About Savannah

Welcome to Savannah, the hostess city

Savannah is one of those cities that gets under your skin in the best possible way. From the moment you arrive, the oak-lined streets, moss-draped squares, and unhurried coastal pace make it feel less like a place you are visiting and more like a place you already belong. As one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in the country, Savannah carries a rich sense of history and community that is rare in a city of its size. It is walkable, approachable, and genuinely livable. It’s a place where neighbors know each other, where local culture runs deep, and where the line between work life and a full, satisfying life outside of work is easier to maintain than almost anywhere else. For residents completing one of the most demanding chapters of their careers, that matters more than people realize.

What surprises many people is how much Savannah has grown. Over the last 25 years, the population has nearly doubled, driven by expanding industry, a booming port, and a cost of living that remains significantly lower than most major metropolitan areas. That growth has brought with it the full complexity of an expanding urban population, giving residents the kind of diverse, high-acuity clinical experience that makes Savannah an easy place to build a career. Savannah is no longer simply a charming Southern city. It is a city on the rise with a quality of life that is genuinely difficult to match.

Through the years the creative landscape has transformed, drawing a constant current of art, film, fashion, and innovation into the historic district. A nationally recognized culinary scene, rooted in Southern tradition but always evolving, means there is always somewhere new to discover. The city hosts some of the country's most beloved annual events, from the Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade, one of the largest in the nation, to the Savannah Music Festival and the SCAD Savannah Film Festival. Savannah is a community that consistently welcomes new residents with genuine warmth, and you begin to understand why so many people who come to Savannah for a few years end up staying for a lifetime. See more at Visit Savannah. 

Things to do in the region

Life outside the hospitals in Savannah is genuinely hard to beat. Tybee Island, just a 20-minute drive from downtown, offers everything from beach days and paddleboarding to fishing off the pier and watching the sun rise over the Atlantic. Back in the city, Forsyth Park is a beloved gathering spot for morning runs, weekend farmers markets, and evening strolls beneath the Spanish moss. For those who want to explore further, Skidaway Island State Park offers kayaking through coastal marshes and some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the Southeast.

Savannah is also an outstanding city for cyclists, with balanced terrain, a favorable climate, and routes that range from leisurely rides through the historic district to more challenging coastal stretches. Golf is another draw, with a variety of courses suited to all skill levels, many featuring stunning water views, private oak-lined fairways, and settings that make a round feel like anything but a chore.

Sports are woven into the culture of the city, too. The Savannah Bananas have turned baseball into a one-of-a-kind experience at Grayson Stadium, selling out crowds with their signature brand of entertainment that draws fans from across the country. The Savannah Ghost Pirates bring professional hockey to Enmarket Arena, which also hosts major touring concerts and shows throughout the year.

Savannah's food and arts scenes are genuinely world-class, and day-to-day life here reflects that. The culinary landscape runs from iconic Lowcountry restaurants like The Grey to rooftop dining at Peregrin, waterfront seafood at The Wyld Dock Bar, and beloved brunch spots like Collins Quarter and B. Matthew's Eatery. Food festivals, pop-ups, and seasonal restaurant weeks keep the scene fresh and exciting year-round.

The SCAD Museum of Art, the Savannah Theatre, and the Lucas Theatre offer Broadway tours, live performances, and film premieres throughout the year. City Market and River Street are always alive with live music, outdoor dining, and events that make it easy to decompress after a long week. Savannah offers a rare balance: a city rich enough in culture and energy to always have something going on, but relaxed enough that it never feels overwhelming. It is an exceptional place to live, and for many residents who train at St. Joseph's/Candler, it becomes the place they choose to call home.

SJ/C Residency Program