Historic Savannah blends old-world charm with modern energy
In Historic Savannah, moss-draped live oaks shade grassy squares, and wrought-iron gates frame centuries-old homes. The neighborhood evokes the Old South yet pulses with modern, artistic energy, thanks to the Savannah College of Art and Design, local galleries and trendy shopping and dining corridors. Cobblestone streets echo with church bells and horse-drawn carriages by day, while at night, River Street restaurants fill with diners and streetlamps glow in Forsyth Park.
Many homes in the Historic Savannah area are two story condos and townhouses.
Historic districts offer older homes with unique architecture
Savannah’s National Historic Landmark District stretches from the Savannah River to Gwinnett Street, bordered by East Broad Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Dotted with grassy squares, it showcases beautiful 18th- and 19th-century architecture. “A photoshoot happens on my doorstep every day,” says resident and Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Coastal Area Partners, Jacqueline Mason . “We take it as a compliment.” Stately brick rowhouses with bay windows stand beside Italianate townhomes with cast-iron balconies and ornate cornices. Greek Revival façades are marked by columned porticos and dentil moldings, while Federal-style homes feature symmetrical layouts. Many homes have wrought-iron gates and hidden courtyards shaded by magnolias. South of Gwinnett Street lies the Savannah Victorian District, developed during the streetcar era. Unlike the landmark district’s iconic squares, it features gridded streets and small front gardens. Built before fire ordinances, homes have sturdy wooden frames and ornate details, including Queen Anne turrets and Eastlake trim.Across Historic Savannah, modest condos and small historic rowhomes typically cost under $500,000, while spacious townhouses or family-sized historic homes can range from $500,000 to $1 million. Full-scale historic townhouses and luxury mansions can reach $6 million.
What comes with owning a historic home in Savannah
Most homes are more than a century old, which means age-related upkeep. Settling can cause foundation cracks, sloping floors or doors that won’t latch, and wiring and plumbing are often outdated. Original paint may contain lead, and the city’s humidity can lead to wood rot and mold, requiring regular repainting and caulking. “They’re very particular about what can and can’t be done to homes,” Mason says, noting that exterior changes require a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission.The upside is that tax incentives can offset renovation costs. Georgia offers a state income tax credit of 25% on qualified rehab expenses—capped at $100,000—and an eight-year property tax freeze. The federal government provides a 20% credit for income-producing historic properties. “Most historic homes—if they’re big—have an accessory apartment on the garden level or over the garage,” Mason says. “Most residents rent those out, whether as an Airbnb or to permanent renters. It pays our taxes.”
Take a walk through Forsyth Park located in Historic Savannah.
Forsyth Park is a community hub in Historic Savannah
Historic Savannah’s 22 squares are local gathering spots. “Everyone knows their neighbors, and they get together to talk or have happy hours in little squares near their homes,” Mason says. The largest, Forsyth Park, anchors the south side of Historic Savannah. Live oaks shade chalk-covered walkways, lined with vendors during the Saturday farmers market. Its Parisian-style fountain—popular for photo shoots—is dyed green on St. Patrick’s Day, and the Georgia Day Parade starts here. Locals jog, picnic under vintage streetlamps and play casual games on open lawns or at tennis and basketball courts. It also features a fragrant garden for the blind, playgrounds and an amphitheater for concerts. “Forsyth Park brings so much entertainment,” Mason says.
Visit the Cafe at City Market for classic american food.
Things to do in Historic Savannah
Locals are used to crowds of tourists. They see them riding in horse-drawn carriages, waiting outside old buildings for ghost tours or cruising down the river in a riverboat. “There’s an influx of energy with people coming in and out,” Mason says. But residents enjoy attractions, too, particularly the following spots:• River Street, a 2-mile cobblestone stretch of shops, galleries, restaurants and pubs• City Market, an open-air blend of restaurants, art galleries, boutiques and cocktail bars• Broughton Street, Savannah’s premier shopping corridor• The SCAD Museum of Art’s contemporary exhibits • The Historic Savannah Theatre’s performances
Walking, parking and driving in Historic Savannah
While most residents own cars, Historic Savannah is walkable. “If there are meters in front of your house, even if you have a garage, you get a free parking sticker,” Mason says. “The area’s divided into four quadrants, and you can park anywhere in your quadrant.” She goes on to explain that, even with tourists, traffic isn’t bad. “They don’t have cars, so they Uber and walk everywhere.” Main roads don’t travel through the neighborhood, but interstates 16 and 516 are nearby, as well as routes 80 and 17.
Local education spans public, private and higher learning institutions
The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System serves Historic Savannah. It offers lottery-based choice programs across all grade levels, including magnet, charter and career and technical options. Among the city’s private schools, Savannah Country Day School and St. Andrew’s School are highly ranked, with strong college-prep programs. Higher education includes the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), a top-ranked private institution founded in 1978 with over 17,000 students. Public options include Savannah State University and Savannah Technical College.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Historic Savannah
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
8
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
7
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
8
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Historic Savannah Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Historic Savannah, Savannah sell after 101 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Historic Savannah, Savannah over the last 12 months is $800,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
INCREDIBLY CHARMING! The quintessential Savannah Pied-a-terre just steps from Forsyth Park. First floor, Corner Unit (of a 3 Unit Condominium Bldg) in excellent condition. Built c.1895, this +/- 874 sft. has been thoughtfully updated and beautifully maintained. Sun drenched and light filled – over scaled windows throughout w/ a classic front room ‘Bay Window’. High Ceilings, original Hardwoods,
Step into a piece of history- this immaculate Victorian home is completely turn-key. The curb appeal is undeniable, commanding double front doors welcome you into a foyer rich with architectural detail.The interiors are defined by original hardwood floors and the warm glow of gas fireplaces on both levels. The floor plan offers excellent flow, highlighted by a rare double staircase—one grand
Built in 1868 for John Hernandez, this distinguished Savannah residence in the heart of the Historic District operates as a thriving owner-occupied short-term vacation rental. The property embodies timeless architectural elegance with its traditional two-story main house and charming garden apartment, featuring gleaming heart pine floors, intricate decorative molding, and graceful arched
Escape to this stunning, pristine Savannah home, where historic charm meets modern luxury. The beautiful stucco exterior and inviting entryway set the stage for a truly elegant experience. Inside, you'll find an open kitchen and dining area perfect for entertaining. The gourmet kitchen, with its large island and stainless steel appliances, flows seamlessly into the inviting dining space. After
Magnificent 4-story Crawford Square residence offering unparalleled multigenerational living in historic Savannah and can be used like a duplex with its current configuration. This stunning 5BD/5BA home features a 1,500sf four-car garage with elevator access, soaring ceilings with chef's kitchen and deck on the second floor, three bedrooms plus luxurious primary suite with soaking tub on the
Discover urban elegance in this charming one bedroom, one bathroom condo nestled in the heart of Savannah's historic district. This beautifully updated residence features a newly renovated kitchen with modern finishes and a pristine renovated bathroom, perfect for today's lifestyle. Gleaming refinished hardwood floors flow throughout the space, adding warmth and character to every room. Step out
Luxury Living Reaches New Heights. Skylark offers the newest luxury apartments in Savannah's Historic District. Studio, 1 & 2 bedroom luxury apartment homes feature breathtaking views of the historic district and Savannah Bridge. Enjoy the sunset on downtown's largest rooftop patio featuring a fire pit and natural gas grills. A fully-equipped 24-hour fitness center includes virtual training
AvailableJauary, 2026!Located in the iconic Kress Building in the heart of downtown Savannah, this stylish one-bedroom, one-bathroom condo offers 800 square feet of upgraded living space with stunning views of Ellis Square. Enjoy the perfect blend of modern comfort and historic charm in one of the city’s most coveted locations. Modern Luxury in a Historic Setting. This unit features hardwood
Youre home. When you make the Bowery your home, you can rest assured that each detail has painstakingly been attended to. The carefully laid out open floor plans have been designed with one or two bedrooms. Each unit features rich touches such as granite counter tops, energy efficient stainless appliances, subway tile backslashes, 9ft ceilings, walk in closets with built in shelving,
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