Decatur, Georgia: Neighborhood Guide
Just five miles east of downtown Atlanta, Decatur is its own city with a small-town heart. Its historic square, walkable downtown, festivals and well-regarded city school system make it one of metro Atlanta's most sought-after places to live.
A short history
Decatur was founded in 1823, making it older than Atlanta itself. It was named for U.S. Navy Commodore Stephen Decatur and grew up where two Native American trails crossed. It has been the seat of DeKalb County since the beginning.
The Old DeKalb County Courthouse still anchors the town square. A marker there remembers a cavalry skirmish fought on the square during the Battle of Atlanta in July 1864.
Over the decades, Decatur grew into "A City of Homes, Schools and Places of Worship," its official motto. Its downtown was redeveloped into a lively mixed-use district, and today it's known for festivals, restaurants and an unusually walkable layout for a metro Atlanta city.
Why people love living here
A real downtown. Restaurants, shops, bars and coffee around a historic square.
City Schools of Decatur. A small school district just for Decatur residents, from pre-K through Decatur High School.
Festivals all year. The Decatur Arts Festival, the Decatur Book Festival, beer and wine festivals, and Concerts on the Square.
Transit. Three MARTA rail stations (Decatur, East Lake and Avondale) connect to downtown Atlanta and the airport.
Walking and biking. The PATH trails and East Decatur Greenway connect neighborhoods.
Homes for every stage. Historic bungalows, new construction and townhomes close to downtown.
Notable spots
Food and drink
Kimball House: Award-winning cocktails, oysters and French-Southern cooking.
Brick Store Pub: A world-famous beer bar right on the square.
The Iberian Pig: Spanish tapas and wine on Decatur Square.
Chai Pani: Indian street food from a James Beard Award-winning chef.
Victory Sandwich Bar: Sliders and slushies, with a hidden tiki bar out back.
Taqueria Del Sol: Creative tacos and margaritas worth the line.
Pastries a Go Go: A longtime breakfast spot known for biscuits.
Inner Voice Brewing: A downtown brewery with pizza.
Parks and outdoors
Decatur Square: The city's gathering place for concerts and festivals.
The PATH and East Decatur Greenway: Trails for walking and biking.
Landmarks
The Old DeKalb County Courthouse: The historic centerpiece of the square.
Agnes Scott College: A historic college with a beautiful campus.
Columbia Theological Seminary: Another of Decatur's historic institutions.
Neighboring areas
Decatur borders Kirkwood and Lake Claire to the west, Avondale Estates to the southeast, and Druid Hills to the northwest.
Thinking about Decatur?
King Moore Group at Keller Williams Realty Intown Atlanta helps first-time buyers, move-up buyers and sellers in Decatur and across intown Atlanta. Call 678-641-7925 or send us a message.