A long-standing community built by blue-collar workers
Often referred to as Meadowlark or Meadowlark Addition, MANA sits on the northeastern edge of Decatur, overlooking the rest of the city from above. Interestingly, each street in the entirely residential area is named after a bird. Condor Drive turns into Hummingbird Drive, which connects to Bluebird and Dove drives. Mature trees line the neighborhood's rolling hills that are intersected by a small creek, giving the area a natural feel despite being only 5 miles from downtown. Mainly built to accommodate the many blue-collar workers of nearby factories, MANA has remained a stable community of long-standing residents. "People know one another here," says Randy Grigg, broker associate at Vieweg Real Estate, who has lived in the area for most of his life. "The houses are newer compared to the rest of the city, but it's one of the more established neighborhoods in Decatur. There are older generations there who have stayed for decades," he says. Bikes and scooters lay on the grass beside the area's sidewalks, strewn aside when kids are called in for dinner in the traditional suburban neighborhood.
Houses from the 1980s with well-maintained lawns
Quickly built during the 1970s and 1980s to accommodate a growing need for family-friendly subdivisions around the perimeter of Decatur, the neighborhood features distinct architecture from the decades. Ranch-style homes are typical, but bi-level homes with central staircases are abundant. The two-story homes feature front doors in the middle of the building, just up a few cement steps from the ground. Attached garages are submerged halfway under the area's rolling hills, level with basements or dens. Often offering more square footage or an additional bedroom, the bi-levels are the more expensive housing style and range between $80,000 and $175,000. Ranch-style homes usually sell between $50,000 and $100,000. "Because the subdivisions at the time were built quickly, builders didn't always use the best materials," Grigg says. "Many homeowners remodel and renovate their places after buying them." While the city of Decatur offers grants for repairs and has programs for renovation assistance, the programs are based on income levels. MANA residents tend to self-fund their renovation projects. Lots are small, usually less than one-fifth of an acre, but residents meticulously tend to them to improve curb appeal and neighborhood beautification. Well-maintained flowerbeds, tall trees surrounded by stone pavers and mowed lawns are standard sights in most yards. Backyards have just enough room for above-ground pools, decks and sheds, and the homes in MANA sell after an average of two weeks on the market.
MANA’s homes come with small lots but big opportunities for outdoor spaces.
Well-kept flowerbeds and lawns in MANA show the pride residents take in their homes.
1/2
Decatur’s largest employers within a mile
One of MANA's biggest draws is its proximity to some of Decatur's leading employers. ADM is southeast, and many smaller manufacturers and warehouses are to the east and west of the entirely residential area. The nearest employer is Caterpillar, which manufactures large mining trucks at the Decatur location. "It's not only the closest suburb to Caterpillar and one of the closest to ADM, but it's a major transportation hub itself," Grigg says. "The neighborhood is in a pocket off Route 48, with country roads in every direction. It's easy to get to shopping spots and restaurants." Route 48 has a steady traffic flow, but a border of trees surrounds the neighborhood for additional sound buffering and privacy. Decatur Public Transit System buses have many routes throughout the city and Macon County. The number 11 bus serves the neighborhood, stopping along the area's central road, Meadowlark Drive. Although a bus is available, residents usually own and rely on personal cars to get around. Decatur Memorial Hospital is another large employer and is 4 miles southwest.
MANA’s proximity to Caterpillar makes it an ideal neighborhood for workers.
MANA’s suburban feel is enhanced by well maintained sidewalks great for biking and walking.
1/2
Honoring diversity and family at the elementary school
Decatur School District No. 61 serves the area and has a diversity score of A by Niche. Like many of the district's schools, Baum Elementary School highlights and honors this diversity through special classes, projects and presentations during Hispanic Heritage Month and Black History Month. Baum Elementary is rated a C-minus by Niche and hosts a 'Grandparents Day' event. Hundreds of grandparents visit the school at the beginning of September to visit their grandchildren and eat lunch with them. "Part of the reason people move to MANA is for the schools," Grigg says. "It's one of the suburbs zoned for Decatur schools, which have good options for specific services, languages and educational programs." Children can continue to Stephen Decatur Middle School, the district's only middle school. Two miles west of MANA, the middle school is also rated a C-minus. Eisenhower High School is rated a C-plus and allows students to earn their associate's degree while earning their high school diploma at no cost. The school district also offers free breakfast and lunch to every student enrolled, regardless of financial status.
Stephen Decatur Middle School is an excellent school for all types of students.
Michael E. Baum Elementary School offers plenty of fun after school activities.
1/2
New amenities aren’t needed to have fun at the park
In the western part of the neighborhood is Knights of Columbus Park. While the basketball court's lines have long since faded, and the baseball field has no bases, that doesn't stop residents from getting active there after school and on weekends. Picnic benches under a pavilion overlook the park's swing set and playground, so parents can keep an eye on their kids while relaxing in the shade. North of Decatur Middle School's campus is East Mound Park. Midstate Soccer Academy operates out of the park, with many soccer fields of different sizes available for public use when leagues aren't occurring. Spring Creek runs through the park's forest, and visitors can take to the densely wooded trails to walk along the slowly trickling water.
Midstate Soccer Academy fields in East Mound Park are a favorite for soccer enthusiasts in MANA.
Explore the beautiful Downtown Decatur for great restaurants and entertainment.
1/2
Gardening supplies nearby for beautifying lawns
Providing residents with the necessary tools to keep their houses and yards looking pristine is Cedar Lake Gardens & Gifts. In addition to lawn decorations, stone pavers, flowers and trees, the store has a gift shop inside that features products from independent garden centers that one wouldn't find at big box stores. Those walking through the store can also grab a free cup of coffee while talking to the employees about their gifting and gardening plans. Route 48 leads 3 miles southwest to grocery stores, fast-food chains and shops at Brettwood Village Shopping Center. Two second-hand stores are along East Pershing Road – New Life Thrift Shoppe and New to You consignment shop. Shoppers cap bop from one store to the other across the street while looking for authentic vintage denim or discounted and lightly worn designer brands. The nearest Target and Walmart are 3 miles west.
Cedar Lake Gardens & Gifts offers unique plants and lawn decor.
MANA is only 3 miles from great shopping options like Brettwood Village Shopping Center.
1/2
Written By
Heather Haggerty
Photography Contributed By
Augusto Abreu
Video By
Charlie Lingner
Was this overview helpful?
Agents Specializing in this Area
Randy Grigg
Vieweg RE/Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate-Service First
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
Randy Grigg,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Knights of Columbus Park
East Mound Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
MANA
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in MANA, Decatur sell after 27 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in MANA, Decatur over the last 12 months is $100,597, up 16% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Home Trends
Median Price (12 Mo)
$108,000
Median Single Family Price
$108,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$72
Last 12 months Home Sales
37
Median List Price
$101,900
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
27%
Home Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
294
Median Year Built
1989
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,069
Significantly below the national average
1,937
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,405
Distribution of Home Values
Source: Public Records
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Randy Grigg,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,093
Median Age
39
Population under 18
27.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$45,727
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$60,943
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
89.6%
College Graduates
12.3%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
1.2%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
58.6%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
41''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
3''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
31/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
18/ 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.
