Where should I go? (Atlanta, Savannah: to rent, crime, neighborhood)

[storch12]

We will be relocating to the Savannah area from Richmond, VA.
Young family, no kids in mid 20's

We are looking for an area close to stores that is also diverse and walkable?
Diverse in people and food. Are there any Vietnamese, Indian and Thai places to eat?

I have done some researching and noticed a few places on or near the water like Tybee, Wilmington, and Whitemarsh Island's
and also noticed some places away from the water as in Pooler and Richmond Hill...does any of these places have what i am looking for? or are there any places i haven't listed that may be what i am looking for?

Thanks for the info!

[ellie]

Savannah and Richmond have a lot in common, I think. Richmond is pretty dangerous, too, isn't it? And it's old and funky, from what I remember.

If you're young and active, you'll probably want to live near downtown, or at least spend a fair amount of time there. Yes, there are a few good restaurants like those you've mentioned.

I feel like Pooler, Richmond Hill, and parts of the islands were invented for and by people who are afraid of living in the midst of diversity. While there is nothing wrong with them, they are essentially white middle class suburbs.

Please take some time and read the hundreds of posts both for and against living in Savannah, if you haven't already. Then you might be in better shape to make some decisions.



Oh gee, I just looked up the crime stats for Richmond. The murder rate there is over twice what it is here. If you can live there, you'll be fine here. Jump on in.

[storch12]

Yeah Richmond isn't the safest place.

I like the analogy of people being in those area's vs Downtown or near Downtown. I have to be in a diverse area, people and all. I am white and have most all black friends. That analogy of the people in certain places will def help me in deciding where to live.

[CarolinaSouth803]

Yeah it's probably best if you life closer to downtown...I live in the Georgetown area and while i'm close enough to I-516... My biggest complaint is not having enough alternative routes i can take [if i'm not past DeRenne Ave].

[storch12]

Is Georgetown the only area in and very close to downtown that has descent housing, safety and diverse? Are there any other nice areas in Downtown Savannah that are up to date/upscale somewhat?

[ellie]

Georgetown is no where near downtown. It's about as far south as you can get and still remain in Chatham Co.

I don't have time to draw you a map, though I'm thinking of creating some kind of 'safer areas of Savannah' map for City-Data. That kind of thing requires a number of hours or even days and would still be quite subjective unless I have access to tons of crime data to put into a GIS map.

Why don't you look at the Savannah Chatham County police homepage and mess with their crime report maps in the meantime?

And then you still might need to rent a place in one of the areas that others on this forum have recommended and get to know the city yourself.

Wish I could be more help.

[Padgett2]

"Downtown" in Savannah means the Historic District. Many live in this area and love being there. But just about all of the good residential areas are about three to four miles away from there. There are two large shopping malls with many smaller shopping centers all over the place. Many Savannahians, myself included, never bother going "downtown for anything.

Places that serve the ethnic types of food that you mentioned are also scattered about the city. I am not sure what you are looking for when you say you are looking for a diverse people. We have many, many different groups of people here. I don't think you will find any neighborhood where there is a mixture of all types at the same time. Where you thinking about diverse in matters of religion, race, politics, or sexual orientation?

[storch12]

I was thinking diverse in race and ethnic foods.

Do any of the Islands have what i am looking for?
What are the specific areas that you were referring to being a few miles from downtown?

Thanks all for the info!

[TakeAhike]

A few thoughts--

I lived in Savannah for a few years (now live in Atlanta) and as others have said found people to be in general tolerant of 'differences'--several military bases in the area might be one reason?

The type of lifestyle you seem to be seeking might be more like Decatur, GA or the gentrifying intown area of Atlanta.
Decatur, GA>>
City of Decatur, GA

The Norcross/Duluth suburban area of Atlanta is also very diverse---many ethnic shops and restaurants.

Georgia is not Virginia. shrug.

hth

[storch12]

My options for job relocation are Savannah, Tampa and possibly West Palm Beach, FL....I was leaning towards Savannah