Savannah, Georgia: A Complete Guide for People Thinking About Moving There

Savannah is one of those cities that people visit once and start thinking about moving to. It has that effect on people. The Spanish moss draped over ancient live oaks, the 22 historic squares, the cobblestone riverfront, the architecture, the food — Savannah is genuinely one of the most beautiful and distinctive cities in America. But what’s it actually like to live there? Let me give you the full picture.

A Quick Introduction to Savannah

Savannah is Georgia’s oldest city, founded in 1733. It sits at the mouth of the Savannah River on Georgia’s Atlantic coast, about 20 miles inland from the barrier islands. With a population of around 150,000 in the city (and nearly 400,000 in the metro area), it’s a mid-sized city with a small-town feel in its historic core. It’s also one of America’s fastest-growing cities, driven by a booming port economy, a major military presence (Fort Stewart/Hunter Army Airfield), SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design), and significant retiree and remote worker migration.

What Makes Savannah Special

The Historic District is Extraordinarily Beautiful

Savannah’s original city plan — designed by founder James Oglethorpe — is a UNESCO-recognized masterpiece of urban planning. The city was laid out around 24 squares (22 of which survive), each serving as a park and community gathering point surrounded by historic homes and public buildings. Living near these squares, or even visiting them daily, is one of life’s genuine pleasures. The historic district is walkable, human-scaled, and unlike any other American city.

The Food Scene is Exceptional

Savannah punches well above its weight for a city its size. You have James Beard-nominated chefs, legendary institutions (Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room has been operating since 1943), outstanding seafood, world-class cocktail bars, and a vibrant local restaurant scene that keeps getting better. The combination of a large university (SCAD), military families, and a sophisticated retiree community creates demand for excellent food — and Savannah delivers.

Arts, Culture, and Community

SCAD’s presence gives Savannah a creative energy unusual for a Southern city of its size. Galleries, performance venues, the annual Savannah Film Festival, SCAD Museum of Art — there’s a genuine cultural life here. Combined with a strong local identity and community pride, Savannah feels lived-in and real in a way that newer, faster-growing cities often don’t.

Savannah Neighborhoods: Where Should You Live?

Historic District / Victorian District

The most coveted and most expensive area. Beautiful historic homes, walkability, proximity to everything. Prices for restored historic homes can range from $400,000 to well over $1 million. This is the Savannah people imagine when they picture the city.

Ardsley Park / Chatham Crescent

One of Savannah’s most beloved neighborhoods — early 20th-century homes, tree-lined streets, a strong community identity, and more reasonable prices than the historic district. This is where many local families and young professionals choose to live.

Pooler, Richmond Hill & Rincon

These suburban communities surrounding Savannah offer newer construction homes at more accessible price points — typically $280,000–$400,000. Pooler in particular has seen explosive growth and has excellent schools, shopping, and amenities. Families who work in Savannah but want newer homes with more space often settle in these areas.

Cost of Living in Savannah

Savannah is more affordable than most comparable coastal cities, but it’s not as cheap as inland Georgia. Here’s a general picture:

• Historic District homes: $400K–$1M+
• Established neighborhoods (Ardsley Park etc.): $300K–$600K
• Suburbs (Pooler, Richmond Hill): $280K–$450K
• Property taxes: Chatham County rates are moderate; Homestead Exemption applies for primary residences
• Groceries and dining: Slightly above Georgia average due to tourism market in the historic district, but suburbs are very reasonable

Things to Consider Before Moving to Savannah

Humidity and Summer Heat

Savannah’s coastal climate means hot, humid summers. June through September is genuinely tropical. Most transplants from the Midwest or Northeast need a year or two to fully adjust. The upside: winters are extremely mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below 40°F.

Traffic

Savannah’s infrastructure is catching up with its growth. The I-16 / I-95 interchange and the suburban growth corridors can get congested, especially during tourist season. The historic district itself is best navigated on foot or by bike.

Tourism

Savannah is one of America’s most popular tourist destinations. The historic district especially can feel busy on weekends, especially during events like St. Patrick’s Day (one of the country’s largest celebrations). Most residents learn to embrace this as part of Savannah’s character rather than fight it.

Who Is Savannah Perfect For?

• History lovers and architecture enthusiasts
• Retirees who want walkable beauty, culture, and mild winters
• Remote workers and creatives attracted to the SCAD energy
• Military families at Fort Stewart or Hunter Army Airfield
• Anyone who wants coastal proximity without barrier island price tags