A Decatur neighborhood with historic homes and amenities
The Albany neighborhood of Decatur was largely destroyed during the Civil War, as was the rest of the city. In the rebuilding years that followed, wealthy businessmen from the North sensed an opportunity and moved to the community, which was then called New Decatur. These businessmen brought industry and culture to the neighborhood and compromised with locals to name the neighborhood’s streets after generals on both sides of the war. As the community grew and a rivalry with nearby Old Decatur flourished, the community searched for a new name. It landed on Albany, a nod to the New York city where many of the neighborhood's residents once lived. Today, Albany’s historic homes and spacious parks help it remain a cultural hot spot.
Albany is a largely residental neighborhood in Decatur, AL.
Albany is adjacent to downtown Decatur's shops and restaurants.
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Victorian-influenced housing and walkable streets
Many homes in the neighborhood were built at the height of the Victorian housing era. Some homes from the late 1800s and the early 1900s are still standing, particularly along Jackson Street. Others were built over time as the neighborhood grew. As a result, the community’s homes have a distinct architecture that stems from several influences. “It's almost like art,” says Mary Ann Scott, a broker/agent with Re/Max Platinum. “People who love historic homes don’t want a ‘lot, block and subdivision’ house. They want something unique. That comes along with homes built in different eras. It’s a beautiful, historic area.” John Allison, an archivist at the Morgan County Archives, says a historic preservation committee has authority over design changes made to historic homes in order to protect the community’s historic look. Homes of less than 3,000 square feet can range from $250,000 to $550,000. Homes of more than 3,000 square feet can go from $550,000 to $850,000. Sidewalks are common and the neighborhood’s amenities are largely within walking distance.
Albany features very large victorian homes.
Albany homes are bright and unique.
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Delano Park is the neighborhood's "emerald jewel"
Delano Park was designed in 1887 to be the focal point of Albany, then known as New Decatur. The 28-acre park is called the area’s "emerald jewel" and has a rose garden and the Riverwild Garden, which contains contemporary sculptures and plant life local to Alabama. Just west of the park sits the Fort Decatur Recreation Center, which has pickleball courts and raised wood floor basketball courts. Jesse Lewis Smith Park has two playground sets and a pavilion for gatherings. The neighborhood also has historic amenities just outside of its boundaries. The Princess Theatre, less than a mile away, began its life as a livery stable before its transformation into a performing arts venue. It received an art deco makeover in 1941, which is how it remains today. Less than 5 miles away is the city-run Point Mallard Park, a 700-acre stretch of land with campgrounds, an 18-hole golf course and a water park.
Albany residents can visit the historic Princess Theatre.
Delano Park features a unique rose garden.
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C.F. Penn Hamburgers deep-fries its patties
While Albany is filled with green spaces, it is lighter on shopping and dining options, most of which are less than a mile away on the Old Decatur side of the city’s historic district. Simp McGhee’s is an elegant Cajun restaurant named after a boisterous riverboat captain. The Brick Deli and Tavern serves craft sandwiches and hosts live music in a venue with exposed brick and piping. In Albany, C.F. Penn Hamburgers uses a recipe for deep-fried burgers that dates back to 1927. South of the neighborhood, Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q is a local institution known for the invention of Alabama white sauce. Grocery shopping can be done at Walmart Neighborhood Market. Decatur Mall has retail stores like Belk, American Eagle and Finish Line.
Albany is adjacent to downtown Decatur's shops and restaurants.
C.F. Penn Hamburgers is a popular burger joint in Albany.
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Point Mallard Park hosts events throughout the year
Point Mallard Park is the site of numerous events throughout the year, including the Battle for Decatur Civil War Reenactment each Labor Day weekend. The reenactment showcases how a small band of Union soldiers prevented a large Confederate army from crossing the Tennessee River. The neighborhood is also part of the city’s annual Carnegie Carnival celebration, a multi-event homage to Mardi Gras in the winter and spring.
Decatur High School gets students ready for the future
Students are served by Decatur City Schools. Students can attend Banks-Caddell Elementary School, which earned a B-minus rating from Niche. Decatur Middle School has a B Niche grade. Decatur High School offers students enrollment in the Career Academies of Decatur, a program that prepares students for careers requiring specialized skills. Academies include educator training, fashion and cyber security. The school holds an A-minus Niche grade.
Many Albany students attend Banks-Caddell Elementary.
Decatur High School is a public secondary school in Decatur Alabama.
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Decatur Morgan Hospital is close by
U.S. Highway 31 runs vertically through the neighborhood. It connects with U.S. 72 Alternate, taking drivers west into Old Decatur or northeast toward Huntsville, which is around 25 miles away. Decatur Morgan Hospital is less than a mile from the neighborhood, while Huntsville International Airport is around a 15-mile drive.
Crime
Albany has a CAP Index crime score of 7 out of 10, higher than the national average of 4. The neighborhood's crime score is inflated by high property crime scores.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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HISTORIC DECATUR...Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a piece of Decatur History. Gracefully nestled in downtown. New HVAC Unit. This landmark residence is a rare blend of architectural heritage and modern comfort. Throughout the home you will find soaring ceilings and intricate moldings. The light filled living area flows seamlessly to the five-star kitchen. With two bedrooms downstairs and
Beautiful 4BR/3.5BA two-story in the Albany Historical District of Decatur! Original details throughout, with arched doorways, 9'+ ceilings, and a stone wood-burning fireplace in the living room. Spacious kitchen features ample cabinetry, appliances, eat-at island, and butler’s pantry with built-ins. Primary suite offers 2 walk-in closets, fireplace, full bath, and balcony access. Upstairs
Rare Opportunity in Albany Historical District. This beautiful 4-Bedroom, 3-Bath home sits on an oversized lot with off street parking. Enjoy original hardwood floors and large rooms for entertaining. Granite countertops in the kitchen with stainless appliances. Kitchen is an open floor plan to the family room. This home does offer a bedroom with an updated bath on the main level. Walking
Welcome to this beautifully updated cottage-style home, brimming with character and modern upgrades. Featuring durable Hardie plank siding and a long-lasting metal roof, this home combines classic style with low-maintenance living. Step inside to discover fresh new wood flooring, updated lighting throughout, and a bright, inviting interior with new paint and vinyl windows. The kitchen shines with
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Leighann Turner,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,217
Median Age
42
Population under 18
14.2%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$67,272
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$80,741
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
79.5%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
20.3%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
7%
% Population in Labor Force
56.5%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
49''
Average Winter Low Temperature
33°F
Average Summer High Temperature
90°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
50/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
62/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
