The city of Decatur GA is a suburb of Atlanta and is located about 5 miles east of downtown Atlanta. The city is in DeKalb County and the surrounding areas are Belvedere Park, Druid Hills, Panthersville, and Gresham Park.
On December 10th, 1823, Decatur was established and was named after Stephen Decatur, a Commodore in the United States Navy.
The official motto of this city is “A City of Homes, Schools, and Places of Worship,” but there is also an unofficial motto that some residents use, saying, “Everything is greater in Decatur.” This gorgeous Atlanta suburb is known for its many festivals, an amazing downtown with historic structures, and its amazing food scene.
One of the most well-known actresses from Decatur, GA, is China Anne Mcclain. She’s best known for her roles in Daddy’s Little Girls, Grown Ups, Black Lightning, and Descendants.
Decatur Population & Demographics
Today, the city has a population of 25,696, and the average age is 37. It ranks as the 44th largest city within Georgia and is steadily growing.
The demographics in Decatur are approximately 67% Caucasian, 15% African American, 5% Asian, 5% Hispanic, and 6% biracial. The gender ratio is 56% female and 44% male, and Decatur’s average household income is $77,000 per year.
Decatur, GA, has a crime rate that is on par with the national average and 7% lower than the state of Georgia. As such Decatur is a safe place to live. The city is served by the officers of the Decatur Police Department who work hard every day to ensure the safety of this community.
Cost of Living in Decatur
Decatur is expensive and the cost of living in Decatur is 48% higher than the national average. Health insurance is the only area below average, while everything from utilities, real estate costs, groceries, and transportation exceed it.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, if you have a family of four, you’ll need to earn $66,000 per year to afford to live in Decatur.
How expensive is it to live in Decatur, GA? The nearest city on Numbeo, Atlanta, outlines some of the everyday living expenses in Decatur:
Decatur GA Everyday Expenses:
- Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant $15.00
- Cappuccino, Regular $4.75
- Milk (regular, 1 gallon) $2.98
- Chicken Fillets (1lb) 5.02
- Bread (1 loaf) $1.64
- Apples (1 lb) $2.52
- Domestic Beer (1 pint) $5.50
- Average Cost of Utilities (per month) $178.73
- Average Cost of Gasoline per gallon $3.10
The median price of a home is $295,000, but if you’re interested in renting an apartment, then the average apartment rent in Decatur will run between $525 and $3,915, depending on the size of the apartment you need.
Decatur Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Decatur
If you’re moving to the area, consider one of these best neighborhoods in Decatur:
- Decatur Heights
- Oakhurst
- Winnona Park
- Sycamore Ridge
Decatur GA is 6 miles from Atlanta and click here if you need to travel to Atlanta from Decatur.
Decatur, GA, homes for sale.
Decatur Weather & Climate
When living in Decatur, you can expect the summers to be hot, muggy, and humid, with the winters being cold and wet, so make sure to pack your sunglasses and raincoat. You can even get a bit of snow in the winter.
During the spring and summer months, the temperatures can range between 80-90 degrees during the day and 60-70 degrees at night. Then when the weather starts to cool down, the temps range between 50-60 degrees during the day and 30-40 degrees at night.
Things to Do in Decatur
Once you’ve decided that moving to Decatur is the best choice for you, you’ll want to find some fun activities and attractions to visit. Here are some of the best things to do in Decatur, GA.
Intown Stars Gymnastics
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Intown Stars Gymnastics has classes for all age groups and experiences. This is a top thing to do in Decatur for kids. If you’re a parent, it can be hard to find some areas to take them and keep them entertained during the day. There is a dedicated time from 9:00-2:00 pm for your toddler to come and tumble in a safe environment while you enjoy a FREE hot beverage.
2935 N Decatur Rd B, Decatur, GA 30033 (404) 330-8988
Decatur Square
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In the heart of the city, Decatur Square provides 15-blocks for people to walk through and explore. You’ll find everything from major retailers, boutique stores, and award-winning restaurants. It is a can’t miss thing to do in Decatur with your family!
509 N McDonough St, Decatur, GA, (404) 370-4100
Additional Places To Visit In Decatur
- Revolution Donuts, 908 W College Ave, Decatur, GA 30030
- Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve, 2580 Pine Bluff Dr, Decatur, GA 30033
- Toy Park, 133 Nelson Ferry Rd, Decatur, GA 30030
The city of Decatur has 13 parks to choose from and is cared for by the local recreation center.
Events in Decatur are one of the big attractions that everyone enjoys. They have them posted on their website. Click here for the current schedule.
For shopping, there are plenty of options to choose from in Decatur, like Walmart, HomeGoods, Sprouts, Belvedere Plaza, and Fleet Feet Sports.
Decatur Restaurants
When it comes to finding the best food in town, there are plenty of delicious options in Decatur. Here are some of the top local restaurants.
The White Bull
What’s known as being a “farm-forward” Italian-style restaurant, The White Bull looks to the local market for inspiration, and the menu reflects the seasonal and regional ingredients that can be found across Georgia.
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123 E Court Square, Decatur, GA 30030, (404) 600-5649
Victory Sandwich Bar
What started in 2011 as a hole-in-the-wall sandwich shop has turned into a Decatur foodie favorite. There is a wide variety of items on the menu ranging from sandwiches, snacks, salads, and even assorted alcohol.
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340 Church St, Decatur, GA 30030, (404) 377-9300
Additional Restaurants In Decatur
- Brush Sushi Izakaya, 316 Church St, Decatur, GA 30030
- Calle Latina, 406 Church St, Decatur, GA 30030
- Revival, 129 Church St, Decatur, GA 30030
- Louisiana Bistreaux, 1496 Church St, Decatur, GA 30030
- No. 246, 129 E Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030
Jobs in Decatur
There are plenty of great opportunities in Decatur when it comes to jobs. Here are a few of the top employers:
- DeKalb County Government
- Emory Health Systems
- Agnes Scott College
- The U.S. Postal Service
Average hourly rate of $16.53 an hour, bringing the salary to $34,382 per year. The city income tax rate is 6%, with the unemployment percent sitting at only 2.4%.
Decatur Schools
40% of the population in Decatur, GA, is under 18 years old. The schools are highly rated and provide a balanced student-to-teacher ratio at 13:1, and they are ranked #5 out of the school districts in Georgia. Decatur is a great place to live and raise a family.
Schools here in Decatur are a part of the DeKalb County School District, a public school system available to every child within the city’s square miles radius. The district provides an excellent education at schools like:
In regards to college, the closest places to attend would be DeVry University, Agnes Scott College (private women’s college), and Georgia State University.
Students and other residents will enjoy the free Decatur library to rent everything from their favorite books, CDs, and current magazines.
Decatur Statistics & Information
The city is 4 square miles, the city of Decatur is near the center of DeKalb County in Georgia. There are five standard zip codes: 30030 and 30032-30035. The two area codes are 404 and 678.
The Time zone for Decatur is Eastern Standard Time (EST) switches in November, and then it becomes Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) during the time change in March.
Decatur is sitting at 1,043 feet above sea level. The closest airport is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL/KATL), 17 miles away.
Map of Decatur
With the help of this Decatur map, you can find other areas to explore, new restaurants to try, and participate in more local activities.
Pros & Cons of Living in Decatur
- Pro: The schools in Decatur provide an excellent education and are highly ranked compared to the other schools in Georgia.
- Pro: Decatur has plenty of popular restaurants, large retailers, and small boutique stores to choose from on The Decatur Square.
- Pro: According to the locals, Decatur is one of the best places to live.
- Con: Decatur is 48% higher than the national average for cost of living.
- Con: Decatur’s heat and humidity in the summers can be harsh.
Moving to Decatur, GA
As you can see, there are many benefits for relocating to Decatur. It’s a great place for all age groups: young adults, families, and retirees. When deciding on a moving company, it can be hard to know who to trust, but you can count on the most reliable Decatur movers, Wirks Moving. To learn more about our services, feel free to give us a call at (404) 390-2858, or fill out the request a quote and we’ll connect with you as soon as possible.
