You’ve decided to make the move to Savannah, MO. Congrats! You’ve got a whole new world in front of you. Whether you’ve been here before or this is your first visit, here’s what you need to know and maybe even a few things you might need to do.
Geography and Climate
Savannah is located in the Southern part of the country, in the state of Missouri. With a total area of 4,600 square miles, this beautiful city is the fifth-largest in the country. It’s known for its antebellum mansions, beautiful beaches, and mild climate. The average temperature is around 75 degrees Fahrenheit all year long, so it’s not really that bad. You’ll find a lot of green space, both natural and manmade. With around 70 miles of trails, the city is surrounded by gorgeous forests.
Economy
The economy of Savannah is mostly based on tourism and retirement. The city offers a lot of well-paying jobs, and many skilled construction workers find themselves moving here from other parts of the country. In fact, the city’s population is growing at a faster rate than its infrastructure can handle. In 2015, the unemployment rate was 4.9%, and with around 90,000 people, that’s a lot of jobs waiting to be filled. Around 22,000 people moved to Savannah in the last five years alone, and the city’s population is projected to hit 123,000 by next year.
Crime
The crime rate in Savannah is low, and property crimes are at a 30-year low. Many businesses are experiencing an uptick in popularity, however, so your safe feeling should not be taken for granted. The city does have a reputation for being a bit dangerous, especially when it comes to drugs and alcohol. Burglaries, carjackings, and robberies have increased by nearly 30% since 2010. The rising cost of living has also put more pressure on families, and there’s been a rise in domestic abuse cases. If you plan on moving there anytime soon, make sure you’re not putting yourself in a dangerous situation.
Schools
There are several options for higher education nearby. The University of Missouri-Columbia, part of the University of Missouri System, is only 14.5 miles from the center of town. Just off Interstate 65, the main freeway that runs through the city is the University of Georgia’s Columbus campus. A little bit farther down, you’ll find Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. If education is key for you, these are all reputable institutions, and you can’t go wrong choosing one.
Aspects of City Life
Being in a new place has its perks. You’ll never get bored of exploring new restaurants, lounges, or shops that interest you. The people are nice, as well. If you’re looking for something a little more scenic, you could always take a hike, catch a bus, or a train from Savannah to Columbia and get a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful city. The biggest perk, however, is that you’ll see and hear things you never noticed in your entire life. It’s all about perspectives. Yours truly, as a transplanted Yankee, can attest to that. The scenery is beautiful, the people are genuine, and there’s always something going on. Whether it’s a historic event, a cultural celebration, or just a fun game or movie, you’ll find something to keep you engaged.
Weather
The temperature stays consistent all year round in Savannah, with an average temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit. While this might not seem like a problem, having a regular schedule, especially in the fall and spring, can be beneficial. On the other hand, the summer months are very hot and humid, so if you’re not used to it, you might find yourself wishing for more seasons. Apart from that, rain is not something you’ll normally see here, so if you’re looking for a place to catch some showers, you might have to look elsewhere.
Overall Feel
The overall feel of Savannah is calm, relaxed, and somewhat safe. It’s close to nature, and there are many beautiful trees and flowers. Traffic is busy, but it’s not reckless, and it’s easily manageable. If you’re looking for a new home that you can enjoy both indoors and out, then Savannah might be a place you consider checking out. Who knows – maybe you’ll even like it!
