Rich in history, Decatur, Alabama offers a taste of the old South and the new. If you are thinking of relocating to Decatur, here is some information that may help you.

Located in Morgan County, nearly 55,000 residents inhabit the area that is primarily urban population. Pro football quarterback Philip Rivers is a native. With a population density above the state average, Decatur offers affordable housing. The average home value is $89,200 with a majority of the homes being built between 1960 and 1989. People who rent on average pay $429 monthly. Tourists who travel to the area are known to visit the Old Decatur Historic District. Mostly Victorian in architecture, the original site of the town features homes dating back to 1829. However, only four buildings were left standing after the end of the Civil War.

The white non-hispanic population accounts for 72.6% of Decatur’s residents. 19.6% of the population is black and 5.6% is hispanic. The median household income is $37,192. The average age of residents is 36.3 years. The crime index is relatively high at 445.2, when compared to the national average that is 120 points lower.

Because of its geographical location, Decatur has seen its share of travelers in addition to people relocating to Decatur. Lying on the south bank of the Tennessee River, the earliest known traveler through the area was Hernando DeSoto in 1540. The French had established several trading posts along that part of the river before the French Indian war of 1760 was won by the English. In 1823, the town was founded by order of Congress and President James Monroe. Bustling with commercial traffic, steamboats became a common sight on the river. With the construction of two railroads, Decatur’s location was strategic to some of the battles fought during the Civil War.

If you are considering relocating to Decatur, the weather might be an issue. Decatur is known to have more than its share of tornadoes at 203% above the national average. The summers are warm and humid with an average temperature over 79 degrees during the month of July. The winter climate is usually mild and dry.

Air travel is accessible to Decatur from Huntsville International airport, located just 16 miles away. There are several major colleges in the area, including the University of Alabama in Huntsville and Alabama A & M in Normal, AL. With educational institutions, transportation gateways, historical significance and affordability, relocating to Decatur offers a little bit of something for everyone.

Lou Ross is with relocatingCompaniesforYou.com - information on relocating to Alabama.