Since settling in Westbrook during the height of 2020, Savan and Pooja Patel have embraced the neighborhood not just as a place to live, but as a place to truly connect.

Originally from New Jersey, the couple made their move south in search of a lifestyle that balanced business, family, and community—and they’ve found exactly that. Today, they share their home with their daughter, Pia, who will turn two this April, and is already at the center of their busy, joy-filled life.

For the Patels, connection is everything. Whether it’s through their professional ventures—spanning real estate, land development, and locally owned businesses across Pooler, Garden City, and Savannah—or their personal lives, they are deeply woven into the fabric of the community. Savan also serves on the Savannah Quarters Commercial Board and regularly partners with other local businesses for events and outreach, further strengthening those ties.

But beyond business, it’s their approach to everyday living that truly stands out.

Weekends for the Patel family are rarely quiet. You might find them enjoying brunch with friends, strolling along River Street, attending a cooking class, or hosting one of their signature dinner parties. They’re just as likely to be cruising through the neighborhood on a golf cart, stopping to chat with neighbors, as they are planning their next getaway.

Travel, in fact, is one of the family’s greatest passions. Every other year, they embark on an extended international trip—often 20 days or more—immersing themselves in new cultures, cuisines, and traditions. When they return home, those experiences don’t just become memories; they become part of their daily lives.

In the years between those big adventures, they keep the spirit of exploration alive with trips to places like Vail, Colorado for snowmobiling, cozy cabin stays in Pigeon Forge, and visits to New York City and Atlanta. For a quick escape closer to home, they often retreat to The Ritz-Carlton on Amelia Island—a favorite spot that offers a perfect balance of luxury and familiarity.

Back in Westbrook, the Patels are known for creating memorable experiences right in their own neighborhood.

Each December, they host a highly anticipated Secret Santa party—now in its sixth year—where friends exchange everything from designer items to over-the-top surprises. In the fall, they help organize a neighborhood favorite: the Golf Cart Crawl. The event brings neighbors together as they travel from home to home, enjoying snacks, drinks, and activities along the way.

“It’s about getting out of our daily routines and spending time together,” Savan says. “Just being outside, in the neighborhood, connecting with each other.”

Even on quieter evenings, that sense of togetherness shines through. When temperatures drop, the Patels transform their driveway into a cozy gathering space, complete with a firepit and television—an open invitation for neighbors and friends to stop by and stay awhile.

For Savan, being a good neighbor starts with something simple but meaningful: making an effort.

“A thoughtful introduction, finding common ground, and keeping that line of communication open—that’s what builds real connections,” she shares.

It’s a philosophy the Patel family lives out daily, whether they’re hosting, traveling, or simply enjoying a walk through the neighborhood.

In a world that often feels fast-paced and disconnected, the Patels are a reminder that community isn’t just where you live—it’s what you create.