Your Guide to Buying a Home in Decatur, GA

Buying a Home in Decatur, Georgia

Decatur is located in De Kalb County

The Decatur community is a rich blend of tradition, diversity and visionary growth. You can see it in the tree-lined streets, well-maintained homes and lush landscapes of the older neighborhoods . . . attractive, well-planned condominium and townhome developments near downtown . . . streetscape enhancements in the town center area around the square . . . thriving restaurants and retail shops offering wide choices for dining and shopping . . . churches of almost every denomination . . . schools rated among the best in the country . . . historic places lovingly preserved for future generations . . . all this is why approximately 18,000 people, representing all ages, races, cultures and life styles, are glad to call Decatur home.

One of the biggest attractions is the excellence of its schools. Decaturites have made the education of its children a top priority. Consequently, it recently scored head and shoulders above its Atlanta counterparts, with particularly impressive high reading scores in a year when average reading scores dipped statewide.

Small teacher-student ratios are a part of the pride in a school system where more than 75% of the teachers hold at least a master's degree in their area of expertise. And Decatur High School is a statewide Center of Excellence, noted for SAT scores that outstrip national averages.

One driving motivator is the DeKalb County Public Library System, rated one of the finest in the state. Headquartered in Decatur, the library system and its Decatur branch serve as a community center and magnet for learning.

Decatur has also placed a high priority on its own cultural life. Sure, the big city amenities are there for the taking. But with a nationally acclaimed community theater, a strong arts community and one of the best Arts Festivals in the South, Decatur's residents need not venture far to taste the good life. Its strong affinity for the past can be seen in the $1.4 million renovation of the Old Courthouse on the Square, which houses DeKalb County's rich and colorful history, and makes a grand place to entertain.

Decaturites know how to have a good time. The courthouse square is the perfect place to bring the family, spread a blanket and enjoy a picnic with friends and neighbors. A full calendar of events are held on the square throughout the year including two regular concert series, the annual Decatur Beach Party and July 4th festivities.

And, if it's fun you want, Decatur is Atlanta's hot spot for the best in new music. Eddie's Attic, the Great Southeastern Freight Room, and the Trackside are draws for a strong weekend crowd that includes locals and visitors alike. The Indigo Girls call Decatur home and the area continues to nurture many emerging musical talents. From Athens to Macon to Memphis, Decatur is where you go for your first cut at tomorrow's music.

The City of Decatur hosts a year-round calendar of events for the entire community. Most events are free thanks to the sponsorship of local organizations including the Decatur Business Association and the Decatur Arts Alliance. Some events are fundraisers that raise money for community projects such as the Oakhurst Community Garden, the Decatur Youth Fund, the Save the Depot Organization, and more.