Savannah Islands Real Estate & Coastal Homes For Sale
Savannah’s Islands offer a distinctive Lowcountry lifestyle where moss-draped live oaks, tidal creeks, salt marshes and the Wilmington River create a peaceful backdrop for everyday living. The area commonly includes Wilmington Island, Whitemarsh Island, Talahi Island, Oatland Island and nearby Thunderbolt, placing residents between historic downtown Savannah and the beaches of Tybee Island.
The Islands appeal to buyers seeking a quieter residential setting without giving up convenient access to shopping, restaurants, schools, healthcare, entertainment and Savannah’s cultural attractions. Boating, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, golf and waterfront dining are all part of the local rhythm, making the area especially attractive to outdoor enthusiasts, relocating professionals, military households, retirees and buyers searching for a second home or coastal vacation residence near Savannah.
The Savannah Islands Lifestyle
Life on the Islands feels relaxed, connected and unmistakably coastal. Residents frequently spend weekends launching boats from nearby public ramps, fishing along tidal waterways, gathering at neighborhood pools and docks or heading east toward Tybee Island for a day at the beach.
Wilmington Island Community Park provides a shaded Lowcountry setting with playgrounds, open lawns, picnic pavilions and recreation areas beneath mature oaks and pines. Chatham County also maintains boat ramps and fishing facilities, including access to the Wilmington River from the Islands Expressway area.
Oatland Island Wildlife Center adds another distinctive community attraction. Located within the Islands area, the center provides opportunities to experience native and regional wildlife in a natural outdoor setting. Nearby Fort Pulaski National Monument offers trails, historic exploration, marsh scenery and views toward Cockspur Island, while Tybee Island’s beaches, lighthouse, pier and restaurants are just farther east along U.S. Highway 80.
The nearby Town of Thunderbolt contributes a colorful maritime culture shaped by generations of shrimping, boating and waterfront commerce. Its riverfront setting, seafood restaurants, working docks and community events give the western gateway to the Islands a character all its own.
Savannah Islands Real Estate
The Savannah Islands real estate market offers an unusually broad range of homes and lifestyles. Buyers are drawn to the Savannah Islands area for their combination of coastal scenery, established neighborhoods, and convenient access to Savannah and Tybee Island. Those interested in the area commonly explore:
- Established brick ranch homes and traditional residences
- Renovated coastal cottages
- Marsh-front and deepwater properties
- Gated waterfront neighborhoods
- Luxury homes and custom residences
- Condominiums and low-maintenance townhomes
- Homes with private docks, community dock access or boat storage
- Newer construction and boutique developments
- Boating, kayaking, and fishing access
- Local seafood, marinas, and waterfront dining
- Rich Gullah Geechee and Lowcountry heritage
- Relaxed Coastal lifestyle near downtown Savannah
Many Island neighborhoods were developed over several decades, creating mature landscaping, larger trees and a variety of architectural styles. Because much of the area is already established, newer housing opportunities are often found in boutique developments, individual custom homes and smaller infill projects rather than large suburban master-planned communities.
For sellers, Islands area properties can attract buyers relocating to the Savannah area as well as purchasers seeking waterfront access, proximity to Tybee Island, low-maintenance second homes or a more relaxed alternative to downtown living. Effective marketing should highlight property-specific features such as marsh views, dock access, water depth, outdoor living areas, elevation, flood-zone information, neighborhood amenities and proximity to recreational destinations.
Featured Savannah Islands Communities
Wilmington Island
Wilmington Island is the center of Savannah’s coastal-island lifestyle, offering established neighborhoods, waterfront homes, local restaurants, shopping and convenient access to downtown Savannah and Tybee Island. Buyers can choose from traditional ranch homes, renovated coastal residences, townhomes and luxury properties along tidal creeks and the Wilmington River.
Wilmington Park
Wilmington Park is a sought-after, established neighborhood known for mature trees, spacious homes and a welcoming community atmosphere. Neighborhood amenities include a community pool, tennis facilities, playgrounds and dock access, making it popular with buyers seeking recreation and relaxed island living near Savannah.
Whitemarsh Island
Whitemarsh Island offers a convenient mix of gated communities, waterfront neighborhoods, condominiums and townhomes. Communities such as Long Point, Turner’s Cove, Marsh Harbor and The Merritt at Whitemarsh attract buyers seeking marsh views, boating access, low-maintenance living and an easy commute to downtown Savannah.
Turner’s Pointe
Turner’s Pointe is a newer Whitemarsh Island community featuring upscale coastal-style homes and modern interiors. Its location between downtown Savannah and Tybee Island appeals to buyers seeking newer construction, marsh scenery and luxury island living without moving into a large suburban development.
River Marsh
River Marsh is a boutique Wilmington Island townhome community near Johnny Mercer Boulevard and Highway 80. Its newer construction, convenient location and lower-maintenance design make it attractive to professionals, retirees and buyers searching for a second home or lock-and-leave coastal property near Tybee Island.
Talahi Island
Talahi Island provides a quiet residential setting surrounded by tidal waterways and mature Lowcountry landscapes. The community features traditional single-family homes, larger lots and convenient access to marinas, boating, shopping and nearby Wilmington Island services.
Dutch Island
Dutch Island is a private, gated community near the Herb River and Intracoastal Waterway. Known for waterfront and marsh-view homes, lagoons and neighborhood recreation, it appeals to buyers seeking privacy, boating access and an upscale coastal lifestyle near Isle of Hope and Savannah.
Historic Pin Point
Historic Pin Point is a culturally significant Gullah Geechee community located along the Moon River. Established after the Civil War, the community remains closely connected to coastal traditions, fishing, crabbing and oyster harvesting. Residents value Pin Point for its rich heritage, quiet natural surroundings and strong sense of community. The Pin Point Heritage Museum, located at a former oyster and crab factory, preserves the stories, livelihoods and enduring legacy of this historic coastal settlement. Homes in and around Pin Point appeal to buyers seeking authenticity, privacy, marsh views and a meaningful connection to Savannah’s Lowcountry culture.
Thunderbolt
Thunderbolt is a historic waterfront town along the Wilmington River and Intracoastal Waterway. Its marinas, shrimp boats, seafood restaurants and small-town character attract residents who enjoy boating, fishing and coastal living within minutes of downtown Savannah, Wilmington Island and Tybee Island.
Second Homes and Coastal Retreats
The Savannah Islands are especially attractive to buyers searching for a second home, seasonal residence or coastal vacation property near Tybee Island. Waterfront homes, marsh-view residences, condominiums and townhomes provide options for both private retreats and lower-maintenance island living.
Unlike a traditional beach resort, the Islands offer a quieter residential environment while keeping owners close to Tybee Island beaches, Savannah’s Historic District, boating, fishing and waterfront dining. Buyers considering short-term or mid-term rentals should confirm current zoning, permitting and neighborhood restrictions before purchasing.
Whether purchasing a primary residence, waterfront property, vacation home or investment property, buyers can experience the beauty of Coastal Georgia without sacrificing access to Savannah’s employment, dining, arts and entertainment.
Community, Government and Recreation Links
Chatham County Government — county services, public information, planning and government resources
Chatham County Parks and Recreation — parks, boat ramps, fishing piers and recreation facilities
Wilmington Island Community Park
Chatham County Boat Ramps and Fishing Piers
Oatland Island Wildlife Center
Town of Thunderbolt
Fort Pulaski National Monument
Visit Tybee Island
Savannah-Chatham County Public School System
Visit the Islands of Savannah!
