Savannah, GA: Homes and Area Guide

Where is Savannah?

Savannah sits on a bluff above the Savannah River, about 18 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, just across the river from South Carolina. Interstate 95 runs north and south along the west side of the city, Interstate 16 ends in downtown Savannah, and U.S. 80 runs east from the city out to the islands and Tybee Island's beaches. Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is on the northwest side of the city, close to Pooler.

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the City of Savannah has about 147,800 residents, and the three-county metro area of Chatham, Bryan and Effingham counties has about 405,000. The Port of Savannah, one of the busiest container ports in the country, is a big part of the local economy.

Savannah neighborhoods and nearby communities

"Savannah" means different things depending on who you ask. Many homes with Savannah mailing addresses are actually outside the city limits, on the islands or in unincorporated Chatham County. Here's a quick look at the areas our agents work in every day.

Downtown and the Historic District

The original city plan, with its 22 public squares, live oaks and historic homes, is a National Historic Landmark District. See our Historic District guide.

Midtown

South of downtown, neighborhoods like Ardsley Park, Chatham Crescent and Parkside are known for early 20th-century homes and tree-lined streets. See our Midtown Savannah guide.

The south side

Savannah's south side, where our office sits on Waters Avenue, is a mix of established mid-century neighborhoods, newer subdivisions, shopping and medical offices, and it's the gateway to the islands to the southeast.

The islands

East and southeast of the city, the islands along the tidal rivers and marsh include Whitemarsh, Talahi, Wilmington Island, Isle of Hope, Dutch Island, Skidaway and Tybee Island. Start with our guide to Savannah's islands.

West Chatham: Pooler, Port Wentworth and Bloomingdale

West of the city, along I-95 and I-16, Pooler has grown quickly, with many newer neighborhoods, shopping and easy airport access. Port Wentworth and Bloomingdale are nearby.

South of Savannah: Richmond Hill and Bryan County

About 15 miles south, Richmond Hill is a city in Bryan County on the Ogeechee River, with its own school district. Families also look north into Effingham County.

Homes in Savannah

The Savannah area has a wide range of homes: historic townhomes and row houses downtown, early 20th-century bungalows and revival-style homes in Midtown, mid-century ranch homes and newer subdivisions on the south side and in west Chatham, waterfront and marsh-front homes on the islands, and condominiums throughout the area.

A note on flood zones and insurance

Coastal Chatham County has many FEMA-mapped flood zones, and the zone can change from one lot to the next. Before you make an offer, look up the property on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center, ask whether there's an elevation certificate, and get insurance quotes early. Your lender and a licensed insurance agent can tell you what coverage you'll need.

Schools in the Savannah area

The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System serves the City of Savannah and the rest of Chatham County, including Pooler and the islands. Richmond Hill is served by Bryan County Schools, and Effingham County has its own school district. 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 Savannah 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.

• 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 Savannah home could be worth.
• Want to meet an agent first? Browse Meet the Team.

Savannah FAQ

What areas around Savannah does Seaport Real Estate serve?

Seaport Real Estate's agents help buyers and sellers across Savannah and the surrounding area, including the Historic District, Midtown, the south side, the islands (Whitemarsh, Talahi, Wilmington Island, Isle of Hope, Dutch Island, Skidaway Island and Tybee Island), Pooler, Port Wentworth, Bloomingdale, Richmond Hill and Effingham County.

What county is Savannah, GA in?

Savannah is in Chatham County, Georgia, and it's the county seat.

Are Pooler and Richmond Hill part of Savannah?

No. Pooler is its own city in Chatham County, about 10 miles west of Savannah, and Richmond Hill is a city in Bryan County, about 15 miles south. Both are part of the Savannah metro area.

Which school district serves Savannah?

The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System serves Savannah and the rest of Chatham County. Richmond Hill is served by Bryan County Schools. Always confirm the zoned schools for a specific address with the district.

How do I find out what my Savannah home is worth?

Request a home valuation on our Home Valuation page. A local Seaport agent can then walk you through recent sales near you and what they mean for your home's value.

Who can help me buy or sell a home in Savannah?

Seaport Real Estate's local agents. 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

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