Savannah

About Savannah

Savannah is Georgia's oldest city, known for its cobblestone streets, scenic parks and historic buildings and homes. Its downtown area includes one of the largest historic districts in the country, featuring a number of iconic landmarks and antebellum architecture. Over 100 different residential neighborhoods make up Savannah, each one providing a distinct lifestyle and unique personality.

The History of Savannah

Savannah has a rich and interesting history dating back nearly 300 years. General James Oglethorpe and the passengers of his ship landed on the bluff along the Savannah River in 1733 and chose it as the location for the 13th colony in America. With the arrival of the Revolutionary War, the settlement had grown into one of the most important commercial ports among the Thirteen Colonies.

The city of Savannah is well-known as America's first city that was created using an official plan rather than just organically developing. It was laid out in a number of grids, allowing for public squares, wide streets and public meeting places. You can still see 22 of the original grids today, spread throughout the downtown district and historic areas of Savannah.

Jobs in Savannah

Savannah's economy is largely supported by its seaport, the military and the tourism and manufacturing industries. With millions of visitors arriving in Savannah every year, there are plenty of jobs in leisure and hospitality. The city's hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions are a major source of jobs in Savannah, fueled by its status as a flourishing Southern travel destination.

International Paper is another major employer in the city, along with private jet manufacturer Gulfstream Aerospace, media company Morris Multimedia and loan company TitleMax. Other large employers include JCB, headquartered just outside Savannah.

Savannah Schools

Savannah-Chatham County Public School operates Savannah's public schools. The district's schools are highly rated, and many of the private secondary schools in the city have also earned national recognition. The district also manages the Oatland Island Wildlife Center of Savannah, which provides extensive nature education to the entire region.

If you're considering pursuing higher education in Savannah, you'll have your choice of many large colleges and universities. There are also several small, two-year colleges that offer specialized degrees and certificates.

Resources for Moving to Savannah

Here's some handy information to help simplify your move to Savannah:

• Utilities: The city facilitates residential water services, while electricity is provided by Georgia Power.
• Garbage and Recycling: Trash, yard waste and bulky items are collected weekly. Your recyclables will be picked up every other week.
• Transportation: Chatham Area Transit serves Savannah, including buses and shuttles throughout the area.

Savannah Housing

Savannah offers a variety of affordable housing options, ranging from large, single-family homes to compact apartments. The median home price in the city is well below national averages, though prices are rising rapidly as the city grows.