Moving to Savannah with your family? As Georgia’s oldest city, it’s no surprise the area is rich in culture, history, architecture, and family-friendly activities. Check out the best neighborhoods and suburbs for families in Savannah!
Isle of Hope
Photo via @ktmcgee
- Home Price: $313,100 median purchase price; $1,455 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 89% of Georgia cities
Don’t let the name fool you—Isle of Hope isn’t an island at all! Less than 20 minutes away from Downtown Savannah and surrounded by marshes, this quiet, relaxing Savannah suburb is a great place for families to plant roots. Thanks to its location on the Intracoastal Waterway and proximity to the large Skidaway River, Isle of Hope offers waterfront properties with historic 19th and 20th-century Greek Revival, Victorian Eclectic, Neoclassical, and Craftsman homes. Bluff Drive’s gaslit route, lined with gorgeous live oaks with Spanish moss, showcases Isle of Hope’s natural beauty.
Things to Do in Isle of Hope
Admire marshland and explore the museum dedicated to Gullah-Geechee culture at Pin Point Heritage Museum. Take a close-up look at the artifacts of the Indigenous and African people who influenced the development of the area at the Wormsloe Historic Site. Take swim lessons and fitness classes, host kids’ birthday parties, or soak up some rays on the sun deck at family-friendly, members-only Isle of Hope Community Pool. Taste Savannah-style barbecue that won “Best Barbecue” in 2021 at Sandfly Bar-B-Q. Chow down on gourmet seafood, brunch, and lunch options like Firecracker Shrimp, Wormsloe Wedge, and Baja Fish Tacos at Driftaway Cafe. Enjoy live entertainment from local bands and musicians while you chow down on Scallop & Crab Carbonara or the Kingston Curried Salmon at Castaways. Have date night during happy hour and talk over eats like 5 Spot Classic Burger or 5 Spot Gyro at The 5 Spot.
Tybee Island
Photo via @jennyrutherfordrealestate
- Home Price: $434,300 median purchase price; $1,238 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 28% of Georgia cities
A suburb of Savannah, Tybee Island is a modern city formed around historical landmarks like Fort Screven, as well as natural marshes, waterways, and five sandy beaches. Though a popular tourist destination, it’s also an affordable place to raise kids—with Costal, American Foursquare, and Shotgun-style houses stationed between old oaks with hung Spanish moss. But what really attracts families to Tybee Island are the opportunities offered by local education centers—like tuition-free public charter school Tybee Island Maritime School, or Tybee Arts Association‘s scholarships and events like Tybee Tour de Art.
Things to Do in Tybee Island
Head to North Beach—Tybee Island’s premier shopping district—and pick up gifts and souvenirs from one-of-a-kind retailers like Seaside Sisters, or indulge in retail therapy at other stores in Twelve Oaks Mall. Enjoy the live performances and festivals that take place throughout the year and watch the ships as they sail by on Tybee Island Pier & Pavilion on South Beach. Watch live sea turtle feedings, learn about the center’s wildlife conservation efforts, and get a behind-the-scenes look at how they care for the animals exhibited there at Tybee Island Marine Science Center. Book a tour to see dolphins in their natural habitat with Captain Derek’s Dolphin Adventures. Stop by The Crab Shack for Steamed Oyster and a Deviled Crab Plate. Try a grilled or blackened Mahi-Mahi or a Crab Burger at the laid-back A-J’s Dockside Restaurant. Order fancy cocktails, hot dogs, and oysters at local favorite Sea Wolf Tybee. Or sample unique Southern coastal appetizers like Fried Alligator Strips and Conch Fritters at Sting Ray’s Seafood.
Victorian District
Photo via @luckysavannah
- Home Price: $145,100 median purchase price; $913 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 27% of Georgia cities
True to its name, Savannah’s Victorian District neighborhood is characterized by stunning historical Victorian homes dating back to the 1800s. It offers fantastic walkability, which is perfect for leisurely strolls through Victorian District East and West, historic Forsyth Park, the Forsyth Farmers’ Market, or north into Downtown Savannah. Walking paths are lined with trees draped with ample Spanish moss, creating a gorgeous backdrop to raise a family. To top it off, this safe Savannah neighborhood is also home to Esther F. Garrison School for the Arts and public charter school Susie King Taylor Community School, which offer specialized education to children.
Things to Do in Victorian District
Tour the King-Tisdell Cottage, a museum dedicated to preserving Black culture and history in the South through art, films, discussions, and exhibits like The Treasure of Ulysses Davis. Take a jaunt to see historic Forsyth Park Fountain or Chippewa Square—home to Forrest Gump‘s iconic bus bench scenes. Attend pottery and ceramics classes or workshops at Savannah’s Clay Spot. Create glass-blown ornaments and other precious keepsakes with your kids at Hostess City Hot Glass, which offers both group and individual classes. Start your day in Forsyth Park with Breakfast Tacos and Chai at vegan-friendly coffee shop, The Sentient Bean. Conquer the huge Battle of the Bulge cheeseburger and a Root Beer Float at the family-friendly, WWII-themed restaurant, Betty Bombers. Grab an order of Crab Rangoons, Chicken Chow Mein, or Mongolian Beef at Egg Roll King on Montgomery St. Reserve a table for date night at 700 Drayton, where Southern cuisine is fused with modern cooking styles.
Whitemarsh Island
Photo via @edgerlyrobert
- Home Price: $275,500 median purchase price; $1,216 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 81% of Georgia cities
Pronounced “wit-marsh” by locals, Whitemarsh Island is one of Savannah’s larger island suburbs. Though it may be separated from Savannah proper by the vast Wilmington River, Whitemarsh Island is still just a 20-minute drive along the highway to Downtown Savannah’s additional jobs and things to do. This quiet, walkable community is studded with waterfront neighborhoods featuring charming Colonial-style villas and cottages. One of the safest Savannah neighborhoods, Whitemarsh Island offers educational opportunities at magnet school Marshpoint Elementary—where they can enroll in STEAM-focused Choice Programs—and Islands High school.
Things to Do in Whitemarsh Island
Explore miles of hiking and biking trails winding through the marshes and curtains of Spanish moss at Whitemarsh Preserve. Get a membership to get access to a broad range of family recreation like sailing, boating, tennis, swimming, and more at family-oriented Savannah Yacht Club. Enroll your children in day camp at the Point Pleasant Retreat, where they can engage with faith, make arts and crafts, play sports, go kayaking, and undergo the confidence-building Challenge Course. Get up close to friendly, playful dolphins and other wildlife on a fun and educational Mermaid Pirate Dolphin Tour. Grab smoked meats by the pound at Wiley’s Championship BBQ, one of the “best barbecue joints in Georgia”. Sample the Shrimp + Grits or Fried Pork Chops from Savannah-born Chef Josh Thomas at J Thomas Kitchen. Munch on some Pulled Pork Nachos or Brisket at the 50-year-old restaurant Papa’s Bar-B-Que & Seafood. Stop near the Island Towne Centre to try authentic Pepper Tuna Tataki, Pork Ramen, and other Japanese favorites at Super Tastes.
Windsor Forest
Photo via @teamcallahan
- Home Price: $145,100 median purchase price; $913 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 27% of Georgia cities
Windsor Forest is a quiet, walkable neighborhood full of Mid-Century Modern and Colonial single-family homes accompanied by large yards. The Little Ogeechee River flanks the neighborhood’s west side, and like many areas in and around Savannah, Windsor Forest is set against a lush natural backdrop. And that’s what draws people to this Savannah neighborhood—the outdoor recreation. Families can gather in Joseph Tribble Park’s lake or 51 acres of green space—or adventure off to Voodoo Platoon Island. You can also cross the lake to hike the tiny, secluded Voodoo Platoon Island. This serene area and access to the Georgia Southern University—Armstrong Campus help make Windsor Forest one of the best Savannah neighborhoods for growing families.
Things to Do in Windsor Forest
Play frisbee, enjoy a picnic, and socialize with other neighborhood dog lovers at the Windsor Forest Dog Park. Shop with the family and take them for a ride on the food court carousel at Savannah Mall. Experience one of 100+ annual events like piano and percussion ensembles or the Gretsch Concert Series—which features student, faculty, and guest performers—at the Fine Arts Auditorium. Try Southern cuisine like the signature Peach Bourbon or Alligator Sliders at B&D Burgers. Pop over for some Fried Catfish Fillets and Fresh Ocean Flounder at Savannah family-favorite Carey Hilliard’s Restaurant. Grab a hulking slice of hand-tossed, New York-style pizza like the Big Vinny or The Gavin Pie at Vincenzo’s Pizzeria. Or try some authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, like Tres Golpes or Mofongo con Camarones, at Los DomiRican.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes and Niche
