Savannah vs Charleston: two of the most popular destinations in the Southeast. But which is the better retirement hotspot? Savannah and Charleston are both historic cities with vibrant culinary scenes, community events, and cultural amenities. Plus, they both have easy access to the beach and comfortable temperatures most of the year.
With so much to offer, it’s easy to understand why the two cities are so attractive to active adults. So, how do you decide which city is the right one for you? This is where other important considerations come into the picture like the city’s cost of living, climate, health care access, and real estate options.
Here’s the information you need to help figure out which city is better for your retirement. Let’s explore Savannah vs Charleston as retirement destinations.
Geography and Population
Both Charleston and Savannah are situated along the Atlantic Coast in what is considered the Lowcountry. It’s a geographic region in the Southeast that stretches around 200 miles between South Carolina and Georgia. The area is known for its unique landscape of sea islands, marshland, and tidal basins.
Though the number of people in each city fluctuates dramatically because of the large number of tourists each year, their populations are comparatively close. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Savannah has a population of about 147,000, while Charleston is slightly larger with a population of about 150,000.
Charleston is the largest city in South Carolina, but Columbia can be reached within an hour and a half. Also, Charlotte (North Carolina’s largest city) is three hours away.
Climate
When it comes to climate, the battle between Savannah vs Charleston is evenly matched. Situated only 100 miles from each other, these two cities have sun-tropical climates with comfortable spring and fall temperatures. This geographical area has short, mild winters and hot, humid summers. Average temperatures in Savannah and Charleston range from the low 60s during the winter months to the 90s during the hottest months.
When the weather is nice, residents in both cities pack up their cars to hit the beach for the day. It’s also prime time to explore the historic downtown areas or hit the nature preserve for some kayaking, paddleboarding, or fishing. Popular outdoor areas in Savannah include Forsyth Park, the Wormhole State Historic Site, and Skidaway Park. Charleston’s popular outdoor areas include the Battery, Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palm, and Folly Beach.
Cost of Living
While the two cities seem comparable on many fronts, there’s a big difference between them regarding the cost of living and housing. In terms of housing prices, the average median sale in Charleston is $493,000 in Charleston and $260,000 in Savannah. However, when it comes to active lifestyle homes in the Savannah area home prices tend to start in the high $400s.
Beyond housing prices, Charleston’s overall cost of living is also much higher than Savannah’s, according to Best Places. From food, groceries, and transportation to health care, Charleston residents can expect to pay more than people who live in Savannah. Best Places reports that the only category where Savannah’s costs are higher than Charleston’s is utilities.
Culture and Entertainment
What To Do in Charleston
In Charleston, residents can peruse the many retail shops and art galleries along King Street or enjoy a cold cocktail along East Bay Street. They can also meander around the picturesque Battery and take in sights like the 13 Crayola-colored houses that make up Rainbow Row.
History buffs can visit significant sites like Drayton Hall or Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie. Beach lovers can take their pick of beaches between Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, and Folly Beach.
What To Do In Savannah
River Street and Savannah City Market are go-tos for Savannah residents. Both places feature local eateries, retail shopping, and even a few galleries. Residents can take in the city’s rich history by taking a ride on an Old Savannah Trolley Tour. They can also spend a leisurely afternoon in Forsyth Park right in the heart of the Historic Landmark District. Also, Tybee Island is less than 30 minutes away for those who prefer to spend time soaking up the sun.
Health Care and Education
A variety of health care options are accessible in both cities, from small family practices to renowned medical colleges. In Charleston, the Medical University of South Carolina offers four hospitals and the only organ transplant center in the Palmetto State.
Active adults who want to continue their education in Charleston can enroll in classes at MUSC and the College of Charleston.
Savannah is also home to Memorial University Medical Center and the St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System. There are also two well-respected cancer centers in the city, the Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion and the Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson Cancer Institute.
Residents can take advantage of continued learning at Savannah Technical College or apply to the Savannah College of Art and Design.
55+ Communities in Charleston
The Elms of Charleston
Low $300s – High $300s
The Elms of Charleston is a gated community near Charleston with 325 single-family and attached homes. There are six floor plans from 1,474 to 1,977 square feet with two to three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and attached one- or two-car garages.
The Elms of Charleston’s amenities include a clubhouse, an exercise room, a community lounge, a game room, billiards, and a library. Also, outdoor amenities include a pool, a gazebo, tennis and shuffleboard courts, and walking and biking trails.
Del Webb at Cane Bay
Low $300s – Mid $600s
Less than 30 minutes from Charleston, Del Webb at Cane Bay features 1,017 homes with almost two dozen floor plans. Plans range from 1,109 and 2,722 square feet with one to four bedrooms, one-and-a-half to four bathrooms, and attached two- to three-car garages.
Del Webb at Cane Bay’s amenities include a 20,000-square-foot clubhouse, a fitness center, an indoor lap pool, plus aerobics and dance studios. Outdoors, residents have access to a pool, several athletic courts, a sundeck, a fire pit, an event lawn, a dog park, and a fishing lake.
Del Webb Charleston at Nexton
Mid $400s – Low $900s
Del Webb Charleston at Nexton will feature 1,000 single-family homes upon completion with ten floor plans. These plans range from 1,262 to 3,810 square feet and feature two to four bedrooms, two to four bathrooms, and two- to three-car garages. The community’s list of amenities includes a clubhouse, a fitness center, an indoor and outdoor pool, tennis and pickleball courts, 2,000 acres of greenspace, and 50 miles of walking and biking trails.
55+ Communities in Savannah
The Landings on Skidaway Island
Low $600s – High $2Ms
The Landings on Skidaway Island spans 4,596 acres and features eight distinct neighborhoods. Upon completion, the expansive neighborhood will have over 4,400 single-family and attached homes. The attached floor plans range from 1,700 to over 2,000 square feet with two to four bedrooms, two to four bathrooms, and a one-car garage or carport space. Single-family floor plans range from 1,500 to about 5,000 square feet and offer two to five bedrooms, two to six bathrooms, and two-car garages.
Residents have access to multiple clubhouses, 18-hole golf courses, dozens of athletic courts, and a variety of fitness centers. Also, outdoor amenities include a marina, several pools, a playground, a dog park, and a community garden.
Cottages at Autumn Lake
High $400s
The gated Cottages at Autumn Lake consists of 80 single-family and attached homes. Floor plans range from 1,950 to 2,600 square feet with three to five bedrooms, two to four bathrooms, and two-car garages. Community amenities include a clubhouse, an exercise room, a catering kitchen, a nine-acre lake with a pavilion, an outdoor pool and patio area, as well as walking and biking trails.
55places Can Help You Find Your Dream Home!
When weighing the merits of Savannah vs Charleston, it ultimately boils down to personal preference. To help you decide, try touring 55+ communities in each city to gauge which resonates with you the most.
At 55places, we’ve built a comprehensive network of seasoned real estate professionals specializing in 55+ communities. Our team is dedicated to assisting you in discovering the ideal home for this exciting new chapter in your life. Reach out to us today! We’ll connect you with a local agent who can help you find the perfect community in your chosen city!
