Damon

If Savannah's CSA included its neighboring South Carolina counties (Jasper and Beaufort), Savannah would take over the #2 spot surpassing Augusta/Aiken and it would continue to be #2 as both the Savannah and Hilton Head metros are growing at a much faster pace than Augusta and the other 2nd tier GA metros/CSA's. With the addition of Hilton Head, the CSA is over 500,000. I don't think people dont realize the connection between Savannah and Hilton Head. The media, the tourism, Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport and the distance from downtown Savannah to Beaufort County is approx. 30 mins and the Hilton Head metro includes Jasper county which is right across the bridge from Savannah. It appears that people forgot that the Savannah area is bustling and it honestly has a more diverse economy than any other 2nd tier city- tourism, military, the #4 largest port in the country, manufacturing. Augusta, Macon, Columbus enthusiasts continue to ignore Savannah from these discussions. I would argue Savannah is clearly #2 in the state as has less reliance on Atlanta than anyone else and its area has the most potential for continued growth (economically and population).