"Weekends they bar-be-que and have a cold one / They run on a big ol' heart and a pinch of Skoal / That's how country boys roll" -- From "That's How Country Boys Roll," by Billy Currington
Rincon is found in the southeastern part of Effingham County, about 30 miles from the Georgia coast. It's a pretty young town, all things considered -- with just over 8,800 residents, at the time of the 2010 U.S. Census. The town was not incorporated until 1927, when the railroad was laid through the area. The name Rincon is Spanish for "corner," and it's believed that the town was named for a Mexican village by the same name, or due to the fact that the railroad within town had a bend in its path. Rincon is unique in its layout: the incorporated city limits of the area form a circle that's two-and-a-half miles in diameter, resulting in a population density of about 650 people per mile. It's not overcrowded, but the folks are friendly, and there's plenty to do. Rincon embodies the feel of small-town Georgia, but remains close enough to bigger cities that the residents can find whatever they need.
Rincon has an abundance of homes for rent, so if you're in the market for a cozy, southern home, this is the place
"Weekends they bar-be-que and have a cold one / They run on a big ol' heart and a pinch of Skoal / That's how country boys roll" -- From "That's How Country Boys Roll," by Billy Currington
Rincon is found in the southeastern part of Effingham County, about 30 miles from the Georgia coast. It's a pretty young town, all things considered -- with just over 8,800 residents, at the time of the 2010 U.S. Census. The town was not incorporated until 1927, when the railroad was laid through the area. The name Rincon is Spanish for "corner," and it's believed that the town was named for a Mexican village by the same name, or due to the fact that the railroad within town had a bend in its path. Rincon is unique in its layout: the incorporated city limits of the area form a circle that's two-and-a-half miles in diameter, resulting in a population density of about 650 people per mile. It's not overcrowded, but the folks are friendly, and there's plenty to do. Rincon embodies the feel of small-town Georgia, but remains close enough to bigger cities that the residents can find whatever they need.
Moving to Rincon
Rincon has an abundance of homes for rent, so if you're in the market for a cozy, southern home, this is the place. Plus, finding a place to live isn't very difficult; although the area is home to several thousand people, the population growth rate is pretty slow. Rincon has the sort of volatile, unpredictable climate associated with so much of Georgia, but it also receives cooling sea breezes because of its proximity to the Atlantic. On a clear day, you can almost taste the salt on the wind. Since there are so many places to live, make sure you give yourself enough time to look around the area and find a home that's suitable for your needs. There's no rush.
Forest or the Middle of the Circle?
Rincon's unique city limits mean that housing and neighborhoods are arranged in rather predictable patterns. The outer limits of the city are more rural, where tightly packed homes give way to forest. For people who prefer quiet living, further from the city center is probably a good bet -- but a drive anywhere will likely be longer! However, living in the middle of the circle, in the main shopping area of Rincon, can mean higher costs. You're more likely to find two bedroom apartments in this area, though.
Furnished or Not?
In addition to having a number of apartment complexes, Rincon also has a large number of independent landlords who are willing to lease out individual rooms or properties to the right person. These landlords tend to have less strict requirements, and it's easier to negotiate with them -- they're willing to take the extra steps to make sure their tenant is comfortable. This means you can potentially rent an already furnished home instead of being forced to bring your own supplies, but this does mean a pricier rent each month, so watch out! The swanky two bedroom apartment complexes also tend to be located closer to the center of town rather than on the outskirts, where privately owned houses can be found.
What You Need
No matter whether you choose to go through an independent landlord or a leasing agency, it's important that you provide proof of income in the form of pay stubs, a copy of your credit history, past rental history, if you can, and any other documents they might ask for. Make sure the area you are looking to live in allows pets if you have one, and be sure to double check on properties before agreeing to anything. Taking the time to find the perfect place to live is completely worth it, so give yourself a month or two to look before making a decision.
Rincon Neighborhoods
Rincon doesn't have any distinct neighborhoods -- given that the city is only around two miles wide, it's the size of a neighborhood in smaller cities! However, there are different areas that are worth mentioning. The central part of the city, where N Columbia Avenue and E 4th Street meet, is the most commercially developed area. That's also where the courthouse and other important buildings can be found. To the southeast is the Lost Plantation Golf Club. The northwestern part of the area is almost completely uninhabited, consisting mostly of forestland rather than homes.
Living in Rincon
The Rincon lifestyle is just a small taste of the lifestyle of all of southern Georgia -- slow and laid-back. People around here are quite friendly -- you'll often find yourself invited to a barbecue in someone's backyard after striking up a conversation with them at the grocery store. Plus, there's plenty to do and see. You won't even have a chance to get bored!
The Georgia Salzburger Society is one attraction that's nearby. It's dedicated to the family that helped found Savannah and settled the surrounding area. Backwater Expeditions is a company that takes visitors out onto the numerous creeks and rivers in the area. If you get a hankering to swing a club, head over to the Lost Plantation Golf Club and play a few holes.
Since Rincon is so close to Savannah, quite a few of the residents head that way for more serious shopping ventures. Rincon itself doesn't have too many stores, but what it does have is great cuisine. Tomo Japanese Restaurant is a favorite of local residents, with all flavors of Japanese food one could possibly want. The Schnitzel Shack serves authentic German cuisine, while Baibry's Coffee & Caf̩ is a place to sit back, relax and read the paper while sipping a cool, tasty coffee or tea drink.
Southern Georgia wouldn't be complete without fishermen. Around many of the creeks in the area, you'll find men sitting, drinking a cold brew and passing the time away waiting for a bite from the local fish. It's almost a regional pastime in these parts, so bring your rod, hook and some worms -- who knows, you might catch your dinner!