Showdown on the savannah river Augusta vs Savannah (Atlanta, Montgomery: 2009, condo)

[needhel]

My company is transfering me to Georgia to work. Atlanta, Augusta, and Savannah were my choices. Augusta and Savannah are my two picks I have chosen. I can't make up my mind though on which city. What city has the brighter future? Will be the biggest in 5 year's? Has the most construction taking place in the area? The nicer subdivisons, suburbs, more urban, and better shopping?

What city is bigger today? I know somebody has visited both Augusta an Savannah recently?

[Katsmeeyow]

Honestly, I don't know a thing about Augusta that is not hearsay, since I have never been there. Having said that, I think Savannah is simply beautiful and would choose Savannah over Augusta. Just my humble opinion! Good luck to you!

[atlantagreg30127]

Augusta is growing, though you can't compare the growth rate to places like Atlanta obviously (a good thing, most would say). Some feel it's a "boring" town, but it's all relative to what you're comparing it to. It's more of a working city, while Savannah is more of a tourist city. Savannah on the other hand, has less growth, and somewhat higher crime in some areas, but has more "stuff" to do in the way of eating out, bars, the ocean/beach, etc.

As far as location goes, Augusta will give you a 3 hour drive to Atlanta if you DO want "big city stuff", so you could feasibly do Atlanta day trips if needed. Savannah has it's own touristy stuff as mentioned, but it's also just short of 2 hours to Charleston, SC which is a larger and beautiful tourist city with tons of stuff to do (more than Savannah to be honest, not knocking anyone here).

It's your move. You're the one who has to live with it. It would greatly benefit you to try to squeeze some time to visit BOTH cities for a few days at least each, and get a feel for them yourself first-hand. Don't rely on text words from strangers in a room to make this kind of decision for you - only to offer a few tips and hints.

[WanderingImport]

I agree with Greg on this. Don't take just our input on this, go see for yourself! All three cities are beautiful and have their own distinct style (Atlanta, Augusta & Savannah).
As far as growth is concerned, Atlanta will trump both cities put together. However, all three have a lot going on. Yes, Savannah is a more touristy town and I would think there would be more to do than that of Augusta. Augusta does have a slightly larger population than Savannah, but not by too much. Savannah Metro's numbers are around 330,000 while Augustas are more around 500,000.
Crime? Savannah, contrary to popular belief, does not have more crime. It is just more publicized than Augusta's. Of course, there are areas where you'll have to watch out for, but thats anywhere.
All in all, if it were my decision, I would pick either Atlanta (if you want a big city; 5.6 million heads and counting) or Savannah (mid-sized town with lots of history & charm and about 20 minutes from the Atlantic Ocean)

[fammaf]

Both cities are nice and have something diffrent to offer. On your visit you will see how much Augusta is growing. Going strong into the rest of 2009. Augusta is growing faster and has better shopping than Savannah.

[WanderingImport]

I'd suggest Augusta and Savannah are growing at roughly the same rate. Shopping, however, is probably going to be better in Augusta.

[ATLCOL1]

Savannah for sure

[fammaf]

Originally Posted by WanderingImport

I'd suggest Augusta and Savannah are growing at roughly the same rate. Shopping, however, is probably going to be better in Augusta.

How many cranes are in downtown Savannah? I know about savannah river landing. There are 11 - 13 cranes in the Medical district and downtown Augusta.

[WanderingImport]

Lets not start one of these petty "my city is better than yours" posts. Both cities are wonderful and both are growing at roughly the same rate. Trust me, I checked the numbers.

To answer your question, I can't give you an exact number but I know of the Ellis Square development, buildings going up at Oglethorpe & Montgomery, the Bohemian hotel next to the Hyatt on River Street, a future condo at Liberty & Jefferson, Savannah River Landing, and The Reserve at Savannah Harbor on Hutchinson Island across the river. Thats from the top of my head going on in the historic district.

[fammaf]

LOl I was asking because I haven't been to Savannah in a couple month's.