City of Decatur

Decatur, GA

The City of Decatur in Atlanta Georgia: a small town in a big city that offers an enriching quality of life and welcoming atmosphere, featuring a wealth of culture, festivals, amazing food, parks and so much more. Many also make the move to Decatur for its supreme selection of schools across the city. Decatur’s proximity to downtown Atlanta gives residents access to lucrative job opportunities as well as an array of exciting cultural and dining spots to explore. These are just some of the perks that have seen the city consistently rank in various lists of one of the best places to live in Georgia.

There’s a little bit of everything here for anyone interested in staying long-term or putting down roots. If you’re actively looking for homes for sale in Decatur, here are some good things to know:

A brief history of Decatur, GA

Named after Stephen Decatur, a decorated naval hero from the early 19th century, Decatur was the location of a major flashpoint during the Battle of Atlanta on July 22, 1864. General McPherson from the Union Army was tasked with occupying the city to pressure Confederate supply lines coming from Augusta to the east. It was here that General McPherson, one of the most promising generals of his day was killed.

Decatur’s development was quick due to its strategic location as an early depot stop along the Western and Atlantic Railroad (operated by the state of Georgia). And with its central location in DeKalb County, Decatur was perfectly positioned for further growth. As a key player in the country’s rail lines from the 1800s to the modern day, Decatur steadily grew its local transport capabilities, with mass passenger rail introduced in the 1970s.

Since its founding in 1823, Decatur has evolved into a dense modern suburb that still manages to preserve its warm, small-town atmosphere from its early years.

Location

Decatur is located just minutes away from Atlanta and spans an area of 4.6 square miles. The suburb’s outer rim consists of verdant, tree-lined neighborhoods. At the center is a bustling downtown core where you’ll find a variety of attractions and historical structures, including DeKalb County’s old courthouse, which now houses a small history museum.

Getting around
Decatur’s main thoroughfares include E. College Avenue, as well as state route 155, Commerce Drive and Clairemont Avenue. These major arteries give you convenient access to I-285, connecting you to other parts of Metro Atlanta. There are great public transportation options, as well. The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, or MARTA, has three train stations within the city, as well as shuttle buses that ride the main roads. Zipcar is also a great option for those who need a car rental service that’s charged by the hour, so you're free to go anywhere you need to within the time purchased.

Schools
City Schools of Decatur exclusively serves students within the city. There you’ll find schools such as Winnona Park Elementary, Oakhurst Elementary (just to name a few of the elementary schools), Beacon Hill Middle School, and Decatur High Schooll. Additionally, tertiary options in and around Decatur include Emory University and Agnes Scott College.

Overview of Decatur, GA real estate market

As a suburb that's very close to downtown Atlanta, Decatur is on the higher end of the real estate spectrum. Homes typically go up for sale anywhere between $600,000 and $900,000. More broadly, home prices range from around $200,000 to well over $3 million and include modest studio units, spacious contemporary-style homes and historic estates.

The housing stock is mostly composed of single-family homes, with a decent number of condos and townhomes spread throughout the city. Decatur has a rich variety of home styles, but you'll see plenty of homes in the styles of Midcentury Modern, Colonial, Traditional, Craftsman and Ranch.

With a sizable number of well-maintained historic homes, some properties date back to the early 1900s. That said, there is an increasing number of new construction and more modern abodes.

Highlighting some neighborhoods in Decatur, GA

Decatur Heights
To the northeast lies Decatur Heights, a historic community composed of a handful of smaller neighborhoods (Sycamore Ridge, Sycamore Station, Springdale Heights, and Decatur Heights). A portion of its older housing stock has been redeveloped into newer dwellings to attract new residents. Quiet, canopied streets and a sense of tranquility are some of the sought-after features and qualities of this part of the city. The nearby Glenn Creek Nature Preserve is popular in the area for its well-kept trails and unassuming and calm surroundings.

Lenox Place
Lenox Place is located in the western portion of Decatur. The main roads that border the neighborhood are W. Howard Avenue to the south and W. Ponce de Leon Avenue to the north. There are a number of parks surrounding the area, such as Parkwood Park, Adair Dog Park, and Ebster Park.

Glennwood Estates
Adjacent to Decatur Heights is another historic neighborhood, Glennwood Estates. This sizable community features stunning landscapes and breathtaking historic homes, and a varied selection of single-family homes. Take in the idyllic streets and cul-de-sacs adjacent to Glenn Creek Nature Preserve along Glenn Circle. Residents in Glennwood Estates are just a short walk from Downtown Decatur, which borders the neighborhood to the southwest.

Westchester Hills and Chelsea Heights
These two adjacent neighborhoods cover a large area of northwest Decatur and are bounded by Scott Boulevard. Buyers gravitate to this part of Decatur for its family-friendly environment. Chelsea Heights is composed mainly of single-family homes and a small selection of condos and duplex homes. A portion of Chelsea Heights is part of unincorporated Dekalb County. To the north lies Westchester Hills, aptly named for its rolling green landscape. Hidden Cove Park is located in the middle, separating the two neighborhoods.

Oakhurst
The lively and thriving neighborhood of Oakhurst is home to several popular festivals like the Oakhurst Porchfest and Jazzfest. It’s mostly a residential community, with a few commercial establishments at its center. There’s an abundance of parks, gyms and other community facilities in the area. The neighborhood is popular among families, being close to schools like Oakhurst Elementary and Beacon Hill Middle School and F. Ave Upper Elementary.

Clairemont-Great Lakes
Bordering downtown Decatur to the south, Clairemont-Great Lakes is the sizable, northernmost community of Decatur. It’s subdivided into four smaller neighborhoods, namely Clairemont Estates, Emory Acres, Ponce de Leon Terrace, and Great Lakes. The main thoroughfare of Clairemont Avenue cuts through at the center, dividing the community’s eastern and western sides. Tree-lined streets, an abundance of parks and open space, and direct adjacency to downtown are some of the main draws of this large community.

Winnona Park
Once filled with farms and vast estates in the mid-1800s, Winnona Park is now a predominantly residential community. You can find a diverse range of homes for sale in this Decatur neighborhood. The historic properties you’ll find are usually fashioned in Colonial, Georgian Revival, and Craftsman styles, but newer housing options have also become an option. The eponymous park at the center of the neighborhood offers a large open space for local athletic events. Proximity to schools like Agnes Scott College and Winnona Park Elementary is a major bonus for many households in the area.

Things to do in Decatur, GA

To say there’s a plethora of sights and experiences in Decatur would be an understatement. The area has a number of fun establishments and family-friendly activities that make it an exciting place to live all year round. Here’s a snapshot of what’s in store for residents and visitors alike:

Food scene

• • DeKalb Farmers Market – For decades, the Your DeKalb Farmers Market has provided Decatur and surrounding communities with a reliable source of fresh ingredients and seasonal produce. From heartwarming baked goods to hard-to-find spices and sumptuous meats, there’s a variety of products you’ll find here to make some great meals.

• LEON’S Full Service – For all-time American favorites like smoked pork belly or a good old-fashioned cheeseburger, you’ll find great comfort food at Leon’s. Previously a local gas station known for its friendly staff, this establishment continues its longstanding tradition of high-quality service and hospitality.
• Las Brasas Peruvian Restaurant & Bar – If you’re in need of a no-frills eatery serving up some deliciously prepared rotisserie chicken sandwiches and other Peruvian staples, look no further than Las Brasas. Catering services are also available for when you want to enjoy their delicious food at your event or function.
• Fellini’s Pizza – Fellini’s is a local go-to when it comes to exquisitely prepared thin-crust pizzas. There’s one branch within Decatur, along Commerce Drive and there are six more in the surrounding area. Not sure which pizza to get? You won’t regret ordering the Sicilian.
• The White Bull – At the heart of downtown Decatur is where you’ll find the Italian-inspired White Bull. Bask in its modern-rustic space as you dine on fine steak tartare and Il Bordo (prosciutto, coppa, burrata, provolone, anchovies, giardiniera) with jam and toast. The White Bull prides itself on being locally sourced, working with a network of hardworking producers committed to serving great food.
• Three Tavern’s Craft Brewery – Come the weekend, or any time during the week, you can drop by this microbrewery to sample some top-tier brews. This space takes brewing seriously so that you can have fun. Their approach to beer adheres to the time-honored Belgian tradition of experimentation, and refinement leading to some exceptional beers. Try for yourself and see if you agree that their beer is stunningly different.
• The S.O.S. Tiki Bar – Combining Midcentury Modern and Polynesian aesthetics, S.O.S. Tiki Bar is an excellent choice for a night out. Enjoy savory small bites and cocktails with a group of friends and have a truly tropical fun-filled night.

Festivals

• Decatur Arts Festival – There’s no cost to enjoy this annual, family-friendly public event, which usually runs for three days in May. A variety of live performances and art exhibitions are on display, featuring some of Decatur’s most talented residents.
• Decatur BBQ, Blues, & Bluegrass Festival – Also known as BBQ & Bands, it's a heady combination of great food and great music.
• Decatur Wine Festival – If you love wine, you can look forward to tasting hundreds of wines sourced globally. At the Decatur Wine Festival, some of the world’s best wines are available for tasting and for purchase.
• Decatur Book Festival – One of the biggest independent book festivals in the country, the Decatur Book Festival is a source of local pride. Appropriate for kids and adults, the event connects readers to a number of local and international authors.

Attractions

• Old DeKalb County Courthouse – This carefully preserved historical structure has been converted into a small history museum detailing some of Decatur’s and the county’s defining events. Whether it’s discovering key turning points in DeKalb County’s 200-year history or finding out about the city’s oldest African American communities, there’s always something new to learn here.
• Decatur's Old Cemetery – As well as being a cemetery, this historic place is also the largest spread of open space in Decatur. Within this 54-acre area is a designated “old section,” where a few 19th-century headstones and monuments can still be found. You’ll encounter names of long-past figures — soldiers, politicians, doctors, and early settlers. You can go on a self-guided tour or sign-up for a guide who can walk you through the cemetery’s significant areas.
• Fernbank Science Center – Though technically outside city limits, the Fernbank Science Center is a frequently visited natural history museum among Decatur residents. It’s a modestly-sized educational space that’s perfect for introducing kids to various exhibits showcasing dinosaurs, assorted wildlife habitats, the solar system, and many more topics and ideas.

Get in touch with Carter and Associates

Learn more about charm and appeal that make Decatur what it is from local experts. Carter and Associates is a specialized group of Realtors and professionals committed to quality client service. In an ever-changing market, you need sure and steady guides to navigate your buying journey. With over 30 years of experience in Atlanta real estate, we make your home-buying journey a seamless, even enjoyable experience.

You can contact the team through Chad Carter at 404.944.6577 or leave a message here..