Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.
Ratings
Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.
Amenities
A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.
Crime
This area exhibits elevated crime rates per 100,000 residents, which may suggest it's a potentially unsafe place to reside. These rates encompass both property and violent crimes.
Decatur is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Alabama. The city has a population of 55,434 inhabitants. If we look at the most recent Census, Decatur is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Decatur will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 20 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Decatur is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before relocating to any new city in Alabama, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Finding the best places to live in Decatur and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, cost of living, commute and other important metrics.
Decatur, AL receives 73 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #20 in Alabama and #4,935 in the USA. There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Decatur scores well for cost of living (A+) and housing (A+) There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Decatur. The following was graded with a concerning score: amenities (F) and crime (D).
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Decatur can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Assuming that Decatur meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Decatur. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Decatur are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Decatur come in at $254,851, which is 8.2% higher than the Alabama average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Decatur, the home price to income ratio is 3.5, which is 2.8% lower than the Alabama average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Decatur | Alabama | National |
| Average one way commute | 20min | 25min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 88.1% | 85.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.6% | 8.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.2% | 0.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.7% | 1.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 2.6% | 2.9% | 4.6% |
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