Southside Savannah - Savannah, GA Area Guide

The city of Savannah was founded in the early 1700s by James Oglethorpe. The city remains the oldest city in the state and also one of the best planned cities as far as structure and layout. Often referred to as Yamacraw Bluff for the Yamacraw Indians who once inhabited the land, Savannah expanded to areas north and southside of the city by the mid-1700s. Today, over 142,000 residents live in the area.

Culture plays an important role in the lives of the people who live in the area. The Savannah College of Art Design Museum of Art hosts many educational contemporary collections with new exhibitions every school quarter. Originally intended to supplement the education of the students at SCAD, the museum now holds an annual family day. This event includes book signings from local writers, hands-on activities for children, a drawing workshop, music and Popsicles in the courtyard.

Well known for its amazing restaurants and unique cuisine, the outer southside neighborhood of Savannah hosts various dining establishments, including popular fast food chains, authentic international fare, renowned Southern eateries and locally-owned bistros. Most of the restaurants lie conveniently alone the Harry S. Truman Parkway.

Jalapenos Mexican Restaurant makes some of the best margaritas in the city and provides a large selection of imported beer. The restaurant remains one of the most popular spots for those looking for authentic Mexican cuisine. Special menu items include the cheese poblanos and the freshly baked chips with Jalapenos' own secret recipe salsa. You can also top your dinner off with an order of churros for dessert. Happy hour happens every Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

For homemade barbecue, SandFly Bar-B-Q can't be beat. Try the renowned Butter Boy burger complete with a special sauce, or sample the pork, brisket or pulled chicken sandwich. Families appreciate the kids menu, and be sure to try the fried okra and sweet potato fries. Top your meal off with an order of Southern sweet tea.

For those looking for an elegant restaurant for special occasions, the Driftaway Café has a romantic atmosphere in a tiny café-style establishment. The restaurant doesn't look like much from the outside, but on the inside, the food presentations remain as amazing as the tastes. Be sure to sample the tuna tartare, the fresh crab cakes or the chipotle steak quesadilla.

A voracious nightlife can be found throughout the city of Savannah regardless of where you may be. The outer southside provides its own set of clubs and bars for your enjoyment. The Wormhole delivers live local bands and stand-up comedy shows, and if you want something to eat while you watch, you can sample the wings and enjoy the full-service bar.

Another local hot spot, the Savannah Smiles Dueling Pianos features live nightly entertainment, an extensive bar menu and plenty of TVs for watching the big game. Savannah Smiles can also be used for bachelorette parties and other special occasions.

Automobile transport remains the most popular method of travel throughout the city of Savannah. The outer southside lies near the Harry S. Truman Parkway and the Veterans' Parkway, which both take you into downtown and to Interstate 16. Parking can be tricky because generally you have to pay regardless of where you want to park. You don't have to pay for parking on weekends however, which can save you money if you want to travel to the area for a weekend getaway.

The Chatham Area Transit (CAT) has bus stops throughout the outer southside that can transport you where you need to go, or if you want to explore the downtown Savannah area, the Dot gets you from one location to the next at no charge. Taxi services in the outer southside Savannah neighborhood don't drive around looking for fare. Calling a local cab company or an Uber and scheduling a pickup remains the easiest way to get a ride.

Residents of the outer southside enjoy biking and walking around the area, especially if heading downtown. The marketplace shops lie close to one another, which makes the roads easy and safe to travel on foot or by bike.

Due to the warm year-round temperatures, residents of the outer southside of Savannah enjoy plenty of outdoor activities and fresh air. The Lake Mayer Community Park offers many amenities available for rent, including a skating rink, conference rooms and outdoor pavilions. You'll also find lighted tennis courts for those who enjoy singles or doubles games, lighted basketball courts, jogging and biking trails, excellent fishing, a dog exercise area and a playground for children. You can sign up for sailing classes, karate, tennis and even summer camp for kids.

Folks considering moving to the outer southside of Savannah find a cost of living that remains about the same as downtown and only slightly higher than the state of Georgia. Rent for a one- bedroom apartment goes for around $700 a month, and if you want to commute to downtown by bus, expect to pay around $1.50 for a one-way ticket. Entertaining friends and co-workers costs around $5 for a glass of domestic beer, and if you prefer to drive your own vehicle, the cost of a gallon of gas hovers around 1 percent lower than the national average.

Two major shopping malls and a host of boutiques and specialty stores can be found along the outer southside of Savannah between Harry S. Truman Parkway and the Abercorn Extension. From discount chains, including Walmart and Sam's Club, to high-end boutiques, you can find something for everyone.

Livvy – A Savannah Boutique features a large selection of the newest fashions. From crochet cardigans to fitted leggings, the store has a wide range of sizes and styles. For a diverse selection of clothing and accessories, the Custard Boutique has something for all occasions. The friendly staff can work with you to find the perfect ensemble, whether you need something for a wedding or for the office. The store provides a selection of shoes, bags, jewelry, clothing and even gifts for someone special.

Residents have several choices when it comes to grocery shopping. Usually a trip to the grocery means visiting one of the large chains in the area, including Publix, Food Lion or Whole Foods. You can support the local growers in the area by purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables at the Savannah State Farmers' Market. The market also features a selection of flowers.