Garden City, Georgia

Garden City is located northwest of the center of Chatham County at 32°6′1″N 81°9′54″W (32.100372, −81.164965).[6] It is bordered to the southeast by the city of Savannah, to the west by the city of Pooler, and to the north by the city of Port Wentworth. To the northeast in unincorporated land is the Port of Savannah and the Savannah River.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Garden City has a total area of 14.3 square miles (37.1 km²), of which 13.7 square miles (35.5 km²) is land and 0.62 square miles (1.6 km²), or 4.35%, is water.[5]

As of the census[3] of 2010, there were 8,778 people, 3,981 households, and 2,663 families residing in the city. The population density was 601.2/sq mi (232.1/km²). There were 3,704 housing units at an average density of 253.7/sq mi (98.0/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 49.2% White, 37.4% African American, 0.4% Native American, 1.4% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 8.9% from other races, and 2.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 16.7% of the population.

There were 3,392 households, out of which 27.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.8% were married couples living together, 20.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.5% were non-families. 29.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.12.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.2% under the age of 18, 10.2% from 18 to 24, 28.4% from 25 to 44, 25.4% from 45 to 64, and 11.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $37,264, and the median income for a family was $42,905. Males had a median income of $30,509 versus $30,509 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,380. About 15.5% of families and 22.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 40.6% of those under age 18 and 6.7% of those age 65 or over.[8]

From the Reconstruction Era until the 1930s, the area was home to three major plantations: Brampton, Givens and Telfair.[10] Garden City was incorporated on February 8, 1939, as "Industrial City Gardens". It received its current name on March 24, 1941.[11][12]

Robert W. Groves High School

The Rommel Avenue Catwalk is used by the school kids of George A. Mercer Middle School and other pedestrians to safely cross Augusta Road (State Highway 21).

The Garden City United Methodist Church building is located at 62 Varnedoe Avenue, next to the Senior Citizen Center.

Central Baptist Church

Woodlawn Baptist Church

Three public schools can be found within Garden City limits. They are managed by the Savannah Chatham County Public School System.[22]

Groves High School - Long known as "the pride of the Westside", Groves High School has a rich community tradition that dates back to its founding in 1958. Established to serve the young people and families of West Chatham County, the school is named for Robert W. Groves, a prominent business and civic leader in the county. Besides his role in business and his many commercial and community activities, Groves took particular concern for the youth of the area and their educational needs.

Groves High School is home of the Fighting Scottish Rebels football and basketball teams. Campus points of interest include the Woodville-Tompkins Annex, where the automotive and construction programs are offered, and the Cumming Field, named to honor Second Lieutenant Britt C. Cumming, a World War II veteran who was killed in action.

Mercer Middle School serves grades six through eight and is a part of the Savannah Chatham County School System (SCCPSS).[23] Originally called Mercer Junior High School, Mercer Middle School first opened on September 4, 1962, and was the first climate-controlled school in Georgia.[24] Mercer was named for George Anderson Mercer, an attorney who served as the president of the Board of Education from 1883 until his death in 1907.[25]

Garden City Elementary School was built to serve the consolidated student population of the former Benjamin Sprague and Martin G. Haynes elementary schools.[26]

45.08% of Garden City residents are affiliated with religious congregations. Southern Baptists account for 33% of the population that has a church affiliation, Catholics for 20%, and United Methodists for 15%.[27] There is no Catholic church in Garden City. The nearest is Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, located at 501 South Coastal Highway in Port Wentworth. Local houses of prayer include:

The Senior Citizens Center was dedicated in January 1996, under the administration of Mayor Roy L. Crager.

Volunteer Park was dedicated in December 1999, under the administration of Mayor Dean Kicklighter.

The Park at Sharon Park was dedicated in December 1999, under the administration of Mayor Dean Kicklighter, and rededicated in 2004, under the administration of Mayor Andy Quinney.

By 1950, the Eastern Star Masonic Hall, located at 131 Rommel Avenue, was listed in R.L. Polk's Savannah City Directory.

The geographical reference of this water tower, located at the intersection of Nelson and Rommel avenues, is 32°6′49.7″N 81°9′16.4″W.

Services to the citizens of Garden City include:

Other landmarks located in Garden City include:

• The Air National Guard facility at 1401 Robert B. Miller Jr. Road
• Coastal State Prison, located at 200 Gulfstream Road and dedicated on May 12, 1981; it replaced the Chatham Correctional Institution as the local-based state-run correctional facility[29]
• The Dotson House (the oldest residence in Garden City), built in 1850 and moved from the surroundings of George A. Mercer School to the site of the current town center[30]
• Fire Department Station No. 1, 160 Main Street
• Fire Department Station No. 2, 2406 U.S. Highway 80 West
• The Order of the Eastern Star's local branch, located at 131 Rommel Avenue
• The county-run Sharon Park Solid Waste Drop-Off Center, located at 50 Kelly Road
• A statue of baseball icon Babe Ruth, which stands on the front lawn of Babe's Barbeque Shack, 525 U.S. Highway 80 West
• Hillcrest Abby West Cemetery, located on Dean Forest Road
• Several roadside welcome signs, posted near the city limits
• Several water towers

• Garden City official website