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.
Located in the state of Alabama, Decatur is a mid-sized city with a population of 54,344 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (66% White). Given that fact, Decatur could be considered less diverse than other cities. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Decatur offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 20 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Decatur can be a good experience for anyone relocating to the city. Having said that, in the state of Alabama, there are many amazing places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. 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, health & safety, employment, housing and other important metrics.
With a livability score of 71 out of 100, Decatur is ranked #5,202 in the United States and #20 in Alabama. If we examine each of the categories on their own, we see that Decatur ranks well for cost of living (A+), education (B-) and housing (B+). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Decatur. The following was graded with a disappointing score: amenities (F), crime (F) and employment (D-).
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Decatur excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Decatur. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Decatur are affordable. The median home price for Decatur homes is $141,000, which is 9.7% higher than the Alabama average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Decatur, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.9, which is 0% lower than the Alabama average.
| 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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