Savannah, GA Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Savannah, GA: What You Need to Know

Savannah, in eastern Georgia, is the state’s oldest city. It’s always been known for its charm and architecture, but the award-winning movie “Forrest Gump” catapulted the city to worldwide fame. 

The Local Culture

The versatile beauty of Savannah makes it an ideal movie location. Of Savannah’s 22 squares, Chippewa Square is the most popular, thanks to an iconic scene in “Forrest Gump,” which won six Academy Awards in 1995, including Best Actor for Tom Hanks. Other Hollywood movies shot in Savannah include “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” (1997), “The Last Song” (2010), and “Something to Talk About” (1994).

Savannah’s History

Gen. James Oglethorpe founded Savannah in 1733. He named the 13th American colony Georgia after England’s King George II. Savannah became Georgia’s first city. During the Civil War, Union troops captured Fort Pulaski, located at the mouth of the Savannah River. The city itself didn’t fall until Union Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman entered on Dec. 10, 1864, after he’d burned Atlanta. Sherman was so beguiled by Savannah that he couldn’t bear to destroy it. In a telegram, he famously offered the city as a Christmas present to President Abraham Lincoln.

The Weather and Climate

Savannah is prone to flooding because it lies on the Savannah River. Floods in the area happen about 10 times a year – up from just 5 or fewer 40 years ago, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists, a nonprofit organization. It doesn’t help that Savannah receives about 49 inches of rain per year, more than the U.S. average of 38 inches. On the bright side, the city doesn’t get any snow.

The Cost of Living in Savannah

In a city as pretty as Savannah (population: 144,464), your budget will go far and your quality of life even further. Savannah’s cost of living rate, food, and housing costs are 6.7%, 0.2%, and 14.3% lower than the national average, respectively. Its median gross rent is $977 while the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $881. Georgia’s progressive income tax rate of 1% to 5.75% is considered average. The state collects 4% to 9% in statewide sales tax.

Know Your Neighborhoods

If you move to Savannah, you’ll enjoy the convenience of the city’s grid layout, its wide-open streets, and public squares. Locals also rave about the mild climate and scenic coastal views. Prefer a suburb with excellent schools? Richmond Hill fits the bill – plus it’s known for its family friendly environment. More than half of residents in Savannah and Richmond Hill are renters. Rincon also gets kudos for its above-average schools and proximity to Savannah.