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St. Simons, GA

Frequently asked questions

St. Simons, GA

St. Simons Island (or simply St. Simons) is a barrier island and census-designated place (CDP) located on St. Simons Island in Glynn County, Georgia, United States. The names of the community and the island are interchangeable, known simply as "St. Simons Island" or "SSI", or locally as "The Island". St. Simons is part of the Brunswick metropolitan statistical area, and according to the 2020 U.S. census, the CDP had a population of 14,982. 

Located on the southeast Georgia coast, midway between Savannah and Jacksonville, St. Simons Island is both a seaside resort and residential community. It is the largest of Georgia's renowned Golden Isles (along with Sea Island, Jekyll Island, and privately owned Little St. Simons Island). Visitors are drawn to the Island for its warm climate, beaches, variety of outdoor activities, shops and restaurants, historical sites, and natural environment.

In addition to its base of permanent residents, the island enjoys an influx of visitors and part-time residents throughout the year. The 2010 census noted that 26.8% of total housing units were for "seasonal, recreational, or occasional use". The vast majority of commercial and residential development is located on the southern half of the island. Much of the northern half remains marsh or woodland. A large tract of land in the northeast has been converted into a nature preserve containing trails, historical ruins, and an undisturbed maritime forest. The tract, Cannon's Point Preserve, is open to the public on specified days and hours. Originally inhabited by the Muscogee, the Spanish, British, and French contested the area of South Georgia which included St. Simons Island. After establishing the Province of Georgia in 1732, Anglo-American colonists established rice and cotton plantations worked by African slaves, who created the unique Gullah culture that survives to this day. The primary mode of travel to the island is by automobile via F.J. Torras Causeway. Malcolm McKinnon Airport (IATA: SSI) serves general aviation on the island.

St. Simons Island is part of a cluster of barrier islands and marsh hammocks between the Altamaha River delta to the north, and St. Simons Sound to the south. Sea Island forms the eastern edge of this cluster, with Little St. Simons on the north and the marshes of Glynn plus the Intracoastal Waterway to the west.

St. Simons is located at 31°9′40″N 81°23′13″W (31.161250, -81.386875), midway between Savannah, Georgia, and Jacksonville, Florida, and approximately 12 miles (19 km) east of Brunswick, Georgia, the sole municipality in Glynn County and the county government seat.

St. Simons places a significant emphasis on health and wellness, providing residents and visitors with a range of opportunities to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The healthcare infrastructure in St. Simons is well-developed, with the St. Simons Immediate Care Center providing comprehensive medical services.  Start your wellness journey at the St. Simons Health & Fitness Club, which offers aerobics, yoga, and weight training. For a holistic approach, visit Golden Isles Wellness, known for its comprehensive wellness services including massage and pain relief therapies. Enjoy a therapeutic session at Massage Guru or try a specialized treatment at Misty's Element Massage. Don't miss the tranquil experiences at Refresh & Refine and the pain relief specialties of Violet Harrigan. For fitness enthusiasts, the Anytime Fitness Center offers a range of workout options and classes to help you stay in shape.

Top sites in St. Simons, GA are St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum, Fort Frederica National Monument, and World War II Home Front Museum.

Population: 16,026 (2023). ZIP code: 31522. Area code: 912. Elevation: 10 ft (3 m). Area: 17.51 sq mi (45.34 km²).

FAQs

Why is St. Simons, GA famous?

St. Simons Island offers a variety of dining options from fine dining to casual outdoor fare. Some of our favorite things to eat on the island? Fresh oysters, handmade pizza, award-winning barbecue, and locally caught seafood—just to name a few. Dine casually, relax at a wine bar, or bring the kids and enjoy live music. No matter what type of food you are looking for, St. Simons Island has a restaurant for it! Find your favorite restaurant on St. Simons Island.

Is St. Simons, GA expensive to live in?

Based on our St. Simons cost of living calculator, St. Simons is 9% more expensive than the national average and 20% more expensive to live in than the average city in Georgia. This assumes a $72,000 annual salary and a 2-bedroom Apt. Food costs in St. Simons are less affordable than average in the United States. Transportation costs in St. Simons are more affordable than average in the United States. Housing costs in St. Simons are less affordable than average in the United States. Healthcare costs in St. Simons are more affordable than the US average.

What county is St. Simons GA?

St. Simons Island (or simply St. Simons) is a barrier island and census-designated place (CDP) located on St. Simons Island in Glynn County, Georgia, United States. The names of the community and the island are interchangeable, known simply as "St. Simons Island" or "SSI", or locally as "The Island". St. Simons is part of the Brunswick metropolitan statistical area, and according to the 2020 U.S. census, the CDP had a population of 14,982. Located on the southeast Georgia coast, midway between Savannah and Jacksonville, St. Simons Island is both a seaside resort and residential community. It is the largest of Georgia's renowned Golden Isles (along with Sea Island, Jekyll Island, and privately owned Little St. Simons Island). Visitors are drawn to the Island for its warm climate, beaches, variety of outdoor activities, shops and restaurants, historical sites, and natural environment.

Sources

Glynn County

Wikipedia

Golden Isles

Erieri

St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum

Fort Frederica National Monument

World War II Home Front Museum

St. Simons Immediate Care Center

St. Simons Health & Fitness Club, 

Golden Isles Wellness

Massage Guru

Misty's Element Massage

Refresh & Refine 

Anytime Fitness

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.