Coastal Lifestyle

Lifestyles

True "quality of life" is beautifully defined by the homes and natural environment of our coastal community.  Those who are fortunate enough to call Glynn County their home recognize its magical qualities. Those who visit Brunswick and the Golden Isles are enchanted by the rich, natural landscape found only in our corner of the state  Glynn County is unique for many reasons. We not only offer a dreamlike getaway, but also a sense of permanence and community to many. With natural amenities, beautiful houses, safe neighborhoods, and no limit of activities, Glynn County is the perfect place to call home.

Outdoors

Whether you are in the market for a quaint cottage, a stylish condominium, or a historic residence, you will find the perfect home within the beautiful boundaries of Brunswick and the Golden Isles. Developments and communities offer unique lifestyles found only in Glynn County.   The Atlantic Ocean is gateway to fun for vacationers and residents alike. During the summer months, sail-catamarans are available to rent but feel free to bring your own throughout the year. Marinas call to boaters on all of the isles, as fishing is a favorite pastime in Glynn County. One of the many favorite activities in Glynn County is golf. With 216 holes, Brunswick and the Golden Isles is Georgia's largest golf resort. Courses are available on Sea Island, Jekyll Island, St. Simons Island and in Brunswick. Our natural surroundings make us the perfect place for camping. Along with visitors, residents will often pitch a tent to experience our serene surroundings. Picnic grounds and parks add to the trip and create a relaxing experience. For an extended description of local living and lifestyles, please visit our local Chamber of Commerce.

Leisure & History

Stories of the past still circulate throughout Glynn County - telling of ghostly spirits and remarkable sights. Georgia poet, Sidney Lanier, was so inspired while visiting Glynn County it resulted in his famous poem, The Marshes of Glynn, written in the 1870s. The spectacular site of our immense marshlands has captivated the attention of most everyone who has visited our community.  Still, others whisper of the spirits that are locked in St. Simons Island's trees. While strolling on the island, visitors are often surprised to look up and find a face peering out at them from within one of the many trees. Faces of soldiers lost at sea were skillfully carved into a number of the island's trees many years ago and can still be seen today as if they were just etched there days ago.

History

Glynn County has a strong educational heritage which began in colonial days.

The school system's charter predates the state's constitution. The first structured educational program actually began in 1745 at Frederica with John Urlich Dreizler's Oglethorpe regiment. In 1788, an act was approved by the General Assembly appointing eight commissioners in the town of Brunswick with the power to sell public property, thus providing funds to operate an academy. As a result, Glynn Academy has the distinction of being one of the oldest public schools in the nation.

The year 1873 saw the real beginning of the present system of education in Glynn County. In that year, the General Assembly of Georgia passed an act creating a system of public schools serving the entire county.

That act provided for the creation of a county board of education which was directed and empowered to make all necessary arrangements for the instruction of white and black students in separate schools. The facilities of each were to be the same in all matters pertaining to education; however, the act of 1873 did not provide for any adequate means of financial support, a situation which was remedied by subsequent legislation. Taxation for the support of education in Glynn County was first authorized in 1884.

At the beginning of 1887, the Board owned only two shabby buildings in Brunswick and the schools operated as if a part of the general state system. Enrollment in the Brunswick schools was then only 400 students.

By 1910, the school system was considerably improved. Two new buildings were erected and the course of study was revised and broadened; some constructive legislation had been passed; and the schools were more nearly sufficient to meet the needs of the community.

In 1920, the Board went on record as favoring the enforcement of the compulsory attendance laws in the city and employed an attendance officer to oversee improving attendance in the county schools.

In 1921, the policy of gradual introduction of free textbooks was adopted. The problem of rural consolidation was solved by bringing most rural students to the city schools, and by 1925 four Board-owned buses were in use.

In 1935 a bond referendum of $150,000 was passed to build new facilities to relieve overcrowded conditions. With the opening of new schools in 1936, the system was reorganized on the 6-2-4 plan.

In 1963, black students attended white schools under freedom of choice provisions. Brunswick High School was constructed in 1965. The Board of Education implemented a plan for a unitary school system in 1970 and in 1975 reorganized the system to a 5-3-4 plan. The seventh elementary school opened in the fall of 1978. As curriculum development continued and expanded, kindergarten classes were added. Arco and Albany Street kindergarten centers operated from 1976 until 1981 when kindergarten classes were added at all elementary sites and the Albany Street facility again became an elementary school. At this point, the system included eight elementary schools (K-5), three middle schools (6-8) and two high schools (9-12).

During the summer of 1981, as the Albany Street Kindergarten Center was prepared to become Risley Elementary School, major renovations for energy-efficient, climate-controlled classrooms began systemwide, and by the mid-1980s all classrooms had been air-conditioned.

A $1.5 million gymnasium was built on the Glynn Academy campus in 1983.

A $4 million bond referendum in 1985 provided funds for a 12,000-seat football stadium, dedicated in September 1986, and classroom additions at two elementary schools. This bond referendum also provided funds for a new elementary school (Golden Isles) which opened in the 1989-90 school year. Also during that school year, the Risley complex (closed as an elementary school when Golden Isles Elementary School was opened) became the Risley Learning Center.

In August 1994, Oglethorpe Point Elementary School opened on the north end of St. Simons Island.

With funds from a 1995 bond referendum of $18.7 million, two elementary schools (replacing old facilities) opened for the 1997-98 school year, and a fourth middle school opened in 1998-99. Major renovations occurred at other sites including the historic Glynn Academy campus, and a new Goodyear Elementary (on its original site) opened for the 1999-2000 school year. The business community has become increasingly involved in the schools through Glynn County's Partners in Education program which was initiated in February 1991. To support middle school athletic programs, an annual Golden Isles Bowl Game for junior college football began in 1995.

While continuing to focus on a strong curriculum, the system has kept pace with changing times by incorporating technological advances. All schools have Internet access and programs to teach students about computers and technology. There are numerous innovative programs and courses of study that are preparing students and staff of the Glynn County School System to flourish in the new millenium.

For an extended description of local history and leisure, please visit our local Chamber of Commerce.

Local Industry

Tourism accounts for a large portion of our industry, directly and indirectly. We have substantial technology-based businesses, manufacturing is a major factor and we have a strong retail market. In both variety and size the businesses that make up our community are a healthy mix, from the manufacturing giant to the Mom-and-Pop cafe. They range across the county from the massive developments at Exit 38 to the industrial parks at Glynco to the ports at the western edge. One sector with enormous potential for increasing its impact on Glynn County is the ports system. In fact, visitors contribute more than $800 million to our economy annually. It's no wonder that hotels, restaurants and our various retail shops do so well.

Ports

The sea has always been our most valuable asset; the shape of our coastline and the confluence of rivers have created a perfect natural harbor, ideal for maritime use. At Colonel’s Island and Mayor’s Point terminals everything from automobiles to agricultural products is processed. Although their growth has been constant, the ports have been hampered in their expansion by the limitations of the bridge and channel which provide access to the sea.  The Brunswick Port is one of Georgia's two sea ports. Its activities are led by the Georgia Ports Authority. For an extended description of local industry and business, please visit our local Chamber of Commerce.

Services

With nine elementary schools, four middle schools and two high schools, the Glynn County Public School System offers a comprehensive learning program anchored on the basics, while encouraging imagination and individuality. Gifted programs and advanced placement classes meet the needs of our exceptional learners, while special courses are offered to help those with personal learning challenges.  Our operating budget in excess of $100.9 million is allowing new schools to replace older ones and renovations to be made where needed. Each school features a media center and advanced telecommunication capabilities that help prepare our students for the demands of the 21st century.

Healthcare

Just as ensuring that our minds are kept sharp, keeping our bodies healthy is also a priority in Glynn County. Residents and visitors can rest safe knowing that their healthcare needs can always be met, whether they are lifetime residents or are just weekend vacationers. A number of medical services and specialties can be found within the medical center's walls.  The core of Glynn County's comprehensive healthcare system is the Southeast Georgia Regional Medical Center (SGRMC). This 340-bed non-profit hospital offers round-the-clock care in a state-of-the-art facility. Its 150 physicians, the majority of which are board certified, provide care in over 30 medical specialties. For an extended description of local healthcare and educational options, please visit our local Chamber of Commerce.

Average Home Purchase Price

St.Simons Island - $300,000
Brunswick - $100,000
Sea Island - $1,718,400
Jekyll Island - $175,000

Average Temps

January: High 57 Low 43
July: High 89 Low 81

Area Transportation