The Islands

About

Coastal Georgia consists of sandy beaches, tidal salt marshes, lagoons, and cool ocean breezes—all of which can be found in The Islands. These aren’t islands in the traditional sense, but a collection of barrier islands that are connected to the coastline and formed by tidal action.

Suburbs of Savannah, The Islands are sought-after by military members stationed at Hunter Army Airfield (AAF) who are wishing to live the “salt-life.” Flip flops and beachwear can be seen practically year round here, most notably on Tybee Island. Whitemarsh and Wilmington Islands are more suburban, but you can still enjoy the salt marshes and lagoons.

This location lives up to expectations and will satisfy all who are looking for that coveted Army assignment where you can finally live at the beach. The schools here are desirable and there is a great YMCA. So dust off that surfboard!

Neighbors

Most of The Island’s residents are locals but the closer you get to Tybee Island, the more likely you are to run into tourists. There is a growing military presence, but most of your neighbors will be upper middle-class suburbanites who commute into Savannah for work.

Neighborhood Feel

Homes in The Islands range from oceanfront condos and beach bungalows to single family homes in golf communities. This community has a laid-back beachy vibe and provides a respite from the hustle and bustle of Savannah.

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Neighborhood Location

Neighborhood Info

The Islands - Hunter Army Air Field - Savannah, GA - gomillie.com

Tybee Island

Tybee Island is probably the most well known “island” in southern Georgia’s coastal region. Until the late 1950s, it was known as “Savannah Beach.” This laid-back beach town provides the perfect escape from the city, and offers a little bit of everything for its visitors and residents. Hole-in-the-wall restaurants featuring local cuisine and live music dot this barrier island. History buffs will love Tybee Island, with Fort Pulaski and the Tybee Lighthouse Museum to explore. Outdoor activities can be enjoyed here year-round. Bird watching, deep sea fishing or stand-up paddle boarding, anyone? Choosing to live in this picturesque locale comes with the perks of beach life, but also comes with its drawbacks. Grocery shopping is limited to the Tybee Market, so you’ll have to travel to nearby Wilmington Island for your essentials and traffic congestion can be an issue during tourist season.

Homes Size in Tybee Island

The median home value for single family homes in Tybee Island is $412,000 according to the Zillow Home Value Index. Home Values are forecasted to increase by 3.1% in the coming year. According to Zillow’s Rental Index, the median rental rate for single family homes in Whitemarsh Island is $2,044. Everything from quaint beachside cottages, luxe condos with ocean views, and single family homes can be found on Tybee Island at premium island prices.

Tybee Island - The Islands - Hunter Army Air Field - Savannah, GA - gomillie.com

Commute

Tourist season traffic can lead to congested roadways and a longer commute from Memorial Day to Labor Day (or “in season” as the locals say). Tybee Island is the furthest island from Hunter AAF and it will take you approximately 45 minutes to drive to work.

Tybee Island - The Islands - Hunter Army Air Field - Savannah, GA - gomillie.com

Wilmington Island

Wilmington Island is an affluent suburb of Savannah sandwiched between Whitemarsh Island and Tybee Island. It’s hard to tell where Whitemarsh Island ends and Wilmington Island begins. You won’t find sandy beaches here, but Willmington Island is bordered on one side by the Wilmington River and the on the other by Bull River, both of which empty into the Atlantic. You’re close to all the big box retailers and major supermarket chains here on Wilmington Island and when you get the itch to put your toes in the sand, just head east 30 minutes until you reach the ocean.

 

Homes in Wilmington Island

The median home value for single family homes in Wilmington Island is $255,000 according to the Zillow Home Value Index. Home Values are forecasted to increase by 1.8% in the coming year. According to Zillow’s Rental Index, the median rental rate for single family homes in Wilmington Island is $1,633. More affordable than nearby Tybee Island, single family homes are prevalent in the quiet subdivisions of Wilmington Island.

Wilmington Island - The Islands - Hunter Army Air Field - Savannah, GA - gomillie.com

Commute

It will take you about 30 minutes to drive to Hunter Army Airfield from Wilmington Island on Highway 80 or the Island Expressway.

Wilmington Island - The Islands - Hunter Army Air Field - Savannah, GA - gomillie.com

Whitemarsh Island

Whitemarsh Island is the closest “island” to Savannah, and water views will consist of lagoons and the salt marshes of the Wilmington River. If you want to inhale salty breezes and dip your toes in the ocean, you have to drive to Tybee Island. There is definitely a laid-back vibe here in Whitemarsh Island but being closer to Savannah than Tybee, it’s less of a beachy feel.

 

Homes in Whitemarsh Island

The median home value for single family homes in Whitemarsh Island is $234,000 according to the Zillow Home Value Index. Home Values are forecasted to increase by 2.9% in the coming year. According to Zillow’s Rental Index, the median rental rate for single family homes in Whitemarsh Island is $1,454. Homes in Whitemarsh are mostly single family, ranch style homes with large, new construction available as well.

Whitemarsh Island - The Islands - Hunter Army Air Field - Savannah, GA - gomillie.com

Commute

Whitemarsh Island is the closest “island” to Hunter AAF and it will take you just 25 minutes to drive to work.

Whitemarsh Island - The Islands - Hunter Army Air Field - Savannah, GA - gomillie.com

Points of Interest

Wilmington Island Plantation House

Art Center of Wilmington Island

Tybee Island Beach

Lighthouse Museum – Tybee Island

Fort Pulaski National Museum – Tybee Island

Big Plus

If you’re looking to escape the city and live where other people vacation, than The Islands are for you.

Local cuisine, culture, and history can be found at every turn. So get out there and explore!

Things to Consider

Consider flood zones and exposure to a direct hit from a hurricane when deciding to live near the coast. Though rare, natural disasters are certainly something to factor into your insurance premiums. Cost of living increases the closer you get to the ocean.

Traffic picks up considerably during the summer tourist season, especially on Tybee Island.

The Island are “out there,” and some spouses question if it’s a practical location as most of your major shopping must be done closer to Savannah or Pooler.

How’s the Market?

There are lots of housing options offering a little something for everyone in this diverse area. Apartments, condos, single family homes, and townhomes are all options, so you should have no issues finding the perfect match. Having an experienced AgentHero is of tremendous value in this unique market!

If you’re interested in renting, don’t feel like you are limited to renting sight-unseen. Our Scouts can help you out with a Facetime walk through, neighborhood “recon,” or by taking extra photos of the property you’re interested in. Like any urban area, you’ll find pockets of neglect that may get glossed over in real estate listings.

School Scoop

Public schools in the Islands belong to Chatham County School District which has an overall rating of 9, according to GreatSchools.org.

Registration for Chatham County Schools can be done online. Intradistrict transfers are administered by the Division of Academic Affairs and must be requested through the student administrative placement process during the published enrollment window.

Chatham County Public School System offers publicly-funded Pre-Kindergarten classes at 30 different sites throughout the district. The pre-kindergarten program provides services to Chatham County students who are four years old on or before September 1st of the year applying. Pre-K slots are determined by a lottery. Make sure you register early!

Coastal Empire Montessori, Charles Ellis Montessori, Oglethorpe Charter School, Woodville Tompkins Technical & Career High School, Savannah Arts Academy, and the Esther F. Garrison School of Visual & Performing Arts, and STEM Academy at Bartlett Middle are School Choice Programs available in the Chatham County School District. Admission into these competitive programs begins with an application process and lottery ending with registration if selected. There are also numerous private school options from which to choose.

All students, kindergarten through 12th grade, in the Chatham County School district are required to wear a school uniform. The universal uniform of khaki pants/shorts/skirt and white polo shirts can be worn throughout the district. Each school has an additional colored polo shirt that can be worn as an option.

Highlighted Areas

Whitemarsh Island – Turner’s Point, Long Point Plantation

Wilmington – Whilmington Plantation

Tybee Island – Beach front