Jump Ahead To:
Located northeast of Atlanta, Decatur is a city in DeKalb County, Georgia with a population of roughly ~24,000. A relatively small, quaint, and quiet city, Decatur is known for its involvement in the Civil War, since it was a cornerstone of Sherman’s Atlanta Campaign. Local museums such as The Old Courthouse stand as reminders of a small skirmish that occurred between Union and Confederate troops in Decatur.
Beyond its importance in American history, Decatur is known for its variety of Ranch, Colonial, and Cape Cod homes built around the 1920s to 1970s as well as being the home of Agnes Scott College.
If you’re moving to Decatur from a big city, you’ll have some room to breathe. Lot sizes are fairly large, street parking isn’t too hard to find, and incomes are higher than average. In fact, the median household income in Decatur is roughly $115k according to DataUSA, making it one of the higher-income areas in the Atlanta metro. Despite higher-than-average incomes, though, Decatur still has a cost of living that’s relatively affordable, with a cost of living that’s actually 4% below the national average.
How Family Friendly is Decatur?
Out of any major city in the Atlanta metro, Decatur has one of the lowest crime rates. Recently, the Decatur Police Department reported that they’ve recently experienced their lowest violent crime rate in over 20 years.
Schools in Decatur, Georgia
The Decatur City School District serves Decatur, GA. On Niche, it’s ranked as #4 of the Best School Districts in Georgia, with an “A” rating. On GreatSchools, Decatur High won a “College Success” award for preparing students for the academic demands of post-secondary. It’s rated as #4 on the list of the Best School Districts in Georgia. You can rest assured that if you decide to move to Decatur, your children can receive a quality education.
Best Neighborhoods for Families in Decatur
Great Lakes
Developed between 1913 and 1930, the historic Great Lakes neighborhood in Decatur features some of the most amazing residences and churches in the area. Popular home styles include Craftsman, American Foursquare, and Dutch Colonial – all built around the early to mid 20th century.
Things to Do in Great Lakes
Glenlake Park is located nearby and it features a pool for the summertime, tennis courts, picnic areas, and plenty to do for the kids, including playgrounds, soccer fields, and baseball fields. Your dog will love unleashing some of his energy at Glenlake Dog Park and Decatur Square, complete with an array of restaurants and cafes, is only a short walk away.
Average Home Prices in Great Lakes
The average home price in Great Lakes is around $687,500, as of September 2023.
Decatur Square (Downtown Decatur)
Decatur Square is a 15-block historic district home to a variety of shops, restaurants, cafes, and other retailers, and Downtown Decatur is within walking distance of the square, making it a great place for families to settle down. DeKalb County Courthouse is located in the middle of the square and is an iconic and recognizable landmark for residents.
The Decatur Square Farmers Market (located at 308 Clairemont Ave) is a popular weekend destination, supporting local, organic farmers.
Things to Do in Decatur Square
As of September 2023, some of the best things to do in Decatur Square include walking around the square and visiting restaurants and cafes nearby, including Sushi Avenue, Poke Bar, and The White Bull.
Average Home Prices in Decatur Square
The average home price in downtown Decatur is around $340,000 according to RedFin, making it an attractive option for families who are looking for a more affordable home in the Atlanta area.
Oakhurst
Located south of downtown Decatur and roughly six miles east of Atlanta, this neighborhood is known for being centered around Harmony Park, which has plenty of benches, greenspace, and nice, laid-back restaurants and cafes. Oakhurst was originally a streetcar suburb of Atlanta, and most of it was developed in the early 20th century. The primary architectural types are Craftsman Bungalows and Cape Cods.
Things to Do in Oakhurst
Oakhurst Garden is a lush, idyllic greenspace area that serves as a community garden. It has a greenhouse, community plots (of course), and chickens. The DeKalb Farmers Market ranks as another one of the top things to do for Oakhurst residents. Browse and buy fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers. There’s also no shortage of trendy, relaxing cafes to enjoy.
Average Home Prices in Oakhurst
The median sale price in Oakhurst, according to RedFin, is about $965,000. This makes it one of the pricier neighborhoods in Decatur, but with so many amenities – and its proximity to Atlanta – there’s a lot to appreciate.
Winnona Park
This neighborhood is located just south of Decatur Square and is home to Winnona Park, one of the largest parks in Decatur. The park has a playground, baseball field, and a swimming pool, making it a great place for families to relax and have fun. Early advertisements of Winona Park, when it was first being developed in the 1910s and 1920s, boasted that it was “Atlanta’s Most Beautiful Neighborhood” – and it’s a sentiment that many residents share today.
The history of Winnona Park is intimately intertwined with that of the Civil War. It was an area that Union and Confederate troops constantly fought over due to its proximity to the railway lines. Today, of course, there are almost no remnants of that past, just tree-lined, quiet, well-landscaped, and relaxing streets.
Winnona Park features ~700 homes of various styles, primarily Colonial Revival and Craftsman.
Average Home Prices in Winona Park
Average home prices in Winnona Park are about $495,000 according to RedFin. However, since Winnona Park is a smaller community, this data is limited by the total number of homes that have transferred (only 8 in the past 365 days). Prices range from about $500-750k or more for most homes.
Decatur Heights
Decatur Heights has a small-town feel with lots of amenities. It’s a similar streetcar suburb as Winnona Park and Oakhurst, but many of the smaller bungalows were torn down in the 1990s to make way for newer developments, so if you’re seeking a newer home in the area, this might be the place to go.
Sycamore Ridge, for example, was developed in the 1990s and early 2000s. It features detached townhomes between 2500-3500 square feet in size, perfect for modern families looking for up-to-date features.
Things to Do in Decatur Heights
Decatur Heights has a close proximity to downtown Decatur and Glenlake Park, one of the top things to do in the “Great Lakes” neighborhood, listed above. Decatur Heights primarily consists of single-family homes, so many of the top things to do exist outside of the neighborhood boundaries. Still, since it’s so centrally located, there are plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes to explore. You can also just take a relaxing walk around the neighborhood and admire the houses.
Average Home Prices in Decatur Heights
Average home prices in Decatur Heights are about $510k according to RedFin. Just like Winnona Park, however, since there isn’t a huge volume of homes being transferred, this can be misleading. Most homes have a list price between $500-750k.
Conclusion: Best Neighborhoods for Families in Decatur
With high incomes, low crime rates, and a low cost of living, Decatur is a great place to live if you’re moving to the Atlanta area. Some of the best neighborhoods include Great Lakes, Decatur Square, Oakhurst, Winnona Park, and Decatur Heights. All of them have beautiful homes, plenty of amenities, and a close proximity to downtown Decatur and even Atlanta.
If you’re thinking about moving to Decatur, Bellhop is here to help. We can set you up with a moving program that works for your budget and timeframe, so that when moving day comes, you can be excited – not stressed. We offer long-distance moving services in the greater Atlanta area, as well as last-minute moves in Atlanta.
- The Best Schools in Tucson, Arizona - April 5, 2024
- How are Schools in Somerville, MA? - March 28, 2024
- The Richest Neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - March 22, 2024
