A new rental-home community in Port Wentworth is expanding housing options as residential development continues across one of Coastal Georgia's fastest-growing cities.
Maret Cove, developed by Novare Group and Batson-Cook Development Company (BCDC), recently opened its newest community just minutes from Downtown Savannah. The development features 106 two-story detached homes with three to four bedroom options and attached garages.
Amenities include a fitness center, playground, pet park, pool and more. Monthly rents range from $1,999 to $2,390.
“With Maret Cove now complete, we’re excited to welcome residents to a community that redefines rental living in this market,” Jim Borders, president and chief executive officer of Novare Group, said in a press
release. “These homes offer the comfort, space, and quality typically associated with homeownership, paired with the flexibility and convenience renters are seeking today.”
Borders said the development is positioned to serve workers employed throughout the Savannah region, including at Gulfstream, the Port of Savannah and major distribution centers in and around Port Wentworth. The city is home to several major distribution operations, including Target, The Home Depot, Wayfair, Fed Ex and Serena and Lily.
The city has experienced significant residential growth over the last two decades. According to the city's comprehensive plan much of their housing stock was built after the year 2000 and additional options are needed to serve citizens at a variety of income levels.
The community is already about 60% leased and has attracted a mix of single professionals, couples and families Borders said. He also spoke to the demand for rental homes in Coastal Georgia, saying Georgia's growing industries are increasing the state's workforce.
"The market may be a little bit ahead of itself in terms of the supply, but the Hyundai plant is still hiring and still growing in terms of its production and there are others that are growing," said Borders. "One of the big opportunities for intermediate job growth is the data center in Rincon. It is going to be a big boost for construction jobs over the next several years, and then obviously there's some jobs in the data center itself. We're continuing to see good job growth in the Savannah area."
Borders said continued hiring by Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America and other regional employers supports demand for rental housing throughout Coastal Georgia.
Thornton Kennedy, a spokesperson for Novare, said build-to-rent communities appeal to residents seeking more space than traditional apartments without the maintenance responsibilities associated with homeownership. The property's amenities are included in the rental prices.
The company has also developed other residential communities, including The Preserve at Heartwood in Richmond Hill and Wentworth Park in Port Wentworth.
More housing on the way
LEO at Port Wentworth will be welcoming its first residents in November, according to the community's social media page. The community offers one, two and three bedroom floor plans through its home and townhome options, which include cottage duplexes and row houses. Amenities include patios and fenced backyards in select homes, community green spaces, fire pits and more.
Atlanta-based real estate firm Shelton McNally broke ground on a 300-unit garden-style apartment complex in May on Highway 21. According to the company's website, the property will be developed under its NOVO brand, which already has a presence in the Savannah area through NOVO New Hampstead in Bloomingdale.
The property in Port Wentworth will average 1,034 square feet between one, two and three bedroom floor plans. Inside, residents will find an open floor plan with stainless steel appliances, in-unit laundry and stone countertops. Amenities include a resort-style pool, fitness center, community green space, dog park, car care center and more.
Latrice Williams is a general assignment reporter covering Bryan and Effingham County. She can be reached at lwilliams6@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: New rental home community leasing in Port Wentworth
