Savannah, Georgia, is a historic city known for its charm, coastal beauty, and southern hospitality. But like any urban area, it has neighborhoods that vary in terms of safety. While violent crime is often the first concern that comes to mind, other risks—like traffic accidents and falls—pose significant threats to residents as well.
Understanding the types of hazards in different parts of the city offers a more complete picture of neighborhood safety.
Violent Crime in Savannah
According to the Savannah Police Department, there were 984 violent crimes in 2024. These included homicides, rapes, robberies, and aggravated assaults. This was a notable drop from the 1,200+ cases seen annually in the previous two years.
Neighborhoods with higher concentrations of violent crime included:
- North Savannah Historic District (near Bay St. and Whitaker St.)
- West Savannah
- South Savannah Historic District (near Gwinnett St. and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.)
- Victorian District East
- Cuyler/Brownsville
- Cann Park
- East Savannah
- Savannah Gardens
In contrast, the following areas had comparatively lower violent crime rates:
- Hillcrest
- Blackshear
- Thomas Square
- Midtown
- Hudson Hill/Bayview
These trends suggest that residents seeking lower crime risk may want to consider neighborhoods outside the central historic district.
Traffic Accident Hotspots
Motor vehicle accidents are a major cause of injury and death in Savannah. Busy highways and arterial roads are common locations for severe collisions.
Savannah’s high-injury network map highlights the following roads with the most serious traffic incidents:
- I-95
- I-516
- I-16
- Dean Forest Rd. (GA-307)
- Ogeechee Rd. (US-17/GA-26)
- Victory Dr. (US-80/GA-26)
- Abercorn St. (GA-204)
- GA-25 Connector (Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Bay St., Oglethorpe Ave.)
Other local streets with elevated crash risks include:
- Skidaway Rd.
- 37th St.
- Waters Ave.
- Middleground Rd./Montgomery Cross Rd.
- Montgomery St.
- DeRenne Ave.
- Liberty Pkwy.
Neighborhoods farther from these roads—like Thunderbolt, Isle of Hope, Garden City, and Woodlawn Terrace—tend to have fewer serious accidents. Avoiding high-traffic corridors can significantly reduce the risk of car and pedestrian crashes.
Risks of Falling Accidents
Falls are a leading cause of unintentional injuries and emergency room visits in Georgia. They can happen in any neighborhood and affect people of all ages.
Falls typically fall into two categories:
- Elevated falls, such as from a ladder or roof, often occur in workplaces.
- Same-level falls, such as slips and trips, commonly happen in homes, businesses, and public spaces.
Because falls can happen anywhere, they are not tied to specific areas in Savannah. Everyone—regardless of neighborhood—should remain aware of fall hazards and take steps to prevent them.
Which Neighborhoods Are Generally Safer?
While no area is completely free from risk, certain neighborhoods in Savannah consistently report lower crime and traffic incident rates. These include:
- Thunderbolt
- Isle of Hope
- Garden City
- Woodlawn Terrace
- Midtown
These areas are typically farther from high-crime zones and major roadways. For residents prioritizing personal safety, these neighborhoods offer relatively lower exposure to violent crime and serious traffic accidents.
Stay Safe in Savannah
No single Savannah, Georgia, neighborhood is entirely risk-free, but some are safer than others based on available data. Suburban and outlying areas generally offer a quieter environment with fewer crimes and crashes.
Staying informed about local trends helps you make safer choices about where to live, work, or visit. To seek help, please contact our experienced Savannah personal injury lawyer at Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have a convenient location in Savannah, GA.
We proudly serve Chatham County, Georgia, and its surrounding areas.
Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers
308 Commercial Drive, Suite 100, Savannah, GA 31406
(912) 335-1909
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About The Author
Attorney Andrew Bowen is a founding partner of Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers based in Savannah, GA. He earned his law degree from Mercer University’s Walter F. George School of Law in 1998, after completing his undergraduate studies at Washington and Lee University. Licensed to practice in Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina, Andrew is also admitted to the federal courts in Georgia and South Carolina, the Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C., the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court. With over 25 years of legal experience focusing exclusively on personal injury and wrongful death cases since 2001, ranging from medical malpractice and automobile wrecks to commercial truck and motorcycle accidents. Andrew has established himself as a formidable advocate attorney in the Georgia community; his dedication to personally overseeing each case ensures that clients receive individualized attention and aggressive representation. Click here to view some of the exceptional case results Andrew has helped secure on behalf of injured clients.
Location: Savannah, GA
