For those living in Decatur, how manageable is daily life without owning a car?

Between MARTA, walking, biking, and rideshares, I'm curious how much you can realistically get done without driving.

Does it work well for commuting into Atlanta but become harder for grocery shopping and errands? Or are there neighborhoods where you barely need a car at all?

I'd especially appreciate insight from people who've actually lived this way for a while. It could be useful for anyone considering a move to the area.

any advice? for a child?

i must say it’s very disappointing i can’t walk from my house to vote in the decatur square at the old courthouse…there’s something far more civilized and dignified in that kind of civic effort rather than having to drive to some disgustingly tasteless, dystopian hellscape of some hideous strip mall parking lot off memorial drive.

casting your voting ballot in a democracy should be an exciting occasion and a more thoughtful ritual, not the transactional equivalent of a trip to the DMV 😂

🇺🇸 🦅 🔵

Need a back deck, have the skills/tools/help I'd need to get it done properly, but I've never had to go through the permit/inspection process.

I'm just starting to do the research, ideally planning to start the build in 1-3 months to be completed by early Spring. I've searched around, but all of the discussion I see is people using contractors (who I assume handle all of the permit/inspection tasks). Below are the basic steps I am seeing after some initial research.

(Note, I am not technically in Decatur, so my understanding is that I would be going through Dekalb's depts)

1. Call/check for underground utility lines. Research building codes, zoning, floodplain(?) etc.

2. Design and create needed plans - taking extra care to make sure everything is up to code and meets the relevant requirements. (I'm expecting this to be the hardest step, and may get outside help).

3. Submit plans and other required documentation, apply for permit.

4. Start the build once approved, scheduling the three inspections along the way to coincide with the progress.

Are those basic steps correct - or did I miss anything major? Has anyone done this themselves, and how annoying was the process? What's the turnaround time like on the inspections - is that something where they come out the next day, or do I need to plan further in advance?

I know I have what is needed to get the deck built properly - the bureaucracy is really my main concern and is completely new to me.

This is in response to our “My dog is smarter than Trump” yard sign. I saw another redditor received this note and they made a yard sign out of it (see post below).

Original post: https://www.reddit.com/r/DecaturGA/s/EDncDRP7u6

I've got a 1964 F100 with some pretty significant rust on the floor pan, and I need help finding a shop in the area that's able to weld in a new floor pan. Ideally, I'm looking for a shop that has done work on classics before and won't break the bank from a costs perspective, since I'm going to be getting additional body work done once I've got the truck running.

Need my foundation looked at and a potential attic renovation assessment done.

Anyone have recommendations?

Hello! I'm reaching out on behalf of Commissioner Ted Terry to invite you to join us THIS WEEKEND for a powerful two‑night Climate Film Festival — and yes, it’s FREE to attend!

This weekend, come enjoy feature films, thought‑provoking shorts, and stories rooted in Georgia’s own environmental landscape. 

Dates: 

• Friday, October 23 
• Saturday, October 24

Location: 

Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center (3181 Rainbow Dr, Decatur, GA 30034) 

Featured Films: 

Groundswell

The Tree Economy

How to Live on Earth

**Plus a series of Georgia‑made short films made by neighbors and friends. **  

This festival is sponsored by Super District 6’s Resilient DeKalb Initiative. Stay after the screenings for filmmaker Q&As and conversations with local environmental leaders, and leave ready to make a difference.

RSVP TODAY here: Climate Film Festival – Commissioner Ted Terry — and help share the event with others who care about our neighborhoods and planet.

See you THIS weekend!

They're 12 weeks old and looking for a home where they can stay together.

Itsy Bitsy is a tabby boy who purrs nonstop, even before you pick him up. He's a little calmer than his siblings but still loves to roughhouse, and he squeaks when he wants cuddles. His coat and face always reminded me of a cheetah.

Muffet is a black girl and the only female in her litter, which never stopped her from jumping into the wrestling matches. She's still very cuddly. She's also polydactyl, with 4 thumbs on one front foot, 3 on the other, and an extra toe on a back foot. Oven mitts, basically.

Interested in adopting this pair? They are being fostered with me through LifeLine DeKalb and you can apply at:

Itsy Bitsy: https://lifelineanimal.org/pet-details/?aid=61489804&cid=97&tid=Cat

Little Miss Muffet: https://lifelineanimal.org/pet-details/?aid=61489810&cid=97&tid=Cat

Hi y’all! My fiancé and I live in a 1b1b at ARLO Decatur and we’re looking to move next June due to security issues with the parking garage, random fees, etc. I was wondering if anyone had recs for apartments that are walkable to the square (can still be up to ~30min out) or near a Marta line that can get to the square?

We’d love to have two bedrooms but at our $2k monthly rent budget that’s probably not feasible. We have 2 cats and 1 car. In-unit washer/dryer is not a must. Thank you so much for any help!

i don’t understand.

The Georgia MVP page is only showing my election day voting location, it's not showing me an early voting locations.

Previously I've gone to Agnes Scott and that church down the road from Dancing Goat. Does anyone know if either location is doing early voting right now, or if there's anything around them for CoD?

Taking my 20 something daughter to lunch this Wednesday. The weather will be perfect and we both know this area. What’s new we should look at? What’s a forever gem we should revisit? Who has the best patio?

Thought I had it bookmarked, but lost it. TIA

The Free Society Satanists will be in Little Five Points next Saturday (10-24) from 11am-2pm doing our Acts of Service trash pickup.
While we are there, we will have a tent setup where we will also be accepting donations for Women’s Resource Center in downtown Decatur and we are asking you lovely people to help out! We will have boxes ready to accept donations of: cleaning supplies/wipes, women’s and children’s packaged socks/underwear, baby wipes, umbrellas, ponchos, lightly used rain jackets, and winter jackets (any size)
This list was compiled by asking their immediate needs.

Swing by our tent in Little Five Points, drop off your donation and meet some really cool people!
Let’s do some good for our community!

Hail Thyself!

We have a winter kids birthday to organize so the usual plan of an outdoor park isn't going to work. Looking for good spaces for an indoor birthday party in the Decatur area, does anyone have any amazing ideas?

Come enjoy an entertaining program featuring audience favorites alongside traditional classical selections. Whether you're a lifelong classical music lover or just looking for a fun local event, there's something for everyone.

And who knows? If you find yourself tapping your foot and thinking, "I used to play..." or "I'd like some ensemble experience..." we'd be happy to tell you a little about joining the orchestra after the concert ;) We can't wait to see you there!

License-plate reader cameras have become a local discussion point in Decatur and nearby communities.

The debate seems to go beyond whether the cameras can help solve crimes. Residents also have questions about who can access the data, how long it is kept, and what safeguards should apply.

What rules would you want to see in place for these systems in your community?

Great reporting by Dan Wisenhunt as usual. For anyone seeking details on the drive-by shooting that occurred right across from Medlock Park near Wheelhouse last Thursday.

We live in the neighborhood and it sounded like Baghdad. Absolutely terrifying.

Voting starts today October 13.