Best Neighborhoods in Savannah: Savannah Neighborhood Guide for Homebuyers
From the beautiful architecture of the historic district to the vibrant downtown area, plus the fun that awaits residents on the islands, Savannah, Georgia, is a popular place to live. For new construction homes, some of the best neighborhoods for homebuyers in Savannah are in the city’s suburbs, such as Wilmington Island, Pooler, and Richmond Hill. This guide will explore a few of the best neighborhoods around Savannah, GA, and all they offer.
Summary:
- Best Neighborhoods in Savannah, GA
- Why Choose Savannah Suburbs for Your New Home
- Best Suburbs in Savannah for New Construction Homes
- Which Savannah Neighborhood Is Right for You?
- New Build Homes in Savannah
- Savannah Neighborhoods Conclusion
Best Neighborhoods in Savannah, GA
Though Savannah is often synonymous with the historic district’s swaying live oak trees covered in Spanish moss, cobblestone streets, and famous squares, there are many other lovely neighborhoods in the city to discover. Let’s start by exploring a few of Savannah’s districts.Gateway
Also known as the Georgetown area, the Gateway district, as the name suggests, leads you directly into Savannah from I-95. It’s where I-95, Abercorn Street, and Fort Argyle Road connect. There are dozens of hotels in the area, along with the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, Wetlands Preserve Park, and Keller’s Flea Market, which has been open since 1985.
Southside
The Southside district is where you find malls, grocery stores, and department stores, compared to downtown and the historic district, which have boutiques and other hidden gems for shopping. This area is in a central location, making it ideal for commuting.
Midtown
Boundary lines between Savannah’s districts are fluid. Though locals often refer to anything before entering downtown as Midtown, this district specifically encompasses Hunter Army Airfield, the city’s hospitals and medical centers, Daffin Park, and Grayson Stadium, where you can watch a Savannah Bananas baseball game. Midtown also includes Habersham Village, full of restaurants, shops, and historic homes.
Starland District
The Starland District is known for its quirky vibes, one-of-a-kind shops, and unique eateries. While you won’t find many homes in this area, it’s a great place to wander on a Saturday.
Moon River District
Moon River District is just beyond Midtown and alongside the Isle of Hope. This area has the iconic Wormsloe State Historic Site with its picturesque live oak-lined driveway.
Why Choose Savannah Suburbs for Your New Home
While downtown Savannah has lots of charm and beauty, finding a home there can be challenging, especially within an affordable price range. However, the suburbs of Savannah offer both old and new construction homes. Let’s discover some of the best suburbs of Savannah, GA, for raising a family, enjoying a slower lifestyle, or simply offering a balance between your home and work life.
Best Suburbs in Savannah for New Construction Homes
The best suburbs near Savannah, GA, are close to downtown and include new construction communities. Whether you want easy water access or a suburb with a small-town feel, the outskirts of Savannah are a great place to look for life in the Lowcountry.
Pooler
Pooler, Georgia, is an up-and-coming area and now a popular place to live with apartments, neighborhoods, easy access to grocery stores and restaurants, and a Tanger Outlet shopping center. Pooler is a convenient commute from downtown Savannah through one of two highways. Pooler is also near the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport.
Richmond Hill
Richmond Hill is one of the best neighborhoods in Savannah. Residents get a small, close-knit community feel paired with the classic laid-back coastal lifestyle. Located in Bryan County, the city is south of Savannah and an easy drive on Interstate 95. Richmond Hill has a quality school system, plus grocery stores, the Pooler outlets, downtown fun, the beaches on Tybee, and the rivers of the Lowcountry are all within reach.
Whitemarsh Island
Sitting just outside of downtown Savannah is Whitemarsh Island. Residents in this suburb enjoy easy access to Savannah’s waterways and are also on the same island as the Oatland Island Wildlife Center. Open daily, the wildlife center can be a fun way to pass the time with family and friends on a weekend or during the summer with its animals, events, educational programming, and trails.
Wilmington Island
Another of the best neighborhoods around Savannah, GA, and also a barrier island, is Wilmington Island. The area consists primarily of the road to Tybee, nearby historic landmarks like Fort Pulaski, and marsh-front estates.
Skidaway Island
With vibrant Savannah on one side and myriad rivers, creeks, and wildlife on the other, Skidaway Island blends easy access to city life with the tranquility of nature. Skidaway Island State Park has beautiful marsh and wetland scenery, perfect for hiking the six miles of trails or bird-watching. The island is also next to Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge, which has more than 10,000 acres of beaches, sand dunes, and trails to explore.
Which Savannah Neighborhood Is Right for You?
When deciding on the best neighborhood to live in Savannah, GA, factoring the location into your decision is essential. Among Savannah’s best neighborhoods, consider which one most appeals to your lifestyle and needs.
Commuter-Friendly Savannah Neighborhoods
These are good neighborhoods in Savannah, GA, for commuters since they’re all located near major thoroughfares:
- Pooler: Pooler is directly off of I-95, allowing easy access to fast local and interstate travel. The city is near Highway 16 (which leads into Savannah) and Highway 80 (which runs east and west).
- Richmond Hill: Richmond Hill has several exits off of I-95, making it perfect for people who need a convenient commute to downtown, Pooler, or the area’s military bases. Depending on where you live in Richmond Hill, you could also take Highway 17, which becomes Highway 204 (the Harry Truman Parkway) and leads to several routes in and around Savannah.
Best Neighborhoods in Savannah for Families
If you’re looking for a more secluded lifestyle away from bustling downtown but located near convenient amenities, these are the best neighborhoods around Savannah, GA:
- Richmond Hill: Richmond Hill is the perfect suburb for families and individuals alike, especially if you’re considering either of Pulte’s communities in the area. Residents can enjoy a serene setting and close-knit community while enjoying everything Savannah offers within a convenient drive.
- Wilmington Island: Wilmington Island is a popular suburb of Savannah for people who may work in the city or Pooler but want a quieter life for themselves or their families.
Savannah Neighborhoods for the Active Outdoor Enthusiast
With so much natural beauty to explore, there is no shortage of outdoor adventures to experience in Savannah. These are the best neighborhoods to live in Savannah for active outdoor enthusiasts:
- Whitemarsh Island: Whitemarsh Island is great for people who want to kayak, canoe, and travel the intracoastal waterways of Savannah and Georgia’s barrier islands. The Wilmington River hugs one end of Whitemarsh and connects to other rivers nearby.
- Tybee Island: If it’s a coastal lifestyle you seek, then Tybee Island is the place to be. You’ll be close to both the ocean and the island’s waterways. Tybee Island is the best neighborhood for individuals and families who enjoy sunny summer days in or on the water.
New Build Homes in Savannah
Explore new construction homes in Richmond Hill, one of Savannah, Georgia’s best neighborhoods, within one of these Pulte communities.
- Heartwood: Situated right off I-95 is the Heartwood community. You can enjoy access to an amenity center overlooking the central lawn area, resort-style pool, and playground. Sprinkled throughout the community are multiple ponds and a network of trails to roam. According to St. Joseph’s Candler Hospital, they have plans to open a medical campus across the street from this community, providing residents with a convenient location for health care.
- Waterways: Within the wetlands of Richmond Hill is the Waterways community, an ideal spot for escaping the busyness of everyday life and relishing the beauty of the Ogeechee River. This community is excellent for active individuals and families who want to spend time on the water. You can take advantage of biking and walking paths, a private lagoon for kayaking and canoeing, lakes for fishing large-mouth bass, and a marina. There’s also a dog park, an event lawn with an amphitheater and bocce ball court, an amenity center (with a pool, fitness center, fireplace, and grill), and community gardens.
Savannah Neighborhoods Conclusion
Savannah, GA, is a beautiful place to live. When picking the best neighborhood in Savannah for you and your lifestyle, consider whether you need a convenient commute, a family-friendly suburb, or a home near the water and plenty of outdoor activities. If the charming suburbs of Richmond Hill appeal to you, then one of Pulte’s communities could be your forever home.
Explore new construction homes in Savannah, Georgia, today or browse more Pulte blogs.
Written By: Former Savannah resident and freelance journalist, Alexandra Shimalla
Last Updated: 2/15/24