Savannah, a coastal city in Georgia along the Savannah River, is known primarily as a tourist destination, but in recent years, the rental market has noticeably changed. The demand for residential areas has increased significantly with the establishment of the Hyundai Metaplant in nearby Bryan County.

The average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in the Savannah area is between $1,450 and $1,600, with the median rent around $1,500. This is a substantial increase compared to five years ago.

Popular areas are divided into three main sections: Midtown, Southside, and the Islands. Midtown attracts many young professionals and roommate shares due to its accessibility to downtown and the charming tree-lined streets. The Twelve Oaks area in Southside is preferred by families because of its large shopping malls and school districts. The Islands, including Wilmington Island and Whitemarsh Island, are appealing to families with children due to their coastal access and quiet residential environment.

The Downtown Historic District has a high proportion of short-term rentals due to tourist demand, making long-term rental listings relatively scarce and prices higher. In contrast, the western outskirts of Savannah and the Port Wentworth area are generally more affordable.

Recent rental trends indicate that rising rents in the Polar and Richmond Hill areas adjacent to Bryan County are indirectly affecting rents in downtown Savannah. Workers related to the Metaplant and employees of partner companies are pushing rental demand in the southwestern areas of Savannah within commuting distance.

From the perspective of Korean households, an interesting aspect is the rapid increase in the Korean population due to the Hyundai Metaplant. There have been more cases of new Korean restaurants and markets opening in Polar and Richmond Hill, and the number of Korean-related service businesses is gradually increasing in downtown Savannah. The rent for a 2-bedroom in this area is around $1,400, which is similar to or slightly lower than the downtown Savannah average.

When looking for a 2-bedroom in Savannah, the choice of location largely depends on whether the workplace is in the downtown area or the industrial complex related to the Metaplant. If commuting time and access to the Korean community are considered, areas near Polar or Richmond Hill would be practical, while Midtown would be ideal for those wanting to live near tourist attractions.