Vernonburg is a small town resting along a curve of the Vernon River, about 15 minutes from Historic Savannah. Once a seasonal summer retreat, the designated historic district has become a permanent residential community, where centuries-old homes line Dancy Avenue, the town’s only road, and tall grass sways in the surrounding marshes. Savannah's attractions and everyday conveniences are close at hand, but Vernonburg feels distinctly Lowcountry, more akin to Dutch Island or Skidaway Island than Midtown Savannah. Here, private docks stretch into the river, herons skim the shoreline and residents take in sunsets from quiet front porches.
Homes in Vernonburg sit behind behind mature trees.
From Colonial village to residential retreat
Vernonburg was established in the mid-1700s, but by the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the original Colonial village was abandoned. Residents moved closer to the river bluffs, and Vernonburg transformed into a seasonal retreat for Savannahians, prized for its cool breezes that offset the Southern summer heat. It wasn’t until the mid-20th century, however, that Vernonburg shifted from a temporary vacation destination to a year-round residential community. Incorporated in 1866, the town adopted zoning and preservation measures to limit commercial development and maintain larger lot sizes, housing setbacks and natural landscaping. So Vernonburg retained its rural feel and low density, even as Savannah grew around it. “Vernonburg is a special little place in Savannah,” says Scott Dole, a real estate agent with Compass Georgia and longtime Savannah resident. "It's its own little community, with homes similar to Tara from 'Gone With the Wind'."
Historic homes and limited inventory in Vernonburg
On Dancy Avenue, along a bend in the Vernon River, Spanish moss and palmetto leaves spill over wooden picket fences, framing historic homes set far back from the road. Most houses date to between the 1840s and the 1940s, with Federal, Italianate, Colonial Revival and Spanish Revival being the most common architectural styles. “Back in the day, they would have been someone’s country home,” Dole says. Many properties include historic outbuildings, such as boathouses, servants' quarters, garages and summer kitchens. “They call them river homes, and they all face the water,” Dole explains. “Generally speaking, most of the lots have water access and deep-water docks, with the front of the house facing the river. They were built to accommodate boats, which were the primary mode of transportation at the time.”
Inventory is very limited, and single-family homes rarely come on the market. When they do, prices often start in the low $500,000s and can reach $2.7 million, depending mostly on size, condition and river access.
Residents in Vernonburg can grocery shop at the nearby Target.
Shopping, dining and medical care near Vernonburg
Vernonburg is strictly residential. Residents rely on Southside corridors, mostly in the Highland Park neighborhood, for shopping, dining and medical care. Here’s what’s within a roughly 5-mile drive of Vernonburg:
Oglethorpe Mall, an indoor shopping center that anchors Southside shopping and includes stores like American Eagle Outfitters, Barnes & Noble and Macy’s
Abercorn Commons, sitting across from the mall, with retailers like Ulta Beauty and HomeGoods, as well as restaurant chains like Wayback Burgers and Panera Bread
Sandfly, a neighborhood known for its strong dining scene, with local restaurants like Driftaway Café, Sandfly BBQ and Auspicious Baking Co.
St. Joseph’s Hospital, a full-service regional medical center
How far Vernonburg is from downtown, the airport and the coast
Vernonburg is roughly 12 miles south of downtown Savannah, with access via White Bluff Road and Harry S. Truman Parkway, two major thoroughfares just outside town. “It’s a 15-minute drive to downtown,” Dole says. “So, you can work downtown but have peace and quiet when you get home. Vernonburg feels like its own little city.” Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is about 25 miles away. For beach days, Tybee Island is about 25 miles east, and Hilton Head Island is about 40 miles northeast.
What to know about flooding in Vernonburg
All of Vernonburg falls within a FEMA-designated high-risk flood zone. Depending on your property’s elevation and mortgage type, you may need flood insurance. “A lot of these homes were built up and away from the water, not directly on it,” Dole explains. “They were built in a way to protect themselves. I don’t know of any properties that have had direct flood damage. Most of them have the first floor elevated above the ground.”
Written By
Adreanna DeMarino
Photography Contributed By
Jonathan Dean
Video By
Hunter Severtson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Christen Wallace-Bergen,
an experienced agent in this area.
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This 25.84-acre tract of unimproved land offers a rare development opportunity within the Savannah city limits. The property is comprised of two parcels: 7750 Waters Avenue, a 25.56-acre site zoned RMF-2, and 7730 Waters Avenue, a 0.28-acre site zoned OI-E. Together, the parcels provide versatility for a variety of uses with excellent visibility and frontage along Waters Avenue. Potential
Waterfront, well-appointed, custom home built in 2022. River views and secluded setting create a quiet corner of your own, just 20 minutes to Downtown Savannah and 5 minutes to Savannah Country Day School. Own 120 ft. of frontage on the Vernon River, private dock (with power), and no required flood insurance. Inside, you'll discover curated, high-end finishes include Bosch appliances, chefs
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