The Top 9 Neighborhoods in Savannah, GA

Are you moving to Savannah, GA? Each of these Savannah, GA neighborhoods has its unique charm and features that make it a great place to call home. So whether you’re looking for quiet suburban living or vibrant city living, Savannah has something to offer everyone.

If you’re looking for the best neighborhoods in Savannah, GA, to live in, you’ll want to consider these areas for your move to Savannah.

Ardsley Park

Ardsley Park is a beautiful, historic neighborhood just a short distance from downtown Savannah. This area is known for its large homes and tree-lined streets.

Ardsley Park (alternatively known as Ardsley Park-Chatham Crescent or Ardsley Park-Chatham Crescent-Ardmore) is Savannah’s first suburb.

These days, it’s only a short car ride from the city center, making it a viable choice for young professionals, families, and retirees – essentially anyone looking for the peace and security of an established neighborhood with the opportunity to go out on occasion. The area lies between Victory Drive (55th Street), Water Avenue, Bull Street, and Waters Avenue.

Ardsley Park was first built in 1910, but the majority of the houses were built during the 1930s and 1940s. Many Ardsley homes have Craftsman features, but later homes drew inspiration from the sprawling ranch designs that became popular after World War II.

Ardsley Park’s various architectural eras and house sizes are unified by numerous open public spaces and oak-shaded thoroughfares. While Ardsley used to be exclusive for the most well-off families, but today its residents come from all walks of life.

The neighborhood had six homes for sale in February 2022, with a median list price of $583,900.

Dutch Island

Dutch Island is the perfect place if you’re looking for a beautiful, peaceful neighborhood to call home. This picturesque community is located on the Intracoastal Waterway north of Savannah and offers stunning views of the water. The homes in this area are also some of the most luxurious in all of Savannah, so Dutch Island is worth considering if you’re looking for luxury living.

The homes in this charming rural area lie within a 500-acre private, gated community. Dutch Island offers enough to keep everyone occupied with a communal pool, plenty of boat slips, and other leisure activities available.

In February 2022, Dutch island had 12 homes listed with a median price of $560,000.

Sandfly & Isle of Hope

The historic Sandfly neighborhood has grown to be one of the most popular in town, with a growing number of one-of-a-kind shops and exceptional dining options. This charming community is located just minutes away from downtown Savannah and offers residents easy access to all of the city’s amenities and attractions.

The nearby Isle of Hope is a residential area on the Intracoastal Waterway with magnificent 19th and early 20th-century mansions and gorgeous live oaks. The island was formerly known as “L’Isle Desperance” and was used by pirates to hide their treasure.

Isle of Hope homes display a variety of architectural styles, including Greek Revival, Victorian Eclectic, Neoclassical, and Craftsman Bungalow. Tidal inlets encircle the historic plantations and waterfront properties. The Wormsloe Plantation’s dramatic entrance, lined with lush oak trees, is a favorite photo spot for photographers and was even used in the film The General’s Daughter as a backdrop.

The Isle of Hope Marina is located on Bluff Drive, which runs along the island’s eastern side and passes through some of its most lovely and picturesque scenery.

Sandfly had only had one home for sale in February 2022 with a list price of $549,000.

Midtown

If you want to be in the middle of all the action, Midtown is your place. This central neighborhood is home to some of Savannah’s best restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. Midtown is also convenient to both downtown and the airport, so it’s the perfect place to call home if you’re looking for easy access to everything Savannah has to offer.

There’s some disagreement about which areas of Savannah make up Midtown. Still, one thing is certain: the lovely region boasts stunning residential districts, incredible restaurants, and a variety of unique locally owned businesses. Habersham Woods and Kensington Park are notable residential areas with gorgeous early 20th-century dwellings.

Midtown Savannah has a variety of one-of-a-kind, locally owned stores. Several fantastic dining options are available in the Habersham Village region. The availability of parking is an advantage to shopping in Midtown. It’s simple to find parking near storefronts in Habersham Village, including Bay Camera Company, Habersham Beverage, and Punch & Judy, Georgia’s oldest baby and children’s store. The 12 Oaks Mall and Abercorn Walk are two of Midtown’s popular shopping, dining, and entertainment places.

Groveland and Kensington Park, which were established in 1950, are two of Savannah’s most well-known post-war neighborhoods. Breaking from Savannah’s grid design tradition, designers created curving streets and cul-de-sacs to break rank with conventional patterns. Groveland and Kensington Park homes include mid-century ranch and split-level houses that exemplify post-war architecture. Although some of the properties have been altered over time, the mid-century origins Groveland and Kensington Park have helped the neighborhoods earn a place on the National Register of Historic Places.

Midtown had 177 homes for sale with a median list price of $275,000 in February 2022.

Southside

Another excellent option for spacious urban living is Southside. The city’s commercial district is only a 15- to 20-minute drive from downtown Savannah with easy access to Truman Parkway. There are two major shopping malls in the area and many popular chain eateries.

Its proximity to the Savannah Mall no longer defines life in Southside. Georgia Southern University’s recent merger with Armstrong State University has boosted the area, bringing in a surge of students, personnel, and visitors from the Statesboro campus looking for cultural activities and accessibility in Savannah.

Part of the Southside region, Coffee Bluff is a small residential community on the banks of the Little Ogeechee River, where the lawns are always clean. The Coffee Bluff Marina offers inshore fishing and sightseeing excursions for anglers. The Carmelite Monastery provides a welcome atmosphere. To the west, Georgetown boasts proximity to Georgia Southern University at Armstrong; Vernonburg is about equidistant — and on the Vernon River — to the east.

February 2022 reported 172 homes for sale with the median list price of $285,300.

Starland District

If you’re looking for a hip and trendy neighborhood, Starland District is where to be. This vibrant area is home to some of Savannah’s hippest restaurants, shops, and nightlife spots. The homes in this area are also some of the most unique in Savannah.

The Starland District formerly housed the Starland Dairy and is today a center for Charlotte’s creative minds. It was purposefully developed as an artistic epicenter by former students at the nearby Savannah College of Art and Design.

The neighborhood was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1997 and is made up of stunning late 19th-century houses, local cafés, businesses, and galleries. Many restaurants and businesses are actually converted Victorian-style homes, providing each one its distinct ambiance.

South Historic District

The most luxurious urban living in Savannah is in the South Historic District. This elegant neighborhood is home to some of the city’s most prestigious hotels and restaurants. The homes in this area are also some of the most expensive in all of Savannah, so if you’re looking for high-end living, the South Historic District is definitely the place.

The Downtown Historic District is, in fact, America’s first planned city, and it features tidy squares and magnificent townhouses beneath a canopy of lazy oaks dripping with Spanish moss. This coveted area is officially defined by Bay, Gaston, Price and Montgomery streets, though some may think its southern limit is at the end of Forsyth Park on Park Avenue.

The nation’s largest historic landmark district includes the country’s oldest public art museum and a railway museum. You’ll be near the city’s top tourist attractions and a collection of world-class dining and shopping options.

The Historic District encompasses much of the city’s historic core and is jam-packed with meticulously, lovingly restored architectural gems dating back hundreds of years.

The South Historic District had 15 homes for sale in February 2022, with a median list price of $2.3 million.

Hutchinson Island

Hutchinson Island is an up-and-coming neighborhood surrounded by the Savannah River with great potential. This beautiful community connects to downtown with the Talmadge Memorial Bridge and offers stunning views of the city skyline. The Club at Savannah Harbor golf course and the city’s convention center are on the island.

The homes in this area are also some of the most appreciating in all of Savannah, so if you’re looking for great value, Hutchinson Island is worth considering.

Hutchinson Island had no homes for sale in February 2022. The most recent sale was for a 15-acre lot for $5.2 million.

The Landings at Skidaway Island

For a secluded and private neighborhood to call home, The Landings at Skidaway Island is a high-demand place to live. This quiet gated community is located minutes away from downtown. Lucky waterfront residents have stunning views of rivers and marshlands.

Skidaway Island is home to some of Savannah’s most luxurious homes, so this is the neighborhood for you if you’re looking for a top-notch living experience. The Landings provides resort-style living with six golf courses, two deep-water marinas, a 48,000-square-foot health and fitness center, and seven onsite dining choices are all accessible.

Skidaway Island State Park and the University of Georgia’s Marine Education Center and Aquarium. You can also get a bite to eat and check out the shops in the island’s shopping center, The Village. Gardeners and beekeepers alike can work with the two-acre farm.

Enjoy a stroll around the neighborhood’s over 30 miles of interconnected walking and bike trails. On days when you want to work out indoors, check out the fitness center, one of the “Healthiest Clubs in America,” according to Prevo Health Solutions.

The Landings on Skidaway Island had six homes for sale in February 2022, with the median list price of $1.3 million.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Neighborhoods in Savannah, GA

Is Savannah, GA, a walkable city?

Savannah is one of the most walkable cities in the U.S., especially in its historic downtown area. With a Walk Score of 57, many residents and visitors find it easy to navigate the city’s charming squares, parks, and streets on foot. Neighborhoods like the Historic District and Victorian District offer proximity to shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, making daily errands and leisure activities conveniently accessible without a car.

Is it better to retire in Savannah or Charleston?

Both Savannah, GA, and Charleston, SC, are excellent retirement choices, filled with Southern charm, but they offer different benefits. Savannah boasts a lower cost of living, with the median home price around $ $412,300 compared to Charleston’s $734,900. Savannah’s charming historic districts, warm climate, and vibrant cultural scene, including numerous festivals and events, appeal to retirees seeking a relaxed yet engaging lifestyle. Meanwhile, Charleston offers more luxury real estate options and a more extensive dining scene, but at a higher cost. Ultimately, the choice depends on budget and lifestyle preferences.

What is a comfortable salary in Savannah, GA?

To live comfortably in Savannah, a single person typically needs an annual salary of around $50,000 to $60,000. This includes average housing costs, utilities, transportation, food, and healthcare. A comfortable annual salary for a family of four is approximately $80,000 to $100,000, which includes additional expenses such as childcare and education.

What are the benefits of living in Savannah?

Living in Savannah offers numerous benefits, including a relatively low cost of living and a rich cultural and historical heritage. The city’s mild climate, with an average annual temperature of 67°F, allows for year-round outdoor activities. Savannah’s vibrant arts scene, diverse dining options, and proximity to beautiful coastal areas like Tybee Island enhance its appeal. The community’s strong sense of history and preservation and its friendly atmosphere make Savannah a unique and inviting place to call home.

What is the nicest suburb of Savannah?

Richmond Hill is often regarded as the nicest suburb of Savannah, offering a blend of upscale living, a strong sense of community, and family-friendly amenities. Known for its excellent schools, low crime rate, and attractive Georgia real estate, Richmond Hill provides a suburban feel with convenient access to Savannah’s urban amenities. The median home price in Richmond Hill is around $$416,175, reflecting its desirability as a residential area with well-planned communities and green spaces.

What are the islands near Savannah, and which is the best one to live on?

The islands near Savannah, GA, are a group of picturesque coastal islands east of the city, known for their unique blend of natural beauty and convenient proximity to the city. These islands include Wilmington Island, Whitemarsh Island, Talahi Island, Oatland Island, Isle of Hope, and Tybee Island, each offering distinct living environments and lifestyles

Wilmington Island: This island has a suburban feel and offers a variety of housing options, from waterfront properties to family-friendly neighborhoods. The median home price is approximately $527,000. Residents enjoy amenities such as parks, marinas, and local shopping centers, along with well-regarded schools like May Howard Elementary.

Whitemarsh Island: Known for its mix of suburban living and natural landscapes, Whitemarsh Island features creeks and marshes that offer ample opportunities for outdoor activities. The median home price is around $$484,500. Its convenient location provides easy access to both downtown Savannah and Tybee Island.

Talahi Island: Characterized by its spacious lots and serene, rural atmosphere, Talahi Island is ideal for those seeking more privacy and a connection with nature. Homes have a median price of about $520,000. The island’s tranquility and proximity to recreational areas make it appealing for nature lovers.

Oatland Island: Home to the Oatland Island Wildlife Center, this island emphasizes nature and wildlife conservation while offering a quiet residential setting. The median home price is around $700,000. It’s a unique community with educational and recreational opportunities centered around the wildlife center.

Isle of Hope: Slightly further from Savannah’s center, Isle of Hope is famous for its historic homes, stunning river views, and a close-knit community atmosphere. The median home price is approximately $600,000. Its picturesque setting and rich history make it a highly desirable place to live.

Tybee Island: Known for its vibrant beach town atmosphere, Tybee Island offers a range of homes, from charming beach cottages to modern condos. The median home price is around $799,000. Tybee Island is popular for its sandy beaches, laid-back lifestyle, and annual events, making it ideal for those who love coastal living and recreational activities like boating and fishing.

Each of these islands provides a unique living experience, from suburban convenience and historic charm to serene natural settings and beachfront living, all while maintaining a close connection to Savannah. For many, Tybee Island is a favorite due to its proximity to the city, flawless beaches, and abundant living perks.

Finding the right Savannah neighborhood for you

With so many beautiful and historic areas to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. Savannah has luxurious resort-style living, historic homes in a thriving downtown core, and everything in between.

If you’re thinking of relocating to Savannah, be sure to check out these fabulous neighborhoods! You won’t be disappointed. For alternative places to live, check out these top Savannah suburbs.