Skidaway Island, Georgia is one of the most affluent areas in the US, and home to The Landings, one of the largest gated communities in the nation. The Landings boasts six private golf courses, two deep-water marinas, 34 tennis courts, a 48,000 square foot fitness center, 40 miles of walking trails and five swimming pools.
Skidaway Island is an unincorporated area of Chatham County and part of the greater Savannah area. The population as of the 2010 census was 8,341, making this 16.4 square mile island a truly exclusive place to live.
Moving to Skidaway Island
Before relocating to the island, you should take some time to visit and get to know the area first. It has so much to offer and such a variety of living options that a tour is necessary.
You may prefer the center of the island with its mixture of wealthy suburbs and nature. The Landings is an enclave of upscale living and amenities with a small town feel.
While rental housing is plentiful, and there may be a few condominiums available, there are no apartment complexes on the island itself. However, there are many complexes close by offering one-bedroom apartments, two-bedroom apartments, and studio apartments. It is likely to find a duplex for rent in the area too. This area still offers all of the nature, lakes, and rivers available on Skidaway Island and puts you a little closer to Savannah.
If you are looking for a house to rent on the island you should be prepared to provide proof of income, such as pay stubs and a W-2. You will have to submit to a background screening, rental history and credit checks. Once approved, most property owners require the first and last months' rent, a deposit equal to a month's rent, and a pet deposit if they allow pets and you have one.
If you move to a place like The Landings, there will be a homeowner's association application and interview. Read the deed restrictions carefully so you know what is expected of you and what falls to the property owner.
Neighborhoods on Skidaway Island
Neighborhoods boast some high accolades here, so you'll want to spend a couple of days searching before making any decisions. So many choices will boggle the mind if left to the last minute.
The Landings: This neighborhood is expensive but they make up for it with an amazing array of amenities and activities. They have 150 lagoons, an athletic field, two playgrounds, a dog park and a nature trail. The Landings is a vibrant community of civic-minded people who revel in the enjoyment of their beautiful section of the island. Dining at the Landings is available in all four clubhouses. The Plantation, Oakridge, Deer Creek and Marshwood all have their own distinctive atmosphere. Specialty dishes include freshly caught seafood prepared by gourmet chefs. The Village Bar and Grille is a popular nearby treat also.
The Point: This unofficial neighborhood encompasses the northern end of the island as it narrows to a point. If you are looking for a peaceful slice of Skidaway Island and quick access to the inlets, woods, and marshes, you have found it in The Point. There are several bars and restaurants within a few miles of the northern point, but you must have a boat to reach them. Check out places like The Wilmington Island Club, Basils Pizza and Deli and the Bonna Bella Waterfront Grille.
The Southern Tip: The southern area of Skidaway Island is a peninsula and a dream for anyone that loves fishing and boating. Just across the inlet to the west is Green Island, to the south is Green Island Sound, and just a few hundred feet to the east lies the Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge. Nearly the size of Skidaway Island itself, the wildlife refuge is nature's playground with hundreds of tidal inlets and miles of beaches.
Living on Skidaway Island
Audubon International regards all six golf courses as "Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries." Throughout the years, residents have formed over 100 social clubs, including one just for new neighbors to help them assimilate quickly.
The University of Georgia operates the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography in the northeast section of the island. Many researchers and academics visit the institute. Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary and the University of Georgia's Aquarium are also on the grounds.
The island has one of the best state parks in Georgia in the Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge. It features stunning nature trails and facilities for the comfort of guests. Excellent fishing and boating opportunities are hard to avoid on the island. Skiing, swimming, diving, jet skiing, and occasionally surfing are just some of the watersports residents enjoy on a daily basis.
Nature walks, hiking, wildlife photography, and camping are all available within a couple of miles of home. A car is a necessity to get around because public transportation is very limited.