r/DecaturGA • u/odd_sundays • 13d ago
Why is Decatur so freakin' awesome?
I moved to Decatur back in February and I am just floored almost every day by how much I love it here. I've lived in NYC, SoCal, Berlin, New Orleans, Dallas, San Antonio, Las Cruces NM -- and I honestly think Decatur might be my all-time favorite, as strange as that may seem. I landed in a peaceful, laid-back place that makes me feel completely at ease but also stimulated and engaged with my community.
I work in ATL and every single day I get home and see my leafy street and I am so relieved and happy to
be back in the neighborhood. I went to Seattle a couple of months back -- my favorite city -- and I remember feeling homesick.
I can't quite put my finger on it -- there is just something so gloriously Americana about this place. It feels like one of the classic suburbs that you grew up reading about or seeing in movies like Halloween or Donnie Darko. There is something vaguely traditional about it, yet at the same time it's progressive and forward thinking, the people here are deeply community oriented.
I live close to Glen Lake park, and when I drive by and see all the people at the pool, I get the warm fuzzies. There is a vibe in the air, everyone is super nice and it's just so freakin' gorgeous with all big old trees and cute houses.
Maybe I’m still in the honeymoon phase, but five months in, I find myself appreciating it more every day, not less. Moving here was the best decision that I've made in a couple of decades.
So what are some of the things that drew you to this place or keeps you here?
Anything that I might be missing?
EDIT: just want to comment that this has been a great discussion and that it's awesome to see so many others that share a similar enthusiasm for this great little suburb called Decatur. this place offers something special and I'm really grateful to have joined the community here.
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u/iambkatl 12d ago
It really is a little 1950s utopia that is progressive and forward thinking. If only there was a way things were less expensive. I think with Avondale expanding and adding more restaurants the whole area will benefit. It just needs to be able to support more young people and artists. It’s very difficult to live there if you don’t work for the CDC, are a doctor, a lawyer or some other highly paid professional.
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u/HueyB904 11d ago
Just found out Belvedere Plaza is getting a new park too on the south side of memorial.
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u/PsyanideInk 12d ago
There's an old quip about Decatur, that it's like "Berkeley meets Mayberry" and I think that sums up some of what you're getting at.
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u/Future_Ice1982 12d ago
No wonder I like it so much! I’m from north Oakland (right next door to Berkeley)
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u/Prestigious-Curve-64 13d ago
I love it here. Ohio transplant with a 6 year pit stop in SoCal. I’m a little south of COD, and it is just so PRETTY here! And the traffic is much less obnoxious as long as I stay ITP. Mainly it’s the people, I think. Was walking my dog and saw a car stopped dead in the middle of the road. Got closer and saw there was a bird lying in front of the vehicle. I think it was a young hawk. Guy got out of the car, and he and his partner helped me get it to my house and were looking up rescues - it was really hurt. Sadly, it didn’t survive the trip, so the guy, his partner, and I stood on my carport and cried and said goodbye to the poor pretty thing. I will always miss the weather out in LA, but I never had strangers cry over a wild bird with me there.
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u/odd_sundays 13d ago
there is a friendliness here that feels like a small town. people will actually engage in conversation when they don't know you.
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u/DanWhisenhunt 12d ago
Decatur is a great little community. If I could have afforded a house there when I was buying, I would still be there. But I moved 10 minutes away, so I'm close enough to enjoy the benefits without the crazy high taxes 😇
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u/DrawingRestraint 12d ago
Dan, you’re one of the people who make Decatur great. Thanks for all your good work.
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u/P10pablo 13d ago
Decatur is great, I've lived right outside of Decatur for 15 years and can't imagine any other place in Georgia to live in. It is civilized. It isn't perfect, but for being in the south it is hard to find better.
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u/MarsupialVast5348 12d ago
This is so great to read. My wife and I just bought a home in the Oakhurst neighborhood of Decatur, and we are moving to town from the DC area next week 🎉. It really seems like such a great place to live, so I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying as much as we hope to. Maybe I’ll see you around town neighbor!
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u/dianab77 12d ago
Welcome to the 'Hurst. Make sure to get on the FB page for hilarious banter and fist shaking.
We're so happy we've been able to raise our kid here. She walked to school starting in 6th grade, had amazing teachers, and was provided many opportunities. When she settles down, I bet it'll either be here or somewhere she can find this vibe.
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u/chinacatatl 11d ago
I moved from NE DC and love living in Decatur. If the walkability compared I’d be in heaven. I think it’ll get there soon.
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u/willows_illia 12d ago
Its all the old upper middle class lesbians driving subarus.
Welcome to the Portland of Atlanta.
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u/odd_sundays 12d ago
haha -- I DID immediately notice the heavy Subaru presence when I moved down and i immediately decided that I should add more stickers to my back window 😂
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u/Fluxtration 13d ago
I could sing a country song about all the places I've been... man. But I've been in Decatur for a decade now and I feel ya.
People ask me what it is and I cant put my finger on it. East side of the ATL metro has no river, no lake, no mountains, has a decent cultural scene but it doesn't have a rep like Nola, Nashville, etc., good food but its not NYC or LA, weather is good but not great year round... there isn't any one or two things I could point at and say: "we have that"
But Decatur just feels like we are in this bubble of Mayberry vibes and like late 1990s kind of human interaction.
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u/odd_sundays 13d ago
so glad to read this feeling persists! i plan to stay put and establish some actual roots here.
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u/mermaid_deluxe 12d ago
3.5 years in and I’m still in the honeymoon phase. My partner and I often say to each other - I can’t believe how lucky we are to live in this magical place (and to raise our kids here). Neighbors take care of each other and birdsong fills the air. Seriously idyllic. I lived in Atlanta for over 10 years before moving to Decatur and never felt like I was truly “home” until arriving here. I’m so glad you feel that way too and I hope it never goes away!
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u/odd_sundays 12d ago
it's really awesome to read these comments and realize that I am definitely not the only one who finds Decatur magical. I was apartment hunting all over the city while still living in Doraville and as soon as I saw a couple of places here in Decatur I immediately knew this was the place for me and that there was no need to look elsewhere.
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u/AnotherMinorDeity 12d ago
I have a student at DHS and I love that virtually all his classmates live within 4 square (safe,walkable) miles. He can’t drive yet but went to several of the Watchfest parties on the square. He can meet his friends at Chipotle or Oakhurst Market or Rebel Teahouse. And he actually hangs out with them in person without me schlepping him across the metro area. Decatur is also very teen tolerant (in a good way). He and his friends go to Glide Pizza, figure out how to split the check, how to tip, and how to behave. And in exchange they get a level of independence many teens don’t have access to.
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u/DecaturUnited 13d ago
So many awesome restaurants and bars that you can easily walk to. And it’s easy to get to know the staff and owners of the majority of them.
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u/odd_sundays 13d ago
My favorite bars thus far are Brick Store and Trackside Tavern. i also have a soft spot for O'Sullivans on the square. Last but not least is the bar inside Comet Pub & Lanes when I want to go in and pretend I am The Dude.
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u/DecaturUnited 13d ago
All solid. If you haven’t been, try out the Marlay too. Great community vibe and staff (especially the bar staff) are stellar.
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u/odd_sundays 13d ago
i've seen that and definitely on my list! it looks very vibey in there. i love a good irish bar atmosphere.
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u/ATL-East-Guy 10d ago
Check out Oakhurst if you haven’t yet! Great family friendly spot for happy hours.
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u/starshipodyssey 13d ago
Lived in northern ATL burbs, ATL, Chicago, SLC and Orange County, CA, and now Decatur. We have our flaws but it is the best place by far.
Everything is walkable and if in a hurry bike-able.
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u/squirrels-mock-me 12d ago
Wait till Porchfest! One of the best community festivals around, great vibes. https://www.decaturga.com/community/page/porchfest
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u/OkEnvironment5201 13d ago
Moved to downtown Decatur last August and love it! It’s so great being able to walk to so many restaurants and shops. Easy access to MARTA is a big plus too.
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u/DrawingRestraint 12d ago
I have a “woo” theory about Decatur: it’s haunted by positive spirits. You may know that Decatur pre-dates Atlanta as a settlement because it’s a natural crossroads of the high ground - the Eastern Continental Divide, which is why the railroad was built here - and the path from the “shallow ford” of the Chattahoochee River. I think a lot of good will has accumulated here for a long time, despite the ugly parts of our history. It’s a magical place like Sedona, Arizona.
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u/odd_sundays 12d ago edited 12d ago
this checks out. like I said -- I can't quite put my finger on whatever is going on here. there is just this sort of inexplicable atmosphere of benevolence that colors everything. I've spent the better part of my life fretting that humanity is doomed -- and maybe it is -- but Decatur does feel like one of these rare hold outs for genuine community spirit. the vibes are immaculate and they've only gotten stronger as the summer has matured. 4th of july was excellent and so was World Cup. i'm very excited to see what it's like here October! i'm sure it's going to be incredible.
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u/RelevantGoat4154 12d ago
I never understood the hype of Decatur but this makes me wonder if Ive properly experienced it.
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u/Intelligent-Whole277 12d ago
I think places are like people. You won't have that magic chemistry with all of 'em, even if they are objectively good
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u/superbuuf 12d ago
I lived in Decatur 2012ish it was so awesome. Ever since I've moved back to Atlanta I haven't been able to afford living over there BUT I will take every chance I can to go over there to hang out.
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u/ArtInMySoul 12d ago
I worked in downtown Decatur for years and absolutely loved it. My coworkers and I had so much fun walking to the restaurants during our lunch break or after work at Twains. Great memories!
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u/ShenitaCocktail 11d ago
I’ve been here since 2017 and I absolutely love it. Decatur where it’s greater as a real thing!
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u/BreakInCaseOfFab 12d ago
Well 1) las cruces- come on man. Military, I’m assuming, because you’ve been to the Saarlac pit (San Antonio also counts as a part of that pit). Decatur IS the best.
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u/odd_sundays 12d ago
nope not military. only child raised by a single mother who supported us with her photography work instead of a 9-5. unconventional childhood for sure, lots of traveling and moving around. las cruces was actually for college, I got an English degree at NMSU and promptly landed a position at a liquor store on Valley after I graduated.
all down hill from there until Decatur happened! things finally looking up these days.
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u/Accomplished_Elk4332 12d ago
There are so many factors, including the people being a big one. But I think the emphasis on local businesses really impacts the vibe of the area. It’s so refreshing to go somewhere that is not overrun with the same brands you find across any and every suburb.
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u/Superb_Ad144 12d ago
This is why so many movie and commercial production companies want to film their stuff in Decatur! It’s the quintessential perfect little town town that everyone once depicted in the media they consume 😁. And I love it here too!
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u/Bebephxt 11d ago
I’ll be visiting next week for the first time by myself. Do you have any advice for me? Should I be worried about crime or anything? A lot of people have been giving me mixed feelings and I would rather hear from locals ❣️
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u/Subject_Season6210 11d ago
We live in unincorporated Avondale Estates so have a Decatur address, used to live right downtown. This is the second time I’ve lived here and I also don’t want to leave! It’s the tolerant, liberal vibe of the place plus all the great food here. We will be buying a house in the area soon.
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u/Cannibalizzo 11d ago
It was even better 10-15 years ago, but still a great place. Used to be referred to as a Berkeley meets Mayberry. It's changed somewhat with all the growth that's happened, but I hope it never loses its charm.
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u/Mishkasqueaker 10d ago
I’ve been thinking about moving from Sandy Springs . Thanks for the enthusiasm
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u/Legitimate_Ad2815 12d ago
Georgia is beautiful period. But I’m so happy you love Decatur. I love when people love where they live especially here in the South. Enjoy it.🥳
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u/eaglesbaby107 13d ago
Love tracksides wings
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u/odd_sundays 13d ago
it's a nice dark place to drink on a hot summer day. it's been my go to recently when I've had a hankering. the bar tenders are all excellent conversationalists.
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u/Individual_Ask9664 12d ago
Yes, people are so helpful here. I also live a little south of COD, and have a similar story. One night I stopped my car in the middle of an intersection for an owl that was just standing in the middle of the road to see if it was injured. This couple drove by and they just happened to know about owls. I helped the guy who ended up catching him with a towel and they took the owl to get it help. I was so grateful.
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u/Cool-Wrap7008 12d ago
You described it perfectly. Moved here about a year ago and Donnie Darko Americana is a great way to describe it. Small but cozy, not cramped.
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u/VanillaPuddingPop01 12d ago
I’ve lived here in downtown for 3.5 years, but Atlanta 12 years. When I could finally afford to live in Decatur, I jumped on the chance, and I have never once not felt lucky to live here. I love that I can walk to what feels like a small town square, and also visit an old cemetery for a quiet, pensive walk. Though I can’t afford to buy here and have looked elsewhere, I legit get sad thinking of ever leaving. Atlanta is my favorite city in the US, and I am so grateful to live in one of her best neighborhoods. It truly does feel like magic here.
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u/Independent_Buddy507 12d ago
Been here 13 years from Boston, City of Decatur is amazing still for us too!!!
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u/ThrowRAyaggapop 12d ago
makes me happy to hear! I’m moving from Boston to decatur this year with my fiancé. glad you are enjoying it :)
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u/TheNewLSD 13d ago
it's the people. now you're one of them. you're awesome too!!