PCS orders to Hunter Army Airfield or Fort Stewart and wondering where to plant roots? If you want a shorter commute with easy access to Savannah, Richmond Hill often checks the boxes. You balance base proximity with everyday conveniences, plus strong community services for military families. In this guide, you’ll learn commute expectations, housing options, schools, healthcare, flood and tax basics, and a practical PCS checklist tailored to Richmond Hill. Let’s dive in.
Why Richmond Hill works for Hunter and Stewart
Richmond Hill sits southwest of Savannah in Bryan County. You’re roughly 18 to 25 miles from Fort Stewart and about 18 miles to Hunter, depending on your start point. Typical drives run about 25 to 40 minutes in normal traffic, with route and rush hour making the biggest difference. Local commute data supports that expectation, with a mean travel time of around 31 minutes for residents, and a median household income of about $89,910 plus a median gross rent near $1,757 over recent years according to U.S. Census QuickFacts.
If you travel to Fort Stewart, expect roughly 30 to 40 minutes most days using I-95 or US-17 and regional connectors based on typical distance estimates. For flights and visiting family, Savannah/Hilton Head International is about 18 to 22 miles, often a 20 to 30 minute drive from Richmond Hill.
Housing options on and off post
On-post vs. off-post
If you’re considering on-post housing at Fort Stewart or Hunter, contact the Housing Service Office as soon as you have orders. Waiting lists and eligibility rules apply, and staff can review leases and explain military clauses before you sign anything. Start here for contacts and guidance at Fort Stewart and Hunter AAF.
Off-post neighborhoods and price context
Off-post, you’ll find a mix of single-family subdivisions, newer master-planned areas like Mainstreet and Richmond Hill Village, and higher-end options such as the Ford Plantation. Inventory ranges from starter homes to luxury riverfront properties. Market trackers showed mid-2024 to early-2025 median listing prices in the mid-to-high 400s, with some reports around $475,000. Actual values shift with supply and interest rates, so verify current data as you approach your move window.
Rentals and timing
Rental demand runs in cycles with unit movements and training schedules. You’ll see strong interest near US-17 and Ford Avenue for base access, especially in peak PCS season. If you rent, ask the Housing Service Office to review your lease and confirm military clause language before you sign.
Commute and daily life
Main routes to base
Your primary corridors are US-17, I-95, SR-144 and SR-204. US-17 is the everyday workhorse into Savannah and toward Hunter, with I-95 handling regional movement and part of the Fort Stewart route. Get familiar with these connectors and plan alternate paths when training or weather impacts traffic. For route context, see U.S. Route 17 in Georgia.
Airport access
Savannah/Hilton Head International is close enough for stress-free travel days. Expect about 20 to 30 minutes in typical conditions to the airport. This makes TDYs, family visits, and holiday trips easier.
Car-first reality
Public transit is limited in Bryan County, so plan on driving for work, school, and base access. Leave buffer time during peak hours and after heavy rain. If you have a split-commute household, test routes at your expected drive time before locking in a lease.
Schools and enrollment basics
Richmond Hill is served by the Bryan County School District, including Richmond Hill Primary, Richmond Hill Elementary, George Washington Carver Upper Elementary, Richmond Hill Middle, and Richmond Hill High School. The district has expanded facilities to meet growth, and attendance zones can shift. Always verify current boundaries and enrollment steps with the district. You can review district context here: Bryan County School District.
Healthcare for military families
Active-duty families typically use Tuttle Army Health Clinic on Hunter and Winn Army Community Hospital at Fort Stewart. Check the installation directory for enrollment and routine care steps at Fort Stewart MEDDAC contacts. For civilian options, major hospitals in Savannah include Memorial Health and St. Joseph’s/Candler. For regional context, see Candler Hospital.
Weather, flood, and evacuation planning
Coastal Georgia weather demands a plan. While Richmond Hill sits inland of the barrier islands, certain areas are still vulnerable to hurricanes, heavy rain, and river or stream flooding. FEMA has updated flood maps in recent years, and local reports note changes that affected parts of Bryan County, so verify your address on current maps and factor flood insurance into your budget when required. See local coverage of updates in Bryan County News.
Register for Bryan County emergency alerts and know your evacuation routes before hurricane season. Buyers and renters should also review county and state resources on flood zones and preparedness; you can find background materials and state resources through Georgia archives like the Digital Library of Georgia.
Taxes and exemptions
If you buy, Georgia offers a standard homestead exemption, and some residents may qualify for additional exemptions. Disabled veterans and seniors can explore state and local programs. For state guidance and updates, review the Georgia Department of Revenue and contact the Bryan County Tax Assessor for local details.
PCS timeline and checklist
Use this to keep your move on track.
90 to 120 days out
- Contact the Housing Service Office to compare on-post wait times vs. off-post options at Fort Stewart/Hunter.
- Start on-post applications and gather lease-review documents if you plan to rent off post.
- Map likely commute routes during your expected drive time.
60 to 90 days out
- Verify school zones and enrollment steps with Bryan County Schools.
- Check FEMA flood maps for your short list and budget for flood insurance if required. Review local updates via Bryan County News.
- Confirm rental availability near US-17 or Ford Avenue if commute speed is a priority.
30 to 60 days out
- Schedule HHG pickup and delivery windows through the installation transportation office. The directory at Fort Stewart/Hunter lists contacts and hours.
- Transfer medical records to Tuttle or Winn as needed and confirm TRICARE details.
Arrival week
- Finalize utilities and local services.
- Complete school registrations and confirm bus routes or drop-off procedures.
- If you purchased, file for homestead exemption when eligible. See the Georgia Department of Revenue for state guidance and contact Bryan County for local filing dates.
Quality-of-life highlights
Outdoor time is easy to find. Fort McAllister State Park sits a short drive away and offers trails, water access, and historic sites to explore. Get a feel for local recreation at Fort McAllister State Park.
Daily errands are simple along US-17 and Ford Avenue, and Savannah is close for bigger shopping trips, medical centers, and the airport. With most essentials within minutes and base access in under an hour, Richmond Hill is designed for a smoother PCS landing.
Ready to weigh on-post against off-post and map your best fit in Richmond Hill? As a veteran-led advisor with local expertise, I can help you compare commute tradeoffs, confirm risk factors, and streamline your timeline. Start your move with a quick conversation with Charles Hudson.
FAQs
How long is the commute from Richmond Hill to Fort Stewart on a typical morning?
- Expect about 30 to 40 minutes in normal traffic, using I-95 or US-17 with SR-144 or SR-204 connectors. Give yourself buffer time during peak hours and base training days.
Is on-post or off-post housing better if I am assigned to Hunter or Fort Stewart?
- It depends on timing and needs. Contact the Housing Service Office as soon as you have orders to compare waitlists and convenience against off-post variety, commute control, and lease flexibility.
Do I need flood insurance if I live in Richmond Hill?
- Check your exact address on current FEMA flood maps. If your home is in a high-risk zone, lenders typically require flood insurance, and recent map updates have changed some designations in Bryan County.
What schools serve Richmond Hill and how do I verify zones?
- The Bryan County School District serves Richmond Hill, including Richmond Hill Primary, Elementary, George Washington Carver Upper Elementary, Middle, and High. Always confirm current boundaries and enrollment steps with the district before you sign a lease or contract.
How far is the Savannah airport from Richmond Hill?
- Usually 18 to 22 miles, often a 20 to 30 minute drive in typical conditions, depending on your exact start point and traffic.
