Welcome to Decatur
This Atlanta metro city features tree-lined suburban streets.
Located just five miles north of Downtown Atlanta, Decatur — filled with tree-lined streets, a great school system, and a lively bar and restaurant scene — is considered one of the best places to live in Georgia. Part of the Atlanta metropolitan area, the city houses more than 20,000 residents and is served by three Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) rail stations.
Defined by a traditional small-town atmosphere but still punctuated by the benefits of city life, Decatur features plenty of parks, playing fields, galleries, and businesses. Several highly rated restaurants offering some of the area’s most buzz-worthy eats can be found here, too.
The Town Square hosts events regularly — locally produced art and music are on display throughout the summer, and restaurants and shops take their wares outside during FAB Fridays festivities. During the holiday season, the Square is home to bonfires and marshmallow roasts, as well as tree and menorah lightings.
There are a number of well-appointed homes in Decatur, as well as several stately townhome complexes. More modest properties are also available, and many homes are situated on generous parcels of land.
The unofficial motto used by many residents here is "Everything is Greater in Decatur."
What to Love
- A mix of both suburban and urban lifestyles
- Small town atmosphere with the benefits of city life
- Lively restaurant and bar scene, plus regular social recreation in Town Square
People & Lifestyle
Home to 25,000 residents, Decatur’s population is diverse. The area is home to many families, but young professionals favor this community due to its proximity to the city and easy commute.
Dining, Shopping & Entertainment
With more than 80 different dining options, Decatur offers a little bit of everything to satisfy every palate. Local favorites include
Southern Sweets Bakery, which serves up classic breakfasts, soups, and sandwiches, as well as traditional pastries, cakes, and cookies;
Chai Pani, featuring Indian street snacks and draft beers;
No. 246, known for its locally sourced Italian cuisine; and
Revival, which offers creative Southern food served family-style.
Things to Do
Activities abound in Decatur. Locals congregate at Bill Reynolds Sports, which features baseball fields, basketball courts, and general open recreation. A nature trail winds along the beautiful Flint River.
Historical attractions are also a popular pursuit in Decatur. Visitors can tour the Historic House Complex on Trinity Place, which features two significant Decatur structures and two log cabin homes. The Mary Gay House is the preserved home of writer Mary Gay, who was referenced in Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. The Swanton House, home to Ami Williams, one of DeKalb's earliest settlers, is operated as a museum by the DeKalb History Center.
The MAK Local Historic District, named for the three streets (McDonough, Adams, and Kings Highway), is also a noteworthy location — the neighborhood is considered to be Decatur's first residential subdivision.
Schools
Decatur features its own independent school system consisting of four neighborhood elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school serving approximately 4,200 students.
There are also several higher education opportunities within the city:
- Agnes Scott College, ranked as one of the top 50 national liberal arts colleges, the Southeast's best women's college, and Georgia's best liberal arts college by U.S. News & World Report.
- Columbia Theological Seminary, which operates a 52-acre campus along Columbia Drive.
- DeVry University, located in the heart of downtown on the Square.
