Cities / Decatur / Downtown Decatur & Decatur Heights vs Oakhurst
Downtown Decatur & Decatur Heights vs Oakhurst: which is safer?
Downtown Decatur & Decatur Heights is the safer of the two — 90/100 against 90/100. Go. Downtown Decatur and Decatur Heights make up one of the safest, most vibrant, and community-oriented areas in the entire Atlanta metropolitan area. Violent crime is rare, and visitors can explore freely with standard city awareness.
Downtown Decatur & Decatur Heights
Decatur, Georgia
90
out of 100 · Go
Centered around the historic Old Courthouse Square, Downtown Decatur offers a dense cluster of award-winning restaurants, independent shops, and cultural events, seamlessly transitioning into the quiet, leafy residential streets of Decatur Heights. It combines small-town charm with suburban safety and urban amenities.
- Walk score
- 89
- Bike score
- 79
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than regional and national urban averages.
- Strong local economy supported by high median incomes, high home values, and over 70% college-educated residents.
- Dedicated City of Decatur municipal police force provides rapid response times and high community visibility.
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property crime, such as vehicle break-ins in public parking garages.
- Congested vehicular traffic and busy pedestrian intersections around the square during rush hour and weekends.
- Nighttime visibility diminishes on residential side streets in Decatur Heights.
Oakhurst
Decatur, Georgia
90
out of 100 · Go
Oakhurst is a charming, historic neighborhood located in the southwest corner of the independent municipality of Decatur. Centered around the intimate Oakhurst Village square, it is characterized by restored Craftsman bungalows, active community parks, and local dining patios.
- Walk score
- 71
- Bike score
- 76
Pros
- Exceptionally low violent crime rate supported by dedicated City of Decatur municipal emergency services.
- Strong socioeconomic stability with median household incomes well over $130,000 and high rates of owner occupancy.
- Very active community presence with pedestrian-friendly public spaces like Harmony Park.
Cons
- Periodic opportunistic property crimes such as vehicle break-ins and package thefts.
- Street lighting can be dim along deeper residential side streets after dark.
- Limited commercial footprint compared to Downtown Decatur or neighboring Atlanta districts.