Decatur, Georgia
What It Is Like to Retire in Decatur
Although considered a suburb of Atlanta, Decatur is a vibrant town in its own right. With a population of 24,928 (2020 census), it boasts a small town feel, a walkable and historic downtown, and is tech friendly by offering municipal wi-fi. Named after Stephen Decatur, a 19th century U.S. Naval hero, Decatur offers easy access to downtown Atlanta, and is recognized as a Bicycle Friendly Community. It is also home to several schools of higher education which includes Emory University, Columbia Theological Seminary, and Agnes Scott College. Another claim to fame is Eddie's Attic, a popular music club, where the Indigo Girls, Sugarland and John Mayer all played in their early days. Picture of First Baptist Church courtesy of Wikipedia and Baxterguy (public domain); picture of Downtown Decatur courtesy of Wikipedia and Lincolnh, Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0/ .
Where to Retire in Decatur and Home Prices
Downtown are townhouses, condominiums and lofts. Zillow reports the median home value to be $315,222 in mid-2023.
What Is Special about Decatur
Decatur is a college town with a low crime rate, a medical center, a great library, and is considered a very walkable and bike friendly community.
What Is Not Special about Decatur
It's hard to find what is not special about this community except to say winters are chilly with temperatures only in the 40's.
Who Will Like Retirement in Decatur
Those who are looking for a historical yet trendy town that offers a host of cultural events, a vibrant downtown and a medical center would enjoy retiring here; Decatur is just minutes from Atlanta with easy access on MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority); OLLI at Emory is a lifelong learning program for seniors, and offers more than 70 classes and programs.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Education and Professional Services
Climate and Physical Environment
The average January temperature is 45 degrees, with the average July temperture about 80 degrees.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
The town offers audio walking tours of its historic downtown, with restaurants, shops, and art galleries to visit, along with parks and community gardens. Several festivals and community-wide events are held throughout the year. Emory University adds much to the cultural scene in Decatur with concerts, theater performances, and a full calendar of the arts.
Crime
The crime rate in Decatur is low.
Medical facilities
Dekalb Medical Center is a not-for-profit hospital system located in Decatur.
Transportation
MARTA has rail stations within Decatur; there is free shuttle service between Emory University and downtown; the town offers bike lanes and bike parking; Amtrak and Hatfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport are just minutes away in Atlanta.
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