The Best Neighborhoods to Live in Savannah, GA: A Local Agent's Guide

Savannah's most sought-after neighborhoods fall into three groups. Downtown, the Historic District and Victorian District offer walkable 19th-century homes near Forsyth Park and the city's 22 squares. Midtown areas like Ardsley Park and Starland offer more space and character. The islands, including Isle of Hope, Skidaway Island, Wilmington Island and Tybee, offer water, marsh views and room to spread out.

I'm Liza DiMarco, a Savannah real estate agent who works mainly in the Historic District and luxury market. Buyers ask me the same question first: which part of Savannah fits how I want to live? Here's how I answer it.

Downtown and the historic core

• Historic District. The National Historic Landmark District laid out by James Oglethorpe in 1733, with 22 squares and Forsyth Park. Townhomes, carriage houses and grand Federal and Greek Revival homes, all walkable to River Street, Broughton Street and the squares.
• Victorian District. Just south of the Historic District, between Gwinnett Street and Anderson Lane. Wood-frame homes from 1870 to 1910 with porches and Victorian detail, and many duplexes and multi-unit homes that suit investors and owner-occupants.
• Thomas Square and Starland District. South of the Victorian District, with early streetcar-era homes, galleries, coffee shops and restaurants along Bull Street.

Midtown

• Ardsley Park / Chatham Crescent. Early 20th-century homes on wide, tree-lined streets and garden squares, a short drive from downtown.
• Habersham Woods. An established residential neighborhood with larger lots, south of Midtown.

The islands and the water

• Isle of Hope. A historic waterfront community on the Skidaway River, known for Bluff Drive and its live oaks.
• Skidaway Island. Home to The Landings, a gated community with golf and marinas, plus Skidaway Island State Park.
• Wilmington Island. Marsh and water views between downtown and Tybee.
• Tybee Island. Savannah's beach town, about a 30-minute drive east of downtown.

Just outside Savannah

• Richmond Hill. In Bryan County, about 25 minutes south, with newer construction and larger lots.

How to choose

Frequently asked questions

What is the most walkable neighborhood in Savannah?

The Historic District. Its 22 squares, Forsyth Park, River Street and Broughton Street are all within walking distance of each other.

Which Savannah neighborhoods are best for investment property?

Many investors look at the Victorian District and Thomas Square, where duplexes and multi-unit historic homes are common. Short-term rental rules vary by zoning, so check eligibility for each property.

What is the difference between the Historic District and the Victorian District?

The Historic District is Oglethorpe's original plan of wards and squares, north of Gwinnett Street. The Victorian District, south of Gwinnett, was built mostly from 1870 to 1910 on a simple grid, with wood-frame Victorian homes.

Where can I live on the water near Savannah?

Isle of Hope, Skidaway Island, Wilmington Island and Tybee Island.

Not sure which neighborhood fits? Let's talk. I'll walk you through the areas that match how you want to live.