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
Kent Miller,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Decatur, GA sell after 56 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 $310,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this charming four-bedroom, two-bath brick ranch on a full basement in Decatur, Georgia. A long driveway and covered carport provide ample parking and convenient access to the home. Inside, the spacious living room features an eye-catching brick accent wall, while abundant natural light flows throughout the home. The separate dining area connects seamlessly to the kitchen, creating an
Move-In Ready! White Cabinets with Quartz Kitchen Island and Garden Tub & Separate Shower in Primary Bathroom. Up to $15,000 toward closing cost assistance when using the preferred lender ENDS September 30, 2026. Schedule a Tour. Low HOA $90 monthly includes Lawn Maintenance & Dog Park. Lot 6 White Cabinets - Covered Patio with ceiling fan. Move-In Ready for a 30-Day Closing! Discover modern
Up to $15k closing cost with preferred lender ENDS SEPTEMBER 30, 2026. Schedule a Tour. LOT 3- Gray Cabinets - New Price reflects previous builder incentive reduction of $20,000. Welcome to the Cabot floor plan at Porter Reserve in Decatur, GA, a beautifully designed new construction townhome by McKinley Homes offering modern living and functional design. This spacious three-bedroom,
Just ONE MILE to Decatur Square - a 3-4 min drive or easy stroll to No. 246, The Iberian Pig, Brick Store Pub, shops, and live music. Located just outside City of Decatur limits for LOWER taxes, and minutes to Emory, CDC, VA & CHOA. Walk to Glenlake Park, Whole Foods & Suburban Plaza. Meticulously maintained traditional on the best lot in Manor Walk - a top-of-the-hill location with a wall of
Affordable living convenient to Emory and the CDC! Welcome home to this charming Decatur condo, showcasing the perfect blend of comfort and style. Step inside and discover a delightful living space with LVP floors throughout that offers everything you need for a cozy home grounded by an inviting living room with built-in bookcases surrounding the wood burning fireplace. The chef of the home will
Welcome to 2080 Bluffton Way in DeKalb County! This beautifully remodeled split-level home offers 4 spacious bedrooms, 2 modern baths, and a fully finished basement, providing ample living space for all your needs. With 1,734 square feet of living area, this home features durable vinyl and tile flooring throughout, as well as elegantly tiled bathrooms. The layout is perfect for entertaining,
"Stunning 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom split-level home. Entertain effortlessly in the spacious eat-in kitchen, complete with modern appliances and ample natural light. Retreat to the cozy fireplace or head downstairs to the finished basement, perfect for a media room or home gym. Outside, enjoy summer evenings on the deck overlooking the expansive fenced yard. This home has it all - schedule your
Price improvement on this Charming Two-Story Traditional Brick Front Beauty - An Entertainer's Dream! Welcome home to this stunning two-story traditional brick-front residence offering nearly 3,000 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. With 5 bedrooms and 4 full bathrooms - including a main-level bedroom, perfect for guests or multi-generational living - this home checks every box.
MOVE IN READY! This Home is Located Just Outside the Perimeter. With Easy Access to I-20 and I-285. Minutes from Downtown Atlanta & Decatur. Near Schools & Shopping! Everyone Will have a Space of Their Own. Open Concept with Living & Dining Room Combo. Newly updated kitchen with Stainless Steel Appliances Including Side by Side Refrigerator, Dishwasher, Wall Oven, and Separate Cook Top; Granite
Set in PRIME DECATUR LOCATION. Only 1 mile from Decatur Square. Qualified buyers can purchase this home with NO MONEY DOWN when using Preferred Lender! Turnkey, income-ready, and just the right amount of fun—this Lenox Place gem is perfectly suited for full-time living, a weekend in-town escape, or a ready-to-go investment.Set in prime Decatur location with easy access to Adair Park, MARTA,
TURNKEY STR INVESTMENT OR MOVE-IN-READY DREAM HOME MINUTES FROM EAST LAKE GOLF CLUBWelcome to 2411 Fair Lane — a rare property that works as hard as you do. Whether you're an investor seeking day-one cash flow or a buyer who wants a beautifully finished home without lifting a finger, this one delivers. Gut-renovated in 2018 by Kara O'Brien Renovations and professionally curated by Ella Design
One of the most private homes in Parkside at Mason Mill, this Hutton floor plan offers a rare setting within the community. From the front windows, the home looks out to open surroundings rather than directly into neighboring units, while the rear of the home is lined with mature trees, creating a peaceful, private backdrop that is hard to find in townhome living. Built in 2022 and featuring more
**NO RENT RESTRICTIONS** GREAT FOR INVESTOR OR FIRST TIME BUYER. MOTIVATED SELLER! Current tenant has Section 8 housing voucher paying $1500.00/month. Lease ends in August but tenant will vacate with notice of sale to owner occupant. 2BR/2.5 BA 2-story townhome in a well-established community. Open concept main floor with new luxury vinyl faux wood flooring, fireplace and ceiling fan. The eat-in
Nestled in one of the Historic City of Decatur's most sought-after neighborhoods, this classic 1938 all-brick home, with 18-inch thick granite block foundation walls, has been lovingly maintained by its original owner. Featuring 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, original hardwood floors, 9-foot ceilings, updated wiring and thermopane windows, this home offers timeless character and solid craftsmanship. Enjoy
Spacious 3-bedroom, 2- and 1/2bath townhome located in a gated community offering added security and a well-maintained neighborhood setting. Enjoy a generously sized kitchen plus an open-concept family room with plenty of space for relaxing or entertaining spacious eat-in kitchen featuring ample cabinetry and a generous pantry. This home offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and
Say Hello to Halo! Halo is a 370 unit apartment building that features retail and plaza space, partnering with The Decatur Artist Alliance to host Artist in Residence. There will be a community of art studios to nurture this creative space. The retail plaza will feature exciting merchants and ample outdoor gathering space. There will be live-work units that feature separate storefronts and
Well-loved, updated ranch seeks space-loving tenants to enjoy preparing meals in the spacious, renovated kitchen; relax in the bright living room; refresh after a long day into the private yard; take long strolls along the neighborhood sidewalks; entertain in the easy-flowing space; and appreciate the fabulous location, with easy access to anywhere you want to be. This spacious home features
Live luxuriously at Abberly Skye Apartment Homes by HHHunt! Our apartment homes in North Decatur, GA, let you live a picturesque life in a stunning neighborhood near Atlanta. Boasting gorgeous and practical amenities, our apartments allow you to live each day to the fullest. Retreat to your pet-friendly studio, one-, two- or three-bedroom apartments for rent - thats right, we have no breed
Imagine coming home to a space that offers comfort, flexibility, and everyday convenience. This three-bedroom, two-and-one-half-bath Decatur townhome features a functional two-story layout with separate areas for relaxing, working, and entertaining. Shopping, groceries, dining, medical services, parks, Southeast Athletic Complex, and Arabia Mountain are nearby, with convenient access to
Discover Great Apartment Values at the newly renovated Kenridge Apartments in Decatur!Our spacious apartment homes feature: •New carpet!•New vinyl!•New cabinets! •New countertops!•New fixtures! •Fresh paint! And a free washer and dryer in every unit with two bedrooms!These apartments are a Great Apartment Value!Enjoy thoughtfully
Welcome to 2080 Bluffton Way in DeKalb County! This beautifully remodeled split-level home offers 4 spacious bedrooms, 2 modern baths, and a fully finished basement, providing ample living space for all your needs. With 1,734 square feet of living area, this home features durable vinyl and tile flooring throughout, as well as elegantly tiled bathrooms. The layout is perfect for entertaining,
Welcome to Avondale Village Where the convenience of city life meets the beauty of a suburban complex.As you stroll through leafy trees or relax by the serene lake, you’d never guess you’re a mere 15 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Atlanta. We manage all the nitty gritty home details, so you can focus on living life at its best. With beautifully kept, clean
Lovely, Move in Ready Split-Level Rental in Ashbury Community! This 3 Bedroom, 2 1/2 Bath is ready for the family! Bedrooms are upstairs, perfect for privacy, and giving plenty of living space! Half Bath on main level perfect for guests. Easy Maintenance with Hard Surface Flooring, vaulted ceilings in bedrooms and living room feels spacious and open! Backyard is fenced and private! Home available
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.
Fantastic renovation which includes gorgeous kitchen with quartz countertops with waterfall side. Custom tile backsplash, new flooring, under cabinet lighting, new stove, plenty to cabinet space and open shelving and opens to light and bright sunroom. Sunroom features tons of windows to provide natural light and opens to your new deck overlooking your private backyard. The main level bathroom is
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
Enjoy the best of Decatur living with parks, dining, shopping, schools, and major employers just minutes from your door! Updated end-unit townhome with abundant natural light, a fenced patio, and pool view in one of Decatur's most walkable locations. This 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath home features a desirable two-story roommate floor plan with spacious closets, hardwood floors, high ceilings, fresh paint,
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