Its decent for what it is...
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1/1/2022
I'm not the type to sugarcoat reviews, I call it as I see it. So here goes.
I will admit that St. Marys embraces that small town mentality. They do have regular activities downtown in the park as well as parades etc. It was originally centered around a local paper mill until it closed down. Fortunately for the town they neighbor a fairly decent sized Navy base. Which has continually pumped money into St. Marys and the neighboring city of Kingsland. Unfortunately, most of the commerce isn't being pumped into St. Marys so you won't find lots of new or attractive businesses there due to the majority of useable land already being developed or unusable. Housing is ridiculously overpriced considering the age of most of the homes, and don't expect much in terms of housing expansion. Schools are run by the county, which seem to be average at best. Traffic can be horrendous especially in the vicinity of the base pretty much everyday in the mornings and the streets become racetracks for those leaving work about 3-4pm. For every kind hearted person you encounter in St. Marys, there are generally two more a-holes to offset them. Having grown up in an actual small town in Oklahoma (I am a Navy transplant), it appears to have the small town charm but still feels as though they want to be a big city complete with elitists calling the shots from their private golf countryclubs. City funding is spent where they want despite where the city needs it.
Bottom line, if you are escaping actual big city life, you'll probably enjoy living here due to it's much slower pace.
If you came from an actual small town, it'll still feel like you moved into the city as it still seems as if folks around here are always in a hurry.
The city is being kept alive from the local base and the resident population are mostly employed there or retirees. If you want larger lot sizes or acreage, you likely won't find it here. Look towards White Oak, Folkston, Yulee, or Callahan for that.
Most people who live here do so because of it's proximity to the base, as do I. If I wasn't in the military I probably would pass by this area due to skyrocketed land value alone. It's a cute town to visit, but I wouldn't live here without that anchor.
Dustin | St. Marys, GA