I've lived here 6 years and avoid the tourist areas of Savannah like the plague. Don't think there aren't plenty of homeless and crime in Savannah. They just do a better job of not letting them off the leash around the tourist. Just like New Orleans, you go one block the wrong direction and you could see everything from junkies and dealers to bullets flying.

There are a bunch of good restaurants but the best ones aren't the tourist traps like The Old Pink House or Mrs Wilkes. For really good food from Seafood to Burgers it's hard to beat Crystal Beer Palace. I ate there today because I had to be in Savannah. Cotton Exchange is really good, too even though it's on River Street. I haven't tried The Grey but it's been well reviewed since opening. Next time, go over to Pooler off Hwy 80 and there is a place called Randy's Pickin Parlor where they have live Bluegrass music and pretty good food. It's kind of eclectic and different but very popular with locals and tourist.