What about Decatur? (Atlanta, Tucker: renting, job market, landscaping)

[alicea042]

Hi everyone, We are looking to Move to Georgia. We visited Decatur some years ago, and from what I remember I liked the accessability to public transportation and the location of stores and malls. I have heard so many views on the forum about many other cities, but not decatur. Can anyone let us know the info on decatur, housing the crime. We have 3 children who are 16, 13 and 11. Are the schools good? and how is the job market? I currently work as a clerk in a hospital and my husband is a landscaper. Thanks!

[sprtsluvr8]

Decatur schools are a separate system from Dekalb. The schools are smaller with smaller class sizes than the other systems in the area, and they are highly regarded. I know that it's very difficult to get a job teaching in Decatur. The area is generally very nice and has received awards recently, though I can't tell you which ones. There are beautiful neighborhoods and the downtown area is quaint with lots of great restaurants and shops. Just like anywhere else there are specific areas you would want to avoid, but they are not widespread...I've lived there and visited friends for years and have never seen a bad area of Decatur. I'm sure someone will tell you about them...

Being only 5-10 miles from Atlanta you will have lots of job options. Landscaping is a big business around Decatur, and there is a hospital there also...Dekalb Medical Center I think?

[xxman777]

Dekalb Medical Center is there. Veterans Hospital, Children's Hospital and Emory Med Center are all close by.

[sprtsluvr8]

Oh yeah...I used to live off Clairmont Rd. across from the VA Hospital. How could I forget that big blue building??

[lastminutemom]

Keep in mind, that areas out side of the city limits of Decatur often call themselves Decatur or are referred to as Decatur by realtors or landlords. I don't know what your price range might be or if you are planning on renting or buying -- but inside the city limits housing (at least ownership) is pretty high priced.

Outside the city limits, you need to be careful that it is a nice area with decent schools.

[TakeAhike]

Another link for researching schools>>>
http://zip.localschooldirectory.com/....php/zip/30084

Select the Zip Code and/or city/town and it provides a list of schools in the area.

I selected zip--30084/Tucker. Idlewood--I am biased--taught there for a number of years--it is a good school--serving a diverse population. The test scores need to improve--no one would argue that.

Livsey has consistently high test scores--about 5 miles from Idlewood.

Tucker will be OK--one way or the other. A good place to live/work.