Decatur Apartments and Rentals

A college city on the shore of a manmade reservoir, Decatur is also a large manufacturing and processing hub. Decatur's claim to fame is that it was the original Illinois home of Abraham Lincoln. Although Springfield, which is less than an hour's drive away, is more traditionally associated with the former president, Decatur was where Lincoln made his first political speech and received his first presidential nomination.

Since 1990, the city's population shrank by nearly 12 percent, and now stands at approximately 76,000 residents, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That's good news for people interested in Decatur apartments for rent because it likely means less competition.

Decatur's official motto is "Decatur, We Like It Here," and there's a lot to like about the city. Before you start researching Decatur rentals, however, make sure that this Illinois municipality is actually the one you're looking for, as a number of states have a Decatur of their own - including the county seats of DeKalb County, Ga., Morgan County, Ala., and Adams County, Ind. The U.S. Navy also named five ships "Decatur." The person who inspired such a legacy was 19th century U.S. naval commander Stephen Decatur, whose distinguished naval career was characterized by numerous displays of bravery and good character.

Decatur, Ill., is strategically located in central Illinois, with Springfield to its west and Illinois Amish country to the east. The city's downtown area blends the past (the historic business district) with the present (art galleries and eclectic restaurants to suit every palate), and with more than 300 events and festivals taking place in Decatur each year, it's safe to say you'll find something that strikes your fancy.

Decatur's largest employers include big names such as agribusiness corporation Archer Daniels Midland and global construction manufacturer Caterpillar, Inc., as well as the Macon County government, Decatur Memorial Hospital, Decatur Public Schools and Millikin University. The aforementioned university, which was founded in 1901, is attended by approximately 2,300 undergrads, and has an average class size of 23 students. It offers programs in arts and sciences, business, fine arts and professional studies.

For families with children who aren't quite old enough for further education, Decatur's public school system has a lot to offer. Established in 1865, Decatur Public School District 61 serves more than 9,000 students and is comprised of one pre-kindergarten center, 13 K-6 elementary schools, three K-8 schools, two middle schools, two high schools and an alternative education program.

The cost of living in Decatur is considerably lower than the United States average - 84.1 and 100, respectively, according to City-Data.com's March 2012 cost of living index. In line with this, U.S. Census Bureau data puts the median gross rent for Decatur apartments at $609. The city's high-quality housing stock and low cost of living helps it to retain current residents and attract new ones.

Many attractions in Decatur are focused around its most famous resident, Abraham Lincoln. Check out the log courthouse where Lincoln tried cases in the 1830s, read an original Lincoln letter from 1851 and ogle the Oglesby Mansion, a fully restored Victorian home that belonged to a close friend of Lincoln's.

If you're looking for greenery, you're in the right place, as Decatur has more than 2,000 acres of parks and recreational areas, some of which are used to host local events. The Lakeside Music and Arts Festival is a main draw, as is the Decatur Celebration, the state's largest free family-oriented street festival, which comprises 22 square blocks of the downtown area every August.

The Scovill Zoo's Endangered Species Carousel is a unique attraction of the city, featuring 30 hand-carved wooden animals that represent some of the world's protected and endangered species. Another of the zoo's quirky offerings is the Z. O. & O. Express, a scaled replica of an 1863 C.P. Huntington Steam Train that transports thousands of visitors every year.

Rent.com® can help you get settled in a Decatur apartment. Look through our rental listings and find the perfect home for your needs.