Savannah Lakes Village Home Buying Guide

A Personal Welcome from Tom Greene

I have lived and played on Clarks Hill Lake, also known as Lake Thurmond, for more than 25 years. My wife Karen and I started camping here in the early 1990s, fell in love with the lake life, and eventually built our first home in Savannah Lakes Village in 2001. We raised our nieces and nephews on this water, taught them to waterski in the same coves our neighbors still use, and made lifelong friends through firepit gatherings, sunset cruises, and spontaneous card nights.

What I love most about helping new buyers here is that you are not just choosing a house, you are choosing the next chapter of your life. Whether you are dreaming of quiet mornings on the porch, golf leagues and new friendships, or a morning paddle at one of our many lake access points, this guide will help you see what life here truly feels like.

This is not a generic guide on how to buy a home. It is based on real conversations, real neighbors, and real experiences from more than 25 years of living in this community.

1. Understanding the Savannah Lakes Village Market

Savannah Lakes Village is a lifestyle driven community. People move here not because of commuting patterns or school zones, but because they want a better quality of life.

Unlike large metro markets, pricing here is shaped by:

• Lakefront scarcity
• Golf demand
• Privacy preferences
• The type of views buyers want, such as coves, deep water, fairways or forest
• Seasonality, especially spring and fall relocation waves
• Out of state buyers seeking a lower cost of living

You will find four main home categories in Savannah Lakes Village.

Lakefront Homes

Lakefront homes are highly sought after and limited in supply. Pricing is influenced by water view and cove depth, dock availability, the slope to the water, and whether you are facing sunrise or sunset.

Golf Course Homes

Golf course homes are perfect for buyers who love open green views, league play, and being close to Tara or Monticello. Your view changes depending on whether you are near a tee box, fairway, or green.

Wooded and Interior Homes

Wooded and interior homes are ideal for privacy seekers or value focused buyers. Many of these homes have beautiful natural terrain, wildlife, and quiet streets.

New Construction

New construction is a strong option for buyers who want updated design, personalized finishes, and competitive prices. Best of all, you can pick the location in the community that feels right and design the home of your dreams. Build times can range from 6 to 12 months, and we can even help you find a rental while you build.

2. Choosing the Right Neighborhood

Every Savannah Lakes Village neighborhood has a distinct feel. Choosing the right one is one of the most important decisions you will make. Here is how I help buyers sort through the options.

Tara and Magnolia

Tara and Magnolia are walkable to Tara Golf Course, River Grille, and the Recreation Center. These neighborhoods are great if you want:

• Convenience
• A social atmosphere
• A mix of lake, golf, and interior homes

Monticello

Monticello is scenic, newer, and quieter, and it is home to one of the most beautiful courses in the region.

It is a great fit for:

• Golf first buyers
• People who want newer homes and floorplans
• Those who appreciate rolling terrain and long views

Shenandoah

Shenandoah is shaded, wooded, and peaceful, with a very natural feel.

It is ideal for:

• Privacy seekers
• People who like larger lots
• Buyers who love boating, water sports, and walking

Savannah Point

Savannah Point feels like a community all on its own. It offers larger lots, walking paths, gardens, and beautiful lake access and views.

It is best for:

• Boaters
• Kayakers
• Walkers and runners who enjoy quiet streets and scenic water views

Southwind

Southwind is a nature lover’s dream, with quiet coves, open water views in some areas, and a slower pace overall.

It is best for:

• Boaters
• Kayakers
• Walkers and runners who love being near the lake

3. Discovery Visits: How We Structure Your Ideal Day

Most buyers visit Savannah Lakes Village at least once before deciding, but no two discovery visits should be the same. Here is how we personalize yours.

It starts with one question:

"If tomorrow were your perfect day in Savannah Lakes Village, what would it look like?"

Your answer shapes the entire visit.

If you say:

• "We want morning coffee on the deck and a quiet paddle," we will tour quiet but convenient neighborhoods, lake access points, and neighborhood trails.
• "Golf, lunch, and meeting new people," we structure the day around Tara, Magnolia, or Monticello, the clubhouse, and social hubs such as the pub, recreation center, and cafe.
• "Privacy and nature," we focus on wooded lots and quiet streets at different times of the day.

We also offer two bedroom villas where you can stay for two or three nights to get a feel for the neighborhood, meet your potential future neighbors, and explore local towns. Ask us how to reserve a villa for your stay.

A Typical Personalized Discovery Visit May Include:

• An early morning drive through your top neighborhoods to feel their personality
• Visits to lake access points to see where you would launch your kayak or tie up your boat
• A tour of the Recreation Center, including pools, fitness areas, courts, bowling alley, cafe, and classes
• Lunch at River Grille, Monti’s, or local spots in McCormick or Lincolnton
• A quiet walk through trails or a sunset cruise on the water to reflect
• Touring homes that match your lifestyle priorities, not just your budget

4. HOA Fees, Taxes, and Ownership Costs

Savannah Lakes Village is surprisingly affordable for the lifestyle it offers.

Homeowners enjoy:

• Low HOA fees, where you only pay for the amenities that interest you
• No special assessments
• Golf membership without any initiation fees
• Lower than average utilities compared to many metro and resort areas
• South Carolina tax benefits for many retirees

This is not resort pricing, it is sustainable, long term living.

5. Making an Offer: Strategy, Logic, and What Really Matters

Successful offers in Savannah Lakes Village are less about bidding wars and more about understanding micro locations.

Here is what affects price.

Lakefront Homes

• Water depth
• View quality
• Dock potential

Golf Course Homes

• View quality
• Proximity to tees and greens
• Noise and cart path patterns

Interior and Wooded Homes

• Privacy
• Street layout
• Lot size and topography

How We Help You Compete Without Overpaying

We:

• Pull hyper local comparable sales
• Evaluate lot characteristics and views in person
• Show you long term resale implications
• Recommend smart contingencies for inspections and financing
• Protect you from emotional decisions in a lifestyle driven market

This is not about sales pressure. It is about advising you like a neighbor.

6. Closing and What Life Really Looks Like After Moving In

Closings typically take 30 to 45 days. But real life begins the first weekend you are here.

We regularly hear things like:

• "We met three neighbors before the moving truck left."
• "We were invited to play cards within 48 hours."
• "We watched our first sunset from the dock and knew we made the right move."
• "We joined more clubs in two months than in ten years at our old home."

Savannah Lakes Village friendships form quickly, especially for active adults who are seeking connection and community.

What Most New Residents Do in the First Month

• Join golf leagues, pickleball groups, or fitness classes
• Go on a kayak or hiking trip with the Outdoor Adventure Club
• Meet neighbors at Fridays at 4, firepits, or social gatherings
• Explore local restaurants and trails
• Host friends and family who suddenly want to visit the lake

7. About Greene Advantage Real Estate

We are not just agents, we are your neighbors.

• We live here.
• We play here.
• We have raised families here.

We want to help you find the piece of Savannah Lakes Village that feels like home the moment you arrive.