Just east of Atlanta lies Decatur—a charming city that feels like a small town with big-city amenities. With its walkable downtown square, award-winning restaurants, excellent schools, and strong sense of community, Decatur has become one of metro Atlanta’s most desirable places to live. Here’s your complete guide to everything Decatur has to offer.
Why Decatur is Special
Decatur isn’t technically a neighborhood—it’s an independent city. But its proximity to Atlanta (just 6 miles from downtown) and MARTA access make it feel like part of the metro area while maintaining its own distinct identity.
What Makes Decatur Stand Out:
- Walkable downtown square with local shops and restaurants
- Top-rated City Schools of Decatur (a major draw for families)
- Strong community feel with frequent festivals and events
- MARTA access for easy Atlanta commutes
- Progressive, diverse, welcoming community
- Tree-lined streets with historic homes
Best Restaurants in Decatur
Fine Dining & Upscale
The Iberian Pig
Spanish tapas restaurant with an extensive wine list and lively atmosphere. Perfect for date night or celebrating special occasions.
No. 246
Italian-inspired cuisine using local ingredients. The pasta is handmade, and the seasonal menu never disappoints.
Cakes & Ale
Farm-to-table restaurant with a constantly changing menu. The bakery next door is perfect for morning pastries and coffee.
Casual Favorites
Leon’s Full Service
Gastropub with creative cocktails, excellent burgers, and a fun atmosphere. The outdoor patio is perfect for warm evenings.
Brick Store Pub
Legendary beer bar with 1,000+ bottles and an upstairs Belgian bar. A Decatur institution since 1997.
Raging Burrito
Casual Tex-Mex with a great patio. Perfect for margaritas and tacos after work.
Victory Sandwich Bar
Creative sandwiches and a dive bar vibe. The menu is inventive, and the atmosphere is unpretentious.
Coffee & Breakfast
Dancing Goats Coffee Bar
Local roaster with excellent coffee and a prime location on the square. Perfect for people-watching.
Java Monkey
Cozy coffee shop with live music and open mic nights. A community gathering spot.
Butter & Cream
Upscale breakfast and brunch spot. The biscuits are legendary, and the wait is worth it.
Things to Do in Decatur
Decatur Square
The heart of Decatur is its historic courthouse square, surrounded by local shops, restaurants, and the old DeKalb County Courthouse (now a visitors center). It’s the perfect place for an afternoon stroll, outdoor dining, or people-watching.
Festivals & Events
Decatur hosts some of Atlanta’s best festivals:
- Decatur Book Festival (September) – One of the largest independent book festivals in the country
- Decatur BBQ, Blues & Bluegrass Festival (August) – Music, food, and community
- Decatur Arts Festival (May) – Local and regional artists
- Decatur Craft Beer Festival (Various dates) – Celebrating craft beer culture
Eddie’s Attic
Legendary listening room that’s launched careers of artists like John Mayer, Shawn Mullins, and Jennifer Nettles. Intimate venue with excellent acoustics.
Oakhurst Village
Charming neighborhood within Decatur with its own collection of restaurants, shops, and the popular Oakhurst Community Garden.
Parks & Recreation
- Glenlake Park – Pool, tennis courts, playground, and walking trails
- Decatur Cemetery – Historic cemetery with beautiful grounds, perfect for peaceful walks
- Mason Mill Park – Hiking trails, creek access, and nature
Shopping in Decatur
Local Favorites
Little Shop of Stories – Independent children’s bookstore with author events and story times
Squash Blossom Boutique – Women’s clothing and accessories with a bohemian vibe
Wild Oats & Billy Goats – Eclectic gift shop with home decor, toys, and unique finds
Decatur CD – Independent record store with vinyl, CDs, and local music
Living in Decatur
Who Lives Here
Decatur attracts a diverse mix of residents:
- Families drawn by excellent schools
- Young professionals who want walkability
- Empty nesters downsizing from larger homes
- Artists and creatives attracted to the community vibe
Housing & Real Estate
Home Prices: $500K – $1.5M+ (significantly higher than many Atlanta neighborhoods)
Rent Prices: $1,600 – $2,800 for a 2-bedroom apartment
Neighborhood Character:
- Historic bungalows and craftsman homes near the square
- Larger Victorian and Colonial homes in established neighborhoods
- New townhomes and condos near MARTA stations
- Tree-lined streets with sidewalks throughout
Schools
City Schools of Decatur is consistently ranked among Georgia’s top school systems. This is a major reason families pay a premium to live in Decatur.
Schools include:
- 4 elementary schools
- Renfroe Middle School
- Decatur High School
Transportation
MARTA Access: Decatur and East Lake stations provide direct access to downtown Atlanta and the airport.
Walkability: Walk Score of 76 (Very Walkable). Most errands can be accomplished on foot in downtown Decatur.
Bike-Friendly: Bike lanes and the PATH trail system make cycling a viable option.
Decatur vs. Atlanta Neighborhoods
Decatur vs. Virginia Highland
- Decatur: More family-oriented, better schools, independent city feel
- Virginia Highland: More nightlife, younger demographic, closer to Midtown
Decatur vs. Inman Park
- Decatur: More suburban feel, better schools, more parking
- Inman Park: More urban, closer to downtown, Victorian architecture
Pros & Cons of Living in Decatur
Pros:
- Excellent schools (City Schools of Decatur)
- Walkable downtown with local businesses
- Strong sense of community
- MARTA access for Atlanta commutes
- Great restaurants and nightlife
- Frequent festivals and events
- Progressive, diverse community
Cons:
- Expensive (housing premium for school district)
- Limited parking downtown
- Can feel crowded during festivals
- Property taxes support school system
- Competitive housing market
Tips for Visiting Decatur
1. Park Once, Walk Everywhere
Find parking near the square (or take MARTA) and explore on foot. Everything is within walking distance.
2. Visit During a Festival
Experience Decatur’s community spirit at the Book Festival, BBQ Festival, or Arts Festival.
3. Make Reservations
Popular restaurants like The Iberian Pig and No. 246 fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
4. Explore Beyond the Square
Check out Oakhurst Village, walk through residential neighborhoods, and visit the parks.
5. Try Multiple Coffee Shops
Decatur has excellent coffee culture. Try Dancing Goats, Java Monkey, and Taproom Coffee.
The Bottom Line
Decatur offers the best of both worlds: small-town charm with big-city amenities. It’s perfect for:
- Families seeking excellent schools and community
- Young professionals who want walkability and MARTA access
- Foodies who appreciate award-winning restaurants
- Anyone looking for a strong sense of community
Yes, Decatur is expensive. But for many residents, the schools, walkability, community, and quality of life make it worth every penny.
Ready to explore more Atlanta neighborhoods? Check out our guides to Virginia Highland vs Inman Park, where young professionals live, and all our neighborhood guides!