Savannah GA a Great Place To Relocate

Steeped in art, history and culture, Savannah offers a unique blend of bright talent, cool creativity and an exceptionally high-quality of life. With Savannah’s mild climate, fascinating architecture, well preserved history, and southern charm, it’s not a wonder that the Conde Nast Traveler magazine rated the city one of the top ten cities in the USA. (Oct. 2009) The average seasonal temperatures are 66 degrees in spring; 81 degrees in summer; 68 degrees in fall and 51 degrees in winter making outdoor activities possible year-round. Because of that local officials made sure to provide numerous parks in the city so there is always a place to play ball, tennis or simply stroll under the oak trees dripping with Spanish moss.

Plenty of Activities

If you enjoy being on the water than Savannah/Chatham county is a the place to be as there are 420 miles of navigable waters twisting through nearly 87,000 acres of tidal marshlands. A fisherman’s dream with inshore and offshore opportunities for saltwater anglers, and plenty of rivers and creeks for the sportsmen who prefer fishing in fresh water. If you are not a water person there are 27 annual festivals that take place in Savannah. Some of the top few are The Savannah Music Festival, which attracts international talent and lasts for an entire week. Other weekend long festivals include the Savannah Film Festival, the Savannah Jazz festival and the 4^th of July celebration on the Riverfront. Savannah is also known for the nation’s largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration, when local shops close for the day of festivities.

Strong Economic Base

Savannah boasts a flourishing economy balanced on a strong multi-tiered economy that

includes a thriving port, increasing tourism, a stabilizing manufacturing sector and significant military presence. The manufacturing sector is a large part of the economy, with 226 manufacturing facilities in Chatham County producing goods that range from jets to baked goods with annual payrolls totally nearly $700 million. The largest plants include Gulfstream Aerospace, an executive jet aircraft manufacturer; and International Paper, the largest producer of paper for paper bags in the United States. The transportation industry, centered on the Port of Savannah, is a vital element of the economic mix. It is the fourth largest container port in the country, shipping to more than 150 countries around the world. Savannah is one of the south-east’s leading seaports and cargo hubs. Shipping activity is focused on the Port of Savannah, which is supported by two railroads and two interstate highways as well as Savannah International Airport. Tourism is an active and rapidly growing segment of the economy. The city's attractiveness as a visitor destination is enhanced by its charming historic district, accommodations, and accessibility. The city houses two major hospitals employing over 7,700 healthcare employees. In addition Memorial Hospital is a teaching facility. Savannah is unique in having a large tract of waterfront land open for development and located close to the central business and historic districts. Recently completed projects on the tract include the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center and Westin Savannah Harbor Resort, a 403-room luxury facility.

Multiple Educational Venues

The educational sector is strong source of employment with 13 colleges offering undergraduate and graduate programs, and 3 technical colleges. Home to one of the largest art and design schools in the country, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) offers bachelor and master of fine arts programs and graduate courses in architecture. The school is spread throughout the city offering students the opportunity to become familiar with the beautiful city via bicycle. Founded in 1993, the School of Visual Arts/Savannah, part of the School of Visual Arts/New York, awards bachelor's degrees in arts, computer graphics, sculpture, and other arts-related disciplines.

Cost of Living

Savannah is a relatively inexpensive town in which to live and do business. Outlook Magazine ranked Savannah as "one of the top 25 places to live and work." The Savannah metro cost of living index is 93.9. Median Household Income: $46,785. There are approximately 3,103 homes on the market in Chatham County with an average sale price of: $190,765. A destination of choice young professionals are trading in major-metro stress and suburban sprawl for the city’s wide range of cool new and old neighborhoods.

Great Neighborhoods

Mostly residential, Ardsley Park is the poster child for the all-American neighborhood. Laid out in 1910 as a suburb to the downtown district – this area has become a staple for Savannah families and neighborhood businesses. Designated a National Historic District, Ardsley is proud, protected and kept in prime condition. Ardsley Park Area Media Income is $81,000, population. The architecture of the homes in this sought after neighborhood ranges from bungalows and Federal style and some grander colonial styles.

 As part of the famous Low Country of Georgia, Savannah has an abundance of marsh-front and waterfront communities. Collectively they are known as The Islands. Isle of Hope is timeless with its white picket fences, classic cottages and adjoining lanes with river views. Dutch Island is an exclusive, gated community, with roomy homes, manicured lawns and traditional architecture. Long Point is a purely residential, a gated community home to about 150 families situated in the middle of downtown, Southside and the beach. Wilmington and Talahi Islands’ residents are lucky to be book ended by downtown and the beach – each within a 10-minute drive. Tybee Island is Savannah’s only barrier island, boasting 3 miles of surf and sand. An eclectic bunch, its residences are young, old, single, married, conservative, artistic, wealthy, and not so wealthy. And, they all manage to see eye-to-eye on this funky, little isle.