Long known as Atlanta’s quiet suburban neighbor, Decatur now boasts a music scene and food culture to rival those of Georgia’s capital. “Decatur’s always had an artsy, quirky feel to it, but there were only a few shops here up until the 1990s,” says Aileen de la Torre, a city planner. “It took the city’s forward-thinking attitude and intentioned community to make Decatur what it is today.” The central downtown is home to nearly 200 independently owned businesses housed in buildings painted in murals. Small, historic neighborhoods and universities surround this area, and beyond them lie larger, newer suburbs. Just over 24,000 people call Decatur home, many of whom work in the medical field, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Emory University are nearby in Atlanta.
Visit Decatur's open plaza, which is surrounded by lots of local retail and dining options.
Murals painted by local artists are found all throughout the College Heights community.
Emory University is one of the top local employers in the Decatur area.
Enjoy live music performed on the streets around the College Heights area.
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Decatur’s historic homes and new construction
"Over the last 15 years, there's been [more] new construction and there's been a lot of renovations of historic homes," says local Realtor Juli St George of Keller Williams Realty Intown Atlanta. Decatur's five historic districts are McDonough-Adams-Kings Highway, Clairemont Avenue, Ponce de Leon Court, Parkwood and Old Decatur. De la Torre says each has its own feel, for example, Parkwood has a garden layout and Ponce de Leon Heights looks like a Florida suburb with palm trees. Porch ceilings of the early 19th-century Craftsman bungalows that Decatur is known for are often painted in haint blue, which St George explains is an old Southern tradition said to "keep the spirits away." Restrictions on historic properties depend on the street and neighborhood, she adds, but maintaining facades is important. Decatur's historic homes mix with traditional styles built from the 1940s to the early 2000s. While development is picking up, the city's new home selection — townhouses, condos and single-family options — is still a fraction of its market. Decatur's median home price is roughly $335,000, around 2% less than the state median.
Craftsman styled bungalows are found throughout the Decatur area.
Cottage styled homes are found in the Decatur area, and are often a bit older.
Living in Downtown Decatur can be easy in a condominium.
Chelsea Heights is full of newly built homes all throughout the area.
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Award-winning restaurants and festivities in downtown Decatur
The square in downtown Decatur is the soul of the city. Its 15 blocks are lined with nearly 100 independent businesses and restaurants, including the James Beard-winning The Deer and The Dove. Fun at the square continues into the night at bars like the Brick Store Pub, which hosts Decatur's annual beer festival. The city hosts events at the Square almost every week, including the popular Decatur Book Festival and its regular farmers market. Eddie’s Attic is The Square’s intimate, acoustic listening room that’s served as a springboard for artists like John Mayor.
The Decatur Farmers Market takes place in front of the First Baptist Church on Clairemont.
Locals gather at the popular Brick Store Pub for daily specials in College Heights.
Decatur Square in downtown Decatur, is a popular gathering spot.
Eddie's Attic near North Decatur, GA.
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Not far from Emory University
City Schools of Decatur earns an impressive A ranking on Niche. Georgia’s participation in school choice also creates options. Agnes Scott College, a private women’s liberal arts institution, is in Decatur, and Emory University is within 2 miles.
Decatur City Schools' main office is located directly next to the police station.
Druid Hills sits next to the Emory University campus.
Students enjoy the scenic walk through Agnes Scott's campus in College Heights.
Decatur High School serves approximately 1700 students.
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Places to play in Decatur
Decatur has over 195 acres of nature preserves and parks, offering places to play tennis, garden, skate and swim. Bikers and walkers frequent the paved trails at the 77-acre Legacy Park, where the city just opened an inclusive playground and is breaking ground on a track-and-field area. St George says Oakhurst Dog Park is one of the most popular dog parks in the city for its wooded areas with rolling hills and its large, fenced-in field.
McKoy Park offers several amenities including a popular skate park.
Glenlake Park has several well-maintained tennis courts for public use.
Take your furry friend to Oakhurst Dog Park in Decatur for some much needed exercise.
Legacy Park is home to over 77 acres of green space in Decatur.
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Atlanta's greenery, and its pollen
Decatur is a tree city but the greenery also brings pollen. According to Atlanta Allergy and Asthma, Georgia has seen record-breaking pollen counts in recent years. The city has a moderate risk for flooding but St George says Atlanta isn’t really known for weather extremes.
Traffic to Atlanta
Several highways and state routes pass through Decatur. Ponce de Leon Avenue leads to downtown Atlanta but can get congested at peak drive times. Residents can avoid traffic jams by hopping on the light rail on the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Blue Line at Decatur Station. Parking is limited in commercial and historic areas. Decatur has one of the most expansive sidewalk and bike lane systems in the state and provides walking maps to show residents how to best navigate the city on foot.
Low crime rates in Decatur
Crime in Decatur is lower than state and national averages. Most crime in Decatur is concentrated around the downtown area and is limited to petty theft.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
Photography Contributed By
Bradley Parrish
Video By
Houston Knight
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Karen & Psynaha Hall,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Decatur, GA sell after 58 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Decatur, GA over the last 12 months is $298,950, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Set on a quiet dead-end street, this five-bedroom (4 beds up, 1 in bsmt, none on main) home offers a tucked-away feel while still being just blocks away from Dearborn Park and Winnona Park, with nearby green space and outdoor recreation close at hand. If socializing is what you seek, the property is 2 miles from Decatur Square and 4 miles from the Emory campus. The backyard is designed for both
Stately Renovated Colonial | ITP Decatur | Space, Privacy & FlexibilityWelcome home to one of Decatur's best-kept secrets — a beautifully renovated colonial tucked into a quiet, established neighborhood while keeping you firmly inside the perimeter with easy access to everything Atlanta has to offer. Currently tenant-occupied through June 2026 at $1,950/month (tenant pays all utilities), this
*Welcome Home to 3870 Brookgreen Point, Decatur, GA 30034** Discover this stunning 5-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom residence offering an impressive 2,834 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. Freshly updated and move-in ready, this Decatur gem blends timeless character with modern upgrades throughout the house. Step inside to find bamboo flooring flowing throughout the first level, setting a
Two Homes in One! Enjoy one-level, accessible living with a separate apartment for guests, Air BnB or passive income! This beautiul, low-maintenance home features a vaulted-ceiling living and dining room area centered around a beautiful fireplace, and French doors leading to the large Trex deck. The gourmet kitchen has a brand-new 6-burner gas range, quartz countertops, wood cabinets with
Renovated Three Bedroom Two Bath Home In Decatur! Welcoming Long Driveway And Parking Pad For Multiple Cars. Huge Front And Backyard Perfect For Pets, Children And Entertaining. Inside, The Open Concept Layout Features Plenty Of Natural Lighting And A Large Space For Gatherings That Connects To The Kitchen. New Stainless Steel Appliances, Cabinetry, Lighting Fixtures, Countertops, Backsplash,
Experience refined living in one of Decatur's most sought-after communities - Emory Parc Manor. Completely reimagined from top to bottom, this residence showcases a flawless renovation where every finish and detail has been thoughtfully curated. The updated exterior, manicured landscaping, and elegant Japanese maple create a welcoming first impression that sets the tone for what's inside. Step
As you step through the front door, you immediately sense that this home has been thoughtfully renewed. Sunlight pours into the open living space, gliding across rich hardwood floors and setting the tone for a place designed to be both welcoming and functional. The open-concept layout naturally brings people together-whether it's quiet mornings with coffee or evenings filled with conversation and
Fully Renovated Decatur Ranch | Move-In Ready! $10k Seller Closing Cost Assistant and Rate buy down. Step inside this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in a quiet South Decatur neighborhood. Every detail has been modernized, including NEW ROOF, ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING, WINDOWS, DOORS, FLOORING, interior & exterior paint, Stainless Steel kitchen appliances, granite countertops, and bathroom
Nestled in a serene and picturesque setting, this captivating home embodies the perfect blend of elegance and functionality. As you approach the property, you are greeted by an inviting facade, characterized by its charming entrance that sets the stage for what lies within. The meticulously landscaped yard showcases a vibrant array of flora, enhancing the home's curb appeal and providing a warm
Welcome home to 4217 Alden Park, a beautifully cared-for 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome designed for easy living and everyday comfort. From its charming curb appeal to its bright, open layout, this home is ideal for both unwinding at the end of the day and hosting friends and family. This home is filled with natural light thanks to its large windows, which beautifully highlight the home's
This is a 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath, 2 car garage home in a quiet Decatur neighborhood and is situated in a Cul-da-sac. This very well-maintained 2 story home is very spacious with an oversized master bedroom with sitting area. This home also offers new stainless-steel appliances in the kitchen, new laminate flooring in kitchen. Nice size backyard with a soundproof barrier, conveniently located near
Renovated Condo with EV Charging & Pool - Minutes from Emory, Midtown & Downtown Move right in and start enjoying this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath condo in an incredibly convenient Decatur location just minutes from I-285, Emory University Hospital, Midtown, Downtown, shopping, dining, and schools. Inside, the home has been thoughtfully upgraded. The kitchen and both full bathrooms have
Every facet of this home has been thoughtfully curated to infuse a fresh and sophisticated atmosphere. Adorned with a captivating four-sided brick exterior, the property radiates top-tier quality and the artistry of master craftsmanship. Inside, an open-concept layout effortlessly harmonizes style and functionality, creating a living space that's been artfully tailored for modern living. Custom
TURNKEY SHORT TERM RENTAL INVESTMENT OR DREAM HOME NEAR EAST LAKE GOLF COURSE. Welcome to 2411 Fair Lane - a rare opportunity that works just as hard as you do, whether you're an investor seeking immediate cash flow or a buyer ready to move into a beautifully finished home without lifting a finger. Originally gut-renovated in 2018 by Kara O'Brien Renovations and curated by Ella Design Studio,
Beautifully renovated 4-sides brick ranch in Decatur! This modern open-concept layout features a spacious living/dining room with an electric fireplace and a stunning chef’s kitchen with white cabinetry, granite countertops, marble backsplash, breakfast bar seating, and stainless steel appliances. The primary suite includes a sitting area, walk-in closet, and a spa-style bath with double vanities
This beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 1-bath duplex offers about 1,500 square feet of character-filled living space, blending historic charm with thoughtful updates. Inside, you'll find spacious bedrooms, bright living areas, and a comfortable layout throughout. The home features both a front porch and back porch, perfect for relaxing or enjoying the outdoors. Washer and dryer are included, and
Beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom split-level home in a cul-de-sac neighborhood. Rental property features an open carport, private backyard, spacious kitchen with eat-in area, oversized living room and spacious bedrooms with walk-in closets. Strict no pet policy and no housing choice vouchers. Applicant's total household income must be at least 3 times the monthly rental amount. Applicants must
CUTE House Alert! Fully renovated. 3 bedroom 2 bath home on a corner lot with private, fenced yard and detached one car garage. Open concept living with lots of natural light, flex space, recessed lighting, and wood floors throughout. Gorgeous eat-in kitchen with floating shelves, stylish designer tiled backsplash, quartz countertops and island. Entertain with ease with views to the dining and
FOR LEASE: Renovated 3 bedroom, 2 bath all brick ranch home with generous sized rooms, separate dining room and a great layout. The kitchen is new with Quartz countertops, all new white cabinets & gleaming white subway tile backsplash. New tile flooring, recessed lighting and brand new stainless appliances make this kitchen shine! Updated vanities in the bathrooms. Freshly painted and beautifully
Stunning Totally New Renovated Home in the Heart of the City! Welcome to this beautifully renovated home, perfectly blending modern with a peaceful, spacious setting. Nestled on a large lot in a quiet neighborhood, this property offers a rare combination of privacy and convenience. Step inside to an open and airy layout filled with natural light, featuring all brand-new appliances and stylish
Ideal 3 bedroom 2-1/2 bathroom rental home on very private cul-de-sac street. Available May 1, currently occupied. Location is the best, just off Lawrenceville Hwy in north Decatur. Close to Home Depot, Emory, CDC, I-85 corridor, and 285. Recent construction with many modern updates. Washer and Dryer Connections provided. Resident is responsible for utilities, pest control, and basic lawn care
Beautiful two-level townhouse located in Decatur, GA, conveniently located just off Interstate I-20. This home features three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms with a spacious and functional layout. The kitchen is equipped with custom-designed white cabinetry and stainless steel appliances, offering a modern and inviting space for cooking and entertaining. Upstairs, the primary suite includes a relaxing
Charming Craftsman Rental in the Heart of OakhurstWelcome home to this beautiful Craftsman nestled on a charming tree-lined street in the heart of Oakhurst. This spacious home features 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a large bonus room, offering plenty of room to spread out and enjoy comfortable living.Inside, the home features a bright eat-in kitchen, a separate dining room perfect for
Clairmont Reserve has the perfect apartment home for you. It hosts One & Two Bedroom Apartment Homes located in the North Druid Hills area of North Decatur. Easy access to Cliff Shuttle, Emory University, Walking Trails, Restaurants, Shopping, Hospitals and convenient highway access.
With its unbeatable location, leisure amenities and convenient services, Abberly Onyx sets you up for success. Choose any from the studio, one-, two- or three-bedroom layouts and let yourself be swept away by comfort and style. Plus, our apartments for rent in North Decatur are 20 minutes away from Downtown Atlanta, with plenty of fun places to discover on the way.Our apartments have gourmet
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