If you go to Atlanta, the first question people ask you is, "What's your business?" In Macon they ask, "Where do you go to church?" In Augusta they ask your grandmother's maiden name. But in Savannah the first question people ask you is "What would you like to drink? - Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil
Many people consider Downtown Savannah the most beautiful downtown in the country - and Jones street the most beautiful street in that most beautiful downtown. It is unchanged in 170 years with stunning brick architecture, brick roads and beautiful streets lined with southern live oaks that drape the sidewalks and cool the blocks. There really is nothing like it and this area alone is worth the trip and an anchor for a city beloved by locals.
Here's a local with some pros on living in Savannah:
-It doesn't feel like a major city so much as a very large small town. no skyscrapers
-Very walkable if you don't have any mobility issues
-Streets are on a grid which makes navigating on foot easy
-Downtown is absolutely as beautiful as it looks in the photos
-Getting drunk walking around downtown IS pretty fun
For more reviews of what living in Savannah is like from locals check out: The Buzz
Savannah has two prolific bugs. Sand gnats (very small biting flies) that can drive people crazy, and Palmetto bugs (big cockroaches with a more pleasant name). If you don’t mind bugs then never fear. If you hate them then you are suitably warned.
Here are some thoughts from a born and raised local about the bugs here:
What we call Cockroaches (others call them Palmetto Bugs) are in the cleanest and neatest of homes. Having a monthly exterminator come spray keeps them at bay for the most part.
Lots of talk about gnats and mosquitoes that I agree with, but another bug I didn't notice was mentioned are Fire Ants. They are one of those species that weren't around when I was a kid, but found a home in the South
Savannah has a reputation for extreme friendliness mixed with a dose of peculiarity. That was well represented in the book and movie, Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil. The southern charm overflows here and the restaurant scene, bars and general culture are ripe with that welcoming vibe. The city is an interesting mix of heavy tourism downtown and family-focused neighborhoods surrounding that booming center.
One downside to the city is considered to be the lack of higher-end white collar jobs. Not unusual for heavy tourist-trade smaller cities, but something to consider nonetheless. Moving here without a gig is ok if you’re looking for service jobs but rougher for building a career. The lack of big business in the area suppresses the job opportunities.
If you want to see how Savannah plays and gets culture check out the calendar of events: https://www.visitsavannah.com/events
If you can work remotely and want to live in the city many consider to be the most beautiful in the country (and considerably less expensive than those other popular northern/western cities) then put Savannah on your shortlist.
Savannah can be tricky for young professionals as the more obvious downtown areas that would be populated by renters in other cities are instead filled with the original beautiful homes from nearly 200 years ago. That means you're going to be in third-floor walkups in older converted buildings or carriage house apartments. There are new apartment/condos that have gone up in more recent years on the edges of downtown so keep your eye out.
The Victorian District is a neighborhood on the rise that draws singles and young couples (along with smaller families and retirees) attracted to the older homes and interested in preservation/renovation of those not yet fixed up. It’s a beautiful part of downtown that is unique from the more touristy areas and so is less frenetic when the youngsters are ready to get a bit more quiet but not yet bail to the suburbs.
Savannah has plenty of stunning neighborhoods for families, and more downtown than most cities of even bigger sizes. The Historic District is certainly one of these although the homes are harder to come by. There are areas of the Historic District that have smaller, still beautiful, but more affordable homes including, Parkside District and Starland District. Parkside is more affordable than the center of the Historic District and it is near Daffin Park, which has a swimming pool, basketball courts and playgrounds so kiddos of all ages can recreate.
West Chatham is another great option that is a more traditional neighborhood. It has one of the best golf courses in the entire state and there are luxurious and more reasonably priced homes in the area to serve those looking to live fabulously and those on a more modest budget.
