Decatur, Georgia

Decatur, GA, is a small town that lives large. The mantra, "It's greater in Decatur" is pretty much what this progressive little town’s nearly 25,000 residents believe. Long known for its "homes, schools and places of worship," Decatur attracts active and educated residents who like the friendly, small-town feeling. It's also very proud of Emory University, located in an unincorporated part of Dekalb County just beyond its border.

It's a small town with a person vibe, but this is not the backwoods. You will definitely want a car, even though you can pedal around town on your bike, stroll the downtown area on foot, or meet neighbors over the fence in your own back yard. You can also ride one of the three MARTA rail lines to destinations in greater Atlanta, but to get to the country and feel the sun on your face and the wind at your back, you'll want to experience the open road.

In Decatur, the people and the government are united in a mutual admiration society, with "Decatur 101" classes designed to orient and welcome newcomers to the community. Coming home to Decatur definitely means "taking part" in its life. It also means enjoying "Terrific Tuesday" for shopping downtown or visiting not one, but two, local indoor malls; it is community concerts, a July 4 celebration and an annual December Tour of Homes. This is a bedroom community at its best, just the way its residents like it.

Decatur was selected as the endpoint of the railroad in its early days, but the citizenry rejected the idea due to concerns over noise, pollution and growth. The line was relocated to a nearby community a bit further west, contributing to the growth of Atlanta.