Decatur GA Moving Companies

Decatur, Georgia

Are you torn between moving to a small town (for safety and quality of life) or a big city (for jobs and a short commute)? If so, consider moving to Decatur. Although it is contiguous to the big city of Atlanta, Decatur is a small town with just 18,000 residents.

This means that Decatur’s citizens have the best of both worlds: the sweetness of a small town and the good jobs of a big city.

Are you wondering what else draws people to relocate to Decatur? Keep reading to learn more about the local economy, history and tourist attractions.

Economy:
Decatur’s proximity to Atlanta means that its fortunes and economy are tied directly to the fortunes of Atlanta. This is advantageous, because Atlanta is the transportation hub of the southeastern United States. (Although Atlanta is land-locked, it is located at the junction of three interstate highways and several railroad lines, and it also boasts a world-class international airport.)

Decatur, Georgia also serves as a tourist attraction for the metropolitan Atlanta region. Following a plan that they established in 1982, city planners have succeeded in creating a town center that retains a small-town feeling despite the large city looming nearby. The downtown area attracts visitors who want to experience shopping outside of a mall. Two large nearby universities also contribute many jobs to Decatur’s economy.

History:
The City of Decatur was incorporated in 1823. It was named after a hero of the American Navy named Stephen Decatur, who distinguished himself by fighting off the Barbary pirates in 1805. He went on to fight in the skirmishes leading up to the War of 1812, in which he helped to defeat the Macedonian, which was the best of the British ships at the time. Commodore Decatur is also known for the famous words that he spoke upon his victorious return: "Our Country. In her intercourse with foreign nations may she always be right; but our country right or wrong."

Tourism:
Although it is not usually considered a tourist attraction, the best place to visit in Decatur is the Dekalb World Market, which is so named because it carries ingredients to make dishes from a wide variety of cultures. The market is as large as a big-box chain store such as Wal-Mart, but the items for sale are not what a chain store would carry. One section includes bins of fresh food with as much variety as a farmer’s market, including exotic foods. Another section sells gourmet meats and fish, high-quality baked goods, and wheels of cheese. The far end includes a wine store and a selection of imported goods. Last but not least, the market offers cooked food at a gourmet cafeteria.

Downtown Decatur is small and cozy, the perfect place to browse antique shops and art galleries, or dine out at one of the many restaurants, coffee houses or cafes. If you enjoy bicycling, check city website for a map of the bicycle trail that loops around the town. Decatur is a welcoming town that invites visitors to “stay for a day or a lifetime.” If you decide to stay for a lifetime, be sure to check out a few Decatur moving companies to help you relocate.

Colleges/Universities:

• Agnes Scott College
• Emory University
• Georgia Perimeter College – Decatur Campus

Interesting Facts:

• Shortly after it was incorporated, the City of Decatur turned down the opportunity to become a railroad stop, because they didn’t want the noise and fuss of a railroad. The stop was established a few miles away at a little town that became known as Atlanta.
• Decatur’s city government offers a “Decatur 101” class to introduce civic-minded residents to their elected officials.
• Decatur’s annual Arts Festival has an unusual tradition: organizers collect old doors, offer them to local schools or artists to paint, and then auction them off during the festival.

Helpful Links:

• City of Decatur