$348,595Average Value$144Average Price per Sq Ft7Homes 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
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Old Decatur
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Old Decatur Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Old Decatur, Decatur sell after 93 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Old Decatur, Decatur over the last 12 months is $295,950, down 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
NOW LISTED BELOW ITS RECENT APPRAISED VALUE OF $600,000, this remarkable historic home offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of history while creating your own vision. Featuring soaring ceilings, sheet glass historic windows, spectacular trim moldings and baseboards, and a cozy library, the home showcases timeless craftsmanship throughout. Large entertainment spaces, a charming guest house,
**Historic Downtown Gem!** Built in 1918, this charming brick home blends timeless character with modern comfort and is within walking distance of Bank Street's restaurants, shops, and entertainment in Decatur. Offering 3 bedrooms and 3 full baths, the open floor plan features beautiful hardwood flooring throughout the living and dining rooms. The spacious primary suite includes hardwood floors,
TIMELESS ELEGANT HISTORIC HOME BUILT IN 1918 in downtown Decatur, just a short stroll to Bank Street's restaurants & shops. This 3-bedroom, 2.5 bath treasure blends historic character with modern convenience. Gorgeous hardwood floors, 10foot ceilings, gas log fireplace, built-in bookcases, 2 bedrooms and a study grace the main level. The dream kitchen features open shelving, farmhouse sink,
Charming Historic Home in Old Decatur. This maintained corner-lot home blends timeless character with modern updates. Step inside to stunning hardwood floors and 10ft ceilings that create a spacious feel. The kitchen features a gas stove, stainless steel appliances, granite, and a pantry. The great room and living room offer plenty of space for relaxing or entertaining. A main level bedroom can
We're so excited to share this beautifully updated home in the historic district of Decatur. It’s in such a wonderful location, just a short stroll away from local restaurants, shops, churches and a short walk to Rhodes Ferry Park at the river. You’ll love the elegant dining room with its cozy gas logs, stunning crystal chandelier. The chef’s kitchen with commercial size 8 burner Forno stove with
Nadine L'EplattenierKeller Williams Realty Vestavia
Timeless Character Historic Home in Old Decatur. Corner-lot home blends history and character with modern updates. Step inside to spacious 10ft ceilings and stunning hardwood floors with downstairs master suite. Beautifully updated kitchen. The great room and living room offer plenty of space for relaxing or entertaining. A main level bedroom can easily serve as the primary suite, while the
Completely renovated historic home in the heart of beautiful Old Decatur! Walk to shops, restaurants, parks, and more. This stunning home blends timeless character with modern updates, featuring hardwood floors throughout, custom trim work, a spacious living room with fireplace, and abundant natural light. The remodeled kitchen has granite countertops, built-in refrigerator, gas range, ample
• 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
Hwy 72 in Downtown Decatur, 9 blocks from 6th across the street from Gobble-Fite Lumber, 1 acre that fronts Hwy 72 corner lot side street is Madison St. NW and rear is Chu. Street NW
Charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath rental home with hardwood floors. Features a bright living area, functional kitchen, comfortable bedrooms, and a convenient in-town location near shopping, dining, and local amenities.
This is a must-see 3br/3ba townhouse in downtown Decatur near shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. Main level has a living room, kitchen, dining area, and a 1/2 bath. 2nd level offers a master bedroom with a private 3/4 bath with a walk-in closet and bedroom 2 with a full bath. The 3rd floor offers a 3rd bedroom that can also be used as an office, laundry area, and access to a rooftop deck.
Charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath rental home with hardwood floors. Features a bright living area, functional kitchen, comfortable bedrooms, and a convenient in-town location near shopping, dining, and local amenities.
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.
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