Living in Decatur, GA: Where Small Town Charm Meets a Big City Soul

Decatur provides a great blend of small-town living with easy access to big-city amenities. As one of the most desirable relocation destinations in Georgia, living in Decatur, GA, means you can have a quiet suburban home life without losing out on the excitement of Atlanta. Getting around is easy thanks to great walkability and convenient public transit, so you can sip your coffee at a cozy local cafe in the morning and still make it to a big-city meeting (or concert) without breaking a sweat. That’s not all you need to know before you decide to make the move, though. Our guide is here to walk you through the basics.

Decatur at a Glance

• Population: Decatur has a population of just over 24,000.
• Median age: The median age in Decatur is 39.8 years.
• City size: The city’s total area is 4.6 square miles.
• Location: Decatur is located in DeKalb County, about seven miles northeast of downtown Atlanta.
• Fun fact: The city was named after Stephen Decatur, who was a U.S. naval hero in the 19th century.

10 Things To Know About Living in Decatur, GA

Living in Decatur, GA, means life in a cultural hub known for its walkability, high-quality dining, and beautiful neighborhoods. Here’s everything you should know before you decide on making a move.

1. The Cost of Living in Decatur, GA, Is Somewhat Expensive

The cost of living in Decatur, GA, has a score of 104.8 — nearly 10 percent higher than the state average of 94.5, and 4.8 percent higher than the national average index of 100. That might be high compared to the rest of Georgia, but it’s still 8.5 percent below Atlanta’s score of 113.3.

According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, a family of four (two working adults and two children) should make at least $88,200 annually before taxes to cover standard living expenses. A couple without children should make closer to $56,100, and a single person should bring in about $41,900.

2. Pros and Cons of Living in Decatur, GA

As one of the most desirable cities in the Atlanta metro area, Decatur is known for its tight-knit community atmosphere, strong culture, and big city convenience. However, no city is perfect, and there are cons to consider.

Pros of Living in Decatur, GA

• Vibrant arts and cultural activities
• Stronger public transportation than most other Atlanta suburbs
• High walkability with a walk score of 96
• Close proximity to major employment hubs

Cons of Living in Decatur, GA

• Higher costs of living compared to other communities in Georgia
• High summer humidity levels
• High crime rates
• Urban density issues with population growth

3. Decatur’s Housing & Rental Markets Are Stabilizing

After years of rapid growth, home values in Decatur are beginning to cool down. The average home value in the city is $277,800, a seven percent drop over the past year.

The residential landscape in Decatur features distinct architectural gems in each of the city’s neighborhoods. Craftsman bungalows are popular, but you will also find modern farmhouses, mid-century ranch homes, and newer contemporary builds.

Decatur’s rental market has also remained somewhat stable, with an average rent of $1,425 for a one-bedroom apartment.

Charming architecture meets a vibrant, walkable lifestyle — no wonder the MAK Historic District is among the best places to live in Decatur.
(Source: Whitney Ford Clemons, Realtor via Facebook)

4. The Best Places To Live in Decatur Combine Historic Charm With Suburban-Urban Vibes

The lively city of Decatur is known for having a tight-knit community capable of rivaling even the best small towns in Georgia. But where exactly should you move? That depends on your lifestyle. 

Here are some of the best Decatur, GA, neighborhoods to call home:

• Oakhurst: Known for its great community and abundance of local festivals, Oakhurst is one of the best Decatur neighborhoods for families, with the perfect blend of historic character and modernity.
• MAK Historic District: This neighborhood is Decatur’s first local historic district. It’s located mere blocks from Decatur Square and boasts several dining and shopping options. Its vibrant mix of restaurants and boutiques, paired with excellent walkability, makes it especially appealing to young professionals.
• Winnona Park: Best known for its country club and local community activities, Winnona Park offers a more secluded and laid-back atmosphere ideal for retirees.

5. Decatur’s Crime Rate Is High for Georgia, But Still Lower Than Atlanta’s

Decatur’s total crime rate is 24 crimes per 1,000 residents, which is higher than most other cities and towns within the state of Georgia, regardless of size. However, the city is much safer compared to Atlanta, whose crime score is just 3 (Decatur’s is 12). Plus, Decatur isn’t considered one of the most dangerous communities when compared to national averages.

6. The Best Things To Do in Decatur, GA, Celebrate the City’s Small-Town Charm & Urban Vibe

The city’s culture is primarily concentrated around Decatur Square, which is a walkable area with great shopping, festivals, and other cultural activities.

• DeKalb History Center: This museum is located in the Historic DeKalb Courthouse on the Square, where you can explore artifacts and exhibits on local history.
• Eddie’s Attic: Enjoy a night out listening to live music, with performances taking place almost every night.
• Decatur Arts Festival: Become familiar with the local art community and check out workshops and performances at this large arts festival.
• HomeGrown Decatur: Shop for locally made jewelry, soaps, and other items specific to Atlanta like stickers and shirts.

7. Decatur, GA, Weather Means Hot Summers & Mild Winters

Living in Decatur, GA, gives you a true sense of all four seasons. Summer brings on the hottest months, with average highs that climb up to the high 80s and high humidity levels that can make outdoor activities uncomfortable.

Temperatures and humidity begin to drop in the fall, followed by short winters that rarely dip below 33°F.

Dig into authentic New Orleans flavor at The Po’Boy Shop and Basement Bar — one of the best restaurants in Decatur, GA.
(Source: The Po’Boy Shop via Facebook)

8. The Culinary Scene in Decatur Is One of the Best in Atlanta’s Metro Area

Decatur is often regarded as having the very best culinary scene in the Atlanta metro area, with high-quality options that satisfy every palate. Here’s a glimpse of the best restaurants in Decatur, GA, to choose from.

• Brick Store Pub: Ranked as one of the best beer bars in the U.S., this casual gastropub is known for its delicious menu items, like fish and chips and sage-fried pierogies.
• Folk Art: This restaurant is one of the city’s best breakfast spots, with favorites like chicken and waffles and buttermilk-fried cutlets.
• The Po’Boy Shop and Basement Bar: Enjoy an authentic selection of New Orleans-style po’boys, such as shrimp and oyster, at affordable prices.

9. Decatur Offers a Comprehensive Public Transit System

Decatur is one of the best cities to live near Atlanta for commuters, with a high density of transit options.

Unlike other Atlanta suburbs — many of which have none, or just one — Decatur has three MARTA rail stations. All of these stations are on the Blue Line, which connects directly to downtown Atlanta and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

Decatur Station also features a bus loop, which connects residents to employment centers and outlying neighborhoods.

10. Decatur Boasts a Strong Job Market

Decatur is home to a stable job market with an unemployment rate of 3.4 percent, which is right around the Georgia unemployment rate of 3.5 percent.

Healthcare and education are among the top drivers in the city’s market. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Emory Healthcare, Emory University, and The Task Force for Global Health are some major employers in the area.

Government roles are another key source of employment, with DeKalb County alone employing more than 1,700 people.

Ready to start living in Decatur, GA? Book your move with PODS.

Moving to Decatur, GA, With PODS

Make your move to Decatur, GA, flexible with a portable storage container from PODS. Have it delivered directly to your driveway for convenient packing and loading on your own schedule. PODS can even connect you with local packing and loading services to help with the heavy lifting. Once you're ready, your container will be picked up and delivered to your new Decatur home. If you need more time before unloading, you can have it delivered to a secure PODS Storage Center until you’re ready. With one month of storage built into the cost of every move, there’s no reason to feel rushed.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.

(Source for image featured at top: City of Decatur GA- Government via Facebook)

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}