Dutch Island is a private, gated waterfront community in Chatham County, Georgia, southeast of Savannah and next to Isle of Hope. Surrounded by the Herb, Wilmington and Skidaway rivers, it’s a quiet residential island with Savannah mailing addresses, and Seaport Real Estate’s local agents, led by Broker/Owner Ben Bluemle, help people buy and sell homes here from our office at 7301 Waters Avenue in Savannah.

Where is Dutch Island?

Dutch Island sits on Savannah’s southeast side. The Herb River runs along its northwest side, the Wilmington River along the northeast, the Skidaway River to the southeast and Grimball Creek to the southwest. The Wilmington and Skidaway rivers are part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. The island is connected by road to Isle of Hope, and it’s about 14 miles by car to downtown Savannah.

Dutch Island is unincorporated, so it isn’t part of the City of Savannah, even though homes here use Savannah, GA 31406 mailing addresses. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, about 1,240 people live on Dutch Island.

What it’s like to live on Dutch Island

Life on Dutch Island centers on the water, the marsh and the neighbors. Live oaks, lagoons and marsh views are part of the everyday scenery, and the gate keeps traffic light and the streets quiet.

HOA amenities

The Dutch Island Homeowners Association describes the community as roughly 500 homes on more than 500 acres. Amenities included in the annual HOA fee are:

• A 24-hour gated security entrance
• A 500-foot community dock and boat launch, tucked back on the Herb River in a no-wake zone
• A pool and kiddie pool with a covered patio
• Two lighted tennis courts, a basketball court, a playground and an athletic field
• Lagoons and common areas the association maintains, with fishing for residents

On the water

From the community dock, boaters can reach the Intracoastal Waterway and the rivers and sounds around Savannah. Some waterfront homes have private docks too.

Next door: Isle of Hope and Skidaway

Isle of Hope, with its historic Bluff Drive and Wormsloe State Historic Site, is right next door, and Skidaway Island is a short drive away. Learn more in our guide to Savannah’s islands.

Touring homes on Dutch Island

Because Dutch Island is private, the general public can’t drive through the gate. Under the HOA’s access rules, a licensed real estate agent checks in at the gate and accompanies prospective buyers, or the owner can arrange a pass. Agents also let the gate know about open houses ahead of time. The easiest way to see homes is to tour with an agent who knows the island.

Homes on Dutch Island

Dutch Island is mostly single-family homes, including waterfront and marsh-front homes, homes on the lagoons and homes on interior lots. The HOA’s architectural review applies to exterior changes and some work, like tree removal, so it’s worth reading the community’s rules before you buy.

A note on flood zones and insurance

Like much of coastal Chatham County, many Dutch Island properties are in or near FEMA-mapped flood zones, and the zone can change from one lot to the next. If a home is in a high-risk zone and you have a federally backed mortgage, your lender will require flood insurance. Look up the address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center, ask whether there’s an elevation certificate, and get insurance quotes early.

Schools near Dutch Island

Dutch Island is served by the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System. Isle of Hope K-8 School is nearby on Parkersburg Road. School zones are set by address and can change, so always check a specific home with the district’s school locator before you buy.

Buying or selling in Dutch Island with Seaport

Seaport Real Estate is a locally owned and operated brokerage in Savannah, led by Broker/Owner Ben Bluemle. Behind every agent is an in-house team: marketing and design, a contract coordinator who manages each deal from contract to close, and office support.

Our Broker/Owner, Ben Bluemle, focuses on Dutch Island and waterfront homes on Savannah’s south-side islands, so you’ll be working with a team that knows the island’s streets, docks and HOA.

• Buying? Start with our home buyer resources or search homes for sale.
• Selling? See how we market homes on our Sellers page, or request a home valuation to find out what your Dutch Island home could be worth.
• Want to meet an agent first? Browse Meet the Team.

Dutch Island FAQ

Where is Dutch Island in Savannah?

Dutch Island is in Chatham County on Savannah’s southeast side, next to Isle of Hope, surrounded by the Herb, Wilmington and Skidaway rivers and Grimball Creek. It’s about 14 miles by car to downtown Savannah.

Is Dutch Island a gated community?

Yes. Dutch Island is a private, gated community with a 24-hour security entrance, and entry by the general public isn’t allowed. Buyers can tour homes with a licensed real estate agent.

What amenities come with the Dutch Island HOA?

The annual HOA fee covers the gated entrance, a 500-foot community dock and boat launch on the Herb River, a pool and kiddie pool, tennis and basketball courts, a playground, an athletic field and the community’s lagoons and common areas.

Is Dutch Island part of the City of Savannah?

No. Dutch Island is an unincorporated community in Chatham County. Homes there use Savannah, GA 31406 mailing addresses, but the island is outside the city limits.

Do I need flood insurance on Dutch Island?

It depends on the property’s FEMA flood zone and your lender. If the home is in a high-risk flood zone and you have a federally backed mortgage, flood insurance is required. Check the address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and get quotes before you make an offer.

Who can help me buy or sell a home on Dutch Island?

Seaport Real Estate’s local agents, led by Broker/Owner Ben Bluemle. Call 912-202-2042, email [email protected], or visit our office at 7301 Waters Avenue, Savannah, GA 31406, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5 PM.

Explore more Savannah-area guides

Savannah, Historic District, Midtown, The Islands, Wilmington Island, Tybee Island, Pooler and Richmond Hill. Have a general question? Our Savannah Real Estate FAQ covers the basics.