$368,657Average Value$149Average Price per Sq Ft13Homes 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.
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On average, homes in Old Decatur, Decatur sell after 60 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Old Decatur, Decatur over the last 12 months is $345,000, down 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located just outside Decatur’s Old Downtown Historic District, this property offers historic charm without the constraints of historic zoning. Situated on the non-regulated side of the street, it provides all the visual appeal of the district with the freedom to renovate or update as desired. Once used as a real estate office, the property is zoned to allow commercial or residential use, making
Charming Historic craftsman-style home on two spacious lots, featuring a two-car garage & upstairs bonus room. Completely renovated, the home boasts a stunning chef's kitchen w upscale appliances, elegant light fixtures, & custom cabinets. Large dining rm w detailed cabinetry is perfect for extra storage. Beautiful hardwood floors flow throughout. The primary suite is located privately at the
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
CHARMING VICTORIAN HOME LISTED ON THE HISTORICAL RECORD (1887) Move in condition, hardwood floors, 3 fireplaces, plumbing and electrical has been updated, detached 2 car garage, alley access, sprinkler system, security system, 3 bedrooms with master down, 2 baths. Flat membrane roof, copper gutters, HVAC down 14 years, gas, up 3 yrs, large deck on back with fenced in Shaded back yard . 12x1
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
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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.
