Moving to the Golden Isles: A Buyer's Guide to Brunswick, St. Marys and Camden County

People move to this part of Georgia for the salt air, the slower pace, and the fact that your money still buys something here. I sell across the whole area, so here's the honest rundown of the main spots and what buyers actually ask me about.

Brunswick and the Golden Isles

Brunswick is the mainland hub, and just across the causeway you've got St. Simons Island, Sea Island, and Jekyll Island. Think marsh views, live oaks, and beach access without big-city prices.

• Brunswick itself has the widest range of price points — good for first-time buyers and investors.
• The islands run higher, especially anything near the water, but you're paying for the location and you know it.

St. Marys and Camden County

Head south toward the Florida line and you're in Camden County — St. Marys, Kingsland, and Woodbine.

• St. Marys is the gateway to Cumberland Island, and it has a walkable historic waterfront that people fall for.
• Kingsland is more of a value play, with newer construction and easy highway access.
• Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base is here, so I work with a lot of military buyers and VA loans. If that's you, tell me early — there are steps worth planning around.

What buyers ask me before they move here

Will I need flood insurance?

Sometimes, depending on the exact property and its flood zone — not every coastal home requires it. It's one of the first things I check on any home you're serious about, so there are no surprises at closing.

How far is everything?

You're roughly an hour from Jacksonville, Florida to the south and an hour and change from Savannah to the north. Close enough for a big-city day trip or airport run, far enough to keep the quiet.

Is it a good place to buy right now?

It depends on your goals, and I'll never pretend otherwise. What I can tell you is the local market moves differently than the national headlines, and I'll show you real numbers for the specific town you're looking at instead of a guess.

FAQ

What towns make up the Golden Isles?

The Golden Isles refers to Brunswick on the mainland plus St. Simons Island, Sea Island, and Jekyll Island off the coast of Glynn County, Georgia.

Is St. Marys, GA a good place to live?

Many buyers love it for the historic waterfront, the access to Cumberland Island, the lower cost of living, and its proximity to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay. It sits in Camden County near the Georgia-Florida line.

Do you need flood insurance in coastal Georgia?

Not always — it depends on the property's specific flood zone and your lender. Some coastal homes require it and some don't, which is why it's worth checking early on any home you're considering.

Do you help military buyers near Kings Bay?

Yes. A large share of my Camden County buyers are military, and I regularly work with VA loans and PCS timelines. Let me know your situation early so we can plan around it.

Thinking about a move to the coast? Call or text me at 912-580-8498 — I'm happy to talk through the towns and what your budget really buys here. — Carli