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. Great Sites for Information about Savannah: Savannah City Guide Savannah Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Savannah Weather Reports Savannah Hospitality Association Georgia Historical Society Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum Tybee Island Lighthouse and Museum Savannah Community Profile. (See below)

Address questions & comments to: susan@housesandhomes.com.

SAVANNAH INFORMATION_______________________________________________________ 5

AREA MAPS______________________________________________________________________ 5

Savannah's Neighborhoods__________________________________________________________ 5

Savannah's Suburbs________________________________________________________________ 7

CHILDCARE_____________________________________________________________________ 10

CULTURE_______________________________________________________________________ 11

Museums_______________________________________________________________________ 11

Music__________________________________________________________________________ 13

Theater________________________________________________________________________ 13

EMPLOYMENT__________________________________________________________________ 15

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

LOCAL WEATHER_______________________________________________________________ 21

MILITARY_______________________________________________________________________ 22

MOVING CHECKLIST____________________________________________________________ 23

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

TRANSPORTATION______________________________________________________________ 37

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.

·         OFFICIAL SAVANNAH GUIDE                                                           http://www.officialsavannahguide.com/

·         Savannah Area Convention & Visitors Bureau                                 http://www.savannah-visit.com/

AREA MAPS

Savannah's Neighborhoods

Historic Savannah

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.

You may also want to find out:

•     If the center posts a current license.

•     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.

•     If the food is nutritious and prepared in a clean kitchen.

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

•     If there are enough toys and equipment for all children.

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

•     If there is a shaded outdoor play area.

•     If children can choose from activities appropriate for their age.

•     If children are encouraged to solve problems and ask questions.

•     If children appear happy and relaxed and relate well with others.

•     If the staff handles difficult children in an appropriate manner.

•     If the provider offers references to parents.

•     If parents are permitted to make unannounced visits.

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

Andrew Low House                                           http://www.andrewlow.com/

329 Abercorn St., 31401                                    (912) 233-6854

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.

Beach Institute

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.

Davenport House Museum                              http://www.davenportsavga.com/

119 Habersham St., 31401                               (912) 236-8097

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.

Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace                    http://www.girlscouts.org/birthplace

10 E. Oglethorpe Ave., 31401                           (912) 233-4501

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.

King-Tisdell Cottage Foundation

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.

Mighty Eighth Air Force                                 http://www.mightyeighth.org/

Heritage Museum

175 Bourne Ave., Pooler, 31322                      (912) 748-8888

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.

Owens-Thomas House                                      http://www.telfair.org/

124 Abercorn St., 31401                                    (912) 233-9743

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.

Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum

460 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., 31401        (912) 231-8900

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.

Savannah History Museum                             http://www.chsgeorgia.org/

303 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., 31401        (912) 651-6825

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.

Ships of the Sea Museum                                  http://www.shipsofthesea.org/

41 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., 31401          (912) 232-1511

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.

Telfair Museum of Art                                     http://www.telfair.org/

121 Barnard St., 31401                                      (912) 232-1177

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).

Tybee Island Lighthouse and Museum         http://www.tybeelighthouse.org/

30 Meddin Drive, Tybee Island, 31328          (912) 786-5801

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

Coastal Jazz Association                                 http://www.coastaljazz.com/index.php

(912) 232-2222

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

Savannah Onstage International Arts Festival</