Decatur
Huntsville Choices™
Neighborhood: Athens
Neighborhood: Guntersville
Zillow
Located on the Tennessee River in Morgan County, Decatur is known for its rich history and its vibrant culture. With top employers including GE Appliances, United Launch Alliance, 3M, Wayne Farms, and Daikin America, among others, the city is powered by manufacturing, cargo transit, and high-tech industries.
Real Estate
Those seeking a home in Decatur have their pick of established and brand-new residences in the area, with many featuring waterfront views. Old Decatur and Albany are the city’s two historic districts that showcase styles such as Queen Anne, Victorian, and Craftsman. Some of the more popular neighborhoods in and around Decatur include Deerfoot Estates, Heritage Creek, Pointe Mallard Estates, Westmead, and Flint City.
Education
Students living in Decatur can attend Eastwood, Frances Nungester, Julian Harris, Leon Sheffield Magnet, Austinville, Benjamin Davis, Chestnut Grove, Oak Park, Walter Jackson, West Decatur, Woodemeade, and Banks-Caddell elementary schools. Middle school students can attend Austin Middle, Decatur Middle, and Austin Junior High, while high school students can attend Decatur and Austin high schools. Several private schools are located in or near Morgan County. The Alabama Center for the Arts confers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in downtown Decatur, and Calhoun Community College provides affordable and accessible education in nearby Tanner.
Health & Wellness
For medical care, Decatur residents primarily go to Decatur Morgan Hospital, a full-service community hospital that serves both Morgan and Lawrence counties. Primary care and family physician groups, along with urgent care facilities, are also available throughout the city.
Outdoors & Parks
Southeast of Decatur, the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is home to 35,000 acres of naturally preserved woodland ideal for exploring; hiking, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and birding are all popular activities at the refuge. Decatur’s Parks and Recreation Department operates 28 parks, 46 lighted tennis courts, walking trails, a disc golf course, softball and baseball fields, and much more. Point Mallard Park is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Decatur and contains a championship golf course, ice skating arena, trails, tennis courts, and a year-round campground. The park also plays host to popular local events including the Alabama Jubilee Hot-Air Balloon Classic.
Arts & Entertainment
Decatur offers a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, including visual arts, performing arts, and various events and festivals. The Carnegie Visual Arts Center is a prominent hub for visual arts, while the Princess Theatre Center for the Performing Arts hosts plays, musicals, and other performances. The Alabama Center for the Arts serves as an important resource in arts education.
Dining
Residents of Decatur can choose between popular local joints offering pizza, barbecue, and Southern dishes. Italian, Tex-Mex, and Asian flavors deliver on variety, whereas fast-casual options cater to the budget-conscious.
Shopping
Downtown Decatur is a not-so-hidden gem for charming shops and boutiques. Bank Street is the city’s oldest and most established shopping district, offering everything from pecans to formal wear, while the 2nd Avenue Shopping District has shops selling household goods, books, art, and more. A fully-enclosed shopping area, the Decatur Mall has a number of shops and dining options. The Crossings of Decatur also serves the local community with popular stores. Big-box stores such as Walmart Supercenter and Target are close by.
