Best Neighborhoods Near Savannah, GA for First-Time Home Buyers (2025 Guide)

If you're thinking about buying your first home in the Savannah, GA area, you’re not alone—and you're in the right place. Savannah, Richmond Hill, Effingham County, and beyond offer a range of neighborhoods ideal for first-time buyers. But with interest rates, home prices, and incentives varying by location, it’s critical to choose wisely. Trisha Cook has been in the area for 45 years.  Moving from South Carolina to GA, she's born & raised in the low country! She's lived all over Savannah, Effingham, Pooler and Richmond Hill. When asked what are the hot spots for first time home buyers, she gave us a list of why & why nots.  

In this blog, we’re breaking down the best neighborhoods and surrounding areas for first-time buyers, along with exclusive insights into where you can qualify for 100% financing, which builders are buying down interest rates, which lenders offer free refinancing, and where appreciation and lifestyle align.  Because incentives change almost every day, reach out to us for where you can get specific deals as soon as you're ready to start your home search!

1. Effingham County (Guyton, Rincon, Springfield)

Best for: USDA eligibility, good schools, and a strong sense of community

Effingham County is a go-to area for first-time buyers looking for a solid investment with small-town charm and low to no-down-payment options. Located northwest of Savannah, many families are relocating to Effingham for a variety of reasons. Neighborhoods throughout the county qualify for 100% USDA financing.  When Allen & Trisha's children reached middle school age, they built a new home in South Effingham for the schools.  You can also get bigger lots, can typically see the stars in the sky at night (you can't see them in the city nearly as much) and there are a lot of new food & shopping options coming up often.  Springfield, GA has really taken off in the last few years as well & offers a variety of exciting new stores & activities for Effingham County residents ti enjoy. 

• School zones: Some of the most desirable public schools in the state!

• Financing: Broad USDA eligibility for qualified buyers. There is also still a lot of new construction & builders typically offer decent incentives (with the right agent guiding you)

• Appreciation: Growing steadily due to demand and new development

2. Richmond Hill, GA

Best for: Excellent schools and long-term appreciation

Located just south of Savannah, Richmond Hill is ideal for buyers looking for great resale potential, a strong sense of community, and top-tier schools. This is a competitive but rewarding market for first-time buyers, if they can afford it. Richmond Hill has recently taken on the title of the fastest growing city in Georgia, with significant growth!  Between 2010 and 2020, the population grew nearly 80% & continues to grow about 3% yearly. Trisha & Allen currently reside in Richmond Hill on the Ogeechee River.  It's 20-25 minutes from Savannah or Pooler, coastal, peaceful, has great schools & a ton of appreciation opportunities! 

• Military Pull: Close to Hunter Army Airfield & Fort Stewart, yet still having great schools & being a coastal town make Richmond Hill very attractive to military moving here

• Builder incentives: Limited-time rate buy-downs  & closing costs both being offered aren't as prevalent ini Richmond Hill as in other communities but they do still exist.  Call us to guide you through where you can get what deal

• Appreciation: Historically strong and expected to continue rising. The development of major industrial projects, such as the Hyundai MetaPlant in nearby Bryan County, has brought thousands of jobs to the area, further boosting the local economy and housing demand.

3. Georgetown and Berwick Area (Southside Savannah)

Best for: Established communities and proximity to everything

Close to everything but tucked away from downtown noise, these neighborhoods are popular with buyers who want a more traditional suburban feel. Homes here tend to be well-maintained with established amenities. Georgetown, Windsor Forest, and other Southside Savannah neighborhoods offer a convenient and affordable option for homebuyers who want proximity to both city amenities and Hunter Army Airfield (HAAF), which is just minutes away. These communities feature a mix of established homes with larger lots, mature trees, and a true neighborhood feel—often with lower price points than areas like Pooler or Richmond Hill. With easy access to Truman Parkway, I-516, and the southside shopping district, residents enjoy quick commutes to downtown Savannah, medical centers, and HAAF. The area continues to attract both military and civilian buyers seeking value, location, and a strong sense of community. Schools are not as highly rated if that matters to you but these locations are within Chatham County so you also get to freeze your home value with a unique exemption to Chatham County called the Stephens Day Exemption.   

• Community perks: Amenities like pools, sidewalks, mature landscaping and parks (without hefty HOA fees)

• Financing: Some properties may qualify for lower-income programs but many buyers here will use their VA benefits as well.  We have many local lenders who offer 100% loans in house that we would be happy to hook you up with (just call). 

• Value: Competitive pricing with reliable resale demand.  All of the kinks have been worked out and you know what they say: they don't build them like they used to. 

4. Pooler & Bloomingdale, GA 

Best for: Affordability, proximity, appreciation, and avoiding HOAs

Pooler and Bloomingdale, GA, have become some of the most sought-after locations for buyers looking for convenience, value, and rapid growth just outside of Savannah. Known for their easy access to I-95, Gulfstream, and the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, these areas offer newer homes, expanding retail and dining options, and a mix of HOA and non-HOA communities—making them especially attractive for first-time buyers who want flexibility or to be un the middle of it all. While schools may not be the main draw, the area's appreciation rates and overall affordability continue to make it a smart investment. As the creator of the It’s Cooler in Pooler page, we stay tapped into every new development, builder incentive, and market shift happening in the area—making our team the go-to source for navigating these fast-growing communities.

• Builder perks: Active new construction incentives and interest rate buy-downs

• Appreciation: Growth driven by industry and retail expansion as well as location

• Pro tip: Ask us which neighborhoods in this area still qualify for 100% financing

5. Garden City and Port Wentworth

Best for: Budget-friendly 

Garden City and Port Wentworth are two evolving areas that offer different types of opportunities for first-time homebuyers. Port Wentworth is rapidly expanding with a surge of new construction communities, builder incentives, and accessibility to I-95—making it appealing for buyers looking for modern homes at entry-level pricing. While it hasn't historically been considered a top homeownership destination, the growth is changing that perception. Garden City, on the other hand, doesn’t have much new development, but its proximity to downtown Savannah, the airport, and I-95 makes it a smart choice for buyers prioritizing location and affordability. It's one of the most cost-effective areas close to the city core and within easy reach of Bluffton and Hilton Head Island, making it ideal for buyers who value access over amenities. These areas north of Savannah are benefiting from rapid industrial and port-related growth. New communities here offer modern features at entry-level prices, ideal for buyers priced out of more central areas.

• Incentives: Many builders offer $10,000+ in incentives and low-rate programs

• Financing: Certain areas may qualify for USDA but not all.  Certain city funds may also be available in certain areas

• Upside: Moderate appreciation potential over the next 5–10 years and still affordable

Bonus: Want More for Your Money? Look Here!

If you're willing to extend your commute or want more home for less money, these outlying areas deliver incredible value:

Hinesville, GA

• Near Fort Stewart, with a strong military resale market

• Many homes qualify for VA and USDA financing & are affordably priced

• Builders often offer closing cost coverage and special incentives

Statesboro, GA

• Home to Georgia Southern University!

• Affordable pricing and lots of growth potential

• Slower pace with room to grow, bigger lots, good schools

North Bryan County (Pembroke, Ellabell)

• Minutes from the Hyundai Megasite development

• Strong appreciation outlook

• USDA-eligible with plenty of land and space

Let’s Build a Plan for Your First Home

Every first-time buyer deserves a smart start. We help you make the most of your budget by matching you with:

• Neighborhoods that qualify for 100% financing

• Builders offering rate buy-downs and closing cost coverage

• Lenders with free refinancing programs, free appraisals or special in house programs

• Communities with the best appreciation and lifestyle match

The Trisha Cook Team brings local expertise, exclusive connections, and proven systems to help first-time buyers succeed with confidence.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Contact us today to schedule a personalized strategy session. We’ll help you explore neighborhoods, financing options, and incentives tailored to your goals—so you can buy smart and live well in the Savannah area.