Whitemarsh Island
ABOUT WHITEMARSH ISLAND
Whitemarsh Island (locals say "WIT-marsh") is the closest of Savannah's east-side islands, about 6 miles from downtown and the first one you reach heading toward Tybee. It's mostly residential, a little more compact than Wilmington or Talahi, and built around marsh views, tidal creeks, and the Wilmington River, with around 7,000 people living here year round.
It's also where the island cluster's daily essentials sit. The commercial core has two grocery anchors (Publix and Walmart), restaurants, a Live Oak library branch, and the Chatham County Police island precinct, so most errands stay on this side of the bridge.
Whitemarsh runs from brick ranches and updated single-family homes to gated communities, marsh-front lots, and condo communities with pools and clubhouses. A lot of homes here look out over marsh or have a lagoon running behind the yard.
Several of the gated enclaves offer community docks and deepwater access on Turner Creek and the Wilmington River. Compared with the larger islands, the streets sit a little closer together, which is part of why so much of the island stays walkable to the schools and shopping.
The Homes
The standout green space is the Whitemarsh Preserve, a 150-acre maritime forest protected by Chatham County, with about two miles of paved walking and jogging trail and a 4.8-mile mountain bike loop winding through the live oaks and palmettos.
On the water, the Savannah Yacht Club (private, on the Wilmington River, and one of the oldest clubs in the area) offers sailing, boating, tennis, swimming, and dining for members. Groceries, restaurants, and the library are all minutes away, and the island's schools sit right in the middle of everything.
The Amenities & Character
Whitemarsh Island living is easy to describe: marsh views, short drives, and the water close at hand. Downtown Savannah is about 10 minutes one way, Tybee Island roughly 15 the other, and the beach, the preserve trails, and the boat ramp all work their way into a normal week.
Like its neighbor, Whitemarsh is really a set of communities. A few have their own pages: Long Point, Marsh Harbour, and Emerald Point among them. You'll also come across The Marshes, Commodore Point, Mercer Point and other condo communities, the Savannah Yacht & Country Club Estates, and homes that sit on their own outside any named subdivision. Tell me how you want to live and I'll point you to the right pocket of the island.
The Lifestyle
Whitemarsh Island is served by the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS), and the island schools sit together right here on Whitemarsh: Marshpoint Elementary (PreK-5), Coastal Middle School (grades 6-8), and Islands High School (grades 9-12). Islands High opened in 2010 to serve Whitemarsh, Wilmington, Talahi, and Tybee, and it houses the district's scientific research and veterinary science specialty program. Attendance can come down to the exact address, so confirm your assigned schools with the district before you buy. Happy to help you sort it out.
schools
Homes for Sale in Whitemarsh Island
THINKING ABOUT MAKING WHITEMARSH ISLAND HOME?
Let's look at what's available, from marsh-view condos to gated waterfront, and find the spot that fits you.
