🌍 Overview
As a seasoned digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Savannah, Georgia, my home for several months. This charming city has a unique vibe that’s hard to resist – its historic district, lined with picturesque oak trees and antebellum architecture, is a sight to behold. Savannah digital nomads love it here for its laid-back atmosphere, rich cultural heritage, and the perfect blend of Southern hospitality and modern amenities. With a population of 147,780, Savannah is small enough to feel like a community, yet large enough to offer a wide range of activities and services.
One of the reasons I fell in love with Savannah is its strong sense of community. The city hosts various events throughout the year, from the Savannah Music Festival to the Savannah Film Festival, which attract visitors from all over the world. As a digital nomad, I found it easy to connect with like-minded individuals at these events, and the city’s compact size made it simple to get around and explore.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood to live in, Savannah has plenty of options to suit different tastes and budgets. Here are three areas that I highly recommend:
- The Historic District: This is the heart of Savannah, with its iconic oak trees, beautiful parks, and stunning architecture. It’s a bit more expensive, with a one-bedroom apartment costing around $1,700-$2,000 per month (approximately $1,455 in the city overall), but it’s worth it for the unique experience.
- Starland District: This up-and-coming neighborhood is a favorite among artists and creatives. It’s a bit more affordable, with a one-bedroom apartment costing around $1,200-$1,500 per month, and has a great selection of cafes, restaurants, and bars.
- Ardsley Park: This charming neighborhood is located just south of the Historic District and offers a more suburban feel. It’s a bit more affordable, with a one-bedroom apartment costing around $1,000-$1,200 per month, and has a strong sense of community.
Cost of Living Breakdown
The cost of living in Savannah is relatively low compared to other major cities in the United States. Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses:
- Rent: A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $1,455 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment costs around $2,200 per month.
- Food: Eating out at a mid-range restaurant costs around $15-$25 per meal, while groceries cost around $50-$75 per week for basic items.
- Transport: A monthly public transportation pass costs around $40, while a used bike can be purchased for around $200-$300.
- Coworking: A desk at a coworking space costs around $200-$300 per month, while a private office costs around $500-$700 per month.
Overall, the cost of living in Savannah is around 10-20% lower than in other major cities in the United States, making it an attractive option for digital nomads.
Internet & Coworking
Savannah has a relatively fast internet speed of 42 Mbps, making it easy to stay connected and productive. There are several coworking spaces to choose from, including:
- The Creative Coast: Located in the heart of the Historic District, this coworking space offers a range of amenities, including high-speed internet, printing and copying services, and a community kitchen.
- Savannah CoWorks: Located in the Starland District, this coworking space offers a range of membership options, including day passes and monthly memberships.
- Thinc Savannah: Located in the Historic District, this coworking space offers a range of amenities, including high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and a community kitchen.
Some popular cafes with good internet and a productive atmosphere include:
- The Collins Quarter: A Australian-inspired cafe with a cozy atmosphere and fast internet.
- The Sentient Bean: A vegan cafe with a relaxed atmosphere and a range of coffee and tea options.
- B. Matthews Eatery: A Southern-style restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and a range of breakfast and lunch options.
Savannah has a growing digital nomad community, with several meetups and events throughout the year. Some popular groups include:
- Savannah Digital Nomads: A Facebook group with over 1,000 members, hosting regular meetups and events.
- Savannah Remote Workers: A meetup group hosting regular coworking sessions and social events.
- Savannah Tech: A community of tech professionals and entrepreneurs, hosting regular meetups and events.
Culture & Lifestyle
Savannah is a city with a rich cultural heritage, from its historic architecture to its vibrant arts scene. Some popular cultural attractions include:
- The Savannah Music Festival: A annual festival featuring a range of musical performances, from classical to jazz.
- The Savannah Film Festival: A annual festival featuring a range of film screenings and workshops.
- The Telfair Museums: A collection of three art museums, including the Jepson Center, the Owens-Thomas House, and the Telfair Academy.
The food scene in Savannah is also worth exploring, with a range of Southern-style restaurants and cafes. Some popular spots include:
- The Olde Pink House: A historic mansion turned restaurant, serving up Southern-style cuisine.
- The Grey: A restaurant located in a former Greyhound bus depot, serving up creative Southern cuisine.
- B. Matthews Eatery: A Southern-style restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and a range of breakfast and lunch options.
As a digital nomad, you’ll typically enter the United States on a tourist visa, which allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days. However, if you’re planning to stay longer, you may need to apply for a different type of visa, such as a work visa or a student visa. It’s always best to check with the US embassy or consulate in your home country for the latest visa requirements.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are some practical tips to keep in mind when living in Savannah:
- SIM cards: You can purchase a SIM card at most phone stores, with prices starting from around $30 per month.
- Transport: Savannah has a public transportation system, including buses and a downtown shuttle. You can also purchase a used bike or rent a car for around $40 per day.
- Safety: Savannah is generally a safe city, but as with any city, it’s always best to take precautions, especially at night.
- Weather: Savannah has a subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Be sure to pack accordingly, with lightweight clothing for the summer and warmer clothing for the winter.
