Downtown Savannah is, in fact, comprised of several different historic districts, including the National Landmark Historic District, the Victorian District and the Thomas Square Streetcar Historic District (a.k.a. the Starland District). Each neighborhood has its own unique personality and offers historic homes, a pedestrian-friendly environment and incredible amenities located within walking distance.
When General James Edward Oglethorpe founded Savannah in 1733 as England’s thirteenth colony in North America, he developed a unique city plan that has since been hailed as one of the world’s finest examples of urban planning.
Bounded to the west by Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, to the east by East Broad Street, to the north by the Savannah River and to the south by Gwinnett Street, Savannah’s National Historic Landmark District features a pedestrian-friendly system of squares, streets and trust lots that has earned international acclaim.
With its incredible selection of historic and luxury properties, Savannah’s National Historic Landmark District is hotter than ever. Savannah stands apart as a city of rare natural beauty. In the springtime, the Landmark District is adorned with blooming azaleas, and Spanish moss drapes the stately live oaks year-round.
Savannah’s legendary beauty moved Union General William T. Sherman to spare the city on his infamous “March to the Sea.” Instead, he presented the city as a symbolic Christmas gift to President Abraham Lincoln in 1864.
In Savannah, history reigns supreme in 22 city squares surrounded by museums, churches, mansions, boutiques, cafes and more. With buildings that are virtual work of arts – showcasing a wide range of antebellum, Victorian, Georgian and Colonial styles – the Landmark District also offers exceptional green spaces in the heart of the city, including the dazzling jewel, Forsyth Park, which is Savannah’s very own Central Park.
From magnificent mansions to quaint cottages, there truly is something for everyone in Savannah’s National Historic Landmark District at a wide range of price points. Fortunately, there are still deals to be discovered in the downtown area and plenty of opportunities for anyone interested in calling the Landmark District home.
The bright colors, wood-frame homes and intricate architectural details of Savannah’s Victorian District distinguish this post-Civil War neighborhood from surrounding areas, including the National Historic Landmark District to the north and the Thomas Square Streetcar Historic District to the south.
Although Savannah was originally founded in 1733, the city eventually grew beyond the original urban plan developed by General James Edward Oglethorpe. With the southward expansion of the city in the 1880s and 1890s, the Victorian District offered the opportunity for local families to build large, freestanding homes on spacious lots.
The Victorian District earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and stands apart one of Savannah’s most popular residential areas, offering convenient access to a wide range of amenities, including local restaurants, shops and cafes. Bounded to the west by Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, to the east by East Broad Street, to the north by Gwinnett Street and the south by Anderson Lane, the Victorian District showcases a colorful collection of frame homes with wrap-around porches and elaborate trim accents – all of which are located within walking distance of Forsyth Park.
Prices in the Victorian District have been strong in recent years and are generally lower than those in the National Historic Landmark District, offering the opportunity for buyers to get more house for their money in this family-friendly neighborhood. The quality of construction is high, as home builders and artisans in the Victorian era were known for their craftsmanship and attention to detail.
In addition, the Victorian District offers easy access to Forsyth Park, Savannah’s crown jewel, offering 30 acres of green space in the heart of the downtown area. This lush oasis serves as the perfect place to take your dog for a walk, enjoy a romantic picnic on a sunny afternoon, join a pick-up game of ultimate frisbee or attend a live concert under the stars. Residents of the Victorian District love the quality of life and can start their day with a cappuccino at Sentient Bean, stroll over to the Forsyth Park Farmers Market for fresh produce and enjoy lunch in the park.
Dozens of local businesses are located within walking distance, and many shop and café owners are on a first-name basis with local residents in this friendly neighborhood. Best of all, the Victorian District offers a variety of real estate options, from cozy condos to spacious wood-frame homes. The neighborhood features an extensive inventory of single-family residences as well as duplexes and multi-family homes. First-time home buyers as well as longtime residents consider Savannah’s Victorian District to be a great place to call home. Take the time to see all that this popular neighborhood offers and find the perfect residence to fit your lifestyle.
From 1880 until the roaring 1920s, streetcars made it possible for Savannahians to live in what is now known as the Starland District or the Thomas Square Streetcar Historic District. The ease of public transportation supported the development of Savannah’s first suburb, featuring large home sites and a remarkable collection of architectural styles, ranging from Queen Anne Victorian to Neoclassical Revival.
Named after the old Starland Dairy that once served as an anchor on Bull Street, the Starland neighborhood is currently experiencing a renaissance, appealing to a wide range of real estate buyers. The New York Times has described the area as a “creative incubator,” attracting artists, entrepreneurs and Savannah College of Art and Design students. Southern Living recently named this dynamic area the #1 Neighborhood in the South.
Bounded to the west by Montgomery Street, to the east by East Broad Street, to the north by Anderson Lane and the south by Victory Drive, the Thomas Square Streetcar Historic District has gone through many changes over the years and has become one of Savannah’s hottest neighborhoods.
The Starland neighborhood has been lovingly restored, with magnificent Victorian homes lining shady streets. Popular restaurants like The Vault, Cotton & Rye, Squirrel’s Pizza, Bull Street Taco and Green Truck Pub and inviting cafes like Foxy Loxy and Henny Penny now serve as a magnet, attracting residents from across the area. With its selection of food trucks, the Starland Yard provides a casual, family-friendly destination for food and drink in the heart of the neighborhood.
In recent years, the Starland neighborhood has seen significant increases in property values, as the neighborhood’s reputation has grown. Now is a great time to invest in this vibrant neighborhood, which offers an exceptional experience for families, young professionals, students and retirees.
Staci Donegan | 2025 | All Rights Reserved