Sign In Register
Piper W. jobs

Commute times in Decatur -how bad?

First post here. I'm originally from San Diego and Poverty rate is 13.3%, which is around average. Homes are going for about $97,300 on average. Rent is about $796/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 5.0%, which is about average. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Looking forward to hearing from you all. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
25 upvotes

1 Replies

milwaukeewalker2021
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in East for 5 years. Moved from Boston for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.

**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is decent - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are pretty good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.

**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Winters are long and cold. Can feel isolated. And weather can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
3 upvotes
← Back to Decatur Community