Thinking about moving to the St. Marys Area (Atlanta, Savannah: apartments, lease)

[Kila14]

I am currently living northeast of Atlanta and not loving it. I am wondering about St. Marys. I have been tring to do research on housing,jobs and entertainment. I will try to make a trip there in the next few weeks if finances permit. Any hotels in the area? Anywhere specific I should visit? I moved to GA in Sept 2006 but already ready for a change. Not the best area. What are some local newspapers? This way I could check out the job listings. I would be looking for a job doing administrative duties. Know of any companies I could look into. I lived in florida for 22 years then moved to South Dakota before coming here. I need to gain some roots. I am a 28 year old single female with no children. I also would love to be near the ocean again. How far is the coast from St.Marys? I am due to end my lease in sept if I can pay off some debt I would possibly consider looking into buying my first house. After I learn the steps to buying a home. If not is there apartments in the St.Marys? What is the next closest towns to there. Thanks so much for any information you can provide.

[ellie]

You need to drive down there and take a look. It's growing, but not the sort of growth that will support meaningful employment, I believe. Mostly retirees and such. Jacksonville is the closest city of any size.

Cumberland Island is the nearest beach, but you have to make reservations and take the ferry to get there.

Being 28 and single, you probably want to find friends your age. It's hard to tell you what to do, but I'd look for cities with a large number of younger people and plenty of options for employment and growth.

[JDub842]

I realize this post is a bit old and that you have probably made your decision by this point but I thought I'd post in hopes it may help others looking at this area with similar questions. I lived in Saint Mary's for a few months and like you am from the metro Atlanta area. I didn't appreciate the area as much while I was there as I do now that I've moved back to metro Atlanta. Saint Mary's is so laid back, you'll never have to worry about traffic, it's warm most of the year so if you don't like the cold that is a bonus. The nearest beach may be Cumberland but there are tons of other options nearby. Jekyll Island is a short drive north on I-95 and Fernandina Beach is a short drive south on I-95. Both nice beaches and reasonably close to get to. Savannah is about an hour or so north and there is plenty to see and do there. And Saint Augustine is a little over an hour south on I-95 and has some beautiful beaches and lots of outlet shopping. As far as job opportunities go...well it isn't much. The base located in Saint Mary's is a major employer and I'd imagine the school system is probably a good place to look as well. But it is definitely limited. There are employment agencies in town though that would be worth checking out. It all just depends on your financial needs. The pay is definitely lower scale than here in metro Atlanta. But the cost of living is less too. You can find apartments for much less than in Atlanta. Entertainment is lacking, it is a very small town...but you can always find a bar if that is your thing. They have a movie theater as well. Shopping is limited but Jacksonville is only maybe 45-60 minutes down I-95 and there is some good shopping and entertainment on Airport Road off I-95 South that isn't quite so far. Check it out, be open minded, and just see what you think. I like it but I think it is definitely a more family-oriented type of town. Not so much going on for young singles.

[mswhit42]

I am moving to Saint Mary in about 4 months, I have visited there before and I love it. I am a marry woman with 3 children(only one moving with me) and I do think that is a family-oriented town and I think that is why I love it so much. I am hoping that I can find me a house with 3 bedrooms/2 bath because, I want my parents to move with us so I can take care of them.I love the small city feeling of closeness.Me and my husband will be visiting there again in a few weeks to start looking for a house and we are so looking forward to coming down.

[sherryp]

My husband and I are realtors in the Saint Marys GA area. After being stationed here we found it a wonderful place to raise children. I love helping families with moving here so that they can experience the small-town charm that we have! If you have any questions or need any onformation on the area, please ask! I'm more than happy to help!