Savannah is in the middle of one of the most significant growth chapters in its history. From a brand new entertainment district on the westside to island living just across the river from River Street, the city is investing in projects that will shape where people live, work and gather for decades to come. Whether you're considering a move to the Hostess City or you already call it home, here's a look at the developments driving Savannah's momentum right now.
1. Enmarket Arena and the Canal District
The 9,500 seat Enmarket Arena has become the anchor for one of the largest redevelopment efforts the City of Savannah has ever undertaken. In October 2025, Savannah City Council unanimously approved the Canal District Master Plan, a community driven vision for the area near Gwinnett Street and Stiles Avenue that calls for shopping, dining, hotels, walking trails and outdoor recreation fields. The plan is designed to bring new investment to the westside while preserving the legacy neighborhoods, including Brickyard and Carver Village, that call the district home.
2. Savannah Harbor's Growing Residential Footprint
Hutchinson Island, directly across the river from the Historic District, is quickly becoming one of Savannah's most talked about addresses. EmmaJames, a new 280 unit residential community, recently opened as the first multifamily property within the 35 acre Savannah Harbor mixed use development. Residents here are steps from the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa, an 18 hole golf course and the newly expanded Savannah Convention Center.
3. The Isling at Savannah Harbor
Also on Hutchinson Island, national developer Trilogy Investment Company and Atlanta based Kingdom Estates broke ground on The Isling, a 36 acre walkable community of townhomes, duplexes and single family homes. The first phase includes 90 homes centered around a shared greenspace, with amenities like bocce and pickleball courts, a resort style pool and a large event clubhouse. It's just a five minute drive, or a short ferry ride, from River Street.
4. IGY Savannah Harbor Marina
A new marina offering 100 berths, including space for deep draft superyachts, is set to open near the Savannah Convention Center. The addition strengthens Savannah's appeal as a coastal and boating destination and adds to the momentum building around Hutchinson Island.
5. Savannah Convention Center Expansion
A recently completed expansion doubled the size of the Savannah Convention Center, adding new exhibit space, a ballroom and additional meeting rooms and parking. The upgrade makes it the second largest convention center in the state and positions Savannah as a stronger contender for national conventions and trade shows, which in turn supports tourism and the local economy.
6. The Future of the Civic Center
Downtown, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center is undergoing a major transformation. Demolition of the former MLK Jr. Arena began in 2026 as part of a broader plan to renovate the Johnny Mercer Theatre into a regional performing arts and entertainment center. A land use study is also underway to determine how the surrounding property could support future housing, retail, office or community space, with an emphasis on preserving the site's historic character.
7. Tricentennial Park Mixed-Use Study
Near the Civic Center and the Landmark Historic District, the city is studying a mixed use vision for the 18.6 acre Tricentennial Park area. The plan under consideration would integrate the district's museums with new development while evaluating market demand and phasing, giving this corner of downtown a potential new identity in the years ahead.
8. New Hampstead Planned Community
On Savannah's westside, New Hampstead is one of the region's largest planned unit developments, approved for up to 10,000 homes across residential, mixed use and multifamily districts. The community includes a 160 acre village center and has set aside an 863 acre conservation easement for public parkland, making it a major piece of Savannah's westward growth corridor.
9. The Averly at Richmond Hill
Just southwest of Savannah, ECI Group broke ground on a $60 million mixed use project in the booming suburb of Richmond Hill. The Averly will bring 291 residential units, a mix of apartments and townhomes, along with more than 3.5 acres of retail space along Ford Avenue, all within the sought after Richmond Hill school district.
10. Port of Savannah and Regional Economic Growth
Behind much of this development activity is the continued strength of the Port of Savannah and the broader regional economy. The Georgia Ports Authority is planning a multi-year, multi-billion dollar investment to deepen and widen the Savannah River and expand capacity, while the 2025 arrival of the Hyundai Metaplant in nearby Bryan County has drawn a wave of auto suppliers and new jobs to the region. Continued growth at the port and in manufacturing is a major reason Savannah's population and housing demand keep climbing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest development project happening in Savannah right now?
The Canal District, anchored by Enmarket Arena, is considered one of the largest redevelopment efforts in Savannah's history, with plans for new shopping, dining, hotels and recreation space on the city's westside.
Is Hutchinson Island a good area to buy real estate in Savannah?
Hutchinson Island is one of Savannah's fastest growing residential areas, with new communities like EmmaJames and The Isling at Savannah Harbor offering walkable, amenity rich living just minutes from downtown via a short drive or ferry ride.
Why is Savannah's real estate market growing so quickly?
Savannah's growth is fueled by continued expansion at the Port of Savannah, the 2025 arrival of the Hyundai Metaplant in Bryan County, and major public investment in projects like the Canal District, the Convention Center expansion and New Hampstead.
Are there new developments in the Savannah suburbs too?
Yes. Richmond Hill, just southwest of Savannah, is seeing rapid growth with projects like The Averly, a $60 million mixed use development bringing new homes and retail to the area.
Thinking About Making Savannah Home?
With this much growth on the horizon, now is a great time to explore what Savannah has to offer, whether you're drawn to island living on Hutchinson Island, a master planned community like New Hampstead, or a suburb on the rise like Richmond Hill. Connect with an Agency Savannah agent today to find the right neighborhood for your next move.
