Moving to Decatur with kids -good idea?

Donald A. Mar 11, 2026

I work in government here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is improving. Would recommend to anyone considering it..

17 upvotes

Zoe Long Mar 28, 2026

Used to live on the West side, now on the Old Town side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.

13 upvotes

Anna Rodriguez Mar 30, 2026

Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.

If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely challenging and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Old Town) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.

But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.

My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.

3 upvotes