Savannah is a small city with a big, welcoming heart for those who chose to live here. With its inviting neighborhoods, rich history, natural beauty, temperate weather, lively cultural scene and incredible quality of life, it’s no wonder that Savannah frequently rises to the top of national “best places to live” lists.
Here are a few of the many reasons why Savannah is a great place to call home:
HIGH ELEVATION – General James Edward Oglethorpe originally settled Savannah on a high bluff along the Savannah River in 1733, strategically selecting high ground along the coast that would be ideal for England’s thirteenth colony. Today, Savannah’s National Landmark Historic District has the distinction of being as high as 49 feet above sea level, unlike other coastal area like Hilton Head Island and Charleston, which are only 10 and 20 feet above sea level respectively.
DIRECT FLIGHTS – A growing number of direct, non-stop flights from Savannah can transport residents to 17 U.S airports including Atlanta, New York, Chicago, Dallas, Boston and Houston, making Savannah increasingly accessible and appealing to work-from-home professionals as well as commuters. In addition, Condè Nast Travelerrecently ranked the Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport as #1 on its list of the nation’s Top 10 Airports.
INCREDIBLE QUALITY OF LIFE – Buyers are attracted to the quality of life in Savannah, with world-class dining, shopping, arts and stunning natural beauty. Savannah’s vibrant art scene, easy access to the water and welcoming atmosphere contribute to the remarkable quality of life in Georgia’s First City. Home to the Savannah College of Art and Design, the Savannah Philharmonic and the Savannah Film Festival, Savannah has one of the region’s most vibrant cultural scenes. In addition, many notable music festivals call our city home, including the Savannah Music Festival, the Savannah Jazz Festival and the Savannah Stopover Festival.
ACCLAIMED CITY PLAN – Oglethorpe’s timeless, classic city plan – which is incredibly livable and pedestrian-friendly – continues to appeal to a broad demographic who live, work and play in downtown Savannah. Oglethorpe’s city plan, which features a stunning network of squares and trust lots, was originally developed in the 18th century, but its timelessness appeals to 21st century residents. That forward-thinking city plan has set the tone for Savannah as a leader in urban planning and livability for nearly three centuries.
VARIETY OF REAL ESTATE – From homes in Pooler gated communities close to I-95 to cottages on the beach on Tybee Island, there’s truly something for everyone in Savannah. Savannah offers an incredible diversity of real estate options, whether buyers want to live downtown, at the beach, on the water or on the golf course.
A pedestrian and bike-friendly mecca, Savannah is defined by its diverse neighborhoods, each of which has its own unique appeal, style and personality.
POSITIVE EXPOSURE – Savannah continues to earn accolades for its beauty, history, charm and quality of life. Recently, the city has been honored by Travel + Leisure as one of the Best Cities for Food in the U.S., by Southern Living as one of the South’s Best Cities and by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the Best Places to Retire in the U.S. In Condè Nast Traveler’s recent Readers’ Choice Awards, Savannah was ranked the #3 city in the United States to visit. Last year, after analyzing metrics for 750 metropolitan areas, Forbes magazine ranked Savannah among the top 25 cities in America for retirees to live, based on wide range of data, including housing costs, the overall cost of living, taxes, health care and climate.
From Savannah’s squares, the walkable, bikeable city spreads out through dozens of neighborhoods, from the National Historic Landmark District to the Starland District, Ardsley Park, Parkside, Coffee Bluff, Skidaway Island and Tybee Island, with many unique communities in between.
Today’s home buyers are discovering what visitors have always known: Savannah is a great place to live, work and play. Take the time to explore Savannah’s neighborhoods and to discover why Savannah truly is an ideal place to call home.
Staci Donegan is an Associate Broker at Seabolt Real Estate who provides highly professional, strategic solutions for buyers and sellers throughout the Savannah area. She can be reached at staci@stacidonegan.com or 912-247-2052.
