Relocating (Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler: fit in, job market, transferring to)

[ccrowder09]

I'm a single mother of three girls 6,7,9 and I'm looking to relocate from Nashville,TN to Savannah, Ga. I was just wondering if someone can tell me what life is like in Savannah. Is it a good place to raise a family? How is the school system? How are the jobs in the administrative field, do they pay good? I will also be transferring to a 4 year college, are there any good suggestions? My friend and myself will be visiting in March, what are some good attractions to visit and a good church to attend on Sunday?

[boilrmkr]

The schools in general are not good. One of the best elementary schools is Georgetown. My kids went there for 2 years and the younger ones were pretty happy but the older one had a harder time. People on this board will mention some of the special and charter schools. It is true they are very good but many of them have special requirements and have lottery drawings in the spring and waiting lists to get in.

As for things to do I would definately recommend the trolley ride. River street is fun. The kids will like the river. The Tybee lighthouse is also fun.

[ccrowder09]

Well thats not good buts thanks for the reply.

[Padgett2]

Some of the schools are excellent, some are not. As in most cities, a lot will depend on the area of economic status to the families and the involvement of the parents.

The administrative field is a large one....banking, hospital, industry, etc. You really shouldn't move here unless you have a job. Otherwise, you may find yourself without employment in your chosen field. I am sure that I don't have to remind you that with children that age, you just can't work weird hours.

[mrsnespy]

I'll throw in my two cents about the church question. I have no idea what your background/beliefs are, but we (and MANY others) attend Savannah Christian Chuch and love it. There are people from all walks of life and backgrounds, so you're sure to find somewhere to fit in and it is an awesome place to have your kids.

[bgnzsavnh]

SCCPSS

Look to schools on the Islands or West of I-95 unless it is a Specialty program

Oglethorpe Charter School Georgia’s first start-up charter middle school is most successful and difficult to get into

Savannah Arts Academy (http://www.savannah.chatham.k12.ga.us/Schools/High+Schools/Savannah+Arts+Academy/ - broken link) is tops

Several new schools are being built in West Chatham:

Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School

K-8 school at Godley Station in 2010

High school at New Hempstead in 2012

Charter High School in Pooler

[new28moon]

I almost moved to Nashville, TN in 2007. Savannah has less jobs than Nashville, lower wages, and a higher cost of living.

I lived in Savannah from 1994 - 2007 and I worked in the administrative field. I left the area because I was tired of constantly struggling and I could not get ahead financially.

I think you should do A LOT of research on the job market. When you are in town stop by some temp agencies and talk to someone so you can get idea of the wages and job openings in the area.

Read these posts if you haven't done so already:

I would not move to Savannah...
Is Savannah really that bad?

Good luck to you.

[gapowermike]

I have two children, 4 and 2. I lived in midtown Savannah for 2 years and would not consider it a good place to raise children.

Savannah is a great place to visit, but a terrible place to live.

Schools, crime, taxes, government, housing prices and worst of all....sand gnats (the bugs not the team).

Michael

[Halothane]

Move to Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, Pembroke or one of the smaller surrounding communities to raise your children. Work in Savannah if you have to.

[bjec22]

Wife works for VA as a nurse,she maybe transfered there at a VA clinic,but after reading the threads above,I'm hoping she takes the florida position.