The Islands Real Estate

Savannah Real Estate on the Islands Feature Spectacular Waterfront Properties

When you own Savannah real estate, it could mean anything from urban to oceanfront or secluded island living. Locals and Savannah real estate owners know that some of the most prestigious addresses are found among Savannah's island locations.

It is on the islands that Savannah real estate owners catch refreshing sea breezes throughout the seasons. Hot in the summer, cool and windy in winter, island temperatures are similar to Savannah’s with average highs in the 90’s and lows in the 30’s.

Most of Savannah's islands are close enough to enjoy busy city life before retreating to your waterfront oasis. Buyers of Savannah real estate seeking premiere properties on the islands have options for buying in gated communities, which creates a safe living environment, free from crime.

Wilmington Island’s population in 2000 was just over 14,000 residents and owners of Savannah real estate, and Whitemarsh Island numbered 5,824. Both islands are located inshore, just outside of Savannah proper. Theses inshore islands differ from those surrounded by the ocean in that salt marshes, rivers and tidal creeks separate them from the mainland. Exclusive property listings within the Savannah real estate market on Wilmington Island include a $2,100,000 home in a residential neighborhood that is complete with private dock.

Most of the residential areas of these islands are established, as real estate development began in the late 1980’s. Both islands offer plenty of shopping and dining options in the way of suburban chain stores and restaurants. Golfers prefer the private 18-hole golf and tennis club of Wilmington Island. Located on the south section of the island, the club’s prestigious reputation draws many local Savannah real estate owners and business leaders for a day on the greens.

Modena Island, Dutch Island and Isle of Hope all offer exclusive Savannah real estate on deepwater or marshfront lots. Recent listings include a $2,400,000 Dutch Island address in a gated community with deepwater access.

Perhaps the most popular private island addresses are found in at The Landings on Skidaway Island. The Landings Savannah real estate owners make up the majority of the nearly 7,000 that make up the population here. With 40 miles of walking and bike trails, four clubhouses, restaurants, 24-hour gated security, two full service deep water marinas, six championship golf courses, 32 Har-Tru tennis courts and a nature preserve that is part of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, this Savannah real estate community is luxury living at its best.

And then there is Tybee.

In 2000, this small hamlet’s population numbered less than 3,500 residents. It’s the only island in the area to host its very own community water fight, the annual Beach Bum Parade. Tybee is the more traditional seaside community within the Savannah real estate market, with beaches, tourists and souvenir shops.

Tybee Island is a laid back, eclectic village with concrete block homes, quirky cottages and oceanfront estates. Lifestyle on this island is as diverse as its architecture. Tybee has a thriving art community, tourist filled hotels and outdoor restaurants that often feature live music seaside. Savannah real estate owners of Tybee Island enjoy birding and nature trails, as well as ocean bound adventure trips. Several tour companies are located in the area and ready to schedule a dolphin tour, sea kayak trip or similar activities.

Several of the island areas, including Tybee Island and Wilmington Island, offer activities for senior citizens. These communities have garden clubs and historical societies working to beautify and preserve the community. Tybee, Whitemarsh and Wilmington also have churches that are conveniently located. Episcopal Lutheran, Presbyterian and Methodist churches are available to residents of Wilmington Island and Episcopal, Baptist, Methodist and Catholic churches can be found on Tybee.

Tybee’s history is rich, with stories of the earliest visitors being pirates seeking a safe haven and hiding their stolen treasure. Fort Pulaski on neighboring Cockspur Island was once a mighty fortress and is now a national park hosting daily tours. Fort Screven, located adjacent to the Tybee lighthouse served as part of America’s defense system from 1897 to 1947 and is now a museum.

The Tybee Light Station has been operating for 270 years and is one of America's most intact lighthouses. The station still has all of its original buildings on its five-acre property. The light is one of only 450 active lighthouses in the country.

For the exception of the farthest outlying areas of Modena, Dutch and Isle of Hope, the islands are located within close proximity of the many cultural and community events that take place in downtown Savannah, allowing Savannah real estate owners on the islands to enjoy a day or night out on the town. Theater, music and museums are just a few of the many appealing options found in the city.

Urgent care and physician clinics are located on Tybee, Wilmington, Skidaway and Whitemarsh islands. There are no public transportation systems available that extends to the islands areas for the exception of the densely populated urban areas of Skidaway, which are served by the Chatham Area Transit bus system.

Savannah real estate owners on the islands that seek higher education travel into Savannah to attend classes at the Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah State University, Armstrong Atlantic State University, South College and Savannah Technical College.

Homes in a variety of price ranges can be found in these Savannah real estate areas, but if a prospective buyer of Savannah real estate is interested in waterfront property, he can expect to pay a premium. Investment properties on Wilmington and Tybee include condominiums, apartments and seaside cottages. //