AREA MAPS______________________________________________________________________ 5

Savannah's Neighborhoods__________________________________________________________ 5

Savannah's Suburbs________________________________________________________________ 7

CHILDCARE_____________________________________________________________________ 10

CULTURE_______________________________________________________________________ 11

Museums_______________________________________________________________________ 11

Music__________________________________________________________________________ 13

Theater________________________________________________________________________ 13

FOR KIDS_______________________________________________________________________ 16

HEALTH________________________________________________________________________ 17

Major Area Medical Facilities______________________________________________________ 17

Home Health Care_______________________________________________________________ 20

Home Health Agencies____________________________________________________________ 20

Health Care Numbers To Know_____________________________________________________ 20

Health-related Organizations_______________________________________________________ 21

MILITARY_______________________________________________________________________ 22

QUALITY OF LIFE_______________________________________________________________ 25

RECREATION___________________________________________________________________ 26

Camping_______________________________________________________________________ 26

Canoeing & Kayaking____________________________________________________________ 26

Charters & Marinas______________________________________________________________ 26

Fitness & Health Clubs____________________________________________________________ 27

Golf___________________________________________________________________________ 27

Minor League Baseball____________________________________________________________ 28

Tennis Clubs and Courts___________________________________________________________ 28

RELIGION_______________________________________________________________________ 28

SCHOOLS_______________________________________________________________________ 29

Primary And Secondary Education__________________________________________________ 29

Pre-kindergarten_________________________________________________________________ 30

Kindergarten/Elementary__________________________________________________________ 30

Middle and High Schools___________________________________________________________ 30

Private Schools__________________________________________________________________ 31

Higher Education________________________________________________________________ 33

SENIORS________________________________________________________________________ 35

SHOPPING______________________________________________________________________ 36

TAXES__________________________________________________________________________ 36

UTILITIES & CITY SERVICES_____________________________________________________ 42

Business Resources_______________________________________________________________ 42

Cable__________________________________________________________________________ 43

City Halls_______________________________________________________________________ 43

Electricity______________________________________________________________________ 43

Gas____________________________________________________________________________ 44

Hunting, Boating And Fishing Licenses_______________________________________________ 44

Legal__________________________________________________________________________ 44

Library________________________________________________________________________ 45

Pets____________________________________________________________________________ 45

Post Office______________________________________________________________________ 45

Recycling_______________________________________________________________________ 46

Telephone_______________________________________________________________________ 46

Trash Pick-Up___________________________________________________________________ 46

Veterans Affairs_________________________________________________________________ 46

Voter Registration________________________________________________________________ 47

Water/sewer service______________________________________________________________ 47

SAVANNAH INFORMATION

If you are planning a move to the Savannah area, you will want some information about the region. The following links will help you.

AREA MAPS

Savannah's Neighborhoods

What a difference five decades has made in Savannah's Historic District. By the early 1950's, much of the architecture in the historic district was dilapidated and decaying as residents slowly moved to Savannah's outlying suburbs. It was only in 1955, when the pending destruction of a historically significant building, the Isaiah Davenport House, led to the creation of the Historic Savannah Foundation, that the downtown area's restoration efforts were begun.

The popularity of the book "Midnight in the Garden of Evil" in the early 1990's, the 1996 Summer Olympics, and over thirteen recent movies shot in Savannah and the surrounding area have raised the nation's awareness of Savannah's desirable and unique Historic District.

Savannah's Historic district abounds in architecture and history. It is the largest registered urban historic district in the

United States

. The city was planned around squares and small parks. Because of the restoration that has taken place in the historic district it has made it an attractive place for people of all ages to live. Culture activities, restaurants and waterways are all easily accessible from here. As in many historic districts there is a diversity of charming homes. The homes in Savannah's Historic district can range from 500 square feet condos to 10,000 square feet estates. The average prices of homes are also a wide range. Ranging anywhere from $150,000 to $10,000,000. Many of the restored homes have retained all the richness of history while updating the baths and kitchens.

The Victorian District

Just south of Historic Downtown, the Victorian District is several blocks roughly bounded by Victory Drive, Gwinnett Street, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and East Broad Street. Two and three-story Victorian frame houses in various stages of disrepair (or repair) can be found here. Renovators and investors with an eye for reconstruction of historic properties will find many affordable opportunities available in this section.

As the number of available homes needing renovation in the historic district declines, Savannah's Victorian residential area continues to see growth from those interested in renovation work. From an investment standpoint, it isn't unusual to find a very large Victorian home dating back to the 1800s, with porches, fireplaces, three or four bedrooms and other unique features for well under $100,000 to over $800,000. However, these properties generally need a large amount of restorative work before they are finished. Additionally, since the push for restoration in this area has only recently begun, restoration is sporadic. It is not unusual to find two or three houses that have been restored surrounded by others, which haven't been touched.

Gordonston

Gordonston is a small neighborhood on Savannah's eastside, adjacent to the Victorian District. It is experiencing a large amount of rekindled interest and is becoming a popular spot for many local professionals including professors and others working in education. Bordered by Skidaway Road, Gwinnett Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, it was initially developed in the 1920s by the brother of Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts, on property that was once part of the family farm. In some ways it is like a miniature Ardsley Park. Similar to its bigger cousin, throughout the development you will find tree-lined streets filled with a variety of older homes on large properties with front and back yards. Home styles include bungalows, cottages and large mansions, and they tend to be less expensive than those in Ardsley Park. Property prices for a small two- or three-bedroom bungalow go for around $70,000, while larger three- or four-bedroom homes can be found for around $175,000 - $300,000.

Ardsley Park

Laid out in 1910, this rural neighborhood was developed as an adjunct subdivision to Savannah's historic district when the advent of automobiles made the commute to downtown Savannah's commerce district feasible.

Although it was laid out as a single residential subdivision, it has grown to include an area bounded by Victory Drive on the north, 55th Street on the south, Bull Street and Waters Avenue on the west and east. Lined with statuesque oaks, landscaped squares and crescent-shaped avenues, the Ardsley Park area is now listed as a National Historic District.

Home prices primarily range from $180,000 to $700,000+, however some craftsman style bungalows can be found in the $200,000 range. Ardsley Park's midtown location makes it a favorite for professionals working in the Historic business district, which is only minutes away by car.

Kenningston Park

Bound by Habersham, Waters and DeReene Avenues, Kenningston Park is a small community of approximately 300 homes located between the older Ardsley Park and Savannah's southside.

Homes generally are in a traditional brick ranch style and run between $180,000 and $300,000 range. This is a mature community with well developed foliage, wide streets and some charming residences favored by a mixture of young new homeowners and older residents who initially settled in this development in the early 1960's.

Thunderbolt

Bound by the Wilmington River, Victory Drive and Skidaway Road, Thunderbolt is an incorporated town between Savannah and Whitemarsh/Wilmington Island. On the south side of Victory Drive, it is laid out in a square grid pattern and is primarily older, ranch style homes developed during the 1940's and 1950's. To the north side of Victory Drive are slightly more upscale suburb developments, in addition to some commercial businesses. Many homes in the Thunderbolt area are available as rentals since this area is adjacent to Savannah State University, one of the two University of Georgia campuses located in Savannah.

Savannah's Suburbs

Bloomingdale

Bloomingdale is a town of 2700 conveniently located near the airport and the city's ports. Community residents enjoy a country lifestyle and a small-town atmosphere. Bloomingdale and the other towns located in West Chatham are home to much of the workforce of the industries located there.

Dutch Island

Dutch Island is a well established exclusive community that is a true Island. Spacious homes with pristine lawns and traditional architecture can be found throughout Dutch Island. Creeks, rivers and salt marshes run around and through the Island. Dutch Island's 250 acres is home to alligators in the marshes, racoons, unspoiled countryside and quiet roads. It is located south of downtown with approximately a 15-minute commute. The Gulfstream Aircraft manufacturer owner, Alan Paulson, lives here and commutes to work every day in a helicopter from his heli-pad in his back yard. Although there are many styles of homes here the three main styles of homes in this community are low country, traditional, and contemporary. Average prices of homes for Dutch Island range from $200,000 to $2,000,000. The price depends mainly on whether your home is on the waterfront. There is a Country Club with tennis courts and a swimming pool. There is deep-water access from the docks and the intercoastal waterway is just a few minutes away.

Garden City

Garden City is located amongst a variety of industrial developments. It is the county's second-largest municipality with a population of 14,000. In the summer of 1998 Garden City annexed and its residents have almost doubled.

Georgetown

Georgetown is located South of downtown Savannah. It was founded in 1974. Today you will still see homes being built there. There is a total of 9 subdivision located in the Georgetown area offering several choices of styles and price ranges. This community is more economical than the Islands. The average prices of houses range from $120,000 for a two-bedroom home to $250,000 for a larger home with several upgrades.

Isle of Hope

Isle of Hope is among one of the most gorgeous islands in the Savannah area. The roads are often better described as country lanes with tall trees full of Spanish Moss. It is a beautiful area with exquisite old plantations and beautiful old cottages with white picket fences. Isle of Hope is located southeast of the city and is approximately a 15 minute commute. This is the home of the popular Elegant Pelican Restaurant and many lovely homes. The prices on Isle of Hope vary depending on age, size and whether located on Skidaway River. You can expect to spend between $100,000 to $950,000 for a home located here. Some of the amenities include tennis, community pool and equestrian facilities.

Pooler

Pooler has about 6,700 residents that call it home. This community is a fast growing, family-oriented town with best-value, affordable homes. Recreational activities abound in Pooler. As in many of the West Chatham municipalities, they are known for their volunteer spirit and for a general absence of property taxes.

Richmond Hill

Richmond Hill is located twenty miles southwest of Savannah. It is not only the fastest-growing community in Bryan County but also in the nation. Richmond Hill offers a number of new housing developments, schools, recreation and shopping. Being located close to I-95 and I-16 make it popular choice for commuters.

Rincon

Rincon is a community with a country atmosphere located West of Savannah. It is beginning to resemble the fast-growing community of Richmond Hill. These areas are expanding as the Savannah area gradually spreads west.

Skidaway

Skidaway is the last in

Georgia

's chain of Golden Isles. Miles of salt marshes, winding tidal creeks and rivers, and the Intracoastal Waterway surround it. Magnificent oaks, palms and pines are in abundance on Skidaway. It is located south of the city of Savannah with approximately a 15-minute commute. In addition to single family homes, there are condominiums and townhouses. Prices on the Island range from $150,000-$2,000,000. Skidaway amenities include golf, tennis, walking/bike paths and boating. Delegal Creek Marina on the southern tip of Skidaway Island has 73 wet slips capable of accommodating boats up to 60 feet and boats up to 130 feet on a space-available basis.

Southbridge

Southbridge is a 1,100-acre residential planned golf community blending Southern tradition with the amenities of golf. The community is a mix of retired residents, young families and professionals. The homes are classic Georgian and Federal styles constructed with wood, brick, and stucco and are neatly landscaped. The beautiful homes are situated among trees or along fairways on the golf course. Single family homes as well as townhomes are available ranging in price from $200,000-$850,000. In addition to the 18-hole golf course designed by Rees Jones, there is a semiprivate Southbridge Golf Club featuring a pro shop, dining room and lounge. Despite the heavy golf atmospheres there is also a racquet and swim club featuring tennis courts, a swimming pool and spa.

Tybee Island

Tybee Island has a well-rounded style. The residents are laid back, fun loving and welcome all newcomers to the Island. Tybee offers the only oceanfront living in the Savannah area. It is located east of downtown Savannah and is approximately a 30-minute commute. The average prices of homes on Tybee Island range from $130,000 to $1,000,000+. In addition to timeshares and vacation rentals you can find condominiums, townhouse, single-family homes, and new homes. There are several options for water frontage that include oceanfront, gulf front, or riverfront. Tybee offers several amenities for it's residents and visitors among them are walking/bike paths, tennis courts, fitness facilities, and deep-water boat slips.

Wilmington & East Islands

The east Islands are maid up of four inshore islands varying in size - Oatland, Talahi, Whitemarsh and Wilmington. These islands are your basic standard suburbia and residents that live there say that you can't tell where one island ends and the other starts. The largest of these islands is Wilmington. It is mainly residential and has several heavily forested neighborhoods.

Windsor Forest

Windsor Forest is a conveniently located family neighborhood that is close to shopping malls, movies, restaurants, and within walking distance of schools. The community is well established and is located 25 minutes from downtown Savannah. In addition to single family homes it also has town houses. Home prices start at $100,000 and go up to $200,000. There are several amenities in this community for families to enjoy. There is a community pool, soccer fields, walking/biking paths and golf course that you can join.

CHILDCARE

Selecting the best childcare means finding a program that is compatible with your family's lifestyle and schedule.� It is wise to visit at least three facilities.� Initial inquiries should focus on fees (tuition, registration and additional costs for meals, snacks and activities such as music or computer classes) and on scheduling, observation of annual holidays and summer or vacation time.

It's also important to ask about the center's basic safety practices, such as covering electrical outlets, maintaining fire extinguishers and keeping medications and cleaning supplies locked up.

Licensed day-care centers in Savannah must have an annual inspection by the fire marshal.� Full-time employees and at least 50 percent of the caregiver staff must be certified in CPR and first aid.� The state mandates that these centers notify parents of communicable diseases, as well as regulate teacher-to-student ratios. The ratios vary by age of children, from six infants per teacher up to 25 children per teacher if the children are at least 6 years of age.

� �� The average number of years that staff members have been employed at the center and the average years of child-care experience per staff member.

� �� What kind of curriculum the center offers and if a schedule is posted.

� �� What procedures are in place to be initiated when a child is injured or becomes ill while at the center.

� �� If a child can nap comfortably and quietly for an appropriate length of time.

For more information, contact the Department of Human Resources, Child Care Licensing, at (912) 691-6240.

CULTURE

The cultural scene is flourishing in Savannah, home of the largest art school in the country. The students and faculty of the Savannah College of Art and Design have injected a great deal of creativity and vitality into the community, and the school fosters both the visual and performing arts via its numerous galleries and the Trustees Theater on Broughton Street and the Lucas Theatre on Abercorn Street.

Museums

This structure, built in 1849, was the home of Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low during her adulthood. It was acquired by the Colonial Dames in 1928 and is operated by that organization as a house museum. The carriage house in the rear was a gift to the Girl Scouts from Mrs. Low.

502 E. Harris St., 31401 �� (912) 234-8000�� e-mail:kingtisdell@bellsouth.net

Established by the Freedman's Bureau (circa 1837) to educate newly freed African Americans, Beach Institute is located on the corner of Charlton and Price streets. It is now an exhibit hall for African-American art and a site for cultural events.

Constructed between 1815 and 1820 by master builder Isaiah Davenport and restored by the Historic Savannah Foundation as its first project, this Federal-style structure features delicate plasterwork; fine woodwork; an open-well, cantilevered staircase; and Ionic-Tuscan columns. It is operated as a museum by the Foundation.

Savannah's first registered national landmark, this house was built circa 1820 and is the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts. It is operated by the Girl Scouts of the

U.S.A.

as a house museum and is filled with the belongings of the William Washington Gordon family, one of the city's most prominent families in the 1800s.

514 E. Huntingdon St., 31401 �� (912) 234-8000�� e-mail:kingtisdell@bellsouth.net

This beautifully restored 1896 Victorian cottage, named for local African-American citizens Eugene and Sarah King and Mrs. King's second husband, Robert Tisdell, is now a museum highlighting the contributions of African Americans to our nation's history. It contains 1890s-era art objects, documents and furniture. The cottage is significant for the unusually intricate gingerbread ornamentation of the porch and dormers.

The museum serves as a living memorial to the men and women who served in the Eighth Air Force, which carried out the strategic bombing of Nazi

Germany

during World War II. Among features of the museum are memorabilia and equipment, a simulated ride on a B-17 combat mission, a well-stocked aviation library, an art gallery, a chapel and the Memorial Gardens.

Designed by famed English architect William Jay, this Regency-style mansion was built between 1816 and 1819 and bequeathed to the Telfair Academy in 1951. It is considered one of the finest examples of its architectural style in the nation, and it is open for visits as a house museum.

The museum, named after a clergyman who pioneered Savannah's civil rights movement, tells the story of the struggle for civil rights in Savannah and also depicts how the thoroughfare on which it stands, formerly West Broad Street, was once the center of the city's thriving African-American business district.

Artefacts and displays depict Savannah's history, and a video presentation details the founding of the colony to the present. Exhibits include a model of the S.S. Savannah, an 1890 Baldwin locomotive, a cotton gin, one of the Oscars awarded to Savannah native and composer Johnny Mercer, military uniforms and displays involving natural history and transportation.

The museum's maritime models, antiques and exhibits are displayed at the Scarbrough House, which was built in 1819 for the principal owner of the Savannah, the first steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean. The house, site of the largest garden in the Historic District, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The building was designed by William Jay for Alexander Telfair and bequeathed to the Georgia Historical Society in 1875. It now houses an outstanding collection of 18th and 19th century American paintings, decorative art, travelling exhibitions and historic period rooms. Of particular interest are the Octagon Room (circa 1818), the dining room and the restored Rotunda Gallery (circa 1886).

Georgia

's oldest lighthouse is 154 feet tall and underwent a major restoration in the late 1990s. Visitors enjoy seeing the keeper's cottage, exhibits and gift shop, as well as making the climb to the top for a spectacular view. Located in an 1898 coastal artillery battery, the Tybee Museum has historical exhibits showing what the island was like from colonial days through World War II. The museum is in Fort Screven, which was built in 1875 and manned during the Spanish-American War and the world wars.

Music

In addition to its annual fall Jazz Festival, the association promotes jazz concerts and workshops featuring local musicians and nationally known stars.

This celebration is held over a 15-day span in March and April, with presentations in historic downtown venues. Featured are winners of a national vocal competition and internationally known performers whose offerings span a wide variety of styles and genres.

One of two fully professional orchestras in Georgia, the Savannah Symphony presents more than 300 performances annually, including the popular Picnic in the Park extravaganza in the fall and the Arts on the River concerts in the spring.

Theater

In addition to presenting a five-show season in the Lucas Theatre on Abercorn Street, this company hosts other local and touring productions and stages the Savannah Shakespeare Festival in Forsyth Park each spring.

The Savannah Theatre occupies the oldest continually operating theater site in the United States. The original building, designed by famed architect William Jay, opened in 1818 and has been incorporated into the existing 1950s art deco structure. It now serves as a performing arts center.

Through the efforts of many, the Lucas has been completely restored to its original lustre and charm and hosts dramatic, symphonic, musical and ballet productions. The theater, built in 1921 as a beautiful movie palace, also continues to serve its original purpose.

Liberty at Montgomery Streets, 31401 �� (912) 651-6550�� Box Office (912) 651-6556

The Civic Center provides a variety of entertainment offerings throughout the year. The 2,566-seat theater hosts plays and concerts. Activities held in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Arena include ice hockey games, the circus and seasonal ice-skating. Meeting rooms and a ballroom are available for rent.

Refurbished and operated by the Savannah College of Art and Design, this 1940s movie theater serves as a venue for stage productions and movie screenings.

EMPLOYMENT

Savannah has a diverse economic base. There are over 40 plants employing 100 or more people. These plants include Fortune 500 companies and international companies. Below you will find a list of the major employers in the Savannah area.

Employment Distribution

FOR KIDS

Youth Organizations

HEALTH

State-of-the-Art Comprehensive Care

Residents of Savannah are in the right spot when it comes to health care.� The city was the site of Georgia�s first hospital � the Savannah Poor House and Hospital, which was chartered in 1808 � and since the mid-1950s has been the location of three major medical centers.� Two of those hospitals, Candler and St. Joseph�s, were merged in 1997 to create the St. Joseph�s/Candler Health System.� The city�s other hospital, Memorial Health University Medical Center, is Savannah�s largest and is the regional tertiary medical center, meaning it provides counties in south-east Georgia and southern South Carolina with several one-of-a-kind facilities and services.� Because of that, Memorial Health draws many medical specialists to the area.

Due to the size, reputation and expanded capabilities of the local medical facilities, residents find comprehensive and specialized services are available without having to leave the city.

Major Area Medical Facilities

Memorial Health University Medical Center�� http://www.memorialhealth.com/

4700 Waters Ave., 31404 �� (912) 350-8000�� 530 beds

Memorial Health is a two-state health-care organization serving a 35-county area in southeast Georgia and southern South Carolina. The system includes its flagship, Memorial Health University Medical Center, a 530-bed tertiary medical center; CareOne, its two-state home care division; Memorial Health University Physicians, the area�s largest group practice; a major medical education program; business and industry services; and NurseOne, a 24-hour call center.�

Managed by Quorum Health Resources, Inc., Memorial Health is the area�s second-largest private employer with more than 4,000 employees. As southeast Georgia�s only teaching and research hospital, the Medical Center is affiliated with the Medical College of Georgia and Mercer University School of Medicine.

Memorial Health�s speciality programs include the Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson Cancer Institute, a regional referral center for cancer care; the George and Marie Backus Children�s Hospital, the region�s only paediatric care facility; The Rehabilitation Institute, one of only six located in Georgia;� LifeStarOne, the area�s only emergency helicopter ambulance unit; and Trauma Center One, the only Level I trauma center in south-east Georgia and only one of four Level I trauma centers in the state.

In addition, Memorial Health is home to a Level III neonatal intensive care nursery, the Georgia Eye Institute, the Georgia Ear Institute and the Georgia Neurological Institute.

Memorial Health is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.

Candler Hospital�� http://www.stjosephs-candler.org/

5353 Reynolds St., 31405 �� (912) 692-6000�� 335 beds

Candler Hospital, an affiliate of the St. Joseph�s/Candler Health System, is one of the country�s oldest continuously operating hospitals.� Candler has a strong reputation for providing the finest in primary care and outpatient services.� In 1998, the Children�s Place, a paediatric acute-care program, and the Children�s Place Emergency Center were opened at Candler to address the special needs of sick children and their concerned parents.� New outpatient and day surgery facilities have been established to accommodate the growing trend toward shorter surgical stays in hospitals.

Other programs available at Candler Hospital include wellness programs, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, cancer care, sports medicine, diabetes care and pulmonary medicine.� The legacy of Savannah native Mary Telfair lives on in the maternity center that bears her name � the Birthplace at Telfair.

Candler is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and is affiliated with the Emory University System of Health Care.

St. Joseph's Hospital�� http://www.stjosephs-candler.org/

11705 Mercy Blvd., 31406 �� (912) 925-4100�� 305 beds

Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1875 and now an affiliate of the St. Joseph�s/Candler Health System, this hospital is an acute care facility that is the area�s leader in heart-care services, neurology and orthopaedics. St. Joseph�s, like its sister facility, Candler Hospital, has earned consecutive Accreditation with Commendation awards from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.

Specialized services include cancer care, bloodless surgery, gastroenterology, otoneurology, diabetes management, comprehensive wellness programs, multiple sclerosis treatments and sports medicine.

The hospital, located on 28 acres on the south side, is affiliated with the Mayo Clinic Jacksonville and Neumours Children�s Hospital in north Florida.

Georgia Regional Hospital at Savannah

1915 Eisenhower Drive, 31406 �� (912) 356-2011�� 150 beds

Georgia Regional is part of a series of mental health hospitals intended to decentralize mental health services in the state and bring patients treatment as close as possible to their homes. This hospital provides psychiatric care to mentally ill adults, emotionally disturbed children and geriatric patients from throughout southeast Georgia.� The hospital�s psychiatric emergency receiving facility is open 24 hours a day.

Coastal Harbor Treatment Center

1150 Cornell Ave., 31406 �� (912) 354-3911�� 112 beds

Coastal Harbor is a private hospital providing psychiatric treatment for children and adolescents with a range of behavioral health problems. An Acute Services Unit offers intensive short-term stabilization of acute psychiatric symptoms for children ages 4 to 17. The Residential Treatment Program offers long-term residential treatment for children 7 to 17. Along with regular residential services, Sex Offender and Developmentally Delayed programming is offered in specialty units. Referrals to either program can be made by contacting the Admissions Department.

Coastal Harbor is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and is owned by Keystone Education and Youth Services.

Effingham Hospital�� http://www.effinghamhospital.com/

459 Hwy 119 S Springfield, 31329 �� (912) 754-6451��

25-bed critical care access hospital and 105-resident extended care center

As it has since opening in 1969, Effingham Hospital continues to provide citizens with quality, affordable health care.� Accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the facility is ranked among the nation�s top 2 percent of accredited organizations.

The hospital provides a wide range of outpatient services including general, laproscopic and same-day surgery; imaging and diagnostics; and physical, occupational, speech and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation.� The hospital also maintains continuous physician and RN coverage in the Emergency Department and was the nation�s first chest pain center in a rural location.

Effingham Hospital also hosts the Physicians Center where area specialists see local patients; and the UrgentOne facility on Goshen Road in Rincon that is open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Home Health Care

Home health care provider agencies work under the direction of the client�s physician.�� Agencies differ in the type of services provided: skilled nursing care with registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and nursing specialists.� Some agencies offer extended services, such as:

Health-related Organizations

*Organization*	*Telephone Number*
*American Cancer Society*	(912) 355-5196
*American Diabetes Association*	(912) 353-8110
*American Heart Association*	(912) 790-2900
*American Red Cross*	(912) 651-5300
*Chatham* *County* *Dept. of Family & Children Services*	(912) 651-2211
*Chatham County Emergency Management Agency*	(912) 201-4500
*Hope House of Savannah, Inc.*	(912) 236-5310
*Hospice of Savannah*	(912) 355-2289
*March of Dimes*	(912) 354-5900
*Rape* *Crisis Center*	(912) 233-3000
*Savannah* *Association for the Blind*	(912) 236-4473
*Second Harvest Food Bank*	(912) 236-6750
*United Way of the Coastal Empire*	(912) 651-7700

LOCAL WEATHER

Savannah Weather Reports�� http://www.weatherforyou.com/weather/Georgia/Savannah.html

Savannah enjoys a subtropical climate that makes outdoor activities possible year-round.� The summers are hot and the winters are mild.� On average, Savannah experiences four weeks where temperatures can approach to freezing (32 degrees or below) and two months where temperatures are often in the 90s.

Relative Humidity	872%
Precipitation	110.1�
Freezing Days	32
90 Degree Days	67
Average Wind speed	7.9 knots
Annual Rainfall	49.7�
Annual Snowfall	0.1�

*Average Monthly Temperatures* *(monthly means in degrees Fahrenheit)*
Month	High	Low	Mean
*January*	60.3	37.9	49.2
*February*	63.1	40.0	51.6
*March*	69.9	46.8	58.4
*April*	77.8	54.1	66.0
*May*	84.2	62.3	73.3
*June*	88.6	68.5	78.6
*July*	90.8	71.5	81.2
*August*	90.1	71.4	80.8
*September*	85.6	67.6	76.6
*October*	77.8	55.9	66.9
*November*	69.5	45.5	57.5
*December*	62.5	39.4	51.0

MILITARY

Savannah, along with neighboring southeast Georgia and coastal South Carolina, has an active military presence supported by a long military history.

The city is the site of Hunter Army Airfield, a vital part of the Fort Stewart complex, which is the largest military installation east of the Mississippi River. Boasting the U.S. Armys longest runway, Hunter serves as a location from which troops and equipment based at Hunter and Fort Stewart can be deployed rapidly throughout the world.

More than 20,000 soldiers are stationed at Fort Stewart and at Hunter, the latter of which is the home of a Ranger battalion (the 1st of the 75th Regiment); units of the 3rd Infantry; the 224th Military Intelligence Battalion; and a U.S. Coast Guard air station operating search-and-rescue helicopters. Fort Stewart, with headquarters located 40 miles southwest of Savannah in the Liberty County town of Hinesville, is home of the 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized).

The combined military-civilian payroll of the Fort Stewart-Hunter complex is more than $835 million annually. Although most of the personnel assigned to Fort Stewart work and live in Hinesville, many soldiers and their dependants visit Savannah on a regular basis to shop and take advantage of the city�s amenities.

Savannah is also home to the 165th Airlift Wing of the Georgia Air National Guard, whose 950 uniformed personnel fly and maintain C-130H cargo planes. The estimated payroll of the 165th is more than $21 million a year.

Also contributing to the local economy are units of the Coast Guard, with a payroll of $5.6 million a year, and the Air Guards Combat Readiness Training Center, which generates almost $1.5 million annually.

The importance of the role of the units housed at Fort Stewart-Hunter, along with its size and access to the port of Savannah, makes the future of this military installation secure.

MOVING CHECKLIST

Whether moving a short distance or coast to coast, pre-planning is the secret to a successful move. The following is a list of a few helpful hints that will make your relocation even easier:

4 to 6 Weeks Before Moving

� Send change of address cards to post office, friends and relatives, credit card companies, subscription services, banks and insurance companies

� Make arrangements with a moving company

� Disconnect utilities, get refunds for any deposits made and arrange for final billing

� Check pre-registration procedures for enrolling children in school

� Make arrangements to have personal records i.e. medical, dental, school, veterinary and birth sent to new address

� Begin packing, starting with seldom-used items

� Arrange with current employer to forward tax-withholding forms

2 to 3 Weeks Before Moving

� Make arrangements for services in your new location (gas, electric, water, telephone, cable television, newspaper, etc.)

� Make travel arrangements for the trip

� Transfer bank accounts

� Make necessary arrangements for shipment of plants and pets

� Have drug prescriptions refilled

� Notify insurance company

� Conduct a garage sale, or make charitable donations of unused items

1 Week Before Moving

� Defrost and dry refrigerators and freezers that will be moved

� Clean out the safety deposit box, keeping all valuables together

� Purchase travellers' checks for necessary expenditures

� Make final arrangements with the bank

� Have car serviced

� Pack items to be carried in the car

� Verify delivery with the mover

Moving Day

� Pack a box of basic items you'll need for loading and unpacking such as scissors, tools, paper products, household cleaners, etc. Have it loaded last so it can be the first item off the truck at your new home.

� Conduct a walk-through with the van operator and carefully supervise the movers to ensure all instructions are understood

� Double-check everything before you leave

Packing Tips

� Disassemble any items you can; wrap pieces separately with bubble wrap, blankets or towels

� Reinforce the bottom of all boxes with tape

� Pack one room at a time and label each box with room and contents

� Mark boxes containing fragile items clearly as "Handle with Care," "Glass" or "Fragile"

� Fill any unused space in boxes with paper or other filler to prevent shifting during transit

� Pad all furniture

� Move dressers with contents in drawers to avoid re-packing

� Disconnect and empty all hoses for washing machines and place inside the tub

� Tape electrical cords to back of appliances to prevent damage

� Drain all gasoline and oil from lawn mowers, weed eaters, chain saws and other equipment

� Empty propane tanks from barbecue grill and properly purge hose; secure lid and immobilize any moving parts

Please DON'T pack any of the following items:

� Fuels, aerosol cans, paint, mineral spirits

� Flammable liquids, corrosives or bleach

� Firearms or ammunition

� Candles or food in glass jars

� Live plants, pets or perishables

� Cleaning chemicals

QUALITY OF LIFE

Quality of life is a simple phrase that describes the advantages of everyday life in Savannah. Being able to count on sunny, balmy, subtropical weather yearlong puts Savannah residents ahead of the citizens of most other US cities.

Finance & Economies
Cost of Living higher value = higher cost of living (100 = national average)	88
Sales Tax Rate (total sales tax)	6.0%
State Income Taxes state income taxes based on $50,000 income, married, two kids	$1,612
Local Income Taxes local income taxes based on $50,000 income, married, two kids	$0
Job Growth Percentage change in employment for 1998	1.70%
Unemployment Rate % unemployed in 1998	4.70%
Median Family Income median family income	$27,076
Real Estate
Home Purchase Cost average cost of 2,000 sq. ft home	$182,000
Property Tax average annual property tax for 2,000 sq. ft home	$3,822
Electricity Cost monthly electricity cost for 2,000 sq. ft home	$47
Education
High School Graduate Rate % of population that are High School graduates	70%
Bachelor's Degree Rate % of population with a Bachelor's degree	17%
Quality of Life
Air Pollution amount of ozone in the air, as an index - US average = 100	77
Population 1995 census population (published 1996)	136,262
Population Density people per square mile	2,219
Crime Index number of crimes committed per 100,000 population	8,932
Travel & Transportation
Auto Insurance auto insurance average for single male, age 27	$1,102
Commute Time average one-way commute time (in minutes)	18.7

RECREATION

Recreation abounds in the Savannah area. Whether you are teeing off for 18 holes of golf, sunning yourself on your favorite beach, deep water fishing or watching a baseball game, you will thoroughly enjoy yourself with the vast array of recreational activities available in the Savannah area. Below you can click on the links for more information.

Camping

SCHOOLS

Educational opportunities abound in Savannah, site of a public school system that's pursuing an aggressive building-improvements program, of a multitude of private schools and of four diverse colleges.

There are more than 20 private schools serving the area with programs that offer a variety of learning environments.

In the field of higher education, Savannah gets superior marks as the location of two institutions that are part of the University System of Georgia and of two private colleges � one an innovative art school and the other specializing in business and the health professions.

There are also a substantially larger state university within commuting distance of Savannah; a local technical school that works closely with area businesses and industry; and continuing education facilities that offer formal and informal learning opportunities.

Primary And Secondary Education

Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools (SCCPS)�� http://www.savannah.chatham.k12.ga.us/

208 Bull St., 31401 �� (912) 201-5600

With an enrolment of more than 36,000 students, SCCPS is the largest stakeholder on the local education scene. Thanks to a $221 million building program, 13 new schools were opened between the summer of 1996 and 2003.

Pre-kindergarten

Quality pre-kindergarten programs are offered at 29 sites for eligible 4-year-old children, five full days per week, for 36 weeks per year. Children who are 4 years old on or before September 1 may be eligible to attend.

The pre-K programs provide a positive atmosphere in which children can learn and grow at their own pace. Caring, professional certified teachers and teaching assistants offer developmentally appropriate pre-K activities that enrich children's lives and provide them with the skills they need for lifelong learning.

For more information about Savannah-Chatham's pre-K programs, call (912) 201-5635.

Kindergarten/Elementary

Full-day kindergarten programs are now offered at 31 elementary schools. The curriculum is designed to educate the whole child and provide a solid foundation for learning in all subjects.

Children must be 5 years old on or before September 1 of the year entry is desired to enrol in kindergarten. Children who are age 5 by December 31, who were legal residents of one or more other states for a period of two years immediately prior to moving to Georgia, and were enrolled in a public or accredited state or regional kindergarten, are also eligible to enrol.

Middle and High Schools

There are 11 middle schools (one of which is a charter school), seven high schools, and nine educational centers in the school district. If you are registering your child in a district middle or high school for the first time, call the school for hours.

To register a child for public school, the following must be provided:

� Certified copy of the child's birth certificate

� Georgia Certificate of Immunization (Form 3231)

� Georgia Eye, Ear and Dental Certificate (EED)

� Recent report card (grades 1-12)

� An unofficial transcript (grades 9-12)

� Proof of address (current gas, electric or water bill, lease or other legal documents)

� The student, parent or legal guardian is requested to furnish the student's Social Security number to the school.

Children must be registered in the school attendance area in which their parents or legal guardians reside, unless they are accepted into an academy program. If you need information about your attendance area, call the Student Placement Office at 201-5584. Parents of students who speak a language other than English should call (912) 201-5484.

For additional questions, call the school your child will be attending. School registration offices close for summer vacation during the month of June and re-open in late July for registration.

Private Schools

Due to the plethora of private schools located in Savannah, residents have a variety of options concerning education on the elementary and secondary school levels. Private schools offering classes in pre-kindergarten through the 12th grade range in size from 264 students to 1,442, with annual tuition costs as low as $1,800 and as high as $11,520.� Many schools offer programs that are Christian in nature, but others take a purely secular approach.� As a whole, institutions that have high school programs structure their programs to prepare students for college.

If you're contemplating sending a child to a private school, be sure to visit the institutions you're considering and check out class sizes; facilities; whether or not meals are served, their costs and quality; and the availability and composition of before- and after-school programs.� Ask about student test scores and success rates, obtain information regarding the educational backgrounds and experience of the faculty and inquire as to what colleges are accepting graduates.� Pay particular attention to the income levels of the families of children attending a particular school so that you'll be assured your child �fits in�.

Below is a list of Private Schools in the Savannah area:

School Address	Phone #	Grades	Total Enrolment
Benedictine Military School 6502 Seawright Dr., Savannah, Ga.	(912) 356-3500	9-12 male (nonboarding)	425
Bible Baptist School 4700 Skidaway Rd., Savannah, Ga.	(912) 352-3067	PreK-12	340
Blessed Sacrament School 1003 E Victory Dr., Savannah, Ga.	(912) 356-6987	PreK-8	435
Calvary Baptist Day School 4625 Waters Ave, Savannah, Ga.	(912) 925-0367	PreK-12	815
Hancock Day School 5526 Skidaway Rd., Savannah, Ga.	(912) 355-0151	PreK-5	175
Memorial Day School 6500 Habersham St., Savannah, Ga.	(912) 352-4535	PreK-12	285
Notre Dame Academy 324 Abercorn St., Savannah, Ga.	(912) 232-5473	PreK-8