Safe, Fun, family neighborhoods? Moving in and need help (Savannah: cul-de-sac, apartment complexes)

[Niche4Tone]

Here I go, posting ANOTHER thread from another person who is relocating to Savannah. We will be moving there in July 2011 and looking to initially rent. I am reading the other posts and appreciate the thoughtfulness of the replies. Savannah seems like a wonderful place, but moving there with all the talk of schools, neighborhoods and crime is frustrating for me. All of us are different, and I would like to have help from you too.
My husband just accepted a job at Armstrong Atlantic. We have only visited once, and loved the look of Ardsley park...but after reading these posts, I am concerned about the complicated situation with locations and crime rate....
We have two little girls and I work from home. We want to be near the thick of stuff and in a fun, friendly and safe area. We stay out in the yard a LOT and love to talk with the neighbors...so I don't want to be afraid to be out there with my kiddos. I like downtown, my kids like the beach, and my husband hates traffic. Can you guys help?

[I-Ruehl]

coffee bluff may be what your looking for

[tastephens22]

Ardsely is officially between Victory Drive to 52nd St and Bull St to Waters Avenue. However, south of 52nd (Ardmore/Gould Estates) is similar to Ardsley and realtors will often use the Ardsley tag.

Ardsley Park is a perfect neighborhood for families who love city neighborhoods, want easy access to everything and like beautiful historic homes in a walkable community. There is crime in Savannah, like any city, but you do not have to be concerned for your safety in Ardsley. We have lots of friends that live in Ardsley, some with young kids, some with teenagers - one that works from home on 53rd Street. The families with young kids love it and have regular play dates with other kids on their block.

The main crime concern from Ardsley to the Historic District is property crimes of opportunity. If you leave a bike sitting around someone is likely to ride off on it. If you leave your GPS or MP3 sitting on your car dash at night it may get ripped off. But Ardsley is by far the most walkable neighborhood outside of the downtown Landmark Historic District (and much quieter). There are plenty of young professionals, doctors, professors, and retirees in Ardsley who love it. Do a "gut check" when visiting Ardsley and you'll notice its quite different than other in-town areas. Its residential but close to downtown, Victory Drive shopping, Midtown offices, and great parks like Hull Park, Daffin and Forsyth. Plus you've got great schools in walking distance (Ellis, Savannah Arts) if you can get in to them. Plus, the neighborhood school is JG Smith which is widely considered a good public elementary.

It truly is a "neighbor"hood where people are neighborly and has nothing but glowly reviews from friends who live there.

[tastephens22]

Originally Posted by I-Ruehl

coffee bluff may be what your looking for

Coffee Bluff, on the south side where White Bluff/Coffee Bluff Rd ends, is certainly a nice area to consider as well. The neighborhood feel (cul-de-sacs, marshes) is quite different as are the nearby amenities (marina).

A midtown area of interest might be the Habersham Woods/Kensington Park area, south of DeRenne Avenue, east of Abercorn Street. Its central to everything in Savannah, has larger yards than Ardsley, but does not have the same historic feel (though its nice as well).

[Ballistic Gypsy]

Originally Posted by tastephens22

Coffee Bluff, on the south side where White Bluff/Coffee Bluff Rd ends, is certainly a nice area to consider as well. The neighborhood feel (cul-de-sacs, marshes) is quite different as are the nearby amenities (marina).

A midtown area of interest might be the Habersham Woods/Kensington Park area, south of DeRenne Avenue, east of Abercorn Street. Its central to everything in Savannah, has larger yards than Ardsley, but does not have the same historic feel (though its nice as well).

Agreed. Coffee Bluff is awesome! I have a friend who teaches at Armstrong and they live in Windsor Forest, real close to Armstrong. I know there has been some crime there, but they love the area and got a fantastic house at a great price. I like the area, personally.

[YorkMorris]

The Savannah Police Department links to an excellent interactive crime map that will give you an idea of the different areas of Savannah and crimes common to them. Community Crime Mapping Page

We live in Parkside--next to Ardsley and feel comfortable here. You'll note that most crime in these areas is nonviolent--auto theft, theft from autos, etc. Basically, you have to take basic precautions like locking your car, not leaving items of value where they can be seen/taken. I have noticed that our neighborhood is exceptionally well patrolled.

[mcGA2003]

have you looked at Pooler? Its a little further out than Ardsley but its all in what youre looking for... theres a brand new K-8 school in the Godley area as well as alot of new attractions like movie theaters, etc. Lots of sidewalk lined neighborhoods with clubhouses and pools (master planned communities)..... worth a look.

[Padgett2]

Since your husband will be at Armstrong and he hates traffic, try for one of the subdivisions or apartment complexes near there until you get to know the area better.

I think I would forget about the midtown or Ardsley Park area. There are a lot of homes south of Derenne Ave. that might suit you better. Kennsington Park was mentioned. It's a nice area, so is Fairwood Oaks, Mayfair, and a dozen or so others.

[Sunny_Isles]

Originally Posted by Niche4Tone

Here I go, posting ANOTHER thread from another person who is relocating to Savannah. We will be moving there in July 2011 and looking to initially rent. I am reading the other posts and appreciate the thoughtfulness of the replies. Savannah seems like a wonderful place, but moving there with all the talk of schools, neighborhoods and crime is frustrating for me. All of us are different, and I would like to have help from you too.
My husband just accepted a job at Armstrong Atlantic. We have only visited once, and loved the look of Ardsley park...but after reading these posts, I am concerned about the complicated situation with locations and crime rate....
We have two little girls and I work from home. We want to be near the thick of stuff and in a fun, friendly and safe area. We stay out in the yard a LOT and love to talk with the neighbors...so I don't want to be afraid to be out there with my kiddos. I like downtown, my kids like the beach, and my husband hates traffic. Can you guys help?

A key issue would be the schools unless you are planning to send your children to private school, which I highly recommend. We've recently had some redistricting, so be sure you have the correct district and don't just rely on comments from posters who might not know the new districts. I think it is a good idea to rent before you commit to buying here. I say that as a lifelong Savannahian (40+ years) who has lived all over Savannah and the surrounding areas, including Ardsley Park.

As far as getting to AASU without much traffic, consider that your husband can take the Truman Parkway from some areas. It's not always about the distance, but the route. My husband works in that area, and we are moving to Wilmington Island for the overall quality of life.

Hope it works out for you!