Savannah 81 Exceptional
Savannah Livability #8 ranked city in Georgia#1,337 ranked city in the USARanks better than 95% of areas

Savannah, GA - The Hostess City of the South

Savannah, GA, known as 'The Hostess City of the South,' offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern urban amenities. Located in Chatham County, Savannah is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Atlanta (250 miles) and Charleston (108 miles) enhance its status as a central point in the region. Savannah's blend of historic landmarks, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Savannah is home to several iconic landmarks, including the Forsyth Park, the historic Savannah Historic District, and the scenic River Street. The city offers a variety of attractions, from the beautiful Bonaventure Cemetery to the bustling City Market, known for its shopping and dining. Savannah's dining scene is diverse, offering everything from Southern cuisine to international dishes.

Annual events such as the Savannah Music Festival and the Savannah Food & Wine Festival highlight the city's vibrant cultural scene and provide unique entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors. These events celebrate Savannah's rich cultural heritage and community spirit. Prestigious institutions like the Savannah College of Art and Design contribute to the city's academic and cultural vibrancy, fostering a thriving intellectual community.

The arts and culture scene in Savannah is dynamic and diverse, with numerous theaters, music venues, and art galleries. The Savannah Theatre and the Telfair Museums are just a few of the cultural landmarks that showcase the city's commitment to the arts. Living in Savannah provides ample opportunities to engage with art, music, and history, making it an exciting place to call home.

Savannah’s community is welcoming and diverse, creating a friendly environment for newcomers. The city is home to professional sports teams like the Savannah Bananas (Coastal Plain League), providing plenty of excitement for sports fans. Major industries in Savannah include tourism, healthcare, and education, with significant employers such as Memorial Health University Medical Center and Gulfstream Aerospace driving economic growth. The city has extensive public transit options, including buses and ferries, making commuting convenient for residents.

Pros and Cons of Living in Savannah

PROS
  • Amenities

    Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.

  • Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Cost Of Living

    Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.

  • Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

CONS
  • Schools

    The low schools score might be a result of factors like lower than average education levels, lackluster reading and math scores and the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools.

  • Ratings

    Through surveys and polls, AreaVibes obtained feedback from local residents in the area, and the results did not indicate a favorable outlook on factors like local amenities and the safety of the area.

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What's it like Living in Savannah?

Savannah, Georgia is a moderately-sized city with a population of 145,492 residents. Savannah is mostly populated by White (38%) and Black or African American (54%) ethnic groups. Savannah tends to attract a younger crowd, as the median age of 33 is far below the national average. Savannah is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 38%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Savannah will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 21 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Savannah, Georgia could be a good experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, commute, health & safety, education, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Savannah and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Savannah to Georgia and the national average.

Savannah, GA receives 79 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #10 in Georgia and #1,423 in the USA. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Savannah could be a great choice! Savannah has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Savannah has been rewarded with high marks for cost of living (A+) and housing (B+). There is at least one category that did not score well in Savannah. The following was graded with a disappointing score: crime (D-), education (F) and employment (D).

If you're considering living in Savannah, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Savannah provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. Some of the interesting things to do and attractions include: Historic Savannah Theatre, Oglethorpe Trolley Tours, and Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Savannah can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Savannah is real estate affordability. The median home price for Savannah homes is $162,300, which is 6.5% higher than the Georgia average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Savannah, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.5, which is 16.7% higher than the Georgia average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Savannah

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Savannah?

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Compare Savannah, GA Livability

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      Savannah transportation information

      Statistic Savannah Georgia National
      Average one way commute21min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work71.3%79.6%76.4%
      Workers who carpool10.3%10.1%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit4.2%2.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.4%0.2%0.6%
      Workers who walk4.7%1.6%2.8%
      Working from home6.4%5.1%4.6%
      Source: The Savannah, GA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).