Savannah is bursting with a vibrant arts scene and world-renowned historic charm that gives people a plethora of reasons to relocate to Savannah. However, the more Savannah grows, the more crowded your favorite coffee shops and local stores become, and the more you may want to get away into a nearby suburb. If you’re in the market for Savannah real estate that’s further removed from the heart of downtown, check out the five best suburbs of Savannah below.
Richmond Hill
Best Suburb of Savannah for: Families
Situated about 20-30 minutes from the heart of Savannah, Richmond Hill is not only one of the best suburbs of Savannah, but it’s also considered one of Georgia’s best-kept secrets. Richmond Hill is home to around 10,000 residents who enjoy a slower pace of life than you would find in Savannah’s historic downtown. Located near the Ogeechee River, those in Richmond Hill have just as many nearby nature opportunities as they do shopping and dining ones!
Known as one of the best family-centric suburbs in Savannah, Richmond Hill has public schools with A+ ratings. Richmond Hill High School is in the top 100 high schools in all of Georgia, and Richmond Hill Elementary and Middle schools fall closely behind. In addition to the excellent schools, Richmond Hill families love the area’s comparatively low crime rate and the number of recreational activities available. From fishing to kayaking and even boating, Richmond Hill places you in the ideal location for a family outing on the water.
Most of the homes for sale in Richmond Hill were built around the 1930s and feature three to six bedrooms, often with multiple stories. However, since the suburb has seen so much growth, you’ll also find a number of new construction homes and neighborhoods throughout Richmond Hill. A relatively competitive market, Richmond Hill real estate typically stays on the market for around 34 days and receives 4 offers on average. The median sale price for a home in Richmond Hill is $364,588, slightly higher than the Georgia state average. You’ll also find Richmond Hill townhomes for sale at a median price of $256,900 and condos for sale at $457,500.
Pooler
Best Suburb of Savannah for: Working Professionals + Commuters
Pooler is located about 30 minutes from Savannah’s historic district and is experiencing rapid growth as one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Locally known for having instant access to Highway 95 and the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport and a lower overall cost of living than the state and national average, Pooler real estate is popular with young professionals and for those who travel frequently for work or leisure.
Pooler’s overall cost of living index is 92.7, which is lower in comparison to Georgia’s state index, 93.4. You’ll likely pay a bit more for housing and utilities than you would in Savannah proper, but for things like healthcare and transportation, Pooler will cost you less. Regardless of which Pooler neighborhood you live in, you’ll likely never be more than 15 minutes from I-95 or I-16. Pooler Parkway has the most amenities, restaurants, businesses, and services that you’ll find in Pooler, but it can get a bit congested so prepare for traffic on your daily commute.
The median price of a single-family home in Pooler is $351,700, although you can find a wide range of homes for sale in Pooler from $200K to over $1M, so there is something for every budget. You won’t find many condos in Pooler, but townhomes for sale are popping up more and more frequently, specifically along Pooler Parkway. You can find townhomes for sale in Pooler for a median sale price of $295,000.
Rincon
Best Suburb of Savannah for: Families + Public Schools
Rincon is located just 20 miles from Savannah proper and is the business hub for Effingham County. Perfect for families, Rincon real estate provides a plethora of amenities, services, parks, and job opportunities within a quiet and well-maintained community. Not only is Rincon one of the best suburbs in Savannah, but it’s also considered one of the best Georgia cities for young families! From the Lost Plantation Municipal Golf Course to the tennis courts and playgrounds at Patriots Park, there are plenty of places to play for both kids and adults in Rincon.
One of the biggest reasons that families love Rincon is because it is home to some of Georgia’s best public schools. Ebenezer Middle School and South Effingham High School are among the excellent public schools in Rincon that rank the highest, but Effingham County also offers several high-ranking elementary schools for families to choose from. In addition to the great education opportunities, Rincon also has no city property taxes and lower utility costs than surrounding cities.
With a median home price of $310K, Rincon homes for sale are a little more expensive than what you’d find in Savannah, but that price tag typically comes with more space and a calmer atmosphere than you’d find downtown. If you’re looking to build your perfect home from the ground up, new construction homes for sale are frequently popping up around Rincon. While there are a very limited number of condos in Rincon, you can find several townhomes for sale at a median listing price of $204,125.
Whitemarsh Island
Best Suburb of Savannah for: Retirees + Close to the Beach
Nestled just minutes away from the heart of Savannah, Whitemarsh Island provides a peaceful atmosphere within a marshside paradise. Real estate in Whitemarsh Island is particularly ideal for retirees and families with an active lifestyle, as there are several ways to explore the natural beauty of the Savannah suburb. Between Wormsloe Historic Site, Oatland Island Wildlife Center, and the beaches at Tybee Island just 20 minutes away, residents of Whitemarsh Island have direct access to outdoor opportunities without moving too far from the city.
Most residential communities in Whitemarsh Island are within walking distance of parks, recreational facilities, and other day-to-day amenities. With a low crime rate and plenty of accessible pathways, residents are often seen walking or riding their bikes to work, the grocery store, and other errands on Whitemarsh Island. If you want to spend the day at the beach, Tybee Island is a quick drive from Whitemarsh Island, and the drive to Wilmington Island is even closer. Both of these beachside cities are perfect for a day spent strolling along Georgia’s Scenic Coast.
The median cost for real estate in Whitemarsh Island sits at $353K, but don’t let that price tag fool you; you can find homes in Whitemarsh Island for as low as $200K or as high as $1M, depending on what kind you are looking for. Most single-family homes in Whitemarsh Island list for around $629K, and townhomes for sale in Whitemarsh Island list for a median price of $205K. As of recent, Whitemarsh Island has also seen an influx of condos for sale, typically selling for a median price of $194K.
Port Wentworth
Best Suburb of Savannah for: Working Professionals + Commuting
Port Wentworth is one of the more unlikely additions to the list of Savannah’s best suburbs, but the city is expected to see rapid growth over the next few years and the sooner you can get in on this community the better! Real estate in Port Wentworth is the most affordable in Chatham County and is mere miles from Savannah’s historic core. Previously, Port Wentworth was defined by occupational facilities and industrial growth. However, in recent years the city of Port Wentworth has placed an emphasis on residential expansion, creating a number of new residential communities and diversifying the suburb greatly.
While there isn’t an abundance of things to do in the direct area, Port Wentworth is about 15 minutes outside of Savannah and 15 minutes from Pooler. Families love settling down in their quiet community in Port Wentworth, while still having easy access to shops, restaurants, activities, and attractions via I-95. Port Wentworth is also popular with young professionals who enjoy living in an affordable area while having a fast commute to work. Port Wentworth provides all the access to amenities with limited noise pollution and traffic.
While it’s easy to find new construction homes for sale in Port Wentworth due to recent expansion, you can also find classic, pre-1980s homes for sale south of Bonnybridge Road. The median sale price for single-family homes in Port Wentworth is $292,990. To the north of Bonnybridge Road, you’ll find contemporary townhome communities with townhouses for sale at a median of $245K.
The Best Suburbs of Savannah
If you are searching for homes for sale in Savannah, but desire a quieter and slower pace of life, look no further than these 5 best suburbs of Savannah. Thinking you might move further inland? Check out our suggestions for the best suburbs of Atlanta.
