Here we are at the end of our 1^st quarter 2009 and I want to compare the statistics available in our local MLS system for this quarter to both the 4^th quarter 2008 as well as to the statistical data for the 1^st quarter end of 2008. The statistics below reflect residential sales in Glynn County and do not include land/lots transactions and commercial sales.

I keep telling you folks that Glynn County and the Golden Isles of GA is a great place to live and now I have additional “proof.” Our local newspaper recently featured a Brunswick resident who holds the record as the second oldest person in the world. Beatrice Farve of Brunswick celebrated her 113^th birthday on January 2^nd and the #1 record holder is another woman named Gertrude Baines, age 115, who resides in Los Angeles.   There is an incredible parallel between these two ladies---both are actually Georgia natives! Perhaps our wonderful weather is a key factor to long life---we are enjoying a beautiful 69° currently (1/9/09) and had high 70’s over the past weekend.

If this isn’t additional evidence that Georgia is a special place, I don’t know what is! Make your plan to come check us out and be sure to look me up in the Village area of historic St. Simons Island. 

The update does not show the 3 county areas of Glynn, Brantley and McIntosh counties in a flattering light in all areas, but the numbers are what they are. This update is based on three years’ of data gathered by the American Community Survey.   I am noting a few highlights:

1. 3 county area total population of 99,809. With Glynn County as home to 73,276 of them.
2. 18.1% of population as high school dropouts as compared to national average of 16%. 22% of population with a bachelor’s degree or higher to compare with 27% nationally.
3. Median household income at $44,613, which is less than the national median of $50,740. (Note: single mother households make up the largest percentage of families living in poverty.)
4. Our unemployment rate is lower than the national average – 3.1% compared to the national percent of 4.6.
5. Interestingly, we have a high percentage of military veterans than elsewhere with 14% of our population having served compared to 10.7% in other areas of GA and 10.4% nationally.
6. Single parent households came in at 8% headed by a mother and 2.7% by a single father. More women live here---52% to the 48% male figure. 
7. The median age is 37 with 71.3% being white, 23.9 black and 3.6% are Hispanic, Asian or Indian. 

The results of this survey of course lump the 3 county data into one pot. In doing so, it doesn’t take into consideration the individual makeup of just Glynn County. But information is a very good thing and I wanted to pass this along to you.

If you would care to view the full results of the Census survey, go online to:

Our area boasts a strong awareness of the arts with numerous galleries featuring our many local artists who have landed in this picturesque area. Cheryl Fisher, a REALTOR® in our office, is pleased to invite anyone to come view her husband’s watercolor display at the Brunswick Library. Bob Fisher is the featured artist for the month and his work will be on display through October 31^st. Perhaps it is due to the natural beauty that is so prevalent with the marsh vistas, ancient, moss draped oaks and sandy beaches. Nevertheless, for a relatively small community, you can enjoy local artist’s talents, musical concerts and community theatre. 

A local group, The Island Players, has  been bringing live theatre to Coastal GA since 1956. Their productions are held at the Island Casino Theatre in the Village on St. Simons Island and have given local talent a venue for so many years. I am including a link to the group’s website, if any of you would like to see what productions are planned and when. Their next production is Annie Get Your Gun beginning October 31-November 16^th.

 http://www.theislandplayers.com/perform.html

By the way, our real estate office is also located in the Village Area, and I would love to have you come by and check us out, too! We are so pleased to meet new friends and have area maps available. Our sister company, Beachcomber Buggies is right next door and the electric gem cars are a fun and easy way to cruise the Island. 

I want to provide some information to show in the residential real estate category (that includes single family homes, duplexes and condos) the amount of inventory and the sales for year 2008. This information was obtained from our local Multiple Listing Service, so of course doesn’t include properties which are not in our MLS system.