Decatur is a small city in northeastern Indiana, just a few miles from the Ohio border. Surrounded by open fields, the city of 10,000 lives by a motto: “Artistically inspired innovation.” As the boyhood home of innovative sculptor and painter David Smith, the town is still home to permanent sculptures by local and national artists. It is also known for its annual sculpture tour. “We had a couple of sculptors who traveled and did tours like this throughout the U.S., and they got a group together to get one going here,” says Jamie Gephart, community coordinator for the city. “This year we’re unveiling 30 sculptures. For a smaller town, we have a lot of unique events that take place.”
The sculpture tour of Decatur is a showcase of the downtown area.
The city of Decatur has a historic tour of sculptures that are a centerpiece of the city.
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Bungalows and ranch-style homes below the national median
The median price in Decatur is $180,000, less than half the national median. Two-story homes, bungalows and ranch-style homes are common in town. Homes in the heart of Decatur can date back to the early 1900s, though there are also new homes in still-developing subdivisions. Lots get bigger toward the outskirts of town, with homes sitting on country roads alongside fields of corn, soybeans and wheat.
Two-story homes are a popular option for those looking to move to the neighborhood of Decatur.
The city of Decatur is lined with streets of mature trees and well kept homes.
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Events hosted by the city and community organizations
The city has numerous year-round events and celebrations, including the Decatur Sculpture Tour, which has been going strong since 2012. New sculptures are added each year and remain on display from June through mid-April. The event kicks off with an unveiling festival and the Plein Air Paint Out, where artists take to the streets to paint canvases that are judged and sold the same day.
Many community events are held at Madison Street Plaza, including a Thursday night concert series, Decatur Germanfest, car shows and a weekly farmers market. The Callithumpian Festival claims to be the oldest annual Halloween festival in the nation, dating back at least a century.
Fraternal organizations — including the American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Loyal Order of Moose, or simply the Moose Lodge — are also popular gathering places, each with its own events throughout the year.
Arts-focused investment in downtown Decatur
The sculpture tour invigorated city officials and residents to invest in the downtown area. A major project was the Second Street Lofts, which was designed to foster an artistic community downtown by prioritizing leasing to artists. The bottom floor is home to The Hive, a city-operated art gallery and makerspace.
Major employers include Fleetwood RV, Formula Boats, and Bunge, an agribusiness and food company. Although not as prominent in Decatur, agriculture is a major part of life in Adams County.
Fleetwood RV in Decatur has been serving the community for over 65 years.
The Hive is a local art gallery in Decatur featuring local artists.
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Lots of local restaurants in downtown Decatur
“Decatur has a pretty active downtown with retail stores, restaurants and events,” Gephart says. “We have a lot of family-owned restaurants.” Pizza King is an Indiana tradition, while Famous Monster Pizza offers a movie monster-themed dining experience. It features two theater screens, with diners listening to the movies through drive-in speakers at their tables. North 13th Street has fast-food restaurants and franchises, and the Village Green shopping center has a Kroger and a Dollar Tree, though residents often drive to Fort Wayne, 20 miles away, for more retail.
Famous Monster Pizza in Decatur not only has amazing pizza, but an amazing display of horror movie memorabilia.
Two Brothers Bar and Restaurant in Decatur is a popular spot for the locals for dinner and drinks.
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North Adams Community Schools
The area is served by North Adams Community Schools, which earns a B-plus from Niche. The district has three schools — Bellmont Elementary, Bellmont Middle and Bellmont High School — all of which share a campus. The district offers dual credit and Advanced Placement courses as well as 16 vocational programs. Decatur is also home to numerous private schools, including Three Oaks Christian School, Zion Lutheran School and St. Joseph’s Catholic School. Several universities have established branch campuses in nearby Fort Wayne, including Purdue University and Indiana University.
The North Adams Community Schools is a public school system that services the town of Decatur.
Three Oaks Christian School is a private school that serves the community of Decatur.
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Miles of trails and the REV Sports Complex
The city has about a dozen parks and recreational sites. The Rivergreenway system of trails winds throughout Decatur, stretching from Kekionga to Riverside Center and beyond. Kekionga Park, along the St. Marys River, has a boat launch, a disc golf course, a pavilion, and paved trails for hiking and biking. A newer addition to the parks system, REV Sports Complex at Hanna Nuttman Park has six baseball and softball fields, batting cages, pickleball courts, a full basketball court and a playground.
Kekionga Park along the St Mary's River is a perfect spot for a walk or a picnic.
The River Greenway Trail is a great spot for locals to jog or take a bike ride.
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Adams Memorial Hospital has delivered care for more than 100 years
Major thoroughfares include U.S. Route 27/ North 13th Street and U.S. Route 224/ West Monroe Street. About 20 miles north, Fort Wayne International Airport is served by four airline carriers. Travelers looking for more options can go to Dayton International Airport, about 100 miles away. Adams Memorial Hospital is a 25-bed critical access hospital in Decatur that has been serving Adams County for more than 100 years.
Decatur has a moderate climate with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers in a region that's prone to tornadoes from March through July. Crime data is not readily available.
Written By
Leslie Klosterman
Photography Contributed By
Jennifer Rehkopf
Video By
Charlie Lingner
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On average, homes in Decatur, IN sell after 102 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Decatur, IN over the last 12 months is $347,768, down 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Brand new home off the Cross Creek Golf Course. Villa has 2 bedrooms, two baths, and two car garage. Home will have extra wide woodwork, custom cabinets, upgrades flooring, Hi-Eff Carrier Furnace and Central Air, laundry room, stain-less steel Micro-wave, Stainless steel Dishwasher; Cross Creek Addition is a golf course community with 27 holes of golf. This home is part of a HOA with monthly dues
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Welcome to our charming 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment located in Decatur, IN. This upstairs unit features a shared yard and hardwood and carpet throughout. With hot water boiler heat and resident-provided window AC units, you can stay comfortable year-round. Enjoy the convenience of 1 off-street parking spot on the side of the house. This apartment is Obligo Approved and includes a resident
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