Decatur, Georgia is in some ways considered a suburb of Atlanta – but it's very much a unique city in its own right, with an eclectic vibe, a welcoming atmosphere, and much to see and do. The city itself takes up only 4.2 square miles but has a fairly large LGBT population for a city of its size. In fact, according to census information, the zip code which includes much of Decatur has the highest percentage of same-sex couples in Georgia. In fact, almost 10 percent of all reporting households were same-sex couples. It's a very politically progressive area and a popular destination for many in the LGBTQ community.
A Look at Decatur’s History
Decatur is a city that was established at the intersection of two Native American trails. It was officially incorporated on December 10, 1823, and was named for United States Navy Commodore Stephen Decatur. The city continued to grow following its founding and eventually became a strategic site during the American Civil War. Following the war and reconstruction, the city continued growing, eventually becoming a part of the metro Atlanta area, as it remains to this day. Today, it is a progressive, warm, and welcoming city with a unique vibe. Truly, it would make a great place to call home.
A Few Fun Facts About Decatur
Read more fun facts about Decatur here.
Decatur’s LGBTQ Community
Decatur is a city that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:
PFLAG Decatur is Decatur’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization, which is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country. PFLAG is well-known for its mission of supporting LGBTQ people, friends, family, and allies across the country in a wide variety of ways. With 500 chapters and more than 200,000 members in the United States, PFLAG plays a critical and important role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community.
Georgia Equality’s mission is advancing fairness, safety, and opportunities for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and their allies throughout the state.
What's the Weather Like in Decatur?
Decatur residents can expect to experience all four distinct seasons each year. It has consistently hot and humid summers from June through September, with temperatures regularly reaching up to 90°, and cooler winters from November through early March, with temperatures averaging about 53°. July is typically the hottest month, and January the coldest, with occasional snow and ice storms. Fall and spring are typically the most pleasant times to enjoy the outdoors, with fall bringing crisp breezes and the beautiful colors of changing leaves, and spring bringing beautiful blooming flowers.
The Best Events in Decatur
Decatur Pride is the city’s own annual festival and celebration of the LGBTQ community and all that it adds to the city. Don’t miss your chance to join in on the festivities and the fun!
The Decatur Book Festival is one of the city’s biggest and best-known festivals each year. It happens each Labor Day weekend when authors of national and regional fame come to town for what is the largest independent book festival in the country.
The Atlanta Pride Festival is held very close to Decatur, typically in October. It is the largest pride festival and celebration in the Southeast. Including numerous parades, events, and parties, this is a celebration you won’t want to miss!
Where to Live in Decatur
LGBTQ people are welcomed throughout most of Decatur, but if you’re looking for a specific neighborhood, you may want to consider Oakhurst. This quiet area is home to some beautiful houses, historic buildings, and gorgeous parks. Many parts of the city are within walking distance of this neighborhood, while the conveniently located train stations make getting to Atlanta a breeze.
As for other housing in the city generally, condos in Decatur can be very affordable—some are no more than $65,000, while others are priced at almost $700,000. Single-family homes can range from around $100,000 to as much as almost $8million. The median sales price of a home in Decatur is currently about $413,000.
Arts and Entertainment
Out on Film is one of the oldest LGBTQ film festivals in the country, and it is held in the Atlanta area each year. It celebrates cinema by, for, and about the LGBTQ community. Its mission is to showcase emerging artists, create a sense of community, and create a transformative forum.
Out Front Theatre is Atlanta’s only LGBTQ theater company, and its self-described mission is, “[T]o strengthen the LGBTQIA+ community in Georgia by exploring and celebrating the universal human experience through the lens of gender and sexuality.”
Parks and Recreation
The Fernbank Museum of Natural History is a beautiful space that has many stunning permanent exhibits about natural history and the world around us, as well as many visiting temporary exhibits, beautiful outdoor spaces, and events year-round.
Glenlake Park is a beautiful 17-acre park with picnic tables, playgrounds, a swimming pool and pool house, a tennis center, baseball fields, basketball courts, and an enclosed dog park for Decatur residents and their pets. It’s a great place to enjoy a beautiful Decatur day outside!
Decatur Nightlife
Mary’s is one of the most celebrated gay bars in the Atlanta area. Named one of the top 50 gay bars in the world by “Out” magazine, you won’t want to miss it.
Eddie’s Attic is an iconic Decatur venue known for its intimate state, featuring acoustic singer-songwriters, as well as its pool room and comfortable covered patio. It’s an extremely popular spot for anyone wanting to enjoy good music and great fun with friends on a night out in Decatur.
Contact a Decatur Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Decatur, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Decatur, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Decatur gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
