Decatur is the seat of DeKalb County, situated just five miles northeast of Downtown Atlanta, with three MARTA stations serving its compact 4.2-square-mile area. One eye-catching stat: its population jumped by nearly 29% from 2010 to 2020, reaching 24,928 residents. Known for its lively downtown, Decatur regularly hosts festivals such as the AJC Decatur Book Festival and boasts a thriving dining scene often praised around the region.

Incorporated in 1823 and named after Commodore Stephen Decatur, the city has both historical significance—playing a role in Sherman’s Atlanta Campaign—and a modern, progressive reputation fueled by community engagement and mixed-use development. Decatur is also home to the City Schools of Decatur, an award-winning school district, plus several colleges like Agnes Scott College. Overall, it blends a charming small-town feel with big-city access and cultural appeal.