Looking to spend a few days in Savannah. Is it not recommended to rent an apartment south of Forsyth park?

Hi Debbielynn,

How much south of Forsyth Park are you talking about? I went to a quite good health food store, Brighter Day Natural Foods, immediately south of the park for lunch one day, and the area seemed to have a certain charm. I've not been further south than that. This said, I feel compelled to add that I was quite glad to be between Forsyth Park and the Savannah River, because it felt more central what with the handsome squares and beautiful historic homes that were right at my doorstep. I loved that there was so much to see and do within reasonably easy walking distance.

Hopefully one of Fodor's more regular Savannah visitors will chime in; my experience is based on one visit in 2013.

Wishing you a great trip to one of my favorite places in the southern USA!

Daniel

I would not.

I would rent between Forsyth Park and Bay Street. Areas outside of the main part of the Historic District are still transitional. Depending on where the apartment is, it may not be considered historic district at all.

Savannah is improving regarding safety, and the boundaries of Historic District safety have expanded a bit - but like starts my personal info is a couple of years old, so can't give you exact streets.

The weird thing about Savannah - and seems to be the case in some other smaller southern cities - is that the transition between safe and sketchy can occur within a block. And the crime is often of the street crime variety that makes it unsafe for tourists and anyone else.

I would try for closer to the River.

(auto-correct turns starrs into starts - sorry)

I wonder why rent an apartment for such a short time.

I'm guessing this is airbnb.

Actually, I am looking for my daughter, SIL and baby. Hotels are pricey and you have to eat all your meals out. I think an apartment is more versatile, and you can bring in food for breakfast and lunch. I have been looking at VRBO. One or 2 of the places have been several blocks south of park. I was in Savannah last year and I remember reading somewhere about staying away from that area. Will continue my search on VRBO. Anyone know of something else?

There's sort of a no go zone there, and that apartment location, if only several blocks south of the park, is in it. When you reach an area called Ardsley Park, it's OK again, but you would not walk from there to the historic district as it's both too far and unsafe.

Another option for cheaper hotels is to stay in an area called "Midtown". It is not "mid" or "town" to anything, but in a collection of strip malls, a real mall, and lots of chain restaurants. You must drive to Historic District. But it is safe, if not scenic, and there is representation from just about every chain hotel on the planet - including places like Residence Inn which would be perfect in your dtr's situation. Just something else to add to the lodging options.

The Staybridge Suites on Bay street have a kitchenette in the rooms, free breakfast and maybe even afternoon food on some days. Be sure to factor in the cleaning fees for VRBO rentals. Sometimes it's not the savings for less than a week. Another option is the Olde Harbor Inn. If she's with a baby she doesn't want to be walking a mile one way to the Bay street/River street area. That's just too far out.

I would not stay there!

Savannah is a walking town and that area is to far and to sketchy. If you can't swing the historic district then take gail's advise and stay in midtown. I had to stay there with a large group of girl scouts and we had to drive into the HD every day but it was nice and safe with lots of eating choices around and a convenient grocery store.

We stayed here and they had very nice 2 bedroom suites with kitchen.

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/trave...vannah-midtown

Thanks, everyone. She found a very nice apt on West Broughton st, near Telfair square. Good reviews, looks nice.

Great location

I would recommend doing a little "recon" on Google Maps. You can get a good idea of the area you want to stay by just typing in the address of your possible rental and checking the neighborhood out. Agree with earlier post: Areas outside of the main part of the Historic District are still transitional.

Just to let everyone know we had a wonderful time in Savannah. We stayed in an apartment on W Broughton and Barnard- easy walking distance to everything. Walked many of the squares, took a walkin tour with Savannah Dan, ate at Mrs. Wilkes, Goosefeathers, and the Olde Pink House as well as ice cream at Leopolds. Walked along the river and went to Bonaventure cemetery. In all, a busy 2 days and beautiful weather to boot. One on my favorite cities!

It sounds like a great trip! You did a lot!

"One on my favorite cities!"
Mine too!

Come back soon!