Decatur, AL.... Yes.. No.. Maybe??

Question

I currently live and invest in Huntsville, Alabama but am looking at different markets. I have no knowledge of Decatur and am needing direction on which zip codes are the best to invest in. I'm looking for what to go towards and what to stay away from. I'm reaching out to investors I know in Huntsville but hearing from those very familiar with Decatur would be awesome!!

Lane Kawaoka · Answer

I have a couple apartments in Decatur... it definitely growing.

Matt DeMastus · Answer

The issue with Decatur has always been the school system. The schools in Decatur perform woefully compared to other small areas within the Huntsville metro (Hartselle / Athens / Priceville).

Michael S. · Answer

@Josiah Cooper- I have a very different opinion of Decatur than most everyone else, I guess.

I have never considered investing there whatsoever because I felt like there was minimal appreciation there, and we don't invest solely for cash flow.

I have lived in north Alabama for over a decade - in all the years I've lived here, the only reason I've gone to Decatur was for the kids soccer games at the Jack Allen Soccer Complex (which is quite nice).  That's a red flag.  The other comment about the schools there by another poster above is also a red flag.

As for the comments about Decatur growing - I am not seeing the data for that.

Here's the population growth over the past decade:

Athens 32.8%

Madison 23.5%

Huntsville 13.6%

Florence 3.6%

Decatur -2.2%  (yes, the population has decreased)

That trend, to me, is quite concerning.

Gorden Lopes · Answer

Yes for me. But depends what area. There are more "Not so good" areas in Decatur as compared to Huntsville. But overall, I don't see a strong reason to completely ignore Decatur.

Ankit Garg · Answer

I am hearing from several from my Property Managers, Real Estate Agents that there is a shortage of rentals and housing in Decatur as well so I am not concerned about investing there.

Even though the population may have declined a little bit, majority of the development is happening west of Huntsville. Decatur will benefit longer term is the hypothesis. It might be like Athens 3-4 years ago, so in my opinion it is the right time to get in.

Nobody including me has a crystal ball into the future but that overall region doing well over the next 4-5 years including Decatur is my view.

Josiah Cooper · Answer

@Caleb Bryant much appreciated! Very good to know about the flooding issues & differences locations to look into. Agreed, Hsv seems to be getting a lot of attention and nothing makes sense to buy on MLS. Athens seems to have a worse housing shortage than HSV.. Decatur seems to be making the most sense

Caleb Bryant · Answer

@Josiah Cooper I love the southwest near the beltline in Decatur. Also seeing a lot move in the south east, but pay attention to the flood zones. NW is the least desirable from an appreciation standpoint. I wouldn't ignore Decatur, there is only so much product in HSV and Athens. Decatur is also a very renter heavy area with rent rates rising.

Josiah Cooper · Answer

@Gorden Lopes Again, I really appreciate the feedback!

I do find it concerning anytime people are moving out vs. moving in - just on the tennis prospects alone will be less. As Huntsville grows and prices rise, I do think people will start moving back.

That’s good news regarding vacancies - another broker said the same thing. I appreciate your time & response man & best of luck to you!

Gorden Lopes · Answer

I was trying to make sense of that population decrease data point as well and thats what kept me away from Decatur for couple of years. But I am really happy with the way my quad there has performed. I have not had any issues with long vacancies at my properties in decatur. Most of the vacancies have been filled within couple of weeks.

One follow up question to that population decrease data point is that where is the population moving? If its moving the HSV and surrounding areas then is that really a concern.

But overall Decatur is not Huntsville for sure, so you might have to price that factor in when you put the offers.

Decatur, AL.... Yes.. No.. Maybe??

Most Popular Reply