Moving from Long Island to Pooler, GA (Savannah, Fort Stewart: for sale, crime)

[jgoff]

vness22 - I'll be honest, it's a big transition. I've been here about 4 years now, and am still not fully accustomed to life in the south. One of the biggest differences is the lack of diversity - not much of a melting pot down here. There's also not a lot of cultural activities, though it is getting better and SCAD (the local art college) plays a big role and bringing more of that to the area. Being in downtown Savannah is kind of like being in Hoboken (with less bars) but you don't have NY on the other side of the river. What you see is what you get. I miss diners and bagels the most!

As for "southern hospitality," I find people to be more superficial. I actually had someone tell me that she didn't like Yankees because they just say whatever's on their mind, and that's just rude. It's a different way of thinking.

That being said, there are positives. Most obviously the weather, but also exposure to sunlight. The sun sets almost an hour later here in the south, and that makes a big difference!

Cost of living is another. Except the grocery store - food seems to be more expensive and it's hard to find good veggies. All in all I was happy to have the experience....but we do plan on leaving within the next year. Just trying to figure out where.

[bgnzsavnh]

You also need to understand that Effingham County is trying to divert trucks off of Ga 21 Down Benton Blvd and Highlands Ave to I-95. Effingham Parkway would 6 lane Benton and Highlands. I have seen the survey. I have been meeting with them and the Savannah/Chatham MPC for the last 2 years. It is hanging on the wall in the Effingham County Courthouse. And engineering has begun. It would destroy our Residential areas.

GDOT- Projects & Programs Index (broken link)
Effingham makes impression at Capitol | SavannahNow.com
Money's tight for road projects

One of the main goals of the parkway is to get truck traffic off the Rincon autobahn. And for anyone who works in downtown Rincon, the decrease in truckers speeding down Ga. 21 will be a welcome relief.

But a big headache for Highlands residents
Effingham Parkway: A long time coming | SavannahNow.com

The news was welcomed by Commission Chairwoman Verna Phillips, who called the planned extension a "major improvement" for getting truck traffic off of Ga. 21.

Effingham Parkway plan presented to county commissioners | SavannahNow.com

Poshedly said the Chatham County Metropolitan Planning Organization has agreed “reluctantly” that the southern end of the Effingham Parkway Extension should be a shared interchange with Jimmy DeLoach Parkway near its intersection with I-95.

Is Chatham's help needed for Effingham Parkway? (Archives)

Effingham Parkway was first proposed by Congressman Max Burns. He also started the I-3 concept. so the parkway is the route for I-3 if it is built.

Stop Interstate 3! — The Stop I-3 Coalition

[Tomara]

I'm a transplant from the Northwest due to my hubby being in the military. I have lived in Pooler for the past 4+ years (in Garden City for a year before that).

Pooler is a nice place to live (just nice). The Southern US is a completely different way of life than the Northwest (and the North, West, Midwest...). I agree with the pp that Southerns tend to be very superficial. Yes, there is "Southern Hospitality" but it's pretty much just from the little old ladies at church. Don't expect it when you drive, go to the store or interact with anyone of the opposite race. Black people and white people don't mix. Period. A lot of the black people live up to the "stereotype" and almost all white people are bigoted (sorry - but it's true).

That being said... Pooler is great. It's a rapidly growing city. Since we moved here 4 1/2 years ago it has exploded with development. We live on the South side of Pooler (South of I-16) and in the past 4 years - 3 subdivisions, 1 apartment complex, a church, a Lowe's, a corner strip mall, 2 townhome developments, a cell tower and more has been added in just our 5-6 square mile area!

That's MY area of Pooler. Now, the Jimmy Deloach area is on the verge of exploding! There are several (I mean SEVERAL) new subdivisions going up along the parkway (we even looked at moving to one of them!). Right now, that's all that is there - just houses and a touch of industrial. The parkway is very close to the Wal-Mart shopping area (with a Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Sam's Club, restaurants, airport access, Gulfstream and more).

Our elementary school (West Chatham) is great! The teachers and staff are awesome and I am very happy that my oldest attends there (2nd grade). I don't know much about the Port Wentworth schools. The school board is in the process of preparing to build two (or three) more schools in the Jimmy Deloach Prkwy area. There will be one high school and either a elementary-middle combo or one of each. I'm sure those will be completed in the next 2-5 years and brand new schools are almost always good! There are also magnet schools which you can apply for (NOW, deadline is coming soon) which would allow your child to go to another school that has an emphasize on the arts or science, etc.

Pooler is about a 20 minute drive to Savannah (then another x mins to wherever you're going). Savannah has 2 major hospitals (about 2 blocks from each other and about 20 minutes from Pooler) Memorial and St. Josephs/Candler. Both hospitals are very good. Also, 2 major malls and all the "name brand" stores, car dealerships, movie theaters and amenities you need. I have heard a rumor that they are building a new hospital on Pooler Parkway (just off I-16) but I don't know how true that is (sure would be nice, though!). Also heard they were going to build an enormous movie theater on the other side of I-16 on Pooler Parkway (yet to see that one!).

Tybee Island (the only beach around) is about a 30-40 minute drive East from Pooler (you have to actually drive through downtown to get there). It's a very nice beach and VERY crowded in the summer months due to it being the ONLY beach nearby (unless you drive all the way to Hilton Head, SC).

I don't know much about the colleges nearby (but be prepared to pick one to root for and be an all-out, die hard fan - college football is more important than your firstborn down here!). I know there is Armstrong Atlantic, South University and Georgia Tech has an extension here (very near Jimmy Deloach Prkwy). Georgia Southern is in Statesboro which is not too far but still a bit of a drive.

Sorry - can't help with the nightlife advice! I'm married with four small kids, my nightlife is non-existent - HA!

I can tell you that Wal-Mart has the cheapest prices for groceries. Kroger and Pigggly Wiggly usually have the best produce and meat. The Family Fun Park is a waste of money. There are strip malls everywhere and most are only 1-2 years old. Bloomingdale (just West of Pooler) has a FANTASTIC elementary school. The people at the Post Office are really nice! There is a church on every corner. Pooler Dental has awesome dentists. Westside Animal hospital has a good vet (a little pricey, though).

PLEASE let me know if there is anything else you want to know. I am more than willing to help out (and give you the honest truth!).

--Tomara

[vness22]

Thanks everyone, your responses have been SO helpful! :0)

[vness22]

Originally Posted by jgoff

vness22 - I'll be honest, it's a big transition. I've been here about 4 years now, and am still not fully accustomed to life in the south. One of the biggest differences is the lack of diversity - not much of a melting pot down here. There's also not a lot of cultural activities, though it is getting better and SCAD (the local art college) plays a big role and bringing more of that to the area. Being in downtown Savannah is kind of like being in Hoboken (with less bars) but you don't have NY on the other side of the river. What you see is what you get. I miss diners and bagels the most!

As for "southern hospitality," I find people to be more superficial. I actually had someone tell me that she didn't like Yankees because they just say whatever's on their mind, and that's just rude. It's a different way of thinking.

That being said, there are positives. Most obviously the weather, but also exposure to sunlight. The sun sets almost an hour later here in the south, and that makes a big difference!

Cost of living is another. Except the grocery store - food seems to be more expensive and it's hard to find good veggies. All in all I was happy to have the experience....but we do plan on leaving within the next year. Just trying to figure out where.

Wow, your making me homesick already! (sigh... "I'm in a New York state of mind..."

[vness22]

Originally Posted by Tomara

I'm a transplant from the Northwest due to my hubby being in the military. I have lived in Pooler for the past 4+ years (in Garden City for a year before that).

Pooler is a nice place to live (just nice). The Southern US is a completely different way of life than the Northwest (and the North, West, Midwest...). I agree with the pp that Southerns tend to be very superficial. Yes, there is "Southern Hospitality" but it's pretty much just from the little old ladies at church. Don't expect it when you drive, go to the store or interact with anyone of the opposite race. Black people and white people don't mix. Period. A lot of the black people live up to the "stereotype" and almost all white people are bigoted (sorry - but it's true).

That being said... Pooler is great. It's a rapidly growing city. Since we moved here 4 1/2 years ago it has exploded with development. We live on the South side of Pooler (South of I-16) and in the past 4 years - 3 subdivisions, 1 apartment complex, a church, a Lowe's, a corner strip mall, 2 townhome developments, a cell tower and more has been added in just our 5-6 square mile area!

That's MY area of Pooler. Now, the Jimmy Deloach area is on the verge of exploding! There are several (I mean SEVERAL) new subdivisions going up along the parkway (we even looked at moving to one of them!). Right now, that's all that is there - just houses and a touch of industrial. The parkway is very close to the Wal-Mart shopping area (with a Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Sam's Club, restaurants, airport access, Gulfstream and more).

Our elementary school (West Chatham) is great! The teachers and staff are awesome and I am very happy that my oldest attends there (2nd grade). I don't know much about the Port Wentworth schools. The school board is in the process of preparing to build two (or three) more schools in the Jimmy Deloach Prkwy area. There will be one high school and either a elementary-middle combo or one of each. I'm sure those will be completed in the next 2-5 years and brand new schools are almost always good! There are also magnet schools which you can apply for (NOW, deadline is coming soon) which would allow your child to go to another school that has an emphasize on the arts or science, etc.

Pooler is about a 20 minute drive to Savannah (then another x mins to wherever you're going). Savannah has 2 major hospitals (about 2 blocks from each other and about 20 minutes from Pooler) Memorial and St. Josephs/Candler. Both hospitals are very good. Also, 2 major malls and all the "name brand" stores, car dealerships, movie theaters and amenities you need. I have heard a rumor that they are building a new hospital on Pooler Parkway (just off I-16) but I don't know how true that is (sure would be nice, though!). Also heard they were going to build an enormous movie theater on the other side of I-16 on Pooler Parkway (yet to see that one!).

Tybee Island (the only beach around) is about a 30-40 minute drive East from Pooler (you have to actually drive through downtown to get there). It's a very nice beach and VERY crowded in the summer months due to it being the ONLY beach nearby (unless you drive all the way to Hilton Head, SC).

I don't know much about the colleges nearby (but be prepared to pick one to root for and be an all-out, die hard fan - college football is more important than your firstborn down here!). I know there is Armstrong Atlantic, South University and Georgia Tech has an extension here (very near Jimmy Deloach Prkwy). Georgia Southern is in Statesboro which is not too far but still a bit of a drive.

Sorry - can't help with the nightlife advice! I'm married with four small kids, my nightlife is non-existent - HA!

I can tell you that Wal-Mart has the cheapest prices for groceries. Kroger and Pigggly Wiggly usually have the best produce and meat. The Family Fun Park is a waste of money. There are strip malls everywhere and most are only 1-2 years old. Bloomingdale (just West of Pooler) has a FANTASTIC elementary school. The people at the Post Office are really nice! There is a church on every corner. Pooler Dental has awesome dentists. Westside Animal hospital has a good vet (a little pricey, though).

PLEASE let me know if there is anything else you want to know. I am more than willing to help out (and give you the honest truth!).

--Tomara

Wow! Thank you for your honesty... and yes I think i might be messaging you again for some more "real" advice!

[jhsrichards]

Pooler is Savannah's nicest, cleanest, and fastest-growing suburb. The Pooler Parkway area is exploding with upscale commercial and residential development. A Lowe's just opened and it look like more big stores are coming. I'm not sure what the commute to Savannah is like, but it is all on an interstate, so it can't be too bad.

[Timber11]

HELLO .. HOW FAR ARE THESE AREAS FROM SAVANNAH .. DO THEY HAVE GOOD JOB IN POOLER AND PORT WENWORTH? HOW IS THE AREA FOR TEENS?

Originally Posted by jgoff

I live in Pooler - a transplant from NJ myself. There are 2 hospitals in midtown Savannah, practically right next to each other, and both are 20-30 min from Pooler depending on traffic.
As for schools, Pooler's are not horrible, but nothing compared to education in the northeast. You really need to consider a private school, like Savannah Christian.
Nightlife in Pooler is very limited, but downtown Savannah is only 15-20 minutes, and there are lots of bars and nightclubs there.
Your employment situation should be your main priority. A lot of good jobs are found word of mouth. Your best bet is to get down here and get in front of as many people as you can in your industry.

[bgnzsavnh]

Originally Posted by Timber11

HELLO .. HOW FAR ARE THESE AREAS FROM SAVANNAH .. DO THEY HAVE GOOD JOB IN POOLER AND PORT WENWORTH? HOW IS THE AREA FOR TEENS?

The city of Savannah is between these. both are about 10-7 miles from downtown Savannah. the major employment area is along the river from PW to Savannah
City of Port Wentworth, GA
Savannah Hotels and Restaurants: Port Wentworth, Georgia
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[cpowers21]

I live in Pooler off Jimmy Deloach. As one of the other posters said, there are only houses and industrial on this road right now. I have heard the rumors about the movie theatre and a bowling alley. They are building a Pooler rec center next to the YMCA off Pooler Parkway. A new Cheddar's is being built on Benton Blvd and Fatz (restaurant) off Pooler Parkway. There have been lots of little strip malls. I have even heard talk of an actual mall being built in the area. The new schools are a definite help to the growth. SpringLake is a nice area. There is currently an issue going on in the area. The builders want to sell off some of their land to an industrial company. They are being fought on it by everyone on Jimmy Deloach. No one wants Industrial in their backyard. They postponed the meeting last time because of overwhelming attendance. The next meeting on this subject is in October.