7 Things Nobody Tells You About Del Webb Savannah at Heartwood

Del Webb Heartwood is the genuine article — metro Savannah’s only deed-restricted 55+ community of scale. Here’s what the brochures and the big directories leave out.

1. It’s in Bryan County, not Chatham — and that’s a tax decision

“Savannah” is in the name, but the homes are in Richmond Hill, Bryan County. That means Bryan’s lower, nine-years-rolled-back millage applies — and that Chatham’s Stephens-Day homestead freeze does not. If you were counting on the Savannah-famous tax freeze, it isn’t available here. See the Bryan County tax guide.

2. The marsh views come with a flood-zone homework assignment

Homes sit along the Jericho River marsh. Gorgeous — and exactly the siting where flood-insurance cost swings wildly lot to lot. Two neighbors can pay thousands of dollars apart depending on elevation and FEMA zone. Pull the zone for the specific homesite, not the community. This is the biggest variable in your true cost.

3. There’s a hospital being built into the master plan

The wider Heartwood development includes a St. Joseph’s/Candler medical campus. Healthcare you can reach by golf cart is rare for a brand-new active-adult community, and it’s a real reason this site stands out for retirees.

4. You’re buying into a community that isn’t finished yet

Del Webb broke ground in 2024; full buildout is targeted around 2027. A temporary “Lifestyle House” opened in early 2026 so the social calendar could start before the main 15,000+ sq ft clubhouse was complete. Early buyers trade some construction noise and unfinished amenities for first pick of homesites.

5. The HOA dollar figure isn’t public — pin it down in writing

The HOA covers landscaping, the guard gate, and amenity upkeep, but Del Webb hadn’t published a firm monthly number at writing. On a new build the assessment can move as the community fills and control transfers from builder to residents. Get the current figure and inclusions in writing before you sign.

6. Single-level living is the default, with real flexibility

Eleven floor plans, 1,345–2,712 sq ft, all single-level with an optional second-floor loft, and 3-car garage options on some plans. The homes are HERS-rated for energy efficiency, and Del Webb’s warranty runs 10-year structural / 5-year water / 2-year mechanical / 1-year general.

7. Golf is an add-on, not included

Despite the resort framing, golf isn’t built into the HOA. Heartwood buyers have been offered an opt-in membership at nearby Sapelo Hammock Golf Club (with promotional initiation waivers). If golf is central to your retirement, budget the club membership separately — it’s a distinct cost.

Bottom line: this is the one truly age-restricted option of its size in the metro, with a genuine healthcare edge. The two things to investigate hardest are the per-lot flood cost and the confirmed HOA. Compare it against an age-targeted Pooler villa on the Richmond Hill vs. Pooler page.

Sources: Del Webb / PulteGroup; Savannah Magazine and Savannah Business Journal community reporting; Bryan County tax data; FEMA NFIP. Details change on an actively-selling community — confirm specifics with the builder.