The City of Decatur was recently included on the American Planning Association’s (APA) 2013 list of 30 Great Places. This non-profit organization selects 10 public spaces, 10 neighborhoods and 10 streets each year that celebrate exemplary character, quality and planning.

Decatur is recognized in the neighborhoods category, and it is the only Georgia community on the association’s 2013 list. The 30 places selected represent the “gold standard when it comes to having a true sense of place, cultural and historical interest, community involvement and a vision for tomorrow.”

The APA says that Decatur is “constantly changing and evolving, and downtown Decatur’s character comes from the successful marriage of historic and contemporary buildings and uses. The emergence of downtown as a dynamic and prosperous neighborhood spans more than three decades and is a story of planning, commitment, patience and investment.”

Located just east of Atlanta in DeKalb County, Decatur manages to maintain a small-town atmosphere in spite of the fact that it is continually growing. The heart of the community can be found at the historic Decatur Square, which is located at the intersection of Clairmont and Ponce de Leon avenues. The square is a destination in itself thanks to its critically acclaimed restaurants such as Cakes and Ale, cute boutiques and the famous Eddie’s Attic listening room.

The community is also home to family fun of all kinds. There are annual outdoor concerts in the spring and fall, kid-friendly festivals, bike trails, city parks and community pools.

Visitors and residents alike will also enjoy the city’s tech-friendly atmosphere, which has wi-fi readily available so it’s easy to stay connected with the world, even from a local park bench.