|
Historic District
Many residents of the 2.5-square-mile Historic Landmark District can claim the city's verdant squares as their front yards. Although the north end of the District is commercial in character, numerous blocks of the area are solidly residential. Historic homes in need of restoration are still available. Newcomers will also find a good selection of restored homes, the result of 50 years of preservation efforts, and new construction in the form of 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.
Victorian District
Adjacent to the Historic District, this first southward expansion of the city is attracting more and more folks interested in restoring two- and three-story frame houses in need of repair. The area becomes more popular in this regard as the number of restorable houses in the Historic District declines.
ArdsleyPark
Savannah's first suburb, laid out in 1911, is a mixture of prestigious four- and five-bedroom mansions and quaint, craftsman-style bungalows situated on tree-lined streets. The ArdsleyPark area located in Midtown and loosely bounded by Victory Drive on the north, Waters Avenue on the east, 55th Street on the south and Bull Street on the west has become one of the city's "hottest" neighborhoods favored by young professionals and families.
Gordonston
This secluded neighborhood in eastside Savannah is similar to ArdsleyPark in character, but it's considerably smaller and hasn't been "discovered" to the extent that its "big brother" to the southwest has.
SOUTHSIDE
Shopping and recreation abound on the Southside, a large area that's the site of both of Savannah's malls, a multitude of smaller shopping centers and BaconPark, whose 500 acres offer residents a variety of activities ranging from soccer to golf and from swimming to weight training. The Southside is also residential in character, with neighborhoods featuring everything from ranch-style homes to patio homes and an abundance of apartment complexes and condominiums. Two significant neighborhoods are:
WindsorForest
Developed starting in the 1960s, WindsorForest offers home buyers a wide spectrum of choices in terms of styles and prices.
Georgetown
An area of mostly upscale homes, Georgetown was one of the fastest-growing parts of the city in the 1990s, but it retains the feel of being out in the country.
THE ISLANDS
Home buyers in search of a less-historic but easy-going setting might consider the islands east and southeast of downtown Savannah. One of these, Tybee, is a barrier island fronting on the Atlantic Ocean. The others are separated from the mainland by rivers or tidal creeks, but 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.
EASTSIDEISLANDS
Directly east of Savannah is where you'll find Tybee and four inshore islands of varying size Oatland, Talahi, Whitemarsh and Wilmington. Close by is the municipality of Thunderbolt, a fishing village of 2,340 residents that typifies the small-town, family-oriented atmosphere of the area.
WilmingtonIsland
The largest of the several inshore islands east of Savannah, this area is mainly residential in nature and is dotted with heavily forested neighborhoods, parks and recreational facilities.
Tybee Island
Located 18 miles from Savannah, this small seaside island is graced by a wide, 3-mile long beach that draws sun lovers and water-sports enthusiasts from throughout Georgia and the rest of the Southeast. While Tybee is a resort replete with a full complement of restaurants, modern hotels and motels, luxurious condominiums and quaint rental cottages, it's also a residential area whose offerings range from historic homes on the Officers' Row of a one-time military post to classic beach-style abodes many of which are beautifully restored. Tybee, home to about 3,400 year-round residents, is an independent municipality providing its own city services. Among focal points are the south-end pier and pavilion which is much-enjoyed by fishermen and folks strolling above the ocean and listening to live-band music; and the FortScreven area on the island's north end, which is the site of the Tybee Lighthouse and an intriguing museum.
SOUTHEASTERN ISLANDS
Dutch Island
This community of spacious homes and manicured yards is about 20 minutes from downtown Savannah.
Isle of Hope
One of Savannah's most picturesque neighborhoods, Isle of Hope exudes the look of the Old South. Beautiful old cottages adorned with white picket fences line narrow streets and overlook the Herb and Skidaway rivers. Bluff Drive, which rambles along the Skidaway under moss-strewn oaks, is one of the area's most alluring streets.
SkidawayIsland
The residential jewel of Skidaway is The Landings, a large gated community that's the site of upscale homes featuring a variety of styles Southern Lowcountry, Colonial, Federal and traditional ranch set on beautifully landscaped grounds. The Landings is a retirees' paradise, with its two deep-water marinas, six private 18-hole golf courses, 34 tennis courts, fitness center and four clubhouses.
WEST
CHATHAM
COUNTY
Much of the Savannah area's industry is concentrated in west Chatham, and it's also the site of four municipalities and Southbridge and Savannah Quarters two fast-growing golf communities. The towns of the area Bloomingdale, Garden City, Pooler and Port Wentworth are well-established residential areas that serve as home to much of the workforce of the industries located there. These municipalities are known for their independence and volunteer spirit, and for a general absence of property taxes. West Chatham is experiencing a boom in residential growth, with home building focused on Pooler, the Godley Station area and the Berwick area.
Bloomingdale
This town of 2,665 is conveniently located near both the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport and the city's port. Residents enjoy a country lifestyle and a small-town ambience.
Garden City
Standing amid a variety of industrial developments, Garden City is the county's second-largest municipality, with a population of about 11,300. The number of residents grew greatly after an annexation that occurred in the summer of 1998.
Pooler
With more than 6,200 residents, Pooler is a fast-growing, family-oriented town with affordable homes and a wealth of recreational opportunities.
Port Wentworth
This town of 3,276 home of the flag-waving "Stand Up For America Day" celebration each May captures the essence of small-town USA.
Southbridge
The homes at this planned community just off Interstate Highway 16 feature beautiful landscaping and architecture that's traditionally Southern. The development covers 1,100 acres and offers residents the pleasures of a golf club and a tennis and swim club.
BRYANCOUNTY
This county south and southwest of Savannah offers a unique blend of piney woods and marshland. The fastest-developing part of Bryan is near the coast. It's Richmond Hill, a bustling bedroom community that was once the winter quarters of famed industrialist Henry Ford.
Richmond Hill
Twenty miles south of Savannah lies Richmond Hill. It is one of two incorporated cities in BryanCounty and has been one of the fastest-growing communities in the nation. Richmond Hill offers a number of housing developments, schools and opportunities for recreation and shopping. Its proximity to I-95 and I-16 makes it a popular choice for commuters.
BryanCounty's first incorporated city, Pembroke, has served as the county seat since 1935. It is a charming town offering peaceful county living and an upscale golf-course community.
EFFINGHAM
COUNTY
Fast-developing Effingham offers home buyers a choice of residential areas with different characters on-the-go Rincon, quaint Guyton, and Springfield, the county seat.
Rincon, beginning to resemble a bedroom community of the magnitude of Richmond Hill, is mushrooming as the Savannah area gradually spreads west. However, all three municipalities retain their country-style atmosphere.
|