Decatur: Small Town Living in the Big City

People of all walks of life flock to Decatur because it truly offers something for everyone. Decatur is one of the few Atlanta neighborhoods where shopping, dining and entertainment are only a short walk or bike ride away. Top rated schools, eclectic culture, a well-run city with an active community, and convenient amenities make Decatur a great place to call home!

Below we have highlighted some of the features that make Decatur, and its surrounding historic neighborhoods, a desirable and unique place to live:

Convenience- The city of Decatur is located just 6 minutes east of Downtown Atlanta. Decatur is conveniently situated for individuals commuting to/from downtown to work, college, or the airport. Three MARTA stations throughout the city provide multiple rapid transit options for those electing to walk or ride their bikes.

Food/Garden- Your Dekalb Farmers Market has been known for years to be a great place to go for the best-priced quality groceries and produce. Located in downtown Decatur, this 140,000 square foot farmers market has a reputation for carrying high quality goods with prices that are easy on the wallet. The majority of items found on the shelves are organic and locally grown. DeKalb Farmers Market supports small farms that employ humane, environmentally responsible and sustainable production methods. Decatur also boasts several community gardens, the largest being the Oakhurst Community Garden. Founded in 1997, Oakhurst Community Garden offers classes on all things gardening, houses 34 community garden plots, event space available for rental, chicken coops, a composting station, play area and green house!

Going Green- Decatur has many programs and policies that are making strides in going green for the environment. In 1998, Decatur instituted a “Pay As You Throw” program that essentially makes it more expensive to throw away trash rather than recycle the items. Residents buy designated City of Decatur trash bags, which cost more than your regular Glad or Hefty brand. The city will not collect trash in any other type of bag, and people who recycle more will save money by using fewer bags.The city also promotes “Earth Hour” where once a year all residents turn off their lights to celebrate their commitment to the planet. Another earth friendly effort they implement twice a year is a free Electronics Recycling event in which electronic equipment is diverted from entering landfills, where they may contaminate soil and water.

Parks and Recreation- Decatur offers a variety of ­­parks, pools, bike paths, ball fields, dog parks and more! The city has a multitude of events throughout the year, from free concerts to family festivals. The city plays host to several community events such as Blue Sky Concerts and Concerts on the Square at the bandstand in downtown Decatur. Residents can pack a picnic basket and listen to free music at lunch and in the evening! They also have an annual Decatur Beach Party, where the street is transformed into “Ponce Beach” with 60 tons of sand, live music, games, food and fun. Another extremely popular event is the Decatur Craft Beer Festival, which showcases over 100 American craft beers.

Variety- This area has a very diverse population, with 9-to-5ers, hipsters, college students, and families, they all come together to create a highly inclusive community attitude. Unique art galleries, antique shops, clothing boutiques, coffee houses, music stores and specialty shops can all be found in and around Decatur. While the shopping in Decatur is abundant, nothing can compare to the variety of dining options available. Dozens of popular restaurants are located along the Decatur Square and other gems are sprinkled throughout the surrounding neighborhoods.

Walkability- Most of the above mentioned retail, restaurant and businesses are within easy walking distance or short bike ride on beautiful tree-lined streets. Pedestrian and bicycle access is a top priority for their economic development program. Decatur has also produced a series of self-guided walking tours to encourage that form of transportation as well as familiarize people with the local attractions and history.

~The WOW Team