Guyton is a rural community with highly rated schools and town spirit
Guyton gets good grades. The rural Effingham County city is close to Savannah and has outdoor excursions not found elsewhere, but its biggest draw is in the classroom. “About 90% of the time, what people are looking for is the school district,” says Zacker Hannon, a Realtor with Next Move Real Estate. “But some want a slower pace and a more country lifestyle.” The community of nearly 2,500 people is prone to support one another by attending annual events and dining at town restaurants.
New Traditional houses and mobile homes sit on large lots
In Guyton, homes often sit in subdivisions near the town center or the region’s southern end, closer to Savannah. They tend to be New Traditional and can come with two-car garages. Most of these properties were built after 2015. There are also manufactured homes on lots of a half-acre or more spread throughout the area’s rural sections. The city center's roads lie in a grid-like pattern, but that dissipates as the region extends outward. Yards can feature small- and medium-sized trees, and bushes often sit near front walkways. The median sale price is around $400,000, close to the national median.
Southern, Italian and Mexican eateries and Butterducks Winery
Southern Kafe on 17 has a rotating menu of Southern-inspired entrees. Pizza Chef serves classic pies and calzones for pickup and delivery. Flacos House is a regional chain with a mix of Mexican and Tex-Mex flavors. South of town, Butterducks Winery has served the community for close to 20 years and is open for tours and tastings on weekend afternoons. Ken’s IGA and Dollar General carry groceries and essentials. Other retail options are found in cities like Pooler and Savannah.
Effingham County Schools are highly rated and offer career pathways
Students are served by Effingham County Schools. They can attend Guyton Elementary School, which earns a B-plus Niche grade. Effingham County Middle School also holds a B-plus. Effingham County High School offers Career, Technical and Agricultural Education pathways like criminal justice and audio-video technology. It receives a B score. The Georgia Promise Scholarship offers participating families up to $6,500 for private school tuition and other expenses. Bulloch Academy, a private kindergarten through 12th-grade school with a B-plus Niche score, is in Statesboro, around 35 miles west of Guyton’s town center.
Visit rare animals, ride horses and swim in the Ogeechee River
Highland Park has a basketball court, picnic tables, a playground and open grass. Hope Ranch lets visitors catch a glimpse of animals from across the world. Ranch tours are by appointment only. The Guyton Family YMCA hosts classes for youths and adults, and the Guyton Memorial Garden Trail is a walkway that runs through the city center. Nearby, Avanti Sporthorses offers riding lessons for all ages and skill levels. To the west, the Ogeechee River is a popular spot to cool off during the summer. “People will park their cars and go swimming like they’re at the beach,” Hannon says.
Community events like Trick or Trail! are a big draw
The city’s annual Trick or Trail! event is a spin on Trunk or Treat celebrations. In October, residents and local organizations can reserve spaces along the city’s walking trail to give out candy and other goods. Another event called Sale Along the Trail, held in the summer, attracts local vendors. “That one draws a lot of people from the community,” Hannon says. “You walk along the trail with your kids, and there are food trucks.”
The Guyton Christmas Parade sees organizations create floats that are judged and awarded prizes. Guyton Christian Church works with The Fillin’ Station food pantry to help serve around 900 county residents. The pantry is open for three hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Access to major highways and Savannah/Hilton Head International
Several major highways cut through the region, including Georgia State Route 119. State Route 21 is to the east. Savannah’s Historic District is about 30 miles from Guyton’s town center, and Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is about 25 miles away. Coastal Regional Coaches provides rides to Effingham County residents with advance notice. Transit within the county is $10 round trip. Tornadoes and heavy storms can impact the area on occasion.
