Savannah Real Estate

Location, Location, Location … that has always been a catchphrase in real estate and it holds a great truth. I have just returned from the island of Grand Cayman … can we talk about location? There are few bad locations on this rather small island (22 miles in length and roughly 8 miles wide and occupies 76 square feet). One of the most amazing lessons I gleaned as we wandered through paradise, was seeing how little real estate you really need to have everything at your finger tips. There are bars and restaurants in the downtown area with as little as a step ladder access to an incredible underwater world of creatures & corral. Most bars and restaurants boast 8 or 9 tables … what more do they need? A few customers, some good food and cold drinks with a built in view. There is very little need for more. Maybe it is the concept that the ocean lends itself to vast openness and extreme fresh air. Maybe it’s the constant breeze and crashing waves or the cold drinks and easy way of being on the island. There is no where to get in a hurry to go… no one wants to be in a hurry.

With the exception of some waterfront properties with hurricane shutters, three car garages and large swimming pools over looking the bay, the residential areas in the interior of the island are very humble. The homes are ranch style and appear to have two to three bedrooms with possibly two full bathrooms. Most homes have a small porch or portico with windows open and very few hvac units were spotted. Several have clotheslines with the day’s laundry strewn about to dry and roosters pecking the ground. The houses are not very well organized but sort of randomly situated around the interior. There are few street signs and several round abouts. No need for a map … you can probably cover the island by car in an hour or two and that is with traffic.

When we talk about waterfront property and being on deep water in Savannah, we are hoping for access to the open seas and a place to dip our crab lines. Location matters where ever you decide to plant roots, be it island roots or city roots. Location is everything … decide what you require around you, what would appeal for resell and what your family needs … that determines the value of your location but keep in mind a little blue water never hurts!

Even though I grew up in the coastal area I only considered waterfront property as just another living option until I began to sell and buy property. Come to find out … there are several types of waterfront property. When you are looking for real estate in Savannah, you have some things to consider if you are a river rat. The types of waterfront property range depending on the way you want to spend time on the water. Are you a swimmer? A boater? A sunset watcher? All of these questions need to be considered while you are looking at waterfront property. It matters a great deal if you want water 24 hours a day or you are partial to low tides. I remember going to Hilton Head for summer vacation and we stayed in a condo on a tidal creek. We would go down to the little dock hoping the tide was low so we could watch the fiddler crabs and snails. But when the tide was coming in we would throw in our chicken meat on a string to catch blue crabs. We thought this was the best of both. It matters what you are looking for in your experience with waterfront. In Savannah, you can live on the beach, on deep water or on a tidal creek. Your view can include low tide fiddler crabs or water 24 hours a day with your boat always ready for spin around Georgia’s beautiful coast.  As you begin your search for the perfect water spot for you and your family, ask yourself questions about how you hope to enjoy the water in your new home. And visit these listings during low and high tides to understand what kind of water access you will have and how your view might change.

One of the great things about Savannah is the coastline. I love driving over the Turner’s Creek bridge onto Wilmington and Talahi islands and seeing the view … marsh, sprawling homes, great docks, boats, dolphins. The view winds around to finally end on Tybee Island, Savannah’s beach. These communities are great for raising children, vacationing or spending your golden years. You can drive over the bridge on a Friday afternoon and not leave the island until Monday morning heading back into work and school. There are lots of great things to do and see especially with children. Wilmington Island has several family friendly restaurants to choose from … there is Greek with great pizza at Basil’s or cold beer and delicious wings at Beef O’Brady’s and old faithful … Mexican cuisine at Cancun. Basil’s has a playroom complete with a flat screen tv and monitors so you can keep an eye on your little one while you enjoy your dinner. Beef O’Brady’s has a Tuesday night kids eat free special and sometimes at Cancun there are live mariachi players serenading your table. Beyond the eateries … the islands have great family fun spots. You can visit Fort Pulaski to see the old cannons, view the fort living areas and even treat your pooch to a visit because dogs are allowed on the fort grounds. Another favorite spot for everybody to visit is Oatland Island. You can go for as little as a few dollars a head and hike through beautiful marsh areas to view bison, black bears, wolves, deer, alligators, owls, hawks and even a small farm complete with donkey and cow. The Islands YMCA has a great walking track that is open to the public. Be sure to pack the jogging stroller and a bottle of water for fresh air and exercise.

It’s not all about the kids … island living offers adults many options to enjoy some down time. One neighborhood has streets lined with overhanging trees so all during the year you can jog or walk in the shade. There are a few marinas offering services including dock slips, seafood, local cruises and more if you are a boater. There is always the well kept secret of Dewey’s with spectacular pastas, a fat view and decent wine list. If you golf we have courses, if you play tennis we have courts… there is just about everything you need to relax and enjoy life on the islands of Savannah. At the end of the day you can ride down to Tybee and enjoy the beach at sunset or stroll to the pier and visit Tradewinds for a delicious night cap of homemade ice cream. Savannah is a special place with a great deal to offer it’s residents. These islands are just one area to choose from when you are shopping for area real estate. Keep it in mind the next time you visit … call me and I can show you and your family a few island highlights!