Let the numbers do the talking.
Decatur, AL vs Madison, AL
Decatur, AL vs Madison, AL: What the data shows
Decatur, AL is in Decatur, AL while Madison, AL is in Madison, AL — both in the same state. On home prices, Madison, AL is the more affordable option at $140,000 median — $60,000 less than Decatur, AL's $200,000. WYLT rates Decatur, AL as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Madison, AL as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. Decatur, AL has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Madison, AL has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Decatur, AL has Low flood risk and Madison, AL has Low flood risk.
Madison, AL is the more walkable neighborhood. Decatur, AL scores N/A/100 versus Madison, AL's 26/100 (mostly car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Decatur, AL has the higher school rating — Decatur, AL rates 8/10 and Madison, AL rates 7.6/10.
| Category | Decatur, AL | Madison, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Think twice |
| Median Price | $200K | $140K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $1K | $650 ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $45K | $45K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | Car-dependent | 26/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 3/100 | 5/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | 1/100 | 60/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 45 min | 30 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good ✓ Cleaner air |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 8/10 ✓ Better schools | 7.6/10 |
| Best for | familiescommuters to Birminghamaffordable home buyers | Families seeking good schoolsBudget‑conscious buyersRemote workers who can drive to nearby hubs |
Bottom line
For someone who needs to commute to work in Birmingham, Decatur may be a more suitable option due to its slightly faster commute to Birmingham. However, both neighborhoods pose concerns with their car-centric design, making them less ideal for those who value walkability or public transit. Overall, families seeking good schools and quiet settings might prefer Madison, while Decatur could be a better fit for remote workers who can drive.
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