Thomas Square Railroad (Savannah, Gordon: renting, crime, home)

[pingpong18]

My fam moved to Savannah just before 2012 year end. We're currently renting outside downtown but would like to buy a historic home this summer in an area easily walkable to restaurants, shops, etc. I've been narrowing in on a few promising locales, e.g. west of Drayton/south of 37th (Starland area (?)), north of Starland, and also further east in the Bull/Abercorn corridor just north of Victory. My partner and I are expecting a child so safety is of concern but we're also from Philly so have a higher crime tolerance. I'd like to spend <$300K on a home. Am I looking in the right areas? BTW, I understand the school issue and will buy in Ardsley if absolutely necessary. Also I couldn't find frequency information on the railway that runs through Thomas Square - is this a nuisance to homeowners in that area? The information posted on this board has been incredibly helpful for us when deciding to relocate to Savannah to begin with so I appreciate in advance any info you can offer.

[ellie]

It runs fairly often, but I'm not sure if it is every day. More like once a few times a week or so...? They also transport hazardous materials to the industries on the east side via that line.

Is it a nuisance? Depends on who you ask. Over the years, I've known several people who lived adjacent to it. I guess it's one of those things you get used to or you don't live there.

[pingpong18]

'once a few times a week or so' is manageable -thanks! I read an article that the city struck a deal with the rail line to restrict the hours between 12-5am so I was worried the trains must run throughout the day. What are your feelings on that area (north of victory between bull and abercorn) generally? Someone mentioned in a previous thread that more restoration might be happening on the east side of savannah (waters street area).

[ellie]

On the whole, I think the area between Bull and Abercorn is not bad. There are a few weak links where the integrity of the neighborhood fabric will be hard to mend, but they are not very large. I'd even say things are good all the way from Whitaker to Habersham. If current and potential residents & business owners would join forces to solve the remaining blight issues in that key corridor; well, you'd have a bright and vibrant area from Victory Dr. to the river.

Headed east/west along Henry/Anderson , I've noticed a lot of progress. It's weaker because there are no strong destinations at either end, though Gordonston is still a nice neighborhood. All you have at MLK is that lousy housing project. We need more focused mixed use development to augment what's there already. Still, it looks like there are a lot of youngish people moving towards the east, based on the foot/bike traffic I've noticed recently.

There are good things happening along Waters towards Gwinnett/Wheaton St., but there needs to be more than pretty architecture driving it. Headed south along Waters, I'm still reminded of all the gang activity near 37th. If someone could solve that localized problem, well, things would improve drastically.