Living in Savannah Ga
Discover the Charms of Savannah, Georgia
Forsyth Park Fountain in Downtown Savanah Georgia
Exploring what it’s like to live in the Hostess City
The sunrise over the Savannah GA Skyline • Photo: Charles Maring
Are you considering making Savannah, Georgia, your new home? Let me paint a picture of what life in this charming southern city is like. The Savannah area, along with the surrounding low country is filled with art, culture, history, and a vibrant community unlike any other. I’ve lived in quite a few cities ranging from Manhattan to Boulder CO, Houston, Charlotte, New Haven, and plenty of small towns along the way as well. Being that I am professional photographer, the camera has allowed me to be well travelled so I’ve experienced a place or two throughout my quests. During the height of the pandemic, I was dividing my time between Manhattan and the small town charm of Wallingford, CT.
When it finally got so bad that it became senseless to stay in the Northeast I searched online relentlessly about where I should move to. It was time for a life change and I could go anywhere. “What cities have the best art and music scenes in the world?” All I got was the typical outdated responses like New York, LA, Nashville, Austin, and the like. No offense to those amazing cities of course because each is highlighted by their own gifts, but I was seeking something different that I couldn’t quite put my finger on. On a whim my wife and I took a long weekend down to Savannah and about a month later we found ourselves living in a loft overlooking its Downtown skyline. We are going on our fourth year here now. The honeymoon is over and we are just now really settling in and finding our comfort zone.
Personally, I consider Savannah a city although others see it as a big town. I think of it as a city because of its diversity of people, the constant influx of tourism, its bustling art and music scene, and its remarkable energy. With its giant live oaks draped in Spanish moss it’s a very beautiful place to live. That said, it does have its challenges. Savannah can be ruff and tumble, it has crime, there are homeless folks and many are struggling. Depending on your lifestyle, it can be very expensive compared to the overall job market and pay. It’s not a great fit for everyone but, I meet a lot of folks who simply came for a visit and couldn’t resist its allure. Most seem to agree that Savannah is special, and it’s all what you make of it. Let’s dive in and break it down.
Tafy LaPlanche in here studio and gallery in City Market Savannah • Learn More • Photo: Charles Maring
Art & Culture: Savannah is a treasure trove of artistic inspiration. From the historic architecture of its cobblestone streets to the galleries or museums that dot the cityscape, there's no shortage of beauty to behold. Dive into the city's rich cultural heritage by exploring the many museums, theaters, and festivals that celebrate Savannah's unique identity. I am a full time artist and musician myself, and I can attest to the the art scene. In fact, for years my wife and I lived at 23rd and 10th in West Chelsea NYC, the heart of the art scene in New York. The Savannah scene is different than New York. It’s underground for the most part but there are some remarkable talents who shine. Check out our story on Savannah Artist Tafy LaPlanche for instance and her gallery in City Market. Yes, beneath the surface Savannah is bustling with creative makers and thinkers. This city inspires on so many levels, and is an excellent choice for creative types.
History & Heritage: As one of the oldest cities in the United States, Savannah wears its history proudly, and you can explore more about it’s history here on Savannah Proper. Wander through the meticulously preserved squares and landmarks that tell the story of centuries past, or embark on a guided tour to uncover hidden gems and fascinating anecdotes about the city's colorful past. I’ve never lived in a place where history is so present as it is here in Savannah. Learning about the past is part of everyday life here, and there is an endless array of historical, architectural, and wildly supernatural tours one can take here. If you are a history buff Savannah is arguably the perfect place to call home.
The Historic District in Downtown Savannah feels like a step back in time offering it’s own unique sense of Southern charm. • Photo Charles Maring
Music Scene: Music is the heartbeat of Savannah, echoing through its streets and filling the air with melodies that range from jazz and blues to rock, folk, and reggae. Whether you're catching a live performance at one of the local venues or simply soaking in the sounds of street musicians, you'll find that music is woven into the fabric of everyday life here. While the beauty of Savannah may have brought me here, it’s the music scene that has solidified the stay. Savannah has not so much a scene as it does a community. It’s not a place to be discovered for instance if you are seeking mainstream success. However, you will be amongst a lot of incredible singer songwriters. Paid gigging opportunities for cover bands, solo artists, and duos are abundant for those who’s talents cut through. There are many bars, restaurants, clubs, and hotels such as Plant Riverside, plus festivals that support live local or touring musicians. Most often there is a built in crowd as visitors to the Savannah / Hilton Head area seem to seek out live music. There is no doubt an appreciation for music here that goes above and beyond anywhere I’ve ever personally lived. You can find several weekly open mic’s for those who wish to delve into the late night performances of a remarkable mix of talents and be a part of the community. Musician life is good in Savannah, and once you prove yourself you’ll easily find fans and fellow musicians that will support you.
The marshlands of Savannah GA and Tybee Island • Photo: Artist Charles Maring
Nature & Wildlife: Just a short drive from downtown Savannah lies the breathtaking beauty of Tybee Island and the surrounding Lowcountry. Explore pristine beaches, lush marshlands, and untamed wilderness teeming with wildlife, where every outing is an adventure waiting to unfold. The low country seems to go on forever. Boating is a big thing here, and without it you are missing out on an entirely different world than you’ll experience downtown or on land. Fishing and hunting enthusiasts often fall in love with coastal Georgia. If you are living here you’ll want to buy a boat, have a friend that can get you on the water, or considering an option like the Freedom Boat Club Savannah. If you are a nature lover the Savannah area shines once you escape downtown. Just make sure to look out for the alligators, and keep your distance!
Tybee Island Beach • Photo by Artist Charles Maring
Safety & Weather: While no city is without its challenges, Savannah offers a safe and welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike. The edges of Downtown can be rough and tumble, and like any city there is violence. Stay within the confines of central downtown areas or gated coastal communities, and you'll find that crime is minimal and the sense of security is palpable. Plus, Savannah's unique weather bubble means that the majority of storms stay clear of the city, leaving residents to enjoy the sunshine and balmy temperatures for much of the year. That’s not to say that there aren’t major thunderstorms, tornado watches, soaring summer heat, and Hurricane warnings associated with coastal living but it’s been no worse than the weather I’ve experienced anywhere else. No snow to shovel, and let’s get real Manhattan streets on a hot summer day are no picnic either.
Job Opportunities & Cost of Living: Downtown Savannah can be pricey, and high paying job opportunities may not be as abundant as one might expect. However, with its reputation as "The Hostess City," there are ample jobs related to tourism, hospitality, and service industries. And while the cost of living may be higher, the quality of life and the abundance of amenities are definite considerations. There are a lot of people moving to Savannah, so the prices are being driven up by the day. Of course your overall experience of a place is often tied to finance. I feel it’s a great place to move to once you already has a decent paying job secured, are in a good place financially for retirement, or have enough saved up to find your way. If you are an entrepreneur with a dream, Savannah should be on your your short list. The upscale expansion of the city is changing its demeanor, and a changing place always has hidden opportunities for those who seek them out.
The Stews • Live from Victory North Savannah - Learn More
Dining & Entertainment: One of the highlights of living in Savannah is the incredible dining scene. From classic southern comfort food to innovative culinary creations, the city boasts a diverse array of restaurants and eateries to satisfy every palate. And when the sun goes down, the city comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene, offering everything from cozy bars and live music venues such as Victory North to world-class theaters and performance spaces like Enmarket Arena. It offers everything from upscale rooftops, such as Electric Moon overlooking the skyline to dive bars and watering holes buzzing with locals like Lone Wolf, or Pinky Masters . Make no mistake about it, Savannah is a party town. Like Las Vegas or Nashville it’s one of the top destinations for Bachelor and Bachelorette celebrations. It’s also a sought after city for destination weddings. Tourists surge in most weekends, and then the city empties out. Great food and entertainment is everywhere and there is ample diversity.
Hotel Bardo adjacent to Forsyth Park in Downtown Savannah GA • Learn More
Visitor Appeal: With its undeniable charm and irresistible allure, it's no wonder that Savannah attracts millions of visitors each year. There are a wide range of hotel options, and there are certainly upscale venues for those who want to pamper themselves such as Hotel Bardo, Perry Lane, and the Marriott at Plant Riverside each offering a unique experience. There is even a Savannah Ritz Carlton set to make its debut in the coming years. Savannah is expanding and weekends are bustling with activity as tourists flock to explore the city's many attractions, but residents know that there's always a quiet corner or hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
In summary, living in Savannah, Georgia, is an experience like no other. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty, it's a city that captures the imagination and steals the heart. It may not be for everyone, but Savannah is a city on the move, and it’s changing and evolving by the day.