Relocating to Savannah - Living location advice (Atlanta, Wilmington Island: fit in, apartments)

[Cokie]

Hi,

I am a young, African-American professional who will be relocating to the Savannah from Washington, DC this summer for my job. I'm looking for advice on what areas/communities, both within Savannah and the surrounding areas preferable Northwest of Savannah, that have a fairly active social sceen. I've considered the city of Pooler, but thus far, have not read anything extremely catchy about it.

I am also considering bring my large dog, so this may limit my choices of a good place to live.

Any advice would be much appreciated!

[Padgett2]

Unless you are going to be working on the western side of Savannah, then generally speaking, Pooler would probably not be a good choice for driving time, etc. There are some locations there that are close to the Interstate that would zip you into town. So if you do pick Pooler, be sure and drive the route into work before you settle on a spot.

[ellie]

Originally Posted by Cokie

Hi,

I am a young, African-American professional who will be relocating to the Savannah from Washington, DC this summer for my job. I'm looking for advice on what areas/communities, both within Savannah and the surrounding areas preferable Northwest of Savannah, that have a fairly active social sceen. I've considered the city of Pooler, but thus far, have not read anything extremely catchy about it.

I am also considering bring my large dog, so this may limit my choices of a good place to live.

Any advice would be much appreciated!

Why don't you look for an apartment downtown? It's a little harder to find a place that allows dogs but they're out there. And since dog walking is such a big part of social life in the historic district, you're likely to meet people easily.

What kind of work do you do?

[Cokie]

Hi Ellie,

Thank you for the response. I am an engineer. I'll be working with the Army Corps of Engineers. And I would love to live downtown, but I'm concerned an apartment might not be enough space for my dog. Also, I plan to make frequent trips to Atlanta where my sister's family lives.

Originally Posted by ellie

Why don't you look for an apartment downtown? It's a little harder to find a place that allows dogs but they're out there. And since dog walking is such a big part of social life in the historic district, you're likely to meet people easily.

What kind of work do you do?

[Cokie]

Padgette2,

Thanks for the response. I guess I assumed any area within Savannah would be a relatively short commute, but I will pull out a map to see what I'm really working with.

Thanks!

[Padgett2]

The Whitemarsh Island, Wilmington Island area might suit well if you will be working out of the Main Corps area in the downtown section. There are small houses with fenced yards. Renting one of them, might be your best bet. At least for a start until you get to know the area.

I don't know about the social life there. There is a fantastic YMCA with a lot of activities (swimming, sports, exercise rooms, etc.) for both families and singles. I know that doesn't suit everyone, but it is a start.

[Cokie]

Thank you once again. I will look into both areas. And yes, I love to swim and exercise so the YMCA sounds perfect!

Does this mean I have to catch a ferry to get to Savannah ??

Originally Posted by Padgett2

The Whitemarsh Island, Wilmington Island area might suit well if you will be working out of the Main Corps area in the downtown section. There are small houses with fenced yards. Renting one of them, might be your best bet. At least for a start until you get to know the area.

I don't know about the social life there. There is a fantastic YMCA with a lot of activities (swimming, sports, exercise rooms, etc.) for both families and singles. I know that doesn't suit everyone, but it is a start.

[kellyae8]

Pooler is not a commute from Savannah... it takes 20 minutes at most to reach the malls, Hunter Army Airfield, etc... less to get downtown. There are plenty of restaurants. You would be able to find a good place (lots of houses with yards) for your dog there, but there would not be much of a social scene within Pooler itself. You could easily drive downtown from there to River Street and other areas for bars, clubs, etc. I grew up in Garden City, about five-ten minutes from Pooler. It takes no time to get places in Savannah... only about 20 to the beach. Savannah is going to be your central spot for anything social, but you could live in Pooler, Garden City, Port Wentworth, Richmond Hill, etc...

[ellie]

Originally Posted by Cokie

Hi Ellie,

Thank you for the response. I am an engineer. I'll be working with the Army Corps of Engineers. And I would love to live downtown, but I'm concerned an apartment might not be enough space for my dog. Also, I plan to make frequent trips to Atlanta where my sister's family lives.

Don't rule it out. You can find nice-sized apartments in some of the older homes. Even if you rent someplace else while you get to know the area, don't rule it out.

Spending as much time downtown as I do, it just seems like you'd fit in. There are just so many smart and hip people in town, especially when SCAD's in session.

I have a few friends who work for the Corps. Good employer. Congrats.

[Cokie]

Kelleyae8,

Thank you for your response. Your email is reassuring that while I was looking for a slower pace of life, I can still enjoy some of favorite ameneties, like restaruants and bars I will definitely look into the other areas you suggested as well.

Originally Posted by kellyae8

Pooler is not a commute from Savannah... it takes 20 minutes at most to reach the malls, Hunter Army Airfield, etc... less to get downtown. There are plenty of restaurants. You would be able to find a good place (lots of houses with yards) for your dog there, but there would not be much of a social scene within Pooler itself. You could easily drive downtown from there to River Street and other areas for bars, clubs, etc. I grew up in Garden City, about five-ten minutes from Pooler. It takes no time to get places in Savannah... only about 20 to the beach. Savannah is going to be your central spot for anything social, but you could live in Pooler, Garden City, Port Wentworth, Richmond Hill, etc...