Decatur, TX

40 Apartments for Rent

Established in 1856, Decatur was originally called Taylorsville. Its name was officially changed in 1858, and it was named after Stephen Decatur, a naval hero.

While Decatur might not be the cultural capital of the world, it's a small, laid back town, where the rate of violent crime is vastly lower than the national average, as well as the average for the state of Texas. Of course, you're not going to find haute couture or all night raves here, but if you're after that kind of thing, you probably wouldn't be thinking of moving to Decatur anyway! Besides, if you get tired of what the town has to offer, you're only about 25 miles from Fort Worth and 45 miles from central Dallas, where you'll be able to find much more in the way of action and adventure.

Moving to Decatur

It's unlikely that anyone will disagree with you if you say that moving house is a pain, but unfortunately it's a necessary evil. If you want to find a rental property in Decatur, it doesn't hurt to know what you're up against.

How Long Will it Take?

The amount of time it takes to find houses or apartment homes in Decatur for you to rent will really depend on what kind of property you're looking for...and a little bit of luck, too. You may find that there are more houses available for rent than there are one-bedroom apartments, so it could take you a little while to find a residence that ticks all the right boxes. It should be safe to start looking about six weeks before the date you want to move -- if you leave it any later, you may be disappointed. No matter how great the weather may be in Decatur, you still probably don't want to live in a tent!

What Happens Next?

Save the high-fives for later, because deciding on a home to rent is only the beginning of the rental process. The landlord will have to agree to give you a rental, so be ready to shamelessly charm him or her. While some property owners will be happy to rent an apartment or house to you with little more than a smile and a handshake, others vet their potential tenants more carefully. You may have to provide your credit history, identification, proof of income and references from previous landlords. If you're approved to rent the property, you'll still need to sign some kind of contract -- often with a minimum rental period of six months to a year -- pay a security deposit, and give your first month's rent upfront.

Decatur Neighborhoods

They say home is where the heart is, so you need to make sure that your heart is in the neighborhood you choose. Decatur may only be a small town, but there's still a good deal of difference between its neighborhoods. Which area is right for you will depend on your needs and preferences.

Greenwood: This neighborhood is a good way out from the center of town, and you won't find any public transportation options. If you want to live in Greenwood, you'll need to have access to some sort of vehicle. This area is fairly rural and has plenty of green space. To the west of the neighborhood you'll find the Bluebonnet Nudist Park, which you may want to explore or steer clear of, depending on your views.

Herman: This is one of the pricier neighborhoods in Decatur. If you're looking to live large, this is the neighborhood for you. You'll mostly find medium-sized and large houses in the area. Those who enjoy the quiet life should avoid properties near the Heritage Creek Airstrip.

City Center: If you want to be close to the majority of the town's amenities, then this is where you should begin your search for rentals. Explore the Wise County Heritage Museum or grab a bite at one of the neighborhood's many eateries, such as Joes Pizza and Pasta. There are mostly city apartments and townhouses for rent in this area.

Living in Decatur

Although Decatur isn't a big city, there's certainly enough to do here to keep yourself busy -- especially if you love the great outdoors. You'll find six city parks in the town that tout all kinds of sporting and recreational amenities, like baseball diamonds, hiking trails, football fields and picnic areas. You can also access the Palo Pinto Mountains from the town, where you'll find some great hiking and amazing wildlife.

A variety of community events take place in Decatur, and these happenings are the ideal opportunities to get to know your neighbors. The Decatur Swirl is great fun, and there is music, food and wine. You can't go wrong there! The Chisholm Trail Days festival gives you the chance to celebrate the town's Western heritage, and you will undoubtedly have a great time.