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Savannah, GA

Frequently asked questions

Savannah, GA

Savannah is the oldest city in the U.S. state of Georgia and the county seat of Chatham County. Established in 1733 on the Savannah River, the city of Savannah became the British colonial capital of the Province of Georgia and later the first state capital of Georgia.  A strategic port city in the American Revolution and during the American Civil War, Savannah is today an industrial center and an important Atlantic seaport. It is Georgia's fifth most populous city, with a 2020 U.S. Census population of 147,780. The Savannah metropolitan area, Georgia's third-largest, had a 2020 population of 404,798.

Each year, Savannah attracts millions of visitors to its cobblestone streets, parks, and notable historic buildings. These include the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low (founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA), the Georgia Historical Society (the oldest continually operating historical society in the South), the Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences (one of the South's first public museums), the First African Baptist Church (one of the oldest African-American Baptist congregations in the United States), Temple Mickve Israel (the third-oldest synagogue in the U.S.), and the Central of Georgia Railway roundhouse complex (the oldest standing antebellum rail facility in the U.S. and now a museum and visitor center).

Savannah's downtown area, which includes the Savannah Historic District, its 22 parklike squares, and the Savannah Victorian Historic District, is one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the United States (designated by the federal government in 1966). Downtown Savannah largely retains the founder James Oglethorpe's original town plan, a design known as the Oglethorpe Plan. During the 1996 Summer Olympics hosted by Atlanta, Savannah held sailing competitions in the nearby Wassaw Sound.

Savannah lies on the Savannah River, approximately 20 mi (32 km) upriver from the Atlantic Ocean. According to the United States Census Bureau (2011), the city has a total area of 108.7 square miles (281.5 km²), of which 103.1 square miles (267.0 km²) is land and 5.6 square miles (15 km²) is water (5.15%). Savannah is the primary port on the Savannah River and the largest port in the state of Georgia. It is also located near the U.S. Intracoastal Waterway. Georgia's Ogeechee River flows toward the Atlantic Ocean some 16 miles (26 km) south of downtown Savannah and forms the southern city limit.

Savannah is prone to flooding, due to abundant rainfall, an elevation at just above sea level, and the shape of the coastline, which poses a greater surge risk during hurricanes. The city currently uses five canals. In addition, several pumping stations have been built to help reduce the effects of flash flooding.

Savannah places a strong emphasis on the health and wellness of its residents. The city is equipped with a network of healthcare facilities, including Memorial Health, ensuring access to quality medical services. Start your relaxation journey at the Corner Suite Wellness Boutique in the Victorian District, where innovative treatments like IV drip therapy and infrared saunas await. For a luxurious spa experience, visit Spa Bleu, known for its calming atmosphere and holistic treatments. Savannah Yoga Center and The Hub Savannah are great for yoga and mindfulness practices. Rejuvenate with natural therapies at Sweet Water Spa, which offers organic treatments.

Top sites in Savannah, GA are Forsyth Park, Sorrel Weed House Museum, and Mercer Williams House Museum.

Population: 148,808 (2024). ZIP codes: 31401–31412, 31414-31416, 31418-31421. Area codes: 912, 565. Elevation: 49 ft (15 m). Area: 113.27 sq mi (293.36 km²).

FAQs

Why is Savannah, GA so famous?

As the oldest city in the state of Georgia, Savannah has a long and colorful history chock-full of interesting characters and beautiful locales. From manicured parks and horse-drawn carriages to ornate antebellum architecture, it’s no wonder Savannah is one of the most visited cities in the South. So to help make your upcoming trip to Savannah just that much better, we’ve compiled a list of the top fun facts about this intriguing city on the river.

What is the best month to visit Savannah, GA?

The best time to visit Savannah is from March to July when the weather is warm and pleasant and the flowers are in full bloom.   Mid to late summer can bring extreme heat and humidity which can make it unpleasant for some visitors. The winter months of January and February are low season - at this time you will see a drop in the temperatures. The fall from mid-September through mid-November is a good time to visit Savannah when it is uncrowded, yet still seasonably warm.

Is Savannah, GA an expensive city?

A new study ranked Savannah as the 9th least affordable city to live in the U.S. "It's extremely hard to live here sometimes, the rent is so high, the housing market makes it hard to find any housing sometimes even if it's expensive or affordable, groceries are out of this world right now," said Forest Bax, a student at SCAD. A new study from Cashnet ranked Savannah the 9th least affordable city in the U.S. to pay rent on an average salary. Above Savannah on the list were Santa Ana, California, New York City, and Las Vegas.

Sources

City of Savannah

Wikipedia

Trolley Tours

Luxury Living Savannah.

Fox 28 Savannah

Forsyth Park

Sorrel Weed House Museum

Mercer Williams House Museum

Memorial Health

Corner Suite Wellness Boutique

Spa Bleu

Savannah Yoga Center 

The Hub Savannah

Salt Table

Sweet Water Spa,

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.