Savannah is a beautiful place to live, but not everyone wants an older home in the historic district, a small yard, or a property on an island where flood insurance may be necessary. Fortunately, there are several nearby communities worth exploring.
If you're planning a relocation, take a look at our Moving to Savannah guide for more information about the area.
Prefer watching instead of reading? Here's the original video about cities near Savannah, Georgia.
Richmond Hill
Richmond Hill is a popular choice for people relocating to the Savannah area. Located southwest of Savannah in Bryan County, the community is known for its suburban neighborhoods, schools, and convenient access to military installations.
People stationed at Fort Stewart or Hunter Army Airfield often consider Richmond Hill because of its location between the two bases.
At the time of the original article, Richmond Hill had approximately 10,000 residents, an average home price of about $417,000, and a typical downtown Savannah drive of approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
Potential drawbacks: Housing can be more expensive than in some Effingham County communities, and certain properties near waterways may require flood insurance.
Explore Richmond Hill homes for sale
Pooler
Pooler is another popular Savannah-area community. It is conveniently located near Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport and offers a large selection of shopping, dining, entertainment, and residential neighborhoods.
Residents can enjoy destinations such as Tanger Outlets, movie theaters, restaurants, and other retail businesses. The local food scene has also received attention from Eat It and Like It.
The original article described Pooler as having slightly more than 21,000 residents and an average home price of approximately $350,000. It highlighted a home Karin had recently sold to a first-time buyer for $188,000, illustrating the range of properties available.
Pooler offers everything from starter homes to large luxury residences.
Potential drawbacks: Rapid development can contribute to traffic congestion, particularly around Pooler Parkway. Buyers with school-age children should investigate the specific schools serving any property they consider.
Guyton
Guyton is a smaller community in Effingham County, northwest of Savannah. Its name rhymes with "fightin'," and it offers a more rural setting than many of Savannah's busier suburbs.
The original article identified Guyton, Rincon, and Richmond Hill as popular options among families researching public schools in the Savannah area.
When the article was written, Guyton had approximately 2,000 residents and an average single-family home price of about $289,000. The area was experiencing substantial new construction, with more than half of recently sold homes in the article's sample being newly built.
Guyton is worth considering for buyers who prefer a quieter setting and don't mind traveling farther for shopping and entertainment.
Potential drawbacks: Fewer nearby shops and amenities, along with longer journeys to major highways and central Savannah.
Rincon
Rincon, pronounced to rhyme with "drinkin'," is another growing Effingham County community. Although it retains elements of its rural heritage, it has developed a substantial selection of neighborhoods, restaurants, and everyday shopping options.
Highway 21 is one of the main routes through Rincon, with supermarkets and local businesses nearby. Pooler is also accessible for additional shopping and dining.
The original article reported a population of approximately 10,000 and discussed plans for a new elementary school scheduled to open in fall 2018. It listed the average single-family home price at approximately $352,000.
Rincon can appeal to people seeking suburban neighborhoods, green space, and convenient access to the airport without living in a heavily commercial area.
Potential drawbacks: Less shopping than Pooler and a location that may feel too rural for buyers who prefer urban amenities.
The Islands (Not Including Tybee)
Savannah's islands provide an alternative for buyers who want to live closer to the coast without necessarily purchasing a property on Tybee Island.
Wilmington Island, Whitemarsh Island, and Talahi Island are part of the 31410 ZIP code area. Although these communities have Savannah mailing addresses, they have a distinct coastal character.
The original article described an average home price of approximately $615,000 for these island communities. Many properties are older and smaller than homes in newer suburban developments, but their location near the water can make them especially desirable.
For boating enthusiasts, waterfront homes with dock access may be particularly attractive. Residents can also enjoy local seafood restaurants, boutique shopping, and convenient access to Tybee Island's beaches.
The original article mentioned Paula Deen's Wilmington Island estate, which was being offered for approximately $8 million at the time.
Potential drawbacks: Higher property prices, flood insurance considerations, and increased exposure to coastal storms.
Explore Savannah island homes for sale
Which City Near Savannah Is Right for You?
Each community offers a different experience. Richmond Hill is popular for its suburban setting, Pooler for shopping and convenience, Guyton and Rincon for their smaller-town environments, and the islands for coastal living.
If you're planning a move to Savannah, the best choice depends on your budget, commute, preferred amenities, and lifestyle.
Have questions about moving to the area? Get in touch with the Georgia Coast Homes Team for help exploring your options.
Karin Carr Georgia Coast Homes Team 912-417-9706
About the Author: Karin Carr is a Savannah-area real estate professional who has helped hundreds of families buy and sell homes since 2005. She shares real estate information through blogging and video, including her YouTube channel.
For buyers relocating to Savannah, Karin has also offered a virtual reality home-buying program designed to help people explore properties remotely. Contact the team to confirm which services are currently available.
Georgia Coast Homes Team serves Savannah, Rincon, Guyton, Pooler, Richmond Hill, and the surrounding coastal communities.
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