I know this is a travel site, but I noticed some of you mention being from these towns. I'm thinking of relocating and would love to hear "from the horse's mouth" what these places are like to live in. I'm from New Orleans, so familiar with heat/humidity/ misquitoes/hurricanes/etc. but curious about the people and "feel" of the towns. Thanks.

This is funny because I'm from New Orleans and did live in Charleston for awhile. I like them both, however they hate each other Last time I checked, which was March, your money went further in historic Savannah than it does in historic Charleston, but regarding modern suburbs Charleston was quite the bargain. Regarding the "feel" I'd say Savannah is much more like New Orleans and I think its deliberate. Some of the absolute nicest people I have ever met were in Charleston. In my experience Savannah was more humid, more New Orleans-esque, but not by much. Traffic seemed worse in Charleston or at least more noticeable. Overall the two are not THAT much different, but the squares in Savannah are hard to beat and the mansions are real mansions, not 13 feet wide like the typical Charleston "Single" house though they're nice too. Tough decision Mardi, and its one I think about every so often. I guess I'd pick Charleston, but I know it better and have family ties to it, my Father was born and raised in Charleston.

Thanks for your insight. I'm still researching and pondering. Also headed down after Spoletto to get a "gut reaction" (for what that's worth).
What do you know about crime in Sav & Ch'ston? I had some scares in Uptown NOLA, so I'm pretty aware, but still....

Mardi, In my experience I'd have to say Savannah has more crime than Charleston though I never actually saw any in either place. While I was there muggings seemed to be the crime du jour in both places.

We lived in Savannah for 4 years, and loved it, but if I had a choice, it would definitely be Charleston...better restaurants, MUCH better shopping, more of a city and perhaps a bit more sophisticated politically--though if you are coming from NO/LA, perhaps that isn't an issue. Just kidding. We lived in NO in the Edwin Edwards era. gt;

Crime...can't address the issue for Charleston at all, but Savannah had it's share. The historic district has housing projects on both the east and west boundaries, and a slum (though in the process of rehabilitation, directly to the south. That creates problems for those living in the district, but outlying areas are pretty safe. We lived downtown in the historic district and didn't walk much at night...City Market OK, River ST OK, but I'd hoof it from my health club back home, one square away, if I was leaving after dark.

Uptown NO really was less safe (even in the day) than the Savannah historic district was at night. I don't know if that has changed. One block would be fine, the next bad, but I had an OB/GYN on Prytannia and had to ring a bell to get into his office.

If there is any possibility of living in the historic districts of either Charleston or Savannah, I must say, Savannah's feels cooler than Charleston's thanks to the ubiquitous oaks overhanging most of the streets. It really does make it more tolerable in the summer heat.

As for hurricanes, it has been said that the indentation in the coastline at Savannah makes it difficult for a hurricane to hit. It'd have to take dead aim at the city, whereas Charleston is more in harms way. It still hasnt' recovered entirely form the effects of Hurricane Hugo. The near lack of Spanish moss there is a direct result still of Hugo. I sure wouldn't let hurricanes stop me though. What will be will be, and we sure felt pretty vulnerable in NO as well!

Your choice between the two cities is a fun dilema to have. Enjoy the process of exploring both!