So, The unemployment rate is 2.3%, which is pretty low. It's a a small town city with about 24,470 people. With a population of 24,470, Decatur is a small town. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
12 upvotes
6 Replies
Piper A.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 57, moved here 1 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in West and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The public transit situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for families. solid vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Baltimore, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
34 upvotes
Ian P.
facts
28 upvotes
Mia Martinez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Portland about 10 years ago. The main reasons were school and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are reasonable, gas is tough.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
21 upvotes
Delilah Campbell
accurate
21 upvotes
Melanie Stewart
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
16 upvotes
Olivia R.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want public transit, then yeah this place is great. But if cultural scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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