Savannah, Georgia

Romantic Savannah, Georgia Reminds Retirees of a Simpler Era

Cost-of-Living:  Meets U.S. National Average

Gracious antebellum homes, southern charm and architectural integrity make Savannah, Georgia (population 140,000) an elegant city fiercely proud of its history and unique way of life.   To stroll the two and a half square mile Historic District, a model of civic pride and restoration for the rest of the country, is to step back into a simpler, more gracious time.  This famous District is comprised of 22 distinct squares (24 originally), each surrounded by homes, businesses and churches and each with its own personality.   

Founded in 1733, Savannah was mostly spared during the Revolutionary War and the Civil War but suffered from neglect during later years; today, thanks to a citizenry devoted to preserving its past, it is undergoing a revitalization and flourishes as an historical gem. Thirteen percent of Savannah's population is aged 65 year or older, and retirees will find much to enjoy here. 

Ivy and wisteria, overflowing gardens behind ornate gates, stately homes tucked beneath huge Oak trees covered in Spanish moss...is there a more Southern image?    This is a desirable city, with a hint of mystery to it, but much of the real estate is still reasonably priced, although old, rambling mansions that were falling apart 30 years ago are now selling for millions of dollars.   The Historic District is arguably the most popular area in which to live.  Here a walk after dinner takes one through parks and squares, by museums, art galleries and coffee houses.   With unique shops, fresh markets and even medical services, one could actually move to the district and rarely have to leave at all. Victorian homes with rambling porches, steep gables, parlors and formal foyers are nestled here and there throughout the District and through many of the other downtown districts as well.  We even found a few small, true "fixer-upper" single-family homes in some of the non-restored districts for $25,000 to $35,000.

Three and four-story Greek Revivals with high ceilings, private porches, carriage houses,and walled gardens are just waiting for the right buyers to call them home, and homes can be found starting in the low $200,000s.   Really wonderful, single family, completely restored Victorian homes (built in the early 1900s) with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1,900 square feet start at $299,000.   

Charming, 1920s, restored two bedroom, one bath condominiums and town homes with 1,200-1,300 square feet, hardwood floors and off-street parking in the Historic District can be found for $160,000 (HOA fees start at roughly $120 per month).  Those lightly larger and older start at $225,000.    Luxury condos in the Historic District can go as high as  $800,000, and larger homes can go higher.

Not everyone, though, wants to live in the middle of the city.   An area popular with retirees is the Southside neighborhood where homes are newer, ranch-style and more affordable, with prices starting under $150,000 for 2 to 3 bedrooms and 1,200+ square feet.     Ardsley Park, Savannah's first suburb, is full of lovely mansions and bungalows.  To the east is wonderful Tybee Island where prices, though, are high.   Several beautiful gated, golf communities, including Southbridge, Savannah Quarters and The Enclave, offer elegant living and resort-style amenities.   Home sites start at $80,000 and maintenance-free town home prices start at $225,000.  Single family homes begin at $250,000 and go considerably higher.   New developments along the water, the Savannah Riverfront, are also appealing to seniors.  Prices begin in the high $300,000s.

Savannah has 26 manufactured home parks, with prices starting at around $15,000 for an older, 2 bedroom home.  Apartments are also available and start at about $600 per month for a simple, one bedroom unit.  More common are rents in the $700-$800 per month range for larger, nicer one bedroom units, and $800-$900 a month for 2 bedroom units.  Savannah is also home to retirement community complexes and assisted-living facilities.

Real estate taxes are not inexpensive.  Property is taxed at 1.7 percent of the assessed value, and the assessed value is 40 percent of fair market value.    Homeowners 62 and older who earn $10,000 or less will find that up to $10,000 of their property's assessed value is exempt from school taxes.   Persons 62 or older whose family income does not exceed $30,000 may qualify for an exemption from state and county property taxes equal to the amount by which the assessed value of the homestead exceeds the assessed value for the preceding tax year.    For those 65 and older who earn $10,000 or less, $4,000 of their property's value is exempt from state and county taxes as well.  

In 1966, Savannah was named a National Historic Landmark District, with the nation's most valuable living collection of 18th and 19th century architecture, and today, the city is alive with a diverse population.   Dining and shopping choices are fairly plentiful.  Tourists have been coming to town since the publication of the best seller Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil several years ago, and this has encouraged more restaurants, shops and galleries to establish themselves here.    The clip-clop of carriage horses reminds one of  days gone by, when entrepreneurs steadily built the city that stands today; history buffs will enjoy the historic home tours, the Civil War-era cemeteries and 150 year old churches.

Savannah's retirees can partake in the culture and night life of a sophisticated city and become involved in a wide variety of volunteer opportunities, from repairing homes for the elderly through United Way to raising funds for the Telfair Art Museum.  Further opportunities are available through the numerous local churches.

Savannah has five hospitals and medical centers, including Candler Hospital and St Joseph's Hospital, and the Memorial Health Hospital system has highly rated cardiac and rehabilitative services.

Catham Area Transit (CAT) provides bus service throughout the city, as well as a shuttle in the Historic District.  Sightseeing tours for tourists are offered by several companies; these are a good way to get an overview of the city if considering retiring here.  

The climate is considered mild; 70s and 80s are common during the summer, although temperatures can reach into the 90s with 75% humidity.  Winter temperatures average in the 50s and 60s.   Each month sees 3 to 6 inches of rain, and the sun shines 65% of the time on average.

Retiring in Savannah does have some drawbacks.  The city has a higher than average crime rate, a problem city leaders are diligently addressing but have not yet solved.  The area is prone to flooding, although four canals have been built to mitigate the problem, and there have been hurricanes and tornadoes in the past.  And while Savannah is undergoing a renaissance, not all areas of the city have been renovated, leaving some neighborhoods and homes waiting for new owners and sprucing up.  Click here to reach the local Chamber of Commerce.

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