SperlingViews - Savannah, Georgia

I am generally amazed at the seemingly uneducated populace commenting on Savannah's profile. I make this comment because no one can spell, and that alone gives the appearance of being uneducated. However, I can attest, after living here for two years, that Savannah and its surrounding 'burbs, are over-glorified. I was born and raised in Georgia, and I can tell you, 95% of Georgia is this way. I couldn't wait to leave Georgia back in the day, and I can't wait to leave it now, as an educated professional seeking better opportunities for my kids and family. If it weren't for SCAD, the entire downtown area of Savannah would be Ghetto-ville. There is a growing sub-community of gays and lesbians in Savannah 'enriching' the diversity, but overall, the SES of Savannah is VERY LOW and the poor population is reflected in the school systems and high unemployment rate. 'White flight' is alive and actively present, with only the upper crust living downtown and being able to afford private schools in the area, such as Savannah Country Day School. With limited educational opportunities, limited job prospects and zero growth potential through REAL diversity (meaning diversity enriching life, not detracting from life), Savannah is a dead end. Period. End of story. This is a place to retire, not a place to raise a family to adulthood and/or invest/grow your career. Careers die here. Nepotism is RAMPANT, too. And, even if you have all this worked out, you better be 100% prepared to attend Savannah Christian Church. It is the do-all, end-all. And where you attend church defines who you are and what you are able to accomplish. Even the DAR wants to know when/if you join.... If you have been around the block (so to speak), there is a pretty good chance you will not be happy here. [read more...]

I love living so close to the sea. It may get a little hot in the summertime, but the rest of the year the weather is so enjoyable![read more...]

Hi there, I couldn't resist saying something after having lived here for 3 1/2 years. I moved from Manhattan, N.Y. I have been sober in A.A. for 18 years. I keep looking for a meeting that doesn't have just poor people in it, only for the reason that it's not the poverty but the lack of social instincts that seem to go along with that! Can't even park my Porsche without someone simply opening their door on it simply because they never saw one and doesn't even have a clue it's an expensive car! I keep looking for some meeting that doesn't have the usual colledge kids believing (I have arrived) with no knowledge whatsoever, or the usual family that has 8 kids with only 20,000.00 a year! Remember, it's not the money, since I know of no worse than really wealthy people that are more self centered than poor people, it's just that usually when a family has money to raise the kids they learn not to open the car door on to the car next to theirs! Let's face it, if the only reason a car is had is for transportation to the grocery store, and the car is usually a '91 chevy pick up, then there is no reason to teach the kids, or the parents for that matter, that they should take care of their things and try to not damage other peoples things either. At least I learned that when I was young and thought everyone knew it... Self centered myself there! There are some really nice personal people in savannah. it's true. it's just that everyone is so used to genial poverty that no one makes any comments and simply let's it go. So as long as you've got a cheap old car then you're all set. C'mon down, and stay awhile. If you drink alot it's even more acceptable! Heck, I went out friday to a gas station and almost go hit by a drunk in the gas line! The cops all know it and don't even bother. They simply give tickets to people who can pay them for speeding over the 35mph limit to make money for the city! Good luck! Richard [read more...]

Replying to Sharon in Tarpon Springs, we are in Savannah Ga, and may be relocating to somewhere in Florida, tarpon springs does sound very nice[read more...]

If you are looking for diversity Savannah is not the place. I have lived here all my life and at 39 am looking to relocate where the norm is not "what you know but who you know". There is so much predjudice her til its sickening. Being a single mom I want more for my son and the only way to give him a fighting chance is to get out now, he's 11 and this place is a death trap culturally, financially, and morally. [read more...]

My husband and I recently relocated to Savannah for his job and because it was a rather quick move we did not have much time to research housing and ended up renting in the Savannah Quaters community in Pooler. We are happy with this knowing that it is temporary, but it really does not fit our taste or what we were use to in Memphis. We are using this year to research neighborhoods and places to buy. Right now this historic district is the main area that were are interested in, but I would like to also look for some established neighborhoods in the area that have yards and are more "suburb-sih". However I am very anti new developments and treeless neighborhoods. If anyone has ever been to Memphis and knows of the suburb Germantown, I am looking for an area that is comparable to that or East Memphis. If anyone can offer any tips that would be great![read more...]

We recently located here, because of employment, when we arrived, we were welcomed here, but...as soon as people found out that we were Not just tourists, everything changed, If you are Not from here, and from the north, and you don't have family or friends already here before moving here, I suggest staying where you are or trying Florida. Never saw so much prejudice in my life, we're moving soon, and will say good bye here never to come back. It's all a show. Ever heard the expression "just because something glitters doesn't mean it's gold" well you got it! It's beautiful, but stay away, only if you're vacationing is it nice.[read more...]

I visited there over the weekend, and really! liked it. Being a Senior (young) was considering moving here. My son-in-law mention that there are gangs in an around certain areas, but that the crime was (low??). How can I find out about the crime rate for 2010/2011.[read more...]

Please reply where a quiet lovely place to live. We are working at Gulfstream.[read more...]

I am moving to Savannah in June and I am not too sure on where to begin my housing search. I would like to rent a single family home in an established community versus a development. If anyone has any ideas or connections with homeowners willing to rent please let me know.[read more...]

Caution! We came here a few months ago for employment, we also visited one time before we moved here, people as long as they thought you were visiting treated you wonderful, as soon as we moved here, treated very very badly, and on the job as well. Charleston SC very classy city, cultured, I would question about the culture in this city, They have had Paula Deen who is awesome and has had added alot of positive things to this city. But, the crime is bad, we live in a very nice area, and the rent is high to say the least, very rude people, who don't know how to drive. We will be leaving soon (I hope) Nice place to visit for a vacation, I would Not even recommending retiring here, but I wouldn't want to live the rest of my life here. If you have family or friends' here than that would be a good move for you, if not, I caution you. [read more...]

Tarpon Springs is a great place to live. It is located on the west coast of Florida near the Tampa/St. Pete area. Tarpon is quaint but not boring. It has a large Greek population- which means there is excellent food! Most of the greek restraunts are located in the "dock" area. There are quaint shops and trendy restraunts in the downtown area. It's a cool lttle coastal town with a laid back vibe. [read more...]

So I'm moving from Hawaii to Savannah, GA is there any tips in what to or what not to look forward to?[read more...]

The economy in Savannah is about the same as the rest of the country. However, there are a few wealthy families that control this city and have not allowed Savannah to develop into a place that's vibrant and prosperous. It appears that Fortune 500 companies are not welcome in this city with exception of Gulf Stream Aerospace. I hope that at some point this will change![read more...]

Savannah's crime rate is actually about the same as other southern cities of similar size and lower than places like Charleton, SC and Knoxville, TN, just as examples. By far, the greatest number of crimes are property crimes rather than personal crimes, so don't be deterred. An awesome place to live with a relatively low cost of living.[read more...]

Very high crime in Savannah, Georgia. Tourists should be aware of their surroundings at all times even entering and leaving their hotel room! This is a very poor city with more than 57% african americans. Most are living on section 8 with no income. Homeless people come to Savannah to live since there are so many resources and handouts for them here. Tourists beware of panhandlers, the city does not strictly enforce the law regarding them and they will bother you to no end! [read more...]

A truly beautiful historic city![read more...]

I have lived in a lot of beautiful places, but I'll always come back to Savannah. I love the small-town feel, the beauty and history mixed with the edgy quirkiness that SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) has brought our city. I love sweet tea, the smell of the marsh, cobblestones, Tybee Beach, lazy rivers, fresh caught seafood, winding dirt roads, pine trees, even the heat! I especially love the people and how this city is growing and changing, while always holding on to its rich culture.[read more...]

Currently live in SE FL, and looking for a new environment. Have spent some time in the Savannah area and found it friendly, charming and beautiful ... it's very high on our short-list. The downside ... the housing is considerably more costly for a whole lot less. Of course, the FL real estate market is currently very depressed. Can anyone address this concern for me? Would like your general comments, opinion or observation on Savannah living. Good, Bad, or Ugly. Love the downtown resturants, bars and antiquity. Also love the laid-back feeling,the water and marsh of the Islands. So far, we like the idea of living in a condo on Wilmington Island, or in the downtown Victorian District. Any input would be greatfully appreciated. Thanks ~ Jerry[read more...]

If you want great public schools, you're not going to get it here. I have lived on the outskirts of Savannah for 30 years and any local will tell you that the education system here is terrible! Anyone with the opportunity moves their children to private school or moves to a neirboring city.[read more...]