Paradise With A Coastal Flavor
Published Aug 21, 2008
The Tybee Island Lighthouse is a signature of Coastal Georgia.
From Savannah to St. Marys, life in Coastal Georgia is just peachy. The region’s historic roots and contemporary culture, pristine shorelines and popular destinations, tropical climate and lush vegetation, Southern charm and global significance illustrate a world of possibilities.
Newcomers are finding what natives have always known: Coastal Georgia is a good place to call home.
The northern gateway to Georgia’s coast, Savannah is a modern city with Old South ambience. Its vibrant cultural scene boasts museums, art galleries, performing arts and music in abundance. Likewise, annual events such as the Savannah Music Festival, the Tara Feis Irish Celebration and the Savannah Asian Festival celebrate the region’s diverse heritage.
But even with all the goings-on, laid-back Savannahians still manage to enjoy leisurely walks and “How d’you do’s” among neighbors.
In fact, Celia Dunn of Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty says the Southern hospitality is a big reason people move to the region.
“They come for the weather, the coast and the friendliness,” she says. “In the historic district, we have the squares that give beautiful green spaces and tree cover, but they also slow people down. People walk and talk more.”
Savannah has the largest landmark historic district in the nation and the architecture is a major attraction.
Naturally, Georgia’s entire scenic coastline, including the famed barrier islands, draws many to reside and vacation in this recreational paradise.
“Some people just like the coast – the salt marshes and wide open places,” Dunn says. “We have the ocean and the beach, but we also have rivers, shoreline and islands. There are lots of sports and recreational opportunities – hiking, canoeing, kayaking and a lot of golf.
“There are numerous housing developments along the coast. Here you have easy access to a wide variety of things within a short distance, and without the traffic. People are moving to this area from everywhere,” Dunn says. “We have a lot going for us.”
Coastal Georgia’s inland counties hark back to historic Southern agriculture, while two international ports make the region a global trade center. The U.S. military also has a strong presence, with Fort Stewart in Liberty, Bryan and Long counties and the Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in Camden County.
“It is by far the major industry for southeast Georgia,” says Bob Noble, executive director of the Camden County Joint Development Authority, referring to the naval base.
And Camden County boasts the 4,500-square-foot St. Marys Submarine Museum that draws thousands of visitors each year.
Camden, the Coastal Region’s southernmost coastal county, lies within easy reach of the Jacksonville, Fla., airport, Interstate 10 and the beaches, Noble says.
“And gas prices are typically about 20 cents cheaper in Georgia than they are after you cross the Florida line,” Noble says.
And that’s not to mention the southeast Georgia sunshine, history, recreation and down-home atmosphere.
“For amenities and way of life, to me, this is the place to be,” Noble says. “Camden County has been a sleeper, a diamond in the rough. But we’re definitely in growth mode.”
Story by Carol Cowan
Photo by Todd Bennett
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