Seabolt Real Estate Associate Broker Staci Donegan — one of Savannah, Georgia’s top real estate agents — addresses frequently asked questions about Savannah’s real estate market. From the most popular neighborhoods to Savannah vs. Charleston comparisons, Staci has answers to help buyers at every price point.
Q. What are the major differences between the real estate markets in Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina?
A. Savannah and Charleston are often compared due to their similar coastal location and notoriety for stunning historic homes. However, there are a several differences to consider before purchasing a home in Savannah or Charleston. The average price of Savannah area homes is notably lower than a similar size home in Charleston.
In addition, Savannah’s city plan, which includes a network of squares and parks, offers more green space and wider streets, resulting in larger trust lots than those in the more densely populated streets of Charleston. The price per square foot is lower in Savannah, plus the cost of living in Charleston is approximately 7% higher, factoring in utilities and lifestyle expenses.
Savannah also has a higher elevation than Charleston and is more insulated due to the Savannah bight, which is the “cut” along the Georgia coastline. Savannah lies at the geographic center of the bight, and occupies the westernmost spot on the U.S. Eastern seaboard. Most of Savannah’s historic district averages nearly 20 feet higher in elevation than downtown Charleston – and every foot of elevation counts during hurricane season. This unique geographical location, combined with the natural elevation of downtown Savannah, provides an added measure of safety from the path of most Atlantic hurricanes.
Q. Is Savannah a good place to retire?
A. Savannah is an excellent place to retire. In fact, Retirement Living recently named Savannah one of the “Top 10 Best Cities to Retire in Georgia,” citing the affordable home prices and senior-friendly activities.
The green space provided by the Historic District’s 23 squares and parks are perfect for leisurely walks and countless museums offer discounts for those 65+ as well as veterans. Savannah-area retirees benefit from the Hostess City’s close proximity to major cities, such as Atlanta, Charleston and Jacksonville, and direct flights from the award-winning Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport to practically anywhere their heart desires, including metro areas like New York, Boston, Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Miami, Charlotte and more.
Most importantly, Savannah is home to three hospitals — Memorial Health University Medical Center, St. Joseph’s and Candler — providing excellent healthcare for seniors.
Q. What are the most popular neighborhoods in Savannah?
A. The beauty of Savannah is that it truly offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a walkable urban lifestyle, a home with a history, a gated community with golf course amenities, a beachfront retreat or a waterfront estate, Savannah has housing options at every price point.
Currently, some of the most popular neighborhoods include Savannah’s National Historic Landmark District, which includes hundreds of architecturally significant properties, as well as Isle of Hope, which offers scenic Bluff Drive overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. The Landings on Skidaway Island offers championship golf courses, upscale homes and gated security. The Islands, including Whitemarsh Island, Talahi Island and Wilmington Island, are coveted for their family-friendly communities and multitude of marinas for boating enthusiasts. These coastal areas combine natural beauty with all of the ease and privacy of suburban living.
Another hotspot is on Savannah’s westside in the Pooler area, which is filled with move-in-ready, new construction homes. Pooler is home to major employers, such as Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Hyundai, JCB and many logistics companies that utilize the Port of Savannah, the single largest container terminal in America.
Q. What makes Savannah a great place to live?
A. Savannah is a great place to live because it offers a high quality of life for a lower cost of living. From its cobblestone streets and beautifully preserved architecture, Savannah offers unmatched charm and a legacy as Georgia’s first city. The homes tend to be larger and sell for significantly less than other major metropolitan areas.
Known as the Hostess City for its quintessential Southern hospitality, Savannah is a friendly and welcoming community that is always ready to entertain with world-class dining, shopping, arts and entertainment, including the Savannah Bananas baseball team, Savannah Music Festival and Savannah Film Festival presented by the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).
The temperate climate offers warm, sunny days most of the year and mild winters without the hassles or dangers, associated with snow and ice. In addition, Savannah's iconic squares make the Landmark District easy to navigate and highly walkable.