Savannah's Islands: Homes and Area Guide

Where are Savannah's islands?

The islands fall into two groups. Heading east from Savannah on U.S. 80, the road to the beach, you cross Whitemarsh and Talahi islands, with Wilmington Island just to the south, on the way to Tybee Island. To the southeast, Isle of Hope, Dutch Island and Skidaway Island line the Skidaway and Wilmington rivers, part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.

Except for the City of Tybee Island, these island communities are unincorporated parts of Chatham County. They aren't inside the City of Savannah, even though most homes use Savannah mailing addresses.

The islands at a glance

Whitemarsh Island

The first island east of Savannah on U.S. 80, Whitemarsh is home to about 7,000 people (2020 U.S. Census), with established neighborhoods, newer homes and condominiums, and plenty of shopping along the highway. Islands High School and Marshpoint Elementary School are on Whitemarsh Island Road.

Talahi Island

Small and mostly residential, Talahi Island sits along U.S. 80 just north of Wilmington Island, bordered by the Bull River and Turners Creek. About 1,250 people lived there at the 2020 Census.

Wilmington Island

Wilmington Island is a long-established residential community of about 15,100 people, known for boating, marsh views and the Savannah Country Club golf course. See our Wilmington Island guide.

Isle of Hope

Southeast of the city on the Skidaway River, Isle of Hope is one of the area's oldest communities. Bluff Drive and the surrounding streets are part of the Isle of Hope Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and Wormsloe State Historic Site, with its live oak avenue and colonial-era tabby ruins, is at the island's edge on Skidaway Road. Isle of Hope K-8 School serves the community.

Dutch Island

Next to Isle of Hope, Dutch Island is a private, gated waterfront community with a community dock and boat launch on the Herb River. See our Dutch Island guide.

Skidaway Island

Reached by the Diamond Causeway, Skidaway Island has about 9,300 residents (2020 U.S. Census). Much of the island is The Landings, a private gated community with golf courses and marinas. The island is also home to Skidaway Island State Park and the University of Georgia's Skidaway Institute of Oceanography.

Tybee Island

About 18 miles east of downtown at the end of U.S. 80, Tybee Island is its own city and Savannah's beach town, with full-time residents, second homes and vacation rentals. See our Tybee Island guide or our Vacation Homes page.

Homes on the islands

Island homes range from single-family homes in established, tree-lined neighborhoods to deep-water homes with private docks, marsh-front lots, condominiums, homes inside gated communities and beach cottages on Tybee. Some communities have HOAs with their own amenities, fees and rules, so read those documents early.

A note on flood zones and insurance

Much of the island area is in 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. Docks, bulkheads and elevation are worth a close look too.

Schools on the islands

The islands are served by the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System. 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 the islands 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 the islands home could be worth.
• Want to meet an agent first? Browse Meet the Team.

Savannah islands FAQ

Which islands are near Savannah, GA?

The main residential islands near Savannah are Whitemarsh, Talahi, Wilmington Island and Tybee Island to the east, along and near U.S. 80, and Isle of Hope, Dutch Island and Skidaway Island to the southeast.

Are Savannah's islands part of the City of Savannah?

No. Except for the City of Tybee Island, the islands are unincorporated communities in Chatham County. Most homes there use Savannah mailing addresses, but they're outside the city limits.

Which Savannah island has a beach?

Tybee Island, about 18 miles east of downtown Savannah at the end of U.S. 80, is Savannah's beach town.

Do I need flood insurance on the islands?

It depends on the property's FEMA flood zone and your lender. Many island properties are in or near mapped flood zones, so check the address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and get insurance quotes before you make an offer.

Who can help me buy or sell a home on Savannah's islands?

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

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