$368,070Average Value$148Average Price per Sq Ft11Homes For Sale
A Decatur community that embraces its past
In the early 1900s, a riverboat captain named Simp McGhee ran the streets of Old Decatur – at least, he acted like he did. McGhee was known for reckless behavior on and off the Tennessee River. He often ignored safety regulations requiring him to slow down his boat, electing to charge ahead instead. He fell for a married Decatur woman named Katherine Lackner and gifted her a “gentleman’s sporting house” to run, where she became known to locals as Miss Kate. Perhaps most infamously, McGhee would only share a drink with someone he found worthy, and he didn’t find many people who matched that description. Instead, he turned to his pet pig, whom McGhee would bring to bars and give a mug of beer to lap up. McGhee had his boating license revoked for ignoring safety regulations in 1917. He died three months later. Today, the memory of his swashbuckling stories is honored at a namesake neighborhood restaurant. The rest of Old Decatur’s history, and its present, are just as colorful, something that can be seen on every corner. “It has a close sense of community,” says Mary Ann Scott, a broker/agent with Re/Max Platinum. “Residents there seem to be of one mind. It’s not just their houses: They are enthusiastic about the whole history.”
Old Decatur combines historic architecture with modern conveinences.
Old Decatur is home to Simp McGhee's cajun restaurant.
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Victorian-influenced homes and walkable streets
An important location during the Civil War, the neighborhood was burned down by Union forces in 1864, then rebuilt at the height of Victorian-style architecture’s popularity. The community’s homes reflect that time period, though newer homes have also been built, primarily around Line and Ferry streets. Cottages and townhomes usually range from $200,000 to $350,000. Larger homes can range from $315,000 to $500,000. A handful of homes built before the Civil War survived the burning, including some Greek Revival homes. While these older homes are rarely sold, they can range from $650,000 to $900,000. John Allison, the archivist at the Morgan County Archives, says people will come into the archives to learn the stories behind the people who once lived in Old Decatur, a sign of the neighborhood’s respect for its history. A historic preservation committee oversees design changes to homes in the neighborhood to protect its character. Sidewalks are prevalent, and the neighborhood’s amenities are largely within walking distance. The community’s legacy trees can stretch more than 50 feet tall.
Some larger Old Decatur homes feature expansive porches.
Bungalows and cottages can be found throughout Old Decatur.
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Frazier Park's tea garden has a fusion of styles
The Carnegie Visual Arts Center, once a Carnegie Library, offers free admission to its international and local art galleries. On the banks of the Tennessee River, Rhodes Ferry Park’s multiple pavilions are often used as family gathering spaces, and its gazebo is a popular photo spot. Frazier Park incorporates Southern and Japanese culture in its Daikin tea garden. In the fellow historic district of Albany, about a mile away, the 28-acre Delano Park has four tennis courts with lights, a basketball court and a Riverwild Garden filled with local plants and sculptures. Less than 5 miles east is Point Mallard Park, a city-run, more than 700-acre space with a water park, an 18-hole golf course and campgrounds.
Old Decatur residents can enjoy the river views from Rhodes Ferry Park.
Frazier Park is a quaint neighborhood park in Old Decatur.
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Simp McGhee's restaurant creates Cajun dishes
Simp McGhee’s, named for the notorious riverboat captain, serves upscale Cajun cuisine and has a sidewalk cafe that is dog-, cat- and pig-friendly. 609 Social Market & Provisions serves a creative menu in a rustic space with exposed brick and piping. B.B. Perrin’s Sports Grille opened its doors in 1988 and specialized in rib meat gumbo. The community has no grocery stores, but a Walmart Neighborhood Market is less than two miles away. For retail shopping, Decatur Mall is less than 5 miles away and has stores like Belk, American Eagle and Finish Line.
B.B. Perrin's is an Old Decatur staple.
Old Decatur is home to Simp McGhee's cajun restaurant.
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The Carnegie Carnival celebration is a nod to Mardi Gras
Point Mallard Park hosts several community events each year, including the Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic held each Memorial Day weekend. More than 60 hot air balloons race through the skies while food trucks, classic cars and musical performances fill the grounds. The neighborhood is also a large part of the city’s annual Carnegie Carnival celebration, a multi-event homage to Mardi Gras that runs from October to the beginning of March. The celebration benefits the community’s Carnegie Visual Arts Center.
Decatur High School gives students a choice
Students are served by Decatur City Schools. Students can attend Banks-Caddell Elementary, which has a B-minus rating on Niche. Decatur Middle School has a B Niche grade. Decatur High School offers students enrollment in the Career Academies of Decatur, a program designed to prepare students for in-demand jobs that require significant skill. Examples of the academies include cyber security, cosmetology and automotive technology. The school has an A-minus grade from Niche.
Decatur High School is a public secondary school in Decatur Alabama.
Decatur Middle School is a public 6th through 8th grade secondary school in Decatur Alabama.
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Decatur Morgan Hospital is a short drive
The neighborhood is bordered by U.S. 72 Alternate. The highway can connect with I-65, taking drivers 15 miles to Athens, or with I-565, taking them 25 miles to Huntsville. The community is also enclosed by Railroad Street, which is named for the railroad tracks behind it. Those tracks are active, and residents often hear trains passing the neighborhood — or watch them from the viewing platform at the Historic Decatur Union Depot. Decatur Morgan Hospital is less than 2 miles away, while Huntsville International Airport is about 15 miles away.
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Barbara Johnson,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Rhodes Ferry Park
Delano Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Picnic Area
Frazier Park
Fort Decatur Recreation Center
Transit
Airport
Huntsville International-Carl T Jones Field
23 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Old Decatur
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Old Decatur, Decatur sell after 110 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Old Decatur, Decatur over the last 12 months is $369,680, up 35% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
• 8-unit apartment complex in downtown Decatur. • 5- 2 bedroom 1 bath units • 3-1-bedroom 1 bath units • One building is 3,878+/- SQ FT and one is 3,776 +/- SQ FT fully brick with shingle roof • Corner lot at the intersection of Lafayette ST and Well ST • Electricity recently updated each unit has a new breaker box • All units have heating and cooling • 10 on-site parking spaces with extra
Historical, updated, spacious on +-.6 acre yard in the heart of Historic Decatur w gas lanterns, privacy fence&loads of extras.7 yr old roof, 3 beds, 3 full & 2 half baths, gorgeous updated kitchen, marble countertops, gas range &hood, kitchen island w elegant lighting,gorgeous living w fireplace, custom drapery&iron rods, formal dining, lots of recessed lighting, elegant chandeliers, a control4
INCREDIBLE full-brick home located in the heart of the Historic District, boasting historic charm while having been custom built in 1990! The home features 4 bedrooms & 3.5 baths, along with a library, & is adorned with antique heart pine throughout the living areas. With stunning three-story windows w Low-E energy efficiency, the home is filled w natural light & elegance. The gorgeous new
Experience modern living in this brand-new, three-story townhome located in the heart of downtown Decatur! Features include Wallborne cabinetry, quartz, subway tiling, LVP flooring, modern fixtures, and beautiful windows supplying natural light. The large primary features a walk-in closet and luxury en-suite bathroom. Spend your evenings on your private rooftop deck! With its unbeatable downtown
In heart of downtown Decatur! Enjoy dining, shopping, parks, trails & the Tennessee River all within blocks! This gorgeous, well built townhome features LVF flooring, designer grade light fixtures, custom cabinets, 9' ceilings & trim throughout. Gorgeous windows in every room for natural light. Spacious living room flows to custom kitchen and dining room. Modern staircase leads to bedrooms and
In heart of downtown Decatur! Enjoy dining, shopping, parks, trails & the Tennessee River all within blocks! This gorgeous, well built townhome features LVF flooring, designer grade light fixtures, custom cabinets, 9' ceilings & trim throughout. Gorgeous windows in every room for natural light. Spacious living room flows to custom kitchen and dining room. Modern staircase leads to bedrooms and
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Barbara Johnson,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
572
Median Age
61
Population under 18
11.2%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
43.4%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$34,374
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$57,814
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
83.8%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
33.3%
Advanced Degrees
11.9%
% Population in Labor Force
54.7%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
49''
Average Winter Low Temperature
33°F
Average Summer High Temperature
90°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
67/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
71/ 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.
