Trying to choose between Skidaway Island and Savannah’s other islands can feel like comparing apples to oranges. You want the right mix of golf, boating, beach time, and easy access to downtown, without surprises on HOAs or flood risk. In this guide, you’ll see how Skidaway stacks up against Isle of Hope, Wilmington Island, Whitemarsh Island, and Tybee Island across homes, amenities, commute, governance, and buyer fit. Let’s dive in.
Quick island snapshot
- Skidaway Island (The Landings): Gated, master-planned community with club amenities, marinas, and golf.
- Isle of Hope: Historic riverfront character with older cottages and scenic streets.
- Wilmington Island: Varied suburban housing and some waterfront pockets.
- Whitemarsh Island: Practical mix of housing close to shopping and services.
- Tybee Island: Beach town lifestyle with cottages, condos, and tourism energy.
Home styles and lots
Skidaway Island (The Landings)
Most homes are single-family with Southern traditional, Lowcountry, and contemporary coastal styles. Lots are generally larger and more private than typical suburbs, with many homes oriented to marsh, creeks, or golf views.
Isle of Hope
You’ll find older cottages, bungalows, and period homes with notable historic character. Lots are smaller near the river, and many properties are renovated while preserving architectural details.
Wilmington Island
Housing ranges from older cottages and ranches to newer subdivisions and waterfront estates. Lot sizes vary widely by neighborhood, so you can compare options at several price points.
Whitemarsh Island
Expect a practical suburban mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and some condos. It sits near commercial corridors, which makes everyday errands straightforward.
Tybee Island
Architecture leans coastal and elevated, with beach cottages, raised homes, and condos. Outdoor living spaces and elevated construction are common due to coastal conditions.
HOA and club differences
Skidaway Island (The Landings)
There is layered governance with community association fees and a separate country-club structure. The Landings Club operates golf, tennis, dining, fitness, and marinas. Club membership is typically optional, and specifics can vary by property, including initiation or special assessments. Confirm what the HOA covers versus club dues before you buy.
Isle of Hope
There is no single island-wide HOA. Some subdivisions and condos have associations, while historic lots may not. Certain areas can fall under historic review or deed restrictions.
Wilmington and Whitemarsh Islands
Governance is a patchwork. Some neighborhoods have HOAs and deed rules, while others are standard suburban pockets with no association. Rules and fees vary.
Tybee Island
Most rules are managed by the city and by building or condo associations rather than an island-wide HOA. Condo and resort communities often have stricter on-site management standards, especially where short-term rentals are involved.
What to verify
- Review HOA bylaws, CC&Rs, budgets, meeting minutes, and any reserve studies.
- Ask about security, road maintenance, dock or marina upkeep, and capital assessments.
- Confirm whether club memberships are required, optional, or transferable and whether initiation fees apply.
Amenities and lifestyle
Skidaway Island
If you want an integrated club lifestyle, Skidaway stands out. You get multiple golf courses, marinas with slips, tennis and pickleball, fitness, dining, and organized social events inside a gated setting. Tidal creek access supports boating out to the Intracoastal and beyond.
Isle of Hope
The feel is quiet and scenic, centered on riverfront living. Think small community docks, kayaking, and peaceful views rather than a full club system.
Wilmington and Whitemarsh Islands
You’ll find marinas and launch points accessible nearby. Whitemarsh has convenient shopping and restaurants close by if you like quick errands and services.
Tybee Island
Beach access defines daily life with public beaches, a fishing pier, and ocean and sound access for saltwater recreation. Expect a more seasonal vibe due to tourism.
Getting to downtown Savannah
- Isle of Hope is typically the closest to historic downtown.
- Skidaway, Wilmington, and Whitemarsh are commutable by car within a reasonable drive.
- Tybee is farther east and usually has the longest drive, with seasonal traffic spikes.
Traffic patterns shift at rush hour and on weekends. For a realistic picture, test-drive your route at the times that matter to you.
Market position and resale considerations
- Skidaway Island: Often commands a premium due to gated privacy, amenities, and waterfront or golf settings. Resale strength ties to community upkeep and amenity quality.
- Isle of Hope: Draws buyers who value historic character and river access, which supports demand for unique, older homes.
- Wilmington and Whitemarsh: Appeal to buyers who want varied price points and suburban convenience, with some waterfront options.
- Tybee Island: Attracts beach-focused buyers and investors, with seasonality impacting occupancy and demand.
Local pricing and inventory change over time. Ask your agent for recent comparable sales and days on market before you set expectations.
Flood risk and insurance basics
All Savannah-area islands face some level of coastal flood risk, storm surge, and tidal flooding. Your total cost of ownership can be influenced by flood zone, elevation, and wind exposure.
Key steps for any island home:
- Get a flood-zone determination for the parcel and an elevation certificate if available.
- Obtain quotes for flood insurance through the NFIP and private carriers.
- Review the home’s elevation relative to base flood elevation and ask about any mitigation features.
- Factor wind and hurricane standards into inspection plans.
Who each island fits
- Skidaway Island: You want gated privacy, golf, marinas, and a structured club network with social programming.
- Isle of Hope: You value historic homes, mature streetscapes, river views, and proximity to downtown.
- Wilmington Island: You prefer varied housing choices with neighborhood-by-neighborhood differences and some boating access.
- Whitemarsh Island: You want a practical location with mid-range housing close to shopping and services.
- Tybee Island: You want a beach-town environment and may consider short-term rental possibilities where allowed.
Due-diligence checklist for comparing islands
Use this list for any home you tour on Skidaway, Isle of Hope, Wilmington, Whitemarsh, or Tybee:
Governance and fees
- Obtain HOA/CC&R documents, budgets, meeting minutes, and reserve information.
- Confirm what dues cover, including security, roads, docks, and capital assessments.
- Ask about club membership rules, initiation fees, and any waitlists.
Property and risk
- Order a flood-zone determination and get the elevation certificate if on file.
- Get flood and wind insurance quotes early in due diligence.
- Confirm access via public or private roads and who maintains bridges and gates.
Lifestyle fit
- Tour marinas, golf courses, clubhouses, and fitness facilities when available.
- Visit at different times, including rush hour and weekends, and during peak beach season on Tybee.
Market clarity
- Request recent comparable sales and days on market for each area.
- Align your offer strategy with local trends and property condition.
How to choose your best fit
Start with your non-negotiables. If club life, organized amenities, and gated privacy top your list, Skidaway’s structure is a strong match. If you prefer historic character and river scenery near town, explore Isle of Hope. For a broad range of housing and practical access to services, compare Wilmington and Whitemarsh. If daily beach time and a vacation-town vibe call to you, focus on Tybee and review rental rules early.
A short list of favorites across two or three islands will help you compare quickly. Test commutes, walk the amenities, and confirm fees and insurance costs so your decision balances lifestyle and total cost of ownership.
Ready to compare in person?
When you are ready to tour, we can help you plan showings across Skidaway, Isle of Hope, Wilmington, Whitemarsh, and Tybee, and align the right due diligence for each. If you want a local, boutique advisor who knows Savannah’s coastal micro-markets, connect with The Oliver Group. We will help you compare options clearly and move forward with confidence.
FAQs
What makes Skidaway Island different from other Savannah islands?
- Skidaway centers on a gated, master-planned environment with multiple golf courses, marinas, and club amenities, which is different from the historic, suburban, or beach-town styles of the other islands.
How do HOA and club fees work at The Landings on Skidaway?
- Community association dues and The Landings Club dues are separate; confirm what HOA fees include versus optional club membership, plus any initiation or assessment details tied to a specific property.
Which Savannah island is best for beach access?
- Tybee Island is the beach-focused option with public beaches, a pier, and ocean and sound access for saltwater recreation.
Which island is typically closest to downtown Savannah?
- Isle of Hope is generally the closest, while Skidaway, Wilmington, and Whitemarsh are a reasonable drive and Tybee usually takes the longest, especially during peak seasons.
How do flood zones affect island homeownership in Savannah?
- Flood zone and elevation influence insurance requirements and premiums; obtain a flood-zone determination, an elevation certificate if available, and quotes early in due diligence.
Are short-term rentals allowed on all Savannah islands?
- Rules vary by municipality and by HOA or condo association; Tybee has specific short-term rental regulations and licensing, and many HOAs limit short-term rentals.
