What to know when moving to Savannah, GA
Savannah at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 67.1% of residents are renters and 48.2% hold a bachelor's degree.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $50,182, making it an attractive option for many.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 37.3%, affordability is a significant concern.
- Commute:
- Only 2.2% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,428/month in rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Savannah presents a unique blend of education and affordability challenges. With nearly half the population holding a bachelor's degree, the area has a highly educated demographic. However, the high renter percentage suggests many are navigating the housing market under financial strain, as evidenced by a poverty rate of 37.3%. The 2.2% public transit usage indicates that most residents may rely on cars for commuting.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for an affordable housing market, given the high percentage of residents living in poverty.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,428, while median home value stands at $477,600.
- 48.2% of residents have a bachelor's degree, contributing to a skilled community.
- The poverty rate is 37.3%, indicating a significant portion of the population faces economic challenges.
- 67.1% of residents are renters, highlighting a rental-heavy market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Georgia, the state has seen some notable trends in crime rates. The homicide rate is 5.6 per 100,000, which is 30.2% higher than the national average. Meanwhile, motor vehicle theft is at 156.2 per 100,000, representing a decrease of 28.3% since 2022.
- Violent crime: Homicide rate of 5.6 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 4.3.
- Property crime: Data unavailable due to syntax errors in the source.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate has dropped by 35.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Georgia).
Schools & Higher Ed
Savannah has access to a range of educational institutions, with a total of 8 nearby colleges and universities.
- Colleges include Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah State University, and Savannah Technical College.
- 7 institutions have available College Scorecard data, indicating a focus on education in the region.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While specific climate data is unavailable, Savannah offers several outdoor spots that are worth exploring. Forsyth Park and the Savannah Historic District are popular attractions.
- Forsyth Park - 4.8 stars (18,894 reviews)
- Savannah Historic District - 4.8 stars (7,131 reviews)
- Wormsloe State Historic Site - 4.5 stars (4,525 reviews)
- Savannah National Wildlife Refuge - 4.6 stars (2,572 reviews)
Source: Google Places API.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Chatham County, where Savannah is located, has an unemployment rate of 2.9%, indicating a relatively stable job market.
- Employed residents total 147,195.
- The labor force consists of 151,562 individuals.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.