Advice on neighborhoods in which to buy a home? (Savannah: low income, real estate)

[LaurieW]

I will be moving to Savannah in December, and am contemplating purchasing a home rather than renting. I have a low budget and am looking at houses/condos for no more than about $165,000. I have found many listings for cute little bungalows priced at $100,000-125,000 in the Baldwin Park area near Daffin Park (most of these are in the area bordered by E. Broad and Bee Rd to the east and west, and Anderson and E. Victory to the north and south, and I am particularly interested in the area around E. 38th St between E. Broad and Waters Ave.) I am currently in Virginia and know little about this neighborhood; can anyone tell me what the Baldwin Park area is like as far as crime? The real estate pictures look like it could be sketchy, or could be an average middle-income neighborhood. I am unsure whether these homes are priced so low because they need a few renovations, or because they are in an undesirable part of town. Any advice on this, or advice on other areas to shop in would be appreciated!! Thanks in advance!

[Padgett2]

This is not a good area at the present time. The crime problem is near by and it's being improved, but I wouldn't take a chance. It's more of a low income neighborhood now.

I would advise you to rent for about six months until you learn the area. It's too easy to make a BIG mistake in buying.

You would have no problem finding a house in a neighborhood in that price range. They are all over the city and county. Once you get here, you will see what I mean. You should also think about where you will be working and the ease of getting to your job.

[ellie]

Baldwin Park may be better (and probably more expensive) than the neighborhoods to the east of it. Actually, Price St. east to Bee Rd. has some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in town.

In this case, there are subtle pockets that are relatively safe, but they are difficult to determine from a distance.

Listen to Padgett and take your time.

[LaurieW]

Thanks for the advice. I probably will end up renting for awhile before I buy. I am going to be a grad student at SCAD, so I am looking to be somewhat close to downtown. It seems like all the properties downtown are way out of my price range.

One more question - I have found some rentals in the W. Victory area, near Cann Park. Is this a decent neighborhood to live in? I don't mind living in a lower-income area (I am low income myself, so I can't be picky!), but I don't want to be in a dangerous area either. Thanks again for the help!

[Padgett2]

I would pass on that one too. The Truman Parkway or Abercorn Street will give you easy access to the downtown from just about anywhere on the East side of town. So you are not limited to being close to the SCAD campus, which is scattered all over the HD.

[ellie]

Yes, if you were aiming for rough neighborhoods, you've found them. Usually, inexpensive means dangerous. How dangerous is a matter of context.

You simply need to find a place to live for awhile and get to know the area. I hope you're following the other threads here so we don't have to repeat ourselves too much.

I haven't looked over the classifieds for awhile but if I were you I'd try to find a place to share with another student or young professional till you get your bearings.

[ASGDRP]

Can anyone tell me about the area on Waters Ave. and E. 39th St.? Thanks

ASGDRP

[ellie]

It might be the worst area. 37th and Waters is notorious for gang activity and frequent shootings. Many of the old bungalows are just crying to be bought, but most people wouldn't want to live there.

On the other side of Daffin Park, from Washington Ave. to E. 52nd between Waters and Bee Rd. is much better.

If you're looking on the north side of Victory, try E. 41st around Atlantic. It's stable and improving.

[bgnzsavnh]

Originally Posted by ellie

It might be the worst area. 37th and Waters is notorious for gang activity and frequent shootings. Many of the old bungalows are just crying to be bought, but most people wouldn't want to live there.

But you could walk to Georgia's only 5 Star Restaurant

[LaurieW]

Thank for the advice, Padgett and ellie. I will take your advice and just rent for awhile, and see what happens from there. You have been more than helpful!