North Decatur is a large unincorporated area distinct from the city of Decatur. Each place has its own school districts, shopping areas and parks. North Decatur is closer to Emory University, a major local employer, and near other leading workplaces like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta VA Medical Center and Georgia Tech. "We have a very high level of engaged, educated community-oriented residents," says Jody Steinberg, a local Realtor with Bolst Inc. Around 17,000 people live here, surrounded by parks connected by trails.
Emory University is a prestigious college by the Clairmont Heights neighborhood.
Walmart anchors the popular Suburban Plaza Shopping Center in Ridgeland Park.
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Lulah Hills is on the way
Oak Grove Plaza and Vista Grove Shopping Center are right across from each other, serving as a hub for local shopping and dining in North Decatur. "This [shopping] area has been a constant, but it has changed with the times for decades," she says. "There are a lot of other areas where you can find great little neighborhood coffee shops, too." The Dekalb Mall, once a popular spot, is currently being transformed into a mixed-use shopping and dining destination called Lulah Hills.
The North Decatur Plaza offers multiple shopping and dining options.
North Decatur is near to downtown Decatur with its numerous shopping and dining options.
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Medlock Park, Mason Mills Park, Emory Campus and the VA are all connected
Atlanta Path Foundation trail connects neighborhoods and amenities across over 300 miles. The South Peach Tree Creek Trail, which runs along the creek it was named for, is a segment of the path that winds through North Decatur, connecting Medlock Park, Mason Mills Park, Emory Campus and the VA. Mason Mills Park is a favorite for local Realtor and broker associate Juli St George of Keller Williams Realty Intown Atlanta. “There is a train track and you can have a picnic on the trestle above the railroad. It has a community garden, two playgrounds — one for little kids and one for big kids — and it has a boardwalk [over the creek],” she says. The Ira B. Melton Park and Clyde Shepard Nature Preserve are also in North Decatur.
The South Peachtree Creek trail at Medlock Park in North Decatur, is ideal dog walking spot.
Fine tune your tennis game on the public courts of Mason Mill Park.
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North Decatur features homes with spacious lots
North Decatur is full of bungalows, ranch styles and split levels, and scattered neotraditional styles and townhouses. "You have modest three- to four-bedroom homes on nice quarter to half-acre lots, so it gives you more of a suburban feel while tucked into an Atlanta neighborhood," St George says. Clairmont Heights, Medlock Park and Leafmore-Creek Park Hill are large, distinctive neighborhoods. The path runs through Medlock and Clairmont — and both neighborhoods are right on the edge of upcoming Lulah Hills. Leafmore is sought-after for its bigger homes and central country club. There's a selection of new townhouses on the city's western side near Emory University. North Decatur's median home price is around $520,000, roughly 33% more than the state's median price.
Medlock Park homes come in all shapes and sizes - older bungalows to large, new two-story ones.
The streets of Clairmont Heights are usually quiet and lined with well-maintained ranch and Craftsman-style homes.
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North Decatur's grassroots living scene
Events tend to be organized on a grassroots level. "The music scene is great," Steinberg says. "A lot of the neighborhoods have local bands that like to play together. During COVID, there were so many front yard concerts in all of these neighborhoods."
Public, private and charter pathways in North Decatur
Dekalb County Schools earn a B-minus rating on Niche and Georgia participates in school choice, leading to more options. Oak Grove Elementary and Druid Hills High School are standout schools in North Decatur, each earning A-minus ratings. “A whole lot of private schools are very close as well,” Steinburg says. “They tend to be a little more alternative in their education.” North Decatur also has charter schools, including the International Community School located in the Medlock Park neighborhood. More than 40 colleges are within 50 miles, with Emory and Georgia Tech nearby.
Druid Hills High School is a public high school serving Druid Hills and surrounding areas.
Oak Grove Elementary earns a B+ grade on Niche.
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How people commute in North Decatur
“Traffic is not as bad as other areas and the city is easily accessible to major interstates I-85 and 285, and 78," Steinberg says. She says most drive but they can take a shuttle to Emory and the CDC if they work there. The MARTA Blue Line, with a connection on North Decatur Road, is the main source of transportation across the city.
North Decatur weather and crime
The area has hot, humid summers and short winters. Steinberg says neighborhoods surrounding the South Peachtree Creek Trail are prone to flooding. County police manage crime in North Decatur. The county has higher rates of crime than state and national averages.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
Photography Contributed By
Jason Buch
Video By
Kyle Garrity
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GreatSchools:
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Rare Fixer-Upper truly in the heart of Toco Hills/ North Druid Hills at an unheard of price in the $300s! This raised brick ranch offers an exceptional 2,325 square feet of potential living space, including 1,641 finished square feet upstairs and 684 square feet of unfinished basement space ready for customization. The basement currently includes a 1-car garage, a rare feature in this age home,
Preferred Lender has 1% LOWER RATE PROGRAM than standard 30 yr fixed rate! *See below for more info* Welcome to the best gated location in metro Decatur/Tucker - close to Emory, CDC and Emory Decatur Hospital! This stunning townhome is nestled in the highly sought-after, intimate gated Lindmoor Row community of only 33 homes, featuring LOW HOA fees and the perfect combination of privacy,
Condo ready to rent, or move right in! This home was very recently rented for $1500 per month. HOA fee includes water, pool, landscaping, exteriors, and is at $310 per month. Everything is in working order, new water heater, microwave. Norgate Manor HOA allows rentals of any unit. Or fix and flip, as recent sales of similar unit over $170k! Only needs new paint and flooring. Not FHA approved
Rare Fixer-Upper truly in the heart of Toco Hills/ North Druid Hills at an unheard of price in the $300s! This raised brick ranch offers an exceptional 2,325 square feet of potential living space, including 1,641 finished square feet upstairs and 684 square feet of unfinished basement space ready for customization. The basement currently includes a 1-car garage, a rare feature in this age home,
24/7 Luxer OneTM Package System. Attached Parking Garage. Bike Repair & Storage Room. Cinema Theater. Conference Room. Cross-Training Room. Cyber Cafe. Dog Spa. Electric Car Charging Station. Elevators. Fitness Center with Cardio, Resistance, & Free Weights. Flex Workout Space with Yoga & Spin. Gourmet Coffee & Hot Tea Bar. Large Pet-Friendly. Rooftop Salt-Water Pool with WiFi & Sundeck,
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