Like any location, you’ll find there are pros and cons of living in Savannah, Georgia. But if you're drawn to its Southern charm and a coastal lifestyle filled with history and outdoor adventures, the Hostess City could be the ideal spot for your next home. 

Summary:

• Living in Savannah, Georgia

• Pros and Cons of Living in Savannah, Georgia

• New Construction Homes in Savannah, Georgia

• Final Thoughts on the Pros and Cons of Living in Savannah, Georgia

Living in Savannah, Georgia

History of Savannah

Founded in 1733, Savannah is not only the oldest city in Georgia, it served as the state’s first capital. And even after three centuries, the Port of Savannah remains the largest container terminal in America, making the city a major trade hub.

Whether you're interested in history, business opportunities, or just looking for a great place to visit, Savannah has it all. The city boasts thriving military, tourism, hospitality, and restaurant industries and some of the biggest employers in the area include Memorial Health University Medical Center, Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., the Savannah-Chatham County School System, and St. Joseph's and Candler hospitals, according to U.S. News and World Report® in November 2023. 

But Savannah has so much more to offer. The city’s rich heritage and vibrant industries are just part of what makes this city so unique.

Life in Savannah

Life in the southern part of Georgia, particularly in the coastal area, moves at a much slower pace. While there’s traffic on the I-16, the roads leading to the islands, and the highways around Richmond Hill, Savannah itself has a sprawling, small-town feel. Some families have lived in the area for generations. It’s a place where you can meet people easily, and friends of friends know one another through shared acquaintances or experiences. 

While the workweek may keep you busy, weekends can be full of fun or relaxation. Catch a Savannah Ghost Pirates hockey match or Savannah Bananas baseball game. Find a new breakfast, brunch, or dinner place and sip cocktails on the roof of a downtown bar. Savor ice cream flavors at Leopold's, or indulge your sweet tooth at River Street Sweets. Shop the chic boutiques that dot the city squares and line River Street. Explore landmarks and museums as you stroll around the Historic District. Head to the beach at Tybee Island or play in the waterways of one of the other barrier islands.

Combine the beauty of the area’s beaches with a vibrant downtown, and you get a city with abundant activities. It’s no wonder locals love it here; they get to live in such a wonderful place.

Perhaps you’re looking for a fresh start or are relocating to Savannah, GA, for a new job. Regardless of what may bring you here, if you’re considering moving to Savannah, Georgia, pros and cons await, just as in any city, and it’s helpful to be aware of them.

Pros of Living in Savannah, Georgia

When it comes to the pros and cons of Savannah, GA, you’ll find plenty of perks in the Hostess City. This list is just a glimpse of why Southern Living® ranks Savannah as the second-best city in the South in 2023: 

• Nearby beach: Tybee Island is a convenient drive from Savannah. North Beach has the iconic Tybee Island lighthouse, while the pier attracts sunbathers and shoppers who enjoy visiting the restaurants and stores.

• Tons of outdoor activities available: Tybee Island isn’t the only place to play in the great outdoors. Savannah’s residents can access the intercoastal waterways that bob and weave around the barrier islands. Outdoor adventurers have no shortage of boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming opportunities.

• Local wildlife and parks: A little-known fact is that Savannah has several wildlife preserves and hiking trails. Some local favorites include Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge, Skidaway State Park, McQueen’s Island Trail (along the road to Tybee Island), and J.F. Gregory Park in Richmond Hill.

• Good cost of living: You’ll find the cost of living in Savannah is 10% lower than the national average, according to Payscale® and RentCafe® in November 2023.

• Vibrant nightlife: For the 21-and-older crowd, Savannah has a dynamic nightlife scene. With dozens of pubs, breweries, and rooftop bars, you can enjoy your favorite drink while overlooking the cityscape or partake in a haunted pub crawl.

• Delicious food: Savannah has more than traditional Lowcountry and coastal cuisine, like shrimp and grits, barbeque, and fried chicken. There’s also fine dining, classic comfort foods, and Asian, Mexican, and Italian restaurants, to list a few. Any craving you might have, Savannah likely has a restaurant serving it.

• Unique districts and neighborhoods: Part of the city’s charm lies in the enchanting Savannah neighborhoods. Each area has its distinct personality and attractions, so visitors and future residents can fill their weekends exploring each one.

• Full of history: As the oldest city in the state, Savannah has a rich and storied past. You’ll find the city’s museums and homes decorated with period pieces.

• A haunted city: For a fun night activity, book a spot on a haunted trek around the city via pub crawls, trolley tours, or walking tours. You’ll learn a little about Savannah’s back story and try not to be too spooked by the ghost tales. 

• Nearby airport: Eleven airlines use Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport as a hub to bring people to and from destinations around the country. The airport is also very convenient for Savannah area residents.

• Close to several other cities: Savannah is close to cities like Augusta, GA; Atlanta, GA; Charleston, SC; and Jacksonville, FL, making it easy to take fun weekend trips and sightsee somewhere new. 

• Fun activities and attractions: From the Savannah Children’s Museum to an evening watching the Savannah Bananas play ball, everyone can find plenty to do in and around the city.

• Weather: Savannah tends to have lower temperatures (in the 50s) in winter and sunny summertime temps (60–90 degrees) the rest of the year, according to the National Weather Service’s data in November 2023. Weather like this makes the area ideal year-round.

• Tax-friendly for older workers and retirees: In 2023, AARP® reported that Georgia offers tax benefits for seniors, including breaks on retirement income. Older residents also benefit from a lack of state tax on social security, estates, and inheritances.

Cons of Living in Savannah, Georgia

Even a seemingly perfect city has a few disadvantages. Luckily, when it comes to the worst things about living in Savannah, GA, you can manage them with some knowledge and preparation: 

• Sand gnats: Despite their name, sand gnats live in the sand, wet areas, and grass of greater Savannah, including all the suburbs, such as Richmond Hill. Some Georgians also refer to sand gnats as “no-see-ums” due to their tiny appearance. The “gnat line,” rumored to run from Augusta to Macon, means towns below this line (like Savannah) have an abundance of these insects. 

Insect repellants can work, but some brands may work better for certain people. Round up your remedies to see which solution works best to keep sand gnats away. You can also try incense smoke and citronella as an oil or candle. Stay indoors when sand gnats are most prevalent, such as in the evenings or early mornings. Peak sand gnat seasons are in the spring and late summer, which, unfortunately, are when people want to spend the most time outdoors. 

Other local pests include mosquitos during the summer (particularly near watery, moist, or marsh areas) and horse flies (especially spring through summer). Stock up on your choice of repellant. 

• Humidity: You can’t live in the South without experiencing humidity. The moisture level in the area can certainly make hotter days more difficult. On average, Savannah’s annual percentage of humidity hovers between 60–80%, according to data from the Weather & Climate website in 2023, though sources cite varying percentages. The summer months are the most humid.