Your Complete Guide to Decatur, Illinois
Nestled beside the famed Sangamon River, Decatur is known as one of the states most important historical centers. The city offers small town charm, access to elite universities, and Midwestern hospitality. With a population of ~70,975, Decatur has carved out its identity as a welcoming place to call home, filled with cherished restaurants, entertainment, parks, and other exciting destinations. Here at The Quarry, Decaturs favorite apartment community, we are proud of our hometown and want to sing its praises to locals and visitors alike. Weve put together this comprehensive guide to help you begin your exploration of this great Midwestern city. Lets dive in.
Weather, Climate, Location
Well start with the weather, climate, and location. In Illinois, many cities are triangulated based on where they sit in relation to Chicago, the largest city in the entire Midwest. Decatur sits about three hours south of the Windy City, one hour south of Bloomington, and forty minutes east of Springfield. Its a prime location that provides locals with all the charm of small-town living, along with access to major metropolitan areas.
Decaturs climate is characterized by hot summers and cold winters. The average high in July is around 87F and the average low in January is around 17F. The famously harsh winters of Chicago most definitely find their way south to Decatur! Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year with an average of 40 inches of rain and 9-14 inches of snowfall between November and March. That said, the city gets an average of 199 sunny days per year, which means bluebird skies for two-thirds of the year.
History and Culture
One thing’s for sure— Decatur has played an oversized role in American history. Known as the home of Abraham Lincoln, the town of Decatur helped to shape the young attorney into the towering political figure of later years. Indeed, Abe started his general practice in Decatur where he oversaw a wide range of cases in civil, criminal, and business law.
On top of this, history buffs will appreciate the Hieronymus Mueller Museum dedicated to the enterprising magnate behind plumbing supply powerhouse “Mueller Co.”, and the restored Italianate house where Illinois Governor Richard J. Oglesby resided with his wife Emma from 1874 to 1882. The house features original details like fire mantels and walnut shelving in the library that still holds books from Oglesby's personal collection.
Downtown Decatur has undergone major revitalization throughout the years and features bright murals on brick walls, local restaurants, and boutique shopping along Merchant Street. The Lincoln Square Theater hosts music and other shows, while Millikin University's Kirkland Fine Arts Center provides theatrical and musical performances throughout the year. Residents of The Quarry Apartments can check out our neighborhood page to learn more about the top things to do in Decatur.
Outdoor Recreation
Lake Decatur is the city’s largest and most cherished natural feature. It spans twenty-two miles of shoreline and serves as the centerpiece of the community. The lake offers year-round recreation including fishing, boating, sailing, and water sports. You'll see sailboats drifting by, people cycling down shoreline paths, and in the summer months, concerts at a lakeshore amphitheater. Pier 36 Marina provides boat rentals for visitors and residents alike.
Rock Springs Conservation Area is home to a nature center with several art exhibits and experiential programs. They also have cross-country ski rentals and over nine miles of hiking trails. For those seeking adventure, Overlook Adventure Park offers mini golf courses, a ropes course, and batting cages.
Another well-loved attraction is the Scovill Zoo, located in Scovill Gardens on the eastern shore of Lake Decatur. The nationally recognized zoo has almost 100 different animal species from six continents, including spider monkeys, cheetahs, Humboldt penguins, American alligators, and many others.
Jobs and Economy
Decatur has earned the nickname "Soybean capital of the world" and because of its prominent agricultural processing and manufacturing sectors. Over the decades, the city's economy has diversified beyond agriculture and into more service-based industries.
The major employers in the area include Archer Daniels Midland, Caterpillar, Decatur Memorial Hospital, Decatur Public Schools, and HSHS. There is also a buzz of activity centered around Millikin University, Decatur’s most famous private four-year college and Richland Community College.
Cost of Living
One of Decatur's most attractive features is its affordability. With a median home value of $260,000 and median rent of $790, housing costs are significantly lower than the national average. Decatur's housing expenses are 49% lower than the national average, making homeownership and comfortable living accessible to a wide range of residents.
