I've spent more time in rural settings than urban settings, and more time in the South than the North, but enough in all to tell you that a rural area is far easier to settle in than a city. I disagree with Skid's statement that the deeper South you go, the more generations it takes to fit in. I'm not originally from Georgia, but that's overlooked because I've always been an active member of the community. Looking folks in the eye when you talk to them, not criticizing, not constantly talking about how things were where you came from, and observing their traditions before you just jump in with your own, goes a long way. If you're a people-person, you likely have the social skills to fit in most anywhere. You may not be a founding family, but you'll be able to get along alright.
Savannah is an odd mix of Old South, college town, and tourist destination. If you took away the college and the tourism, it would be a perfect place to live. The college, while it does add a certain level of culture, also adds a high degree of liberal influence (which I dislike, but that's just me) and the money to spread that influence. I've also found that tourism brings a level of distrust of outsiders that makes it harder to settle in if you're new to the area.
Things that are important to you are the things you need to weigh. Being near the water, the local political ideology, religious influence (for example, there are a number of areas in the South where Catholicism is highly suspect, but others where it's the driving influence), recreation (to include your dining preferences - Savannah's the only place in 100 miles with decent restaurants), climate (many folks come here but can't stand the heat and humidity in the summers), and facilities - hospitals and such. You can research most of that online, then go visit for a better feel for a place. But you'll never know any area until you move there.
Personally, I think the Southern Coastal region is the greatest place on earth, warts and all. :) Good luck in your search!
