Showdown on the savannah river Augusta vs Savannah (Lawrenceville: restaurant, shop)

[bgnzsavnh]

Originally Posted by lilmusket

I95 is the busiest interstate in the country.

I-3 will need to be 8 lanes to handle the volume!
PORK

[lolo2]

I-3 will need to be atleast 4-5 lanes. There aren't many north south interstates in GA. I-3 will go from Savannah to Augusta to Greenville.

[WanderingImport]

Originally Posted by lolo2

I-3 will need to be atleast 4-5 lanes. There aren't many north south interstates in GA. I-3 will go from Savannah to Augusta to Greenville.

As far as I-3 is concerned, its only for sure from Savannah to Augusta (at least in the planning stages); past that it is still uncertain because of so much opposition in the North GA mountains (unless i'm missing some valuable information). It wouldn't be a bad idea to have it going to Greenville though...or even to Athens and northwest from there avoiding most of the mountains.

I don't think the volume will be very heavy unless they extended it up to Knoxville where it could either connect with 75 to the south of Knoxville or with 81.

[lilmusket]

I simply don't see that much volume between Augusta and Savannah. Maybe if they extened up to Greenville and then hooking it up with I26....then extending I26 from Johnson City through eastern Kentucky all the way to Columbus, Ohio. This would provide an alternative north/south route to I75. The problem with I3 is the section through the mountains..people in the mountain areas are vehemently opposed to it. By hooking up with I26 somewhere around Greenville and using that interstate... the problem would be solved. If they try to push forward with the route through the smokey's... it will never get built.

[deesonic]

Since I have lived in both cities (Augusta for 3 years and Savannah for 5), I'll throw my two cents in. I'll first qualify by saying the last time I was in Savannah was 2006 and Augusta in 2004. So much may have changed that I'm not aware of in both.

Culture/history: As I recall, these are Georgia's two oldest cities and there is a lot of history and interesting architecture in both. However, Savannah beats Augusta hands down for cultural stuff. Pick: Savannah

Cost of living: There is by far more affordable housing in Augusta and suburbs are closer to the city core as well. Pick: Augusta

Transportation/Traffic: I recall traffic in Savannah being worse than Augusta. There are just so many small streets in Savannah not made for a large volume of traffic. Pick: Augusta

Crime/Safety: Savannah can be pretty rough in places. As beautiful as it is, there is certainly a rough side to it. Pick: Augusta

Entertainment: Savannah has River Street, beaches nearby, a very cool arts scene with SCAD being in town, etc. Augusta also has the riverfront and it had come a long way last time I saw it. But it's not nearly as interesting as Savannah's. Pick: Savannah

Schools: I taught in the Savannah-Chatham County system and I can say that it is less than ideal, especially the high schools. There are good suburban schools in Effingham and Bryan counties, but both are a pretty good haul to Savannah. I don't know a whole lot about Augusta schools honestly. I do know suburban schools in Columbia County and Aiken County SC are fairly decent. Anyway, I'd have to call the schools a toss-up since I just don't know enough about Augusta's.

Overall impression: Although, I picked Augusta 3 to 2 with one toss-up in my categories above, I must say that enjoyed my stay in Savannah better. There is just so much culture and so many interesting things to do and see. I do believe Augusta is probably a little more conducive to raising a family for various reasons though. If I were given the choice to return to one or the other now I think my heart would say Savannah, but my brain would say Augusta. Keep in mind that when I lived in those two cities, I didn't have kids. I do now. I don't know much about the job market for the two cities these days. But I guess if the OP is being transferred, that won't matter so much unless his family members are looking for work too. Either way, I think both cities are worthy.

[jasonman]

I was in Savannah last week its a okay city. Augusta is better if you ask me to decide where I'd live. The city of Savannah looks older while Augusta looks newer. I have visited Savannah & Augusta recently and in year's past.

[barii]

I-3 can bring development to the coast. Georgia would be more like Fla, and Cali. We could have more major cities in the state.

[Hot_Mike]

That recovery bill will pass the senate this weekend!!! I-3 and I-14 will be built. Yes I do believe Ga will be like Fla and SoCal because of the weather. The next 15 year Georgia will have atleast 3 other major cities!!!

[bgnzsavnh]

Originally Posted by barii

I-3 can bring development to the coast. Georgia would be more like Fla, and Cali. We could have more major cities in the state.

If you want Georgia to be more like Fla, and Cali, why not move to Fla or Cali.
The coast is a nice retirement area with marshes and nature not an industrial complex.
I-3 is far from shovel ready
NIMBY

[Hot_Mike]

I beg the differ, I-14 is far more shovel ready than I-3. The head of the GDOT already said I-14 is number 1 priority.