From families whose ancestors first settled this fertile river valley to newcomers who move to the area because of our progressive business environment, our City’s welcoming spirit and sense of community are what make Decatur home to a diverse group of people. Our award-winning schools and family-friendly, safe neighborhoods make Decatur a great place to raise a family. Advanced healthcare services are available here, too, including two hospitals, an oncology center, psychiatric hospital, and extensive medical specialties.
Decatur’s business climate is as progressive as it is diverse. We are home to industrial giants such as United Launch Alliance, Nucor Steel, Daikin America, and 3M as well as award-winning small retailers like Big Bob Gibson’s Barbecue and Morgan Price Candy Company.
In addition to three historic districts and Decatur’s unique shopping and dining experiences, the City is home to a thriving arts and educational community. From the state of the art Alabama Center for the Arts to the heralded Princess Theatre Center for the Performing Arts, there is never a shortage of creative inspiration or artistic outlets. The Carnegie Visual Arts Center offers a host of exhibits, classes, and events featuring all mediums of visual art. If you’re in the mood for another museum that’s a work of art within itself, check out the Cooks Museum of Natural History coming to the city in 2017.
Outdoor recreation is a year-round staple in Decatur. Folks take advantage of our location on the Tennessee River for boating, water skiing, and fishing from the first warm days of spring through those late, lazy fall days when the sun on the water beckons. In Decatur, one of the ways we build a strong community is providing wonderful city parks and recreation facilities. Point Mallard Park features 750 acres for recreational use with year-round activities, including the J. Gilmer Blackburn Aquatic Center, Decatur Community Archery Park, Native American Indian Interpretive Walking Trails, a golf course, an indoor ice rink, hiking/biking trails by the river, sports fields and a campground. If wilderness exploration is your thing, the North Alabama Birding Trail provides a great outlet for scenic relaxation. The Tennessee River is only a short distance away with Decatur’s Riverwalk Marina and Ingalls Harbor. If you love to watch or play sports, the Jack Allen Sports Complex is our 77-acre park that provides 30 acres of laser-graded and irrigated soccer and football fields.
Festivals throughout the year bring our citizens and neighbors from around the region together to celebrate with music, balloons, food and fun. Join in the fun with monthly events such as Market on Bank and 3rd Friday, both of which serve as community block parties. Other family friendly seasonal and annual events include: Christmas Tour of Homes, Tour of Gardens, Music by the River, Movies in the Park, Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic, and the Spirit of America celebration.
With a rich heritage and dynamic future, Decatur will continue to pursue the economic prosperity, cultural diversity, and community spirit that make this –the City of Opportunity.