Savannah, Georgia is celebrated for its cobblestone streets, historic homes, and Spanish moss-draped oak trees. Visitors often fall in love with the city’s charming public squares, antebellum architecture, and friendly Southern hospitality. But beyond its well-known appeal lies a wealth of lesser-known stories and facts that help define the true character of the city. For those considering moving to or investing in the area, exploring the deeper history and cultural nuance of Savannah is not only enlightening—it helps explain the enduring allure of this iconic Southern destination. The Teresa Cowart Team offers deep insight into the local market and neighborhoods, and these lesser-known facts about Savannah reveal why it continues to be one of the most intriguing places to live in the Southeast.
A Colonial City With a Revolutionary Urban Plan
Founded in 1733 by General James Oglethorpe, Savannah holds the distinction of being Georgia’s oldest city. Designed with innovation from the beginning, Savannah was one of the first planned cities in the United States. Oglethorpe’s grid layout incorporated wide streets and 24 town squares, of which 22 remain today. This thoughtful planning created not just a highly walkable city but also a civic identity rooted in accessibility and communal space.
Today, these squares are among Savannah’s most photographed landmarks and remain central to its charm and appeal. For real estate investors and homebuyers, the proximity to these historic squares adds considerable value—both in terms of aesthetics and lifestyle. The presence of shaded greenspaces, brick-paved sidewalks, and proximity to preserved historic architecture is a major draw for those seeking an immersive Southern living experience.
Today, these squares are among Savannah’s most photographed landmarks and remain central to its charm and appeal. For real estate investors and homebuyers, the proximity to these historic squares adds considerable value—both in terms of aesthetics and lifestyle. The presence of shaded greenspaces, brick-paved sidewalks, and proximity to preserved historic architecture is a major draw for those seeking an immersive Southern living experience.
A City Spared by War, Preserved by Legacy
Savannah’s role in the Civil War remains one of its most remarkable historical footnotes. Unlike many Southern cities that faced widespread destruction, Savannah was spared when General William T. Sherman chose not to burn it during his infamous March to the Sea. Instead, he offered the city as a Christmas gift to President Abraham Lincoln in December 1864.
Because of this act, much of Savannah’s antebellum architecture remains intact, offering an authentic glimpse into the past. The Historic District features rows of preserved mansions, churches, and civic buildings, many of which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. This preservation has made Savannah a model for heritage conservation, and it continues to influence local real estate values. Buyers interested in historic homes can find numerous opportunities within the city’s core, often with carefully maintained architectural details that reflect centuries of history.
Because of this act, much of Savannah’s antebellum architecture remains intact, offering an authentic glimpse into the past. The Historic District features rows of preserved mansions, churches, and civic buildings, many of which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. This preservation has made Savannah a model for heritage conservation, and it continues to influence local real estate values. Buyers interested in historic homes can find numerous opportunities within the city’s core, often with carefully maintained architectural details that reflect centuries of history.
The Haunted Side of Savannah
One of the most talked-about aspects of Savannah is its reputation as one of the most haunted cities in America. This reputation stems not only from local folklore but also from its long and often turbulent history, including battles, yellow fever epidemics, and tragic personal tales.
Ghost tours have become a major tourism draw, with popular stops including The Marshall House—a former Civil War hospital turned hotel—and the Sorrel-Weed House, known for its documented paranormal activity. The city’s cemeteries, such as Bonaventure Cemetery and Colonial Park Cemetery, are equally rich in lore.
For residents, Savannah’s haunted reputation is more than just a tourism hook. It fosters a sense of storytelling and cultural pride that adds unique color to neighborhood identities. Some homes, particularly those in the Historic District, even carry their own ghost stories—adding intrigue for those drawn to character-filled properties with layered pasts.
Ghost tours have become a major tourism draw, with popular stops including The Marshall House—a former Civil War hospital turned hotel—and the Sorrel-Weed House, known for its documented paranormal activity. The city’s cemeteries, such as Bonaventure Cemetery and Colonial Park Cemetery, are equally rich in lore.
For residents, Savannah’s haunted reputation is more than just a tourism hook. It fosters a sense of storytelling and cultural pride that adds unique color to neighborhood identities. Some homes, particularly those in the Historic District, even carry their own ghost stories—adding intrigue for those drawn to character-filled properties with layered pasts.
A Hub for Art, Culture, and Education
Savannah’s creative spirit is long-standing and deeply embedded in its cultural institutions. At the heart of this is the Telfair Academy, founded in 1883, making it one of the oldest public art museums in the Southeast. Housed in a neoclassical mansion that once belonged to the prominent Telfair family, the museum is part of the Telfair Museums network, which includes the Jepson Center and the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters.
The presence of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has transformed the city’s creative landscape. SCAD has repurposed dozens of historic buildings throughout the city into galleries, studios, and student housing. Its influence is visible throughout the city—from fashion and film festivals to public art installations and retail shops run by alumni.
This thriving art scene not only enhances the city’s cultural depth but also drives demand in areas near SCAD’s facilities. Investors and homebuyers looking to tap into Savannah’s artistic energy often seek properties in the Victorian District, Starland District, and surrounding neighborhoods.
The presence of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has transformed the city’s creative landscape. SCAD has repurposed dozens of historic buildings throughout the city into galleries, studios, and student housing. Its influence is visible throughout the city—from fashion and film festivals to public art installations and retail shops run by alumni.
This thriving art scene not only enhances the city’s cultural depth but also drives demand in areas near SCAD’s facilities. Investors and homebuyers looking to tap into Savannah’s artistic energy often seek properties in the Victorian District, Starland District, and surrounding neighborhoods.
A City That Knows How to Eat—and Toast
Among the more surprising facts about Savannah is its open-container law, which allows adults to carry alcoholic beverages in plastic cups within the boundaries of the Historic District. This legal quirk contributes to the city’s social and relaxed atmosphere, particularly during festivals and events such as the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, one of the largest in the nation.
Savannah’s culinary scene is equally notable. While rooted in Southern tradition—think shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, and she-crab soup—it also embraces modern innovation. New restaurants and bars continue to open throughout neighborhoods like Starland, Thomas Square, and Downtown, showcasing everything from farm-to-table dining to elevated cocktails and international cuisine. This ongoing culinary evolution supports local tourism and enhances the lifestyle appeal for new residents.
Savannah’s culinary scene is equally notable. While rooted in Southern tradition—think shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, and she-crab soup—it also embraces modern innovation. New restaurants and bars continue to open throughout neighborhoods like Starland, Thomas Square, and Downtown, showcasing everything from farm-to-table dining to elevated cocktails and international cuisine. This ongoing culinary evolution supports local tourism and enhances the lifestyle appeal for new residents.
Literary Fame and Film Recognition
Savannah’s literary and cinematic fame is largely tied to John Berendt’s 1994 nonfiction book, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Set in Savannah and centered around the real-life events surrounding a murder trial, the book introduced readers to the city’s eccentric charm and unforgettable characters. Its popularity—over four million copies sold and 216 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list—brought international attention to Savannah.
The 1997 film adaptation, directed by Clint Eastwood and filmed on location, reinforced Savannah’s visual and cultural appeal. Sites featured in the book and movie, such as Mercer-Williams House and Bonaventure Cemetery, became must-visit landmarks, further boosting the city's tourism economy. For real estate investors, this fame has enhanced the desirability of central neighborhoods where such cultural icons reside.
The 1997 film adaptation, directed by Clint Eastwood and filmed on location, reinforced Savannah’s visual and cultural appeal. Sites featured in the book and movie, such as Mercer-Williams House and Bonaventure Cemetery, became must-visit landmarks, further boosting the city's tourism economy. For real estate investors, this fame has enhanced the desirability of central neighborhoods where such cultural icons reside.
Rich Natural Surroundings and Outdoor Living
Savannah is not only rich in history and culture but also in ecological diversity. Located near the confluence of rivers, marshlands, and the Atlantic coast, the city is a gateway to outdoor adventures and natural beauty.
Residents can enjoy a wide range of activities, from kayaking on the Skidaway River to exploring hiking trails in Skidaway Island State Park or birdwatching in the Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge. For beach enthusiasts, Tybee Island is just a 30-minute drive from downtown and offers oceanfront access, surf shops, and seafood dining.
This blend of urban and natural living contributes to Savannah’s unique appeal. Many homebuyers seek properties that offer both historic charm and proximity to the outdoors, a combination that is increasingly rare in urban settings.
Residents can enjoy a wide range of activities, from kayaking on the Skidaway River to exploring hiking trails in Skidaway Island State Park or birdwatching in the Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge. For beach enthusiasts, Tybee Island is just a 30-minute drive from downtown and offers oceanfront access, surf shops, and seafood dining.
This blend of urban and natural living contributes to Savannah’s unique appeal. Many homebuyers seek properties that offer both historic charm and proximity to the outdoors, a combination that is increasingly rare in urban settings.
Leading the Nation in Historic Preservation
In 1955, long before most American cities recognized the importance of preservation, Savannah founded the Historic Savannah Foundation to protect its architectural heritage. One of the organization’s earliest successes was saving the Davenport House, a Federal-style home that sparked broader interest in restoring and maintaining the city’s architectural integrity.
This early start has placed Savannah at the forefront of historic preservation efforts nationwide. Today, the city features one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the United States. For homeowners and investors, this means access to meticulously restored properties that retain their value over time, with potential tax incentives for qualified restorations.
This early start has placed Savannah at the forefront of historic preservation efforts nationwide. Today, the city features one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the United States. For homeowners and investors, this means access to meticulously restored properties that retain their value over time, with potential tax incentives for qualified restorations.
A City Evolving Through Revitalization and Development
While steeped in history, Savannah is not standing still. Major revitalization efforts are underway, particularly along the riverfront and within the emerging Canal District. These formerly industrial areas are being transformed into vibrant mixed-use spaces featuring greenways, new residential buildings, restaurants, retail, and cultural venues.
Projects such as Savannah Arena (now Enmarket Arena) and the expansion of the Savannah Riverwalk illustrate the city’s forward momentum. For prospective buyers, these developments offer modern living options that still sit within reach of the city's historic and cultural core.
Neighborhoods adjacent to these revitalized areas—such as West Savannah, Cuyler-Brownville, and Carver Heights—are attracting attention from both investors and new residents seeking value and future growth.
Projects such as Savannah Arena (now Enmarket Arena) and the expansion of the Savannah Riverwalk illustrate the city’s forward momentum. For prospective buyers, these developments offer modern living options that still sit within reach of the city's historic and cultural core.
Neighborhoods adjacent to these revitalized areas—such as West Savannah, Cuyler-Brownville, and Carver Heights—are attracting attention from both investors and new residents seeking value and future growth.
Discover More Facts About Savannah, GA with a Local Real Estate Expert
If you’re considering making Savannah your home, understanding the city’s history and unique personality is key to finding the right neighborhood and lifestyle fit. Contact the Teresa Cowart Team to learn more about homes available across the area and explore how these fascinating facts about Savannah, GA can shape your next move with confidence and local insight.
