Colleges in or near Savannah (crime, neighborhoods, public schools)

[swithers]

I'm considering a move to Savannah (in spite of all the negative posts, it looks pretty and I like the trees). Anyway, I'm currently living in Berkeley and the one thing preventing me from relocating is the chance to attend UC Berkeley next year. As far as public schools go Berkeley has an outstanding reputation and wonderful programs in my field of study, political science. Is there anything remotely comparable in or around Savannah?? I haven't found many colleges in my searches, but maybe I'm missing something. I really would like to move to the South for awhile but I need an affordable, reputable, four-year school. Suggestions?

[ellie]

Are you crazy? Stay and attend Berkeley. The best you could any place close to here would be UGA at Athens, and it's 200 miles away.

When you're finished you can come to Savannah.

[savman]

I attended Berkeley, and now live in Savannah. Berkeley is a fantastic place to study many (not all) subjects; you will not find another place like it in the US, period. It is routinely listed as the best public university in the nation.

Socio-politically, you are also looking at two completely different ends of the spectrum here.

Having said this, I like both places, for different reasons. But your question was about universities. No, there is nothing comparable to Berkeley near Savannah. In terms of 4-yr and grad degrees, Savannah has Armstrong Atlantic State Univ., SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design), Savannah State University (HBCU), a Georgia Tech Campus, and Georgia Southern University is an hour inland.

I hope this helps. Good luck.

[swithers]

Thanks! I kind of already knew the answer but was hoping... anyway, since you've been both places can you elaborate on what you like about Savannah and what you miss about the Ba Area. I expect it to be different socio-politically and honestly I'm looking forward to the opposition as Berkeley can be a bit of a bubble. I'm curious on your take of crime in Savannah. I live in Oakland now and don't scare easily, but I'd like to be less concerned about crime in general. Any particular neighborhoods you'd recommend? I like to walk places and don't necessarily want to live in the suburbs. Any info would help. Thanks again.

[Just Plain Al]

Coming from Oakland it will be a walk in the park.
Just don't pick the wrong park, or wrong time of day.
Common sense is what it's all about anywhere you might end up.

Just my 26cents worth, is all.

[prettyhouse]

Check out scmpd.org for crime stats to see the areas you may not love. If you want to walk you'll probably want to concentrate on the historic district which can be hit or miss.

[Savannah2009]

You may want to look at the University of South Carolina - I'd say equal to Berkley by rating - as the campus at Beufort is now open and it's just a short commute. I really have respect for the education and nursing programs at Armstrong as well, so it depends on what your major is. Of course, SCAD is now world reknowned, so if arts is your thing, I'd argue SCAD is MORE recognized than Berkley.

Hope this helps.