Firstly why Savannah, Georgia?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Savannah
• State: Georgia
• Population: 145,862 people
• Savannah’s quick summary would be Famous for its historic district, charming squares, and stunning Spanish moss-draped oak trees.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 12,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 12,000 annually
• Net Migration: 0 no real change annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 1,200
• Number of Homeless people: 800

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it known for its historic charm and waterfront access attracting tourists and residents

Perk #1: Savannah Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 34%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 52%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $55,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Savannah is $59,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $4000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Savannah’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 90 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,509
• Property Tax %: 0.78%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,050
• Rent for an average house: $1,800
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Historic District
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Savannah, Wilmington-Island, Richmond-Hill, Tybee-Island, and probably could include Pooler
• Avg. Age of Homes in Savannah: 67 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.6%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Savannah’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Savannah are  Tourism, Manufacturing, and Retail
• Savannah Job Scene: healthy job market in tourism and education
• The General Tech Scene: emerging tech economy focused on tourism, logistics, and technology support services
• Savannah Resident’s pay $1,200 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Savannah: 8%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 150 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 11

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Savannah

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $90 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-16 connects Savannah to Macon providing key access across Georgia
• Commute Time: 25 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: evening bottleneck on I-16
• Transportation Score: 32 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Savannah: 75,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.5
• No. of Car Washes: 4 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Savannah: dor.georgia.gov/motor-vehicle-division
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 60 of 100
• Local Airport: Savannah/Hilton Head International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Savannah’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Hurricanes
• General Weather in Savannah is best described as experiences hot humid summers with temperatures in the 90s and mild winters with occasional cold spells
• Winter Weather in Savannah i’d describe as mild with rainy weather
• Spring Weather in Savannah can be described as warm and humid
• Summer’s in Savannah are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Savannah is usually warm and sunny
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 20 days in summer
• Days in a row in Savannah below Freezing: 3
• Average Annual Rainfall: 48 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality largely maintained by coastal winds
• Savannah Winter Air generally good air quality but can vary with seasonal peaks

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Savannah Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Savannah 4
• While the number of trade schools inside Savannahs’s city limits are 4
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Savannah Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Savannah Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Savannah only Doctors is about 90
• Local Hospitals here is  6
• Full-time Savannah only Police Officers is about 600
• Crime Rate Index: 40/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Savannah’s Monthly utility bill average is $100
• Savannah’s Monthly Gym Membership: $45
• Savannah’s Water Quality Score: 71

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Savannah

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 12 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: historic city known for beautiful architecture and hospitality
• You might enjoy performances at the Savannah Theatre
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Savannah  features a historic nightlife with charming bars restaurants and cultural events alongside the riverside

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Savannah

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features a rich culinary heritage with many seafood restaurants
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 90 scattered around Savannah
• The Popular Sports Team is Savannah Bananas
• Top Level Political Climate in Savannah can be described as politically mixed area with a focus on historical preservation and tourism
• Savannah’s Longer standing religious establishment is Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Savannah Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Savannah has 40 Parks?
• Forsyth Park is Savannah’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Savannah Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-2pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Walking tours, cycling, and coastal activities

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Savannah Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Savannah can be described as laid-back pace with rich history and Southern charm
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Savannah exploring parks visiting the beach attending cultural festivals
• The Cities people commute to from Savannah are Pooler 12 miles away Richmond-Hill 21 miles away Hinesville 32 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Savannah or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: evening bottleneck on I-16. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Savannah’s Hurricanes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Historic District is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Savannah are Pooler 12 miles away Richmond-Hill 21 miles away Hinesville 32 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 40 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Savannah has 3 days in a row below freezing and 20 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Savannah people have an average (positive or negative) $4000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   800 homeless people living in Savannah. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed area with a focus on historical preservation and tourism could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Savannah.

Retiree & Senior Life in Savannah

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may qualify for exemptions focused on enhancing affordability of housing
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Marshes of Skidaway Island
• Savannah Senior Center features diverse programs including arts and health promotion activities

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Savannah, Georgia?

If Savannah, Georgia ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Savannah, Georgia, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!