Sitting about 15 minutes east of Downtown Atlanta, Decatur isn't technically within the City of Atlanta, but it is an important part of what makes Atlanta so special. Decatur is very impressive in how it has managed to retain its own identity full of small town charm and character (think Mayberry meets Berkeley) within the sprawling ATL metropolis.

Founded in 1823, it is one of the oldest municipalities in the Atlanta metro region, and was named in honor of Stephen Decatur — a War of 1812 naval hero. Decatur became the county seat of DeKalb County, and despite the fact that DeKalb's two delegates to the Secession Convention of 1861 voted "no" to secession, Decatur became the site of much of the devastating Battle of Atlanta.

In 1889, the Decatur Female Seminary was founded in Decatur as a place for women to pursue higher education, and in 1906 the seminary became Agnes Scott College. Agnes Scott still stands as one of the South's most important women's liberal arts colleges, and as an integral part of Decatur life. In addition to Agnes Scott, Decatur is home to DeVry University and the Columbia Theological Seminary, which all together give it a bit of a college town feel.

Decatur is really remarkable, not just in its quaintness, but in its citizens' commitment to community and diversity. There is a sense of community on every corner, and there's a real feeling of welcoming and open-mindedness that's very pleasant.

Possibly due to, or at least not hurt by, the presence of a women's liberal arts college, Decatur became known for having a large lesbian community. In fact, Decatur is home to one of the largest LGBT communities in the country. Add to that a lot of aging hippie types, artists, craftspeople, and yoga teachers and you get the picture.

Decatur has done an excellent job of keeping what makes it so special — good planning, excellent walkability with a super central MARTA station, independent stores and restaurants, and great public spaces and art — all of this despite the fact that the population has grown by nearly 30% just since 2010. Truly one of Atlanta's best places to call home.