The Golden Isles Insider: November 2026 News, Events and Market Update

Welcome to the very first issue of The Golden Isles Insider. Each month I'll round up what's happening across the Golden Isles, from St. Simons Island down to Camden County, plus a clear look at what the housing market is actually doing. Short, local, and worth your two minutes.

What's happening on St. Simons Island this month?

A new 258-acre park is coming to the north end. The St. Simons Land Trust has closed on the final tract of land next to Musgrove Plantation and plans to keep the forest intact while opening it to the public. They're aiming to have parts of the park open before the end of this year. Plans include:

• Nearly three miles of hiking and biking trails, reached from the Lawrence Road bike path
• Waterfront access via Village Drive
• A family fishing platform and creek-side walking path
• A small launch for kayaks and canoes

Around the Golden Isles

Brunswick: Travel + Leisure calls it the "Gateway to the Golden Isles." Brunswick just got a national spotlight. Travel + Leisure profiled the city's historic squares, fresh local shrimp, waterfront adventures, festivals and boutique stays. It's a nice reminder that our mainland neighbor has plenty of charm of its own. Read the article.

Darien: a new Darien River Bridge is on the way. Georgia DOT has chosen a team led by Scott Bridge Company and Michael Baker International to replace the Highway 25 bridge over the Darien River, which dates to 1944. Construction is expected to begin in 2027, and GDOT says keeping traffic moving through McIntosh County is a priority.

Camden County: visitors spent $191.8 million. Tourism is big business in St. Marys and Kingsland. Visitors spent $191.8 million in Camden County in 2025, and hotel-motel tax collections grew 5.5%, according to the St. Marys and Kingsland visitors bureaus.

Golden Isles events in November 2026

• Nov 6: First Friday, Downtown Brunswick. Monthly block party on Newcastle St. Shops and galleries stay open late.
• Nov 14–15: St. Simons Market. Local makers, art and food at Postell Park in the Pier Village.
• Nov 16–22: The RSM Classic. PGA TOUR week at Sea Island Golf Club on Sea Island, hosted by Davis Love III. Expect island traffic.
• Nov 20–21: Kingsland Catfish Festival. Catfish dinners, 200+ arts and crafts vendors, live music and a kids' area in historic downtown Kingsland. Free admission and parking.
• Nov 27: Holly Jolly Jekyll begins. Lights, trolley tours, drive-in movies and fireworks on Jekyll Island, running through January 3.

How is the St. Simons Island real estate market?

Here's how St. Simons Island homes and condos did in September 2026, according to Flexmls:

John's Take: Buyers have more to choose from than at any point this year, and new contracts slowed in September. Homes that are priced right and show well are still selling, but in this market the first two weeks on the market matter more than ever. For a deeper look, read my St. Simons Island market update for sellers.

Do I need owner's title insurance?

My advice to every buyer is simple: always buy an owner's title policy. Most homeowners never need it. But when a title problem does surface, it can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars to fix. Think of a missing heir, a forged signature from a past sale, an error in public records, or a lien nobody knew about.

Your lender's title policy only protects the bank. An owner's policy protects you. You pay for it once, at closing, and it covers you for as long as you own the home. It's a small price for real peace of mind.

Curious what your home would sell for today?

With 29 years and 875+ listings across the Golden Isles, I'll give you a straight answer, with the comps to back it up. Request a price opinion for your home and I'll get back to you personally. Looking to buy or sell a home in the Golden Isles, or know someone who is? Call me at 404-219-1063.

Market data from Flexmls, believed reliable but not guaranteed.