A rebuilt city on the banks of the Tennessee River
“A hard nut to crack.” That is how Confederate Gen. John Bell Hood described the city of Decatur during the Civil War. The city changed hands several times during the war and served as a major combat zone during the Battle of Decatur in 1864, when a small group of Union soldiers prevented the Confederates from crossing the Tennessee River, forcing them west. The city was almost entirely burned down by the end of the war, but over time, it was rebuilt. Hood’s characterization was meant to portray the city as a problem, but its residents embraced the saying as a sign of resilience. Today, the saying is written on a downtown marker along its historical trail. “I love how community-oriented it is here,” says Vanessa Sivley, an agent with Merithouse Realty. “If there is a need, Decatur rises to it.” Today, Decatur is home to 58,000 people, with its hospital and school systems acting as major employers, as well as manufacturers like GE Appliances, the 3M Company and Daikin. About 25 miles from Huntsville, the city sits close to Redstone Arsenal military base and other facilities while celebrating its own history and culture.
Delano Park is only a few minutes from the Tennessee River.
Fairview is only a few minutes from the Tennessee River.
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Victorian-influenced homes in Decatur's historic downtown
The median home price for the city is $250,000, lower than the national median. The city’s historic downtown neighborhoods of Old Decatur and Albany are full of Victorian-influenced homes from the late 1880s and early 1900s. In West Decatur, bungalows and cottages are more prevalent. Homes tend to have higher values on the southern edges of the city in neighborhoods like Burningtree. These neighborhoods are often wooded and feature larger lots and long driveways. There are also some townhouses available throughout the city.
According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, in recent years, the city’s violent crime rates and property crime rates have been higher than state and national figures.
Old Decatur combines historic architecture with modern conveinences.
Some larger Old Decatur homes feature expansive porches.
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A short drive to Huntsville International Airport
State Routes 20 and 67 wrap around the city, and Highway 31 runs through it, connecting drivers with Interstate 565 and Huntsville. The city is also close to I-65, which runs about 85 miles south to Birmingham. According to the 2021-2025 Plan for Decatur Downtown, the city is focused on fixing its city entries, connectors and sidewalks. Huntsville International Airport is about 20 miles northeast. Decatur Morgan Hospital, an affiliate of the Huntsville Health System, has 1,800 professionals across four locations.
Highly rated public schools and the Alabama Center for the Arts
Students are primarily served by Decatur City Schools, though some homes on the city’s outskirts are zoned for Morgan County Schools. Decatur City Schools serves nearly 9,000 students in 18 schools and has an A-minus Niche grade. Decatur High School has an A-minus score and is ranked by Niche as the second-most diverse public high school in the state. Private schools like Decatur Heritage Christian Academy, which has an A-minus grade, are also in the city.
The Alabama Center for the Arts, located on Second Avenue, is a partnership between Athens State University and Calhoun Community College. The center’s goal is to make the typical private arts college experience more affordable; tuition is about one-third the cost of most private arts colleges.
Old Decatur is home to the Carnegie Visual Artsw Center.
Decatur High School is connected to Decatur Middle School via skybridge.
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Carnegie Carnival is a tribute to Mardi Gras
The city’s Old Decatur and Albany downtown neighborhoods are its cultural hubs. The annual Carnegie Carnival is a multi-event celebration akin to Mardi Gras that takes place primarily in these neighborhoods, culminating in a float-filled parade on the Saturday before Fat Tuesday. The celebration benefits the Carnegie Visual Arts Center, a free-to-the-public art gallery that provides education in several subjects through hands-on learning. The Princess Theatre has been open since 1919 and received an Art Deco rejuvenation in 1941, which is how it stands today. The venue mainly hosts concerts. From April to November, the Morgan County-Decatur Farmers Market is active four days a week. Other museums and cultural centers can also be found downtown.
There are several large historic homes in Decatur
Old Decatur is home to Simp McGhee's cajun restaurant.
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Delano Park is the city's "emerald jewel"
Decatur has 28 parks, designed to provide recreation and break up the urban landscape of the city’s downtown. The 28-acre Delano Park, first designed in 1887, remains the historic downtown’s “emerald jewel.” Its features include tennis courts, a rose garden and a sculpture garden. At more than 700 acres, Point Mallard Park contains an 18-hole golf course, a waterpark and campgrounds. It is also used to host events like a reenactment of the Battle for Decatur, held annually over Labor Day weekend. South of Point Mallard is the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, a 35,000-acre reserve that protects 12 endangered or at-risk species, including sandhill cranes. The Festival of the Cranes, a multi-day event celebrating the cranes’ migration, is held each January throughout the city. Decatur also has facilities for youth sports, an archery park and a disc golf course.
Delano Park features a unique rose garden.
Delano Park features a unique playground and sculpture garden.
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Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q invented Alabama white sauce
Decatur is the home of Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q, which invented the now-famous Alabama white sauce in the 1920s. The restaurant’s long-time downtown location still stands, and it added a second location near the Westmead neighborhood in 1992. Most of the city’s upscale restaurants are in Old Decatur. Southern restaurants are common, and several specialize in seafood. 609 Social Market & Provisions serves classic American dishes and holds a fish market from Tuesday to Saturday. On Old Decatur’s Bank Street sit several shops filled with antiques, boutique clothes and jewelry. More shops can be found on Second Avenue.
Big Bob Gibson BBQ in an award winning BBQ restaurant near Flint City.
Big Bob Gibson BBQ in an award winning BBQ restaurant near Old Decatur.
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Decatur residents experience the four seasons
The city experiences four seasons, with hotter summers and milder winters. Sivley says the city can experience snow, though not every year. The city is at a higher-than-average risk of tornadoes. Parts of downtown near the Tennessee River have an increased flood risk.
Bungalows and cottages can be found throughout Old Decatur.
Tanner is bordered on the south by the Tennessee River.
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Written By
Ryan Kohn
Photography Contributed By
Aaron Bloodworth
Video By
Jaried Frogosa
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kelsey Davis,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Decatur, AL sell after 70 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Decatur, AL over the last 12 months is $221,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
OWNER FINANCE OPTION AVAILABLE!!! Charming bungalow across the street from the Delano Rose Garden, splashpad and playground. Beautifully renovated and move-in ready! You'll love the fresh and inviting feel from the moment you walk in. Enjoy relaxing evenings in the screened-in porch, perfect for entertaining or unwinding, plus a convenient storage shed for all your extra needs. A perfect blend of
Fully custom home at volume build pricing, why look like every home when this awaits. 5K your way, 4b/3b, open living, dining, kitchen with 2 full beds/baths first floor. All lvp/tile flooring, custom layout, trim, & finishes. Front room office or dining, additional breakfast and island seating. 2b/1b plus open loft living area second floor. Rear porches with expansive flat backyard with powered
6BR/3BA with a layout designed to handle real life—space for everyone and flexibility to use it your way. The main level includes an open kitchen, dining, and living area plus two separated rooms (bed or office) and a full bath, offering options for guests, work-from-home, or multi-gen living. Upstairs, the primary suite is complimented with three additional bedrooms, a full bath, laundry, and a
OWNER FINANCE OPTION AVAILABLE!!! Charming bungalow across the street from the Delano Rose Garden, splashpad and playground. Beautifully renovated and move-in ready! You'll love the fresh and inviting feel from the moment you walk in. Enjoy relaxing evenings in the screened-in porch, perfect for entertaining or unwinding, plus a convenient storage shed for all your extra needs. A perfect blend of
This beautiful home sits on just under an acre, offering a rare sense of space and privacy right inside city limits. It’s perfectly located just minutes from schools, shopping, and everything you need. Enjoy the bright and airy sunroom, perfect for relaxing or taking in views of the backyard. Upstairs, a large bonus room adds even more flexibility, great for a game room, office, or guest space.
Charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home situated on a desirable corner lot. Enjoy a pleasant view of the pond across the street from the 10 ft × 13 ft lifetime PVC deck, where the color-changing fountain creates a beautiful nighttime backdrop. The property features lifetime PVC fencing for low-maintenance outdoor living and includes a storage shed with a new roof. Inside, the living room offers true
Fully custom home at volume build pricing, why look like every home when this awaits. 5K your way, 4b/3b, open living, dining, kitchen with 2 full beds/baths first floor. All lvp/tile flooring, custom layout, trim, & finishes. Front room office or dining, additional breakfast and island seating. 2b/1b plus open loft living area second floor. Rear porches with expansive flat backyard with powered
Welcome to this beautifully updated home in Decatur, AL! Featuring new flooring, fresh paint, and updated cabinets, this home is move-in ready. The kitchen includes a new refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher, plus space for a stackable washer and dryer. Enjoy abundant natural light from numerous windows and added comfort with ceiling fans throughout. The bathroom has been refreshed with new
6BR/3BA with a layout designed to handle real life—space for everyone and flexibility to use it your way. The main level includes an open kitchen, dining, and living area plus two separated rooms (bed or office) and a full bath, offering options for guests, work-from-home, or multi-gen living. Upstairs, the primary suite is complimented with three additional bedrooms, a full bath, laundry, and a
Step into timeless elegance with this stunning historic home with off street parking and nestled on one of the most gorgeous streets in town. Soaring ceilings, sheet glass historic windows, and spectacular trim moldings and baseboards add character throughout, while large entertainment spaces provide the perfect setting for gatherings. Enjoy a cozy evening in the charming library or host guests
This one is move in ready! 3 bd 2 ba with lots of natural interior light. Livingroom w vaulted ceiling and stone fireplace. Roof approx 5 years old. All 5 years or less: kitchen cabinets, countertops, paint, light fixtures, flooring, appliances, redone baths, water heater, sunroom. sunroom door, deck, Anderson windows, and more. Spacious rooms, dbl attached garage(exterior wall was drywalled),
SPACIOUS HOME WITH 5 BEDROOMS PLUS BONUS ON A WOODSY LOT WITH PRIVACY FENCE AND DECK. THIS HOME HAS AN AWESOME UPGRADED KITCHEN WITH NEWER CRAFTSMAN STYLE CABINERTY, GRANITE COUNTERS, AND STAINLESS APPLIANCES PLUS EAT AT BAR WITH PLAN OPEN TO LIVINGROOM AND GAS LOG FIREPLACE WITH BUILT INS, FORMAL DINING PLUS FAMILY ROOM. DOWNSTAIRS IS ALL WOOD FLOORS OR TILE. BEDROOMS PLUS BONUS ARE UPSTAIRS AND
Full brick investment opportunity in Decatur! Offering 3bedroom 2 bath & 1Car attached garage durable construction, strong rental potential, and low-maintenance appeal. Ideal for investors seeking steady cash flow or long-term appreciation, this property is conveniently located near schools, shopping, dining, and major roadways. A solid addition to any rental portfolio or a great option for a
Immaculate single owner home. Loaded with quartz countertops throughout, custom built cabinetry, lots of recessed lighting, formal dining, crown moulding, split floorplan, upgraded LVP throughout, zero entry walk in shower w heavy glass door, separate freestanding tub, large walk in closets, actual laundry room, gas log fireplace, open floorplan, eat at bar, screened patio, fenced backyard, rear
OPEN SAT 12-2PM 5/2/26 Cove Creek Crossing in PRICEVILLE, this spacious 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers the perfect floor plan with an isolated primary suite. NO HOA, Priceville Schools. This home has lots to offer. A dedicated office that could easily serve as a 5th bedroom, formal dining room, new LVP flooring, fenced in yard, fresh interior paint & updated lighting throughout. The kitchen
ASK ABOUT RENT-TO-OWN Fully furnished and full of charm—this updated 1929 historic home offers the perfect mix of character, convenience, and move-in-ready living. From the spacious front porch with views of the Delano Park Rose Garden to the light-filled interior with original hardwoods and tall ceilings, every detail feels inviting. The kitchen and bathroom have been thoughtfully renovated with
Don’t miss your chance to make this rare and stunning property your home—call today! Sorry, no pets allowed. Qualification Requirements: No smoking/vaping Credit score- minimum 600 Rental history - payments made on time in last 12 months; No evictions Gross monthly income- typically 2-3 times the monthly rent No violent criminal history
Welcome to this beautifully updated home in Decatur, AL! Featuring new flooring, fresh paint, and updated cabinets, this home is move-in ready. The kitchen includes a new refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher, plus stackable washer and dryer. Enjoy abundant natural light from numerous windows and added comfort with ceiling fans throughout. The bathroom has been refreshed with new fixtures for a
3BR-2BA - Our 1250 SF, 3 bedroom - 2 bath apartments have everything you’re looking for! Spacious bedrooms with walk in closet, fully equipped kitchen, washer/dryer hookups, separate dining area, relaxing patio or balcony, and much more!(RLNE3180740)
Move in ready! Full brick 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath home, 1200 square feet. Come see this gem that has been fully remodeled! All new beautiful white cabinetry in kitchen and bathrooms! New granite counter tops! All new paint! New light fixtures and new ceiling fans! New LVP flooring throughout! All new stainless steel appliances! New tile flooring in bathrooms! New tub and new shower! Large backyard. No
Enjoy lakeside living at beautiful Albany Landing apartments, next to Johnson Pond in Decatur, Alabama. Our well-maintained, one, two, and three-bedroom apartment homes feature classic architectural details, fully-equipped kitchens with dishwashers and solid wood cabinetry, updated lighting, hardwood and wood-look flooring, and neutral finishes throughout. Our homes offer modern conveniences that
Freshly painted 3 bedroom and 2 full bath home located near Austin Middle School, hospital, restaurants, and shopping. From the front, enter the large living room, which is also connected to the dining area. Cozy family room off the back with access to the rear screened-in patio. The master bedroom has an accent wall and a private bathroom. Bedrooms 2 & 3 share a full bathroom off the hallway.
This updated 3-bed, 2-bath home features new stainless steel kitchen appliances, upgraded bathrooms with tile floors and walls, and stylish LVP flooring throughout. Enjoy modern light fixtures and plenty of living space with both a living room and family room. The two-room shed located in the huge back yard has also been upgraded with new sheetrock, steps, and its own A/C—ideal for a home office
Small boutique apartment community nestled in a subdivision of homes. Located near the medical center, fine dining, lots of shopping, churches, and great schools.
Welcome to Courtney Square Apartments, a residential community featuring one, two, and three bedroom apartments in Decatur, AL. Spacious layouts and amenities welcome you home, along with exceptional service and an ideal location within walking distance to shopping, dining and entertainment options. Are you looking for an apartment for rent in Decatur, AL? Contact our friendly, professional
Sandwiched between the cities of Athens and Decatur is Tanner — a rural, unincorporated community in the heart of Alabama's Limestone County. Tanner lacks a diverse selection of shopping and dining destinations, and that's partially what draws people there. Locals treasure the quiet, easygoing lifestyle of North Alabama's scenic countryside, and with the Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area just a short drive away, residents have the natural beauty of the Tennessee River right in their backyard. "Some people move in not planning to stay long-term, but end up liking the area," says Luther Smith, a broker at Century 21 J and L Realty, who has over 16 years of real estate experience.
Tanner offers plenty of recreation for outdoorsmen. Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area consumes much of Tanner's southside along the Tennessee River, serving as a top spot for local hunters. Marksmen also frequent Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area Shooting Range to practice their hand-eye in preparation for hunting season. Little Leaguers, meanwhile, can gather for batting practice at the nearby Fred Frickie Park.
Tanner features a wide range of home styles and frameworks. New Traditionals and brick Greek Revivals with large, sprawling yards dominate Houston Place, while established ranch-styles and manufactured homes line the community's flat roads cutting through vast farmland. Older, smaller homes usually price between $100,000 and $200,000, but larger, newer properties with four or more bedrooms can range from $500,000 to $800,000. Given its rural setting, homes in Tanner often spend up to three months or more on the market — far longer than the national average of 42 days.
Students in Tanner are served by the Limestone County School District. Kids attend Tanner Elementary School, which earns an overall grade of B-minus from Niche, before advancing to Tanner High School, which shares the elementary school's campus, for Grades 6 through 12. Earning a B rating, Tanner High has a total enrollment of just over 400 students, making for smaller class sizes and a more personalized learning experience. "A smaller student population means more opportunities for someone to be the football hero or the head cheerleader," Smith says. After high school, teens may enroll at Calhoun Community College on Tanner's southside.
Tanner is not walkable and does not offer public transportation options, so vehicle access is essential for most residents. However, locals are only a 6-mile drive from Athens, while Decatur is just 10 miles south. Route 31 serves as the thoroughfare between the towns. Huntsville, Alabama's largest city, is also roughly 25 miles east, accessible via Interstate 565 on Tanner's southside.
Shopping and dining options are scarce in Tanner, though there are several restaurants and grocery stores closer to Athens. For a quick bite, the roadside Ramona J’s on Route 31 offers burgers, fries and chicken wings along with house-made desserts. For groceries, Dollar General is stationed on Huntsville Brownsferry Road, while Walmart Supercenter and Aldi sit within a mile of each other on Route 72, roughly 5 miles north of Tanner. Those working in agriculture can also pick up equipment from Tennessee Valley Co-op on Route 31.
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
