Thinking about moving to Savannah? The Hostess City of the South is known for its history, welcoming citizens, and open-air markets—and there’s more to love about Georgia’s oldest city than that! Check out these 12 things to know about living in Savannah!
A Friendly City with Affordable Living
Photo via @riverrat_productions
Southern hospitality is no joke, and Savannah is a great example. Savannah is full of pleasant locals who are known for their affable nature. Why is everyone so happy here? Maybe it’s the fact that the cost of living in Savannah is 6% lower than the national average. Or that the median home price is $145,100, which is 4.8% lower than the Georgia average. Regardless, the welcoming community and affordable living are but a few reasons why Savannah’s population has steadily grown since 2010.
It’s Easy to Get Around
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Savannah is a very pedestrian-friendly locale. With so many attractions grouped in small areas throughout the city, it’s easily one of the South’s most walkable cities! Not to mention, Savannah is rated as a bike-friendly community by the League of American Bicyclists and has a unique bike-loan system. People moving to Savannah will also enjoy the city’s great public transportation, including the 15 public bus routes and free shuttle service that runs every ten minutes. However you prefer to commute, Savannah can accommodate you!
A Great Place to Retire
Photo via @laura_cphtales
With affordable housing, warm temperatures year-round, and a spot on the list of America’s best cities to retire, it’s no surprise that Savannah is a top destination for retirement. Not only does the city have tons of retirement communities, but there are also senior-catered programs like Senior Citizens Inc and Learning Center available. Retirees moving to Georgia can also enjoy the free tuition the state offers at state colleges and universities for individuals over the age of 65!
The Downtown District Packs Real History
Photo via @duckdommer
History lovers will find an abundance of things to do in Savannah. Few areas represent that better than the Historic District in Downtown Savannah, which is a National Historic Landmark and features 22 squares and parks. Visit Forsyth Park to see its gorgeous fountain or attend the weekly Farmers Market. Check out Oglethorpe Square, where you can find some of Savannah’s most architecturally significant buildings like the Owens-Thomas House. See a musical, play, or concert at the 200-year-old Historic Savannah Theatre. Or take a tour of Cathedral of St. John the Baptist to discover some of the city’s most beautiful buildings and learn about Savannah’s pivotal role in the Civil War.
A Family-Friendly Atmosphere
Photo via @savannahriverboat
Savannah is a great place to raise a family, thanks to all of the family-friendly attractions available throughout the area. 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 at the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, where you can find more than 40 miles of walking trails. Take the little ones to Oatland Island Wildlife Center to see more than 150 species of animals. Explore the maze and sensory garden at the Savannah Children’s Museum. Or get great views of the Savannah River on a Savannah Riverboat Cruise, where you can enjoy brunch, lunch, or dinner.
Peruse Savannah’s City Market
Photo via @jessweiss87
Established in the 1700s, the open-air City Market has long stood as the go-to place for dining, nightlife, shopping, and entertainment in Savannah. Pop into art galleries like A.T. Hun Art Gallery and Sue Gouse Inspirations to find unique pieces for your home. Sample New York-style pizza at Vinnie Van Go Go’s, delicious hot wings at Wild Wing Cafe, or award-winning cuisine at Belford’s Seafood & Steaks. Find handcrafted goods and interesting home decor at Aleksandra’s Gift Shop and The Paris Market. Or hang out at local digs like Jen’s & Friends and The Rail Pub for craft cocktails, cold beers, and good times.
Savannah Has a Spooky Side
Photo via @themarshallhouse
Named among America’s top 10 haunted cities, Savannah has several real-life haunted houses. Stroll through The Marshall House, which served as a hospital during the Civil War—guests have even claimed to see ghosts in the halls! Visit Hamilton-Turner Inn, which is rumored to be the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Haunted Mansion. Or check out the Mercer-Williams House, which is famously referenced in the novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. You can also find incredible ghost tours in Savannah, such as the Grave Tales Tour and the Hearse Ghost Tour.
It’s the Birthplace of The Girl Scouts
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For more than 100 years, the Girl Scouts have empowered young women by promoting education, leadership, life skills, and entrepreneurship—and it all started in a humble Savannah home. Juliette Gordon Low wanted to help girls reach their potential and invited a diverse group into her home in 1912. Her vision grew into a nationwide program—and created a line of delicious cookies! You can even visit the birthplace of Juliette in Savannah to see the home that motivated this inspirational woman.
Check Out Tybee Island Beach
Photo via @margieewallace
Just a quick jaunt from Downtown Savannah, Tybee Island Beach is one of Savannah’s top attractions. With three public oceanfront beaches and two river beaches, there’s plenty of space for swimming, lounging, kayaking, or just relaxing. You can visit historic landmarks like Fort Pulaski, fish off the Tybee Beach Pier and Pavilion, or learn about the local wildlife at the Marine Science Center. Whatever your ideal day off entails, Tybee Island Beach is the perfect place to get away while living in Savannah!
A City that Knows How to Celebrate
Photo via @savstpatrick
Whether it’s celebrating food or commemorating holidays, Savannah has tons of festivals for you to attend! Did you know this Georgia city is one of the best places in America 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 a rugby tournament. Jam out at the Savannah Music Festival, a two-week event with more than 500 musicians from all around the world. Don’t miss the Savannah Food and Wine Festival, which brings together leading culinary professionals, beverage experts, and more during a week-long celebration of cuisine. And if you enjoy cinema, you can’t miss the SCAD Savannah Film Festival with competition film screenings, lectures, workshops, and panels featuring hosting acclaimed actors, screenwriters, composers, and more.
Try Savannah’s Amazing Restaurants
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Foodies moving to Georgia will find tons of great places to eat in Savannah! Ever wonder what it would be like to eat at Paula Deen’s table? Her restaurant, The Lady & Sons, is the next best thing! And those are just a few of Savannah’s best restaurants! Want something upscale? The Grey has Smoked Lamb and Ribeye For Two. Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining room is great for down-home dishes like Fried Chicken and Meatloaf. But it’s hard to beat the Jumbo Sea Scallops and Fried Lobster Tails at The Olde Pink House. Grab a burger from the Green Truck Neighborhood Pub or a Shrimp Po Boy from the Savannah Seafood Shack. Whatever cuisine you choose, save room for a scoop (or several) from legendary Leopold’s Ice Cream, which has been serving handmade frozen treats since 1919.
Fun Doesn’t Stop When the Sun Goes Down
Photo via @new_england_eats
Looking for great Savannah nightlife? Stop by Wet Willie’s, which is famous for its delicious frozen cocktails. Listen to popular songs performed live at Savannah Smiles Dueling Pianos. Order from a seemingly endless craft beer menu at The Distillery, which was once a speakeasy back in the Roaring ’20s. Or chill out at Rocks on the Roof, which combines signature cocktails like the Millionaire Margarita or Fountain of Youth and sweeping views of Downtown Savannah and the Savannah River. 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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