5 Things That Make Savannah Real Estate Different from Anywhere Else

Architecture, neighborhoods, lifestyle, here’s what sets the Savannah market apart.

If you’re looking for cookie-cutter real estate, Savannah probably isn’t your city. The market here is layered, historic and evolving, deeply local but increasingly national in interest. Whether you're drawn to its architecture, the access to nature, or the low-key energy that lives somewhere between coastal town and urban hub, there are a few key reasons why Savannah real estate stands apart.

1. The Historic Housing Stock Is Real and Protected

Savannah is one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the U.S., with over 1,100 historically significant buildings. That designation isn’t just ceremonial, it comes with protections that preserve the city’s architectural legacy. Homes in neighborhoods like the Historic District, Ardsley Park, and Thomas Square often feature original details from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Buyers looking for authenticity, think plaster walls, heart pine floors, original fireplaces, will find it here. But owning a historic home in Savannah also means navigating renovation guidelines and working with the Historic Preservation Commission. It’s not for everyone, but for many, it’s worth it.

2. Neighborhoods Actually Mean Something

Savannah isn’t a sprawl city where every block looks the same. Each neighborhood has a defined personality and residents tend to take pride in that.

Isle of Hope and Dutch Island offer a quiet, waterfront lifestyle with deepwater access. Starland District blends walkability, creative businesses, and early-20th-century architecture. Ardsley Park is full of oak-lined streets and revival-style homes with large lots. The Landings, a gated community on Skidaway Island, is essentially a town of its own, complete with golf courses, marinas, and a strong HOA presence. Coffee Bluff has an old-Savannah feel, with river access and large, shaded lots.

The takeaway? Where you buy in Savannah matters as much as what you buy.

3. You Get the Coast Without Giving Up City Living

Unlike many southern cities, Savannah offers true proximity to the water. Tybee Island is only about 20 minutes from downtown, and marsh views are baked into the real estate fabric. Homes near Wilmington Island, Whitemarsh Island, and Sandfly can offer deepwater docks, kayaking access, or just quiet views, all without losing access to grocery stores, schools, and restaurants.

It’s one of the few places where you can spend the morning at a farmers market downtown and be in your boat by afternoon.

4. Prices Are Still Competitive But Rising Fast

As of July 2025, the average home value in Savannah is around $335,000, according to Zillow, a noticeable increase from last year. Compared to similar southern cities like Charleston (average home value: $540,000) or St. Augustine (average: $445,000), Savannah remains relatively affordable, especially when you consider its historic character and coastal location.

That said, prices are climbing faster than they used to. New construction in areas like Berwick, Georgetown, and Southside Savannah is filling in quickly, and demand in the historic core remains strong.

5. It’s a Lifestyle City First, Not Just a Real Estate Market

A lot of people who buy in Savannah aren’t just looking for a house, they’re looking for a change of pace. Whether they’re relocating from bigger cities or retiring early, they’re drawn to the slower mornings, walkable streets, porch culture, and general lack of hurry.

That lifestyle element translates into real estate decisions: buyers prioritize outdoor space, proximity to parks or the water, and homes with character over sheer size or newness. It’s also why short-term rentals are regulated here. The city is trying to preserve its sense of place, not just cash in.

Thinking About Buying in Savannah?

The market here is layered and constantly evolving, which means context matters. If you're trying to decide between a bungalow in Starland or a marshfront home on Isle of Hope, it helps to have someone who actually lives it day to day. Savannah isn’t for everyone, but if it’s for you, there’s nothing else quite like it.