Relocating from suburban St. Louis to Savannah (Forest Park, Gordon: to rent, crime)

[StLouisSue]

and I'm extremely nervous about it after having read how I won't have a job that pays more than $8 an hour, will be carjacked every time I leave my driveway, and will have to smell the paper mill when outside.

But really, is anyone on this site from suburban St. Louis who now lives in Savannah? Any thoughts for me about adjusting to my new environment? I'm nervous that our 22- year old daughter will find herself in harm's way when out and about in Savannah.

My husband is going to rent for a while before the family joins him, so hopefully he'll get a feel for the area. We're looking outside of the Savannah area at housing but are wary of going too far out.

I'm very surprised housing can command such prices when industry isn't supporting the salary to pay the mortages. Who affords those $700k homes?

Thanks for any replies. I know this is scattered but I'm a little overwhelmed right now.

[sunnymom]

Please don't worry so much! Our very good friends moved to Savannah and they absolutely love it!

[cpowers21]

I think it is a wonderful idea for your husband to rent here to kinda scout out the area. This area is not for everyone. It seems you either love it or hate it. As long as you are cautious, I think you can avoid most of the dangers. This area has so much potential. I hope one day, it becomes everything it could be.

[bgnzsavnh]

I'm very surprised housing can command such prices when industry isn't supporting the salary to pay the mortages. Who affords those $700k homes?

http://savannahnow.com/node/272643 (broken link)

"What we've found is that people in high-end homes tend to be less affected by the economy and more motivated by a shift in lifestyle or interest," he said.

"As a rule of thumb, people selling homes in the $500,000 to $1 million or $1.5 million range are making a financial decision. Once you move into the $2 million-plus range, it's usually more about lifestyle changes," Anderson said.

"These are people who often have three or four 'second homes' - places they may not see more than six weeks out of the year. Maybe it's a beach-front estate where they spent summers with their children, but now the children are grown and scattered. "For them, selling is all about timing and convenience."

Many of these homes are either mortgage-free or have considerable equity," Anderson said. "That's money the sellers could be investing elsewhere, especially if their interests have shifted."

[Joss]

I lived near Corondelet Park for 4 years prior to moving to Savannah. That was 20 years ago and I have no regrets.

Weather-wise, the summers here are very similar. Winters are MUCH easier though. Last snow I remember was about an 1" in 1989. Ice storms are nearly as rare. My lined overshoes finally disintegrated in the attic. Heavy coats hardly get used. Tornadoes are rare. The downside, though, is the hurricane potential here.

There's no "New Madrid Fault" to worry about for earthquakes either.

The paper mill smell is sort of history now. Hardly an issue anymore. We live SE of downtown and I can't recall a "Union Camp" morning in a long, long time.

Safety-wise, it's no different than St Louis. There are place in St Louis you don't go. There are places in Savannah you don't go.

Socially, I think it is more friendly. Walk around downtown and people say hello.

House prices vary widely. You can spend $700,000 if you want. You can spend $1,700,000 too. Or you can find a 3br/2ba for $200,000-$300,000.

Visually, the historic district downtown is utterly beautiful. There are also the marshes. Beyond that and it's pretty much like anywhere else.

[StLouisSue]

Thank you all for your kind words. I'm glad to hear an ex-St. Louisan is living there quite happily and I am happy at the prospect of getting rid of the bulk of my winter clothing.

Joss, St. Louis has changed a lot in 20 years. You should come see the new stadium next time you're in this area. Forest Park has been revitalized and is a jewel, as well. I'm in the UCity area near the University, so I was interested in Ardsley Park as the housing there seemed to be very similar to what we're accustomed.

I'm thinking we should just get a feel for the area before making a large purchase, especially since it appears the police don't yet have a handle on crime in the Ardsley Park area. Who knows, maybe a houseboat? :-D

Thanks again! I'm looking forward to my upcoming scouting visit.

[Joss]

You're right, the only way to find out is to visit and look around. It is well worth the trip.

Ardsley Park has some very nice homes and variety. I think it makes me think of Webster Groves, but 20 years is a long time. We live in Gordonston which is similar but smaller in area. Hope everything works out for you.

[cpowers21]

Hmmmm...I don't think I'd want to live in a houseboat....what do they do when a hurricane is approaching??
I definitely agree you don't want to buy a home before you know the area. Last thing you want is a home you don't like because of the area it's in!

[ellie]

Originally Posted by StLouisSue

T
Who knows, maybe a houseboat? :-D

You aren't allowed to live on a boat in Georgia.

[StLouisSue]

Originally Posted by ellie

You aren't allowed to live on a boat in Georgia.

good to know!