Richmond Hill Homes for Sale
The place to be in Bryan County
Richmond Hill , GA is a thriving community along Georgia’s colonial coast, and is among the fastest growing communities in the nation. Located in South Bryan County, 20 miles from Savannah, Richmond Hill continues to grow as an alternative to the increasing congestion and taxes in Savannah/Chatham County. With the opening of a new City Hall in December 1998 and a new Police Station in September, 1999, a true Civic Center began taking shape. In addition, the adjacent J. F. Gregory City Park, featuring hiking and biking paths, opened concurrently with the first annual “Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival” in October, 1999.
While the City of Richmond Hill is poised for continued growth and opportunity, former Mayor Richard Davis pointed out that “What makes a good community is a sense of community. That is something evident about Richmond Hill.” Located just minutes south of metropolitan Savannah the city of more than 10,000 residents retains a small town charm and has a great deal to offer its residents. A diminished crime rate, outstanding educational opportunities, community services, recreational facilities, and beautiful scenery are but a few reasons to live here. This family-oriented city is a community where everyone can feel safe.
The Henry Ford Connection
Richmond Hill has a historical connection to industrialist Henry Ford. Ford used the town, formerly known as Ways Station, as a winter home and philanthropic social experiment, building the complex known as the Ford Farms along the Ogeechee River in the 1930s. After just one visit he chose this area as his winter home. Ford’s dwelling was built on the site of Richmond Plantation, which was burned by elements of General William T. Sherman’s army at the conclusion of the “March to the Sea”.
Ford’s holdings eventually totaled 85,000 acres of agricultural and timber lands, most of which is now owned by the State of Georgia or ITT Rayonier, a timber company. Ford was also responsible for the construction of a number of public buildings, including a kindergarten, which now houses the museum of the Richmond Hill Historical Society, and a chapel which now houses St. Anne’s Catholic Church. Both are located on Georgia S.R. 144, also known as Ford Avenue within the Richmond Hill city limits.
The Ford Plantation has now been redeveloped as a luxury resort, with vacation cottages, a clubhouse, tennis, and golf. When it was suggested that the town be renamed “Ford”, Mr. Ford declined, and instead Ways Station was renamed “Richmond Hill” after the site of Ford’s home on the banks of the Ogeechee River. The city limits of Richmond Hill have expanded to the east along S.R. 144, where there are a number of planned developments. This area contains large amounts of marsh and riverfront property. Farther to the east are Fort McAllister Historic Parkand the small community of Keller.
Community
Visitors are impressed by its southern charm, rich history, variety of outdoor adventures, fishing and great local seafood. This peaceful community has a variety of opportunities; shopping, recreational, and business. One of its real jewels is the J. F. Gregory Park, a 335 acre multi-use recreational area. The park is ideal for picnics, sports, activities, canoeing, birding, fishing, hiking, strolling and meetings. Attractions include a lake, walking trail, birding tower, and two restored Henry Ford era homes. Wildlife can be spotted while walking the trail. Located within the park is also the Colonial Coast Birding Trail. The park is skirted by a 300-acre rice field that predates the Civil War. A three-mile walking trail runs along the top of a dike that encompasses the field, which today is a wooded wetland. Also, the John W. Stevens Wetlands Education Center is located in the rear of J. F. Gregory Park.
This facility provides a meeting place and an interactive educational experience, with information about wetland ecosystems and preservation. Finally, the park is home to the Richmond Hill Farmer’s Market a venue that boasts meats, honey and vegetables from local famers and growers.
With easy access to I-95, its close proximity to the attractions of Historic Savannah and the barrier islands make it a sure-bet for history buffs and sun-lovers alike. Ft. Stewart is located nearby making the town popular with military families and the schools in Bryan County are amongst the best in all of Georgia.
Whether you are attracted to antique hunting or you appreciate its unique heritage and architecture, Richmond Hill offers relief from the congestion of the big city. It also offers a variety of hometown restaurants for an assortment of appetites and safe lodging for those desiring an extended stay. With its distinctive history and scenic beauty, Richmond Hill is coastal Georgia living at its finest.
