Decatur Apartment Renter's Guide
Decatur Apartment Renter's Guide
Overview
Decatur, Indiana has a proud history, getting its name from Stephen Decatur, Jr, one of the captains of the original six frigates of the United States Navy after the Revolutionary War. Decatur is also home to Adams Memorial Hospital, which is one of the Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals in the United States, as named by the National Rural Health Association in 1991.
Decatur is anchored by Fort Wayne, IN which is 21 miles to the Northwest
Decatur, Indiana has a proud history, getting its name from Stephen Decatur, Jr, one of the captains of the original six frigates of the United States Navy after the Revolutionary War. Decatur is also home to Adams Memorial Hospital, which is one of the Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals in the United States, as named by the National Rural Health Association in 1991.
Decatur is anchored by Fort Wayne, IN which is 21 miles to the Northwest. Interestingly, it sits at a three way intersection of state and federal highways Route 224, Route 27 and Route 33. It is relatively small, but dense. All 9405 residents are packed into 5.9 square miles. As you begin to use your apartments locator in Decatur, you're bound to find many good rental opportunities available to you.
Moving to Decatur
Although housing is primarily owner occupied, there is an ample number of renters in the city. The vacancy rate is about the national average, which is a clue that if you really have your heart set on something in the way of rental apts, you'll be able to get it. It's sometimes an indication that the owners of condo rentals and other housing may be willing to work with you even if you aren't their ideal renter.
The Market for Rental Housing in Decatur
Although Decatur does indeed have a good mix of renters, most of their housing is the traditional stock of single family detached housing. Apartments in the way of complexes, apartment buildings and attached homes only comprise one quarter of available housing. This is good news for those who want to have that additional feel and space of a house, without the mortgage holding you down. Looking for a duplex for rent should also yields good results.
Of course, that doesn't mean that if you're looking for a rental apt that you'll have a difficult time. In fact, a simple search will yield you more than enough possibilities for two bedroom apartments if this is your rental housing of choice. Since you'll most likely be dealing with management companies, you'll want to be aware that there will be less flexibility than if you were looking strictly for a house of some kind.
Good News for Searchers
You won't have to worry about being forced to deal with old housing structures unless you're looking for them! The majority of the housing stock was built after 1969. While that doesn't mean that you're going to be looking for the ultimate futuristic pad; you won't be looking at old and possibly dilapidated buildings as your first choice.
You may have some competition if you want a studio rental apartment, but for just about everything else, the housing breakdown is in your favor. Almost three quarters of all of the housing is in the two to three bedroom range, which is good for renters with more than one person living with them.
Decatur Neighborhoods
The town covers 5.79 square miles, so you will have some leeway when it comes to choosing where you want to live. The city consists of four distinct neighborhoods: Pleasant Mills, Preble, Elm Tree Crossroads and City Center. Depending on what you want, along with your rental apartment, you'll be able to create the kind of experience you'll find ideal.
Pleasant Mills / Coppess Corner: This area is sparsely populated with both medium- and large-size homes, as well as mobile homes. Most of the housing here is owner occupied. In this neighborhood, you'll be able to run over to Steele Farms for outdoor activities.
Preble / Magley: This area is also sparsely populated. There are both small- and medium-size homes and apartment complexes, including high-rises in this area. The homes are mostly owner occupied. Outdoorsy folks can mosey on over to Saddle Lake.
Elm Tree Crossroads: This area is basically the suburbs in that you'll have more people closer together. There are both small and medium homes along with apartment complexes and high rises. You have a nice mixture of owners and renters here with good leisure activities including Cross Creek Gold Club, Hanna City Park and Camelot Carriage Rides.
City Center: This area is great for renters with apartment complexes and high rises. Also, the town's Hospital Heliport is in this region.
Living in Decatur
Although you'll need a car to get around to all of the fun stuff, Decatur won't bore you. For history buffs, Decatur makes theirs available through their active Historical Society. There are a number of good local (non-chain) restaurants available, such as West End Restaurant and Back 40 Junction Restaurant. And for those looking for a bit of a throwback to movie watching, there is even Arnold's Drive In. Decatur is a great place for renters to put down some roots!