Six Reasons You Should Move to Decatur

Last Updated on March 11, 2024

While part of the sprawling Atlanta Metro, Decatur, GA offers its own unique and distinct flavor and experience for its residents. Long recognized as a great place to live in Georgia, here are six reasons you should move to Decatur.

1. Decatur is the best place to live in Georgia

Right off the top, you should know that many consider Decatur to best place to live in Georgia. According to real estate website Niche, Decatur earned that rank for a number of reasons—from being family friendly with great public schools to the nightlife and diversity.

2. Great neighbors of Decatur

While a suburb city in and of itself, Decatur has a number of smaller neighborhoods that are attractive options. Take, for instance Downtown Decatur, which will offer a hub of community events, festivals, and plenty of local shops. Or you can checkout Oakhurst on the southwest side of town, which can feel like a small village in and of itself with a shopping village and local events of its own.

3. More on those Decatur festivals

Aside from pandemic-related shutdowns, Decatur packs its schedule with events and festivals all year. For example, locals look forward to the BBQ, Blues & Bluegrass Festival each August, which offers some of the best barbecue you can find in the area and the chance to enjoy some great music.

Another must-attend festival is the annual Decatur Lantern Parade. This night-time parade brings together local artists, families, and kids of all ages to show off creative paper lanterns found in almost any shape, size, and color to light up the night.

4. Decatur is great for families

If you see a family in your future or want a place where you can raise your already started household, Decatur is the best Georgia city for families. According to HomeSnacks, which ranks the cities based on children activities, school quality, and crime rates. For example, Decatur City Schools ranks among the top five public school systems in Georgia according to Patch.com.

Locals also recommend it for its up-and-coming feel and trendy vibes.

5. Access to the big city without big city problems

Only a 20 minute drive from Downtown Atlanta, a benefit to any suburban city is all the amenities of a big city without all of the responsibilities of big city life. For example, there are plenty of job opportunities in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area. Even after the coronavirus-related shutdowns and job loss in April 2020, the metro began a robust rebound in May, adding 35,200 jobs. 

6. These Decatur restaurants are worth a visit

Ok, so you shouldn’t move to a city for the food exactly, but it doesn’t hurt to know where the locals love to eat. Whether for breakfast to dinner, you can enjoy your chicken options at Sidechick or try some vegan-friendly options at The White Bull downtown.

About the only downside to life in Decatur is the cost of housing. According to BestPlaces, housing in Decatur is more than double the national average with the median home costing more than $564,000 and the average one-bedroom apartment found at $1,100 a month. Thankfully, we can help with that.

From relocating to the area, helping your business, or maximizing your apartment space, click here for more on how Decatur self storage can help.