’20s-styled speakeasy at the American Prohibition Museum. Order classic Irish favorites like Corned Beef & Cabbage while enjoying live music at Wexford Irish Pub. Savor award-winning cuisine like Lobster Gnocchi, Filet Mignon, or Grilled Faroe Islands Salmon at Belford’s Seafood & Steaks. Catch up with friends over a casual drink or wine tasting at the Georgia Tasting Room. Or spend the night listening to live music and drinking a Savannah Grammar, Fly Guy Mai Tai, and other creative drinks at Tree House Savannah.

Experience Savannah’s Spooky Side

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Savannah has several real-life haunted hotels and houses anyone can explore. Stroll through The Marshall House, which served as a hospital during the Civil War—guests have even claimed to see ghosts in the halls! Brave the Hamilton-Turner Inn, rumored to be the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Haunted Mansion. Check out the Mercer-Williams House, which is famously referenced in the novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Walk through the Bonaventure Cemetery—a beautiful, supposedly haunted cemetery in Savannah. Catch glimpses of the lost souls still roaming the dining room at The Pirates’ House, one of the most haunted pubs in Savannah. Or find incredible ghost tours in Savannah, such as the Grave Tales Tour and the Hearse Ghost Tour.

Check Out Tybee Island Beach

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Just a quick jaunt from downtown, Tybee Island Beach is the perfect place to get away while living in Savannah! With three public oceanfront beaches and two river beaches, there’s plenty of space for swimming, lounging, or kayaking, making it one of Savannah’s top attractions. Attend annual events with the family such as the Tybee Island Pirate Fest or Tybee Post Music Festival. Sign the kiddos up for Sea Camp, attend a Turtle Talk, and see live animal exhibits at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center. Fish off the pier and picnic with your family at Tybee Island Pier & Pavilion. Or visit Fort Pulaski on nearby Cockspur Island, where you can explore the fort, go hiking or biking, and learn about the Civil War Battle of Fort Pulaski.

Celebrate at Savannah Festivals

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Whether it’s celebrating food or commemorating holidays, there are plenty of festivals and events in Savannah! One of the best places to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, Savannah’s two-day St. Paddy’s event is highlighted by a massive parade with more than 15,000 attendees and includes a dance party, live music by local bands, a fun run, and rugby tournament. Jam out to more than 500 musicians from all around the world at the Savannah Music Festival. Listen to jazz performers during the annual Savannah Jazz Festival in Forsyth Park. Watch competitive film screenings and panels featuring acclaimed actors, screenwriters, composers, and more at the SCAD Savannah Film Festival. Experience the holiday magic by getting pictures with Santa, shopping for gifts, or listening to live music during the Savannah Christmas Market held in the Plant River District. Or attend Savannah concerts of artists like Soccer Mommy, We Were Promised Jetpacks, Tall Tall Trees, and more at the Savannah Stopover Music Festival.

Try Savannah’s Amazing Restaurants

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Get your appetite ready for the Hostess City of the South’s cuisine scene! Order English Pea Falafel, Whole Grilled Fish, Turnip Cake, and more at upscale The Grey. Grab the Green Truck Classic Burger, Chicken & Apples Sandwich, or Papa’s Salad from Green Truck Neighborhood Pub. Enjoy Our Famous Lowcountry Boil, Shack Cones, or Po’ Boys from Savannah Seafood Shack. Head to the Savannah Riverfront for Greek specialties like Pastitsio, Dolmades, a Gyro Sandwich, and more at the Olympia Cafe. Order the Fried Freshwater Catfish BLT, Black & Blue Chicken Salad, and more at Sweet Potatoes Kitchen—and be sure to enjoy a Sweet Potato Pie! Devour Southern classics like Deep Dish Chicken Pot Pie, Chilled Gazpacho, and Pecan Pie from The Olde Pink House. Or satisfy your sweet tooth with a scoop of Butter Pecan, Rum Bisque, or Savannah Socialite from the legendary Leopold’s Ice Cream, which has served handmade frozen treats since 1919.

Discover Local Nightlife

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Looking for great Savannah nightlife? Try delicious frozen cocktails like the Chocolate Thunder, Monster Melon, or Monkey Shine at Wet Willie’s. Munch on Tater Buds or the Smiles Chicken Sandwich while listening to popular songs performed live at Savannah Smiles Dueling Pianos. Stop by the best bar in Savannah for Australian-inspired pub food like Bangers & Mash or Duck Wings at The Fitzroy. Sip German beers and try the Lebkuchenherzen cookies during the annual Oktoberfest Celebration at Service Brewing Co. Sample a wide variety of drinks at the Beer, Import, and Mixology Gardens, take educational sessions provided by the Sam Adams Brew University, and participate in the Cornhole Tournament at the Savannah Craft Brew Fest. Looking to bust a move at one of Savannah’s dance clubs? Have a fun night dancing to Latin, hip-hop, or EDM with friends at the three-story Club 51 Degrees. Wherever you go, be sure to grab a plastic to-go cup so you can bring your drink with you as you explore the city!

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Mike Beutler

About Mike Beutler

Mike Beutler is a writer and digital content specialist who transitioned to self storage in 2020 after several years in the airline industry. His travels cultivated a passion for exploring cities across the U.S. and abroad and inspired him to learn more about practical insights for urban living. With 14 moves under his belt, both locally and cross-country, he also has a passion for minimalism and organization, and sharing tips to help others make any space feel like home while staying organized.