Community and Place



Communities within MoCo

Morgan County (MoCo) is not just a place to go. It’s the businesses that make us thrive, the charities that encourage us to help each other, the neighborhoods that provide so much character, and the people that make it such a friendly place to be. When you’re here, you can feel the warmth—it’s part of what makes our community not just a great place to visit, but also a great place to live.

Moving to Decatur?

Where Every Wave Welcomes You HOME!

Discover how DMCT warmly welcomes you with a comprehensive relocation package, ensuring your move to a new place is not just easier, but also an exciting adventure awaiting your arrival

The Best & Brightest Initiative


The Best & Brightest Initiative represents our decision to invest in our future by recruiting even more STEM graduates, and we are the first city in the country to offer a comprehensive incentive package for this purpose. Unlike traditional programs that only provide financial incentives, we offer you the infrastructure for an enjoyable, healthy, and productive life. 



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Retirement in Morgan County


Decatur is situated on the banks of the Tennessee River. This town has a thriving art and cultural scene, a wonderful Downtown District, and a beautiful rose garden. But shopping and natural beauty aren’t the only reasons to move here: Affordability is another major incentive. The cost of buying a home in Decatur is much less than it is in other major metro areas. The Old Decatur and Albany Historic Districts of Decatur make up the largest concentration of Victorian-era craftsman and bungalow homes in Alabama. Residents also enjoy the added benefit of proximity to major highways that connect to places like Huntsville and Birmingham.


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Positively Decatur

Decatur's Storytelling initiative: 

The city of Decatur wants to share it's people, places, and stories. Learn more about all the positive things Decatur has to offer!

Business License

To apply for a business license in Decatur, please contact the city of Decatur's revenue department.


Department Phone:

(256) 341-4546


Office Address:

402 Lee Street NE

First Floor

Decatur, AL 35601


Office Hours:

8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

Monday – Friday


businesslicense@decatur-al.gov

To apply for Hunting & Fishing Licenses, visit the Morgan County Courthouse.


Morgan County Courthouse

302 Lee Street, NE

Decatur, AL 35601

256-351-4730

To apply for Boating License, visit the Morgan County Courthouse.


Morgan County Courthouse

302 Lee Street, NE

Decatur, AL 35601

256-351-4730

BLOG

By Emma Martin February 21, 2025
In the heart of Old Town Decatur, Alabama, First Missionary Baptist Church stands as a beacon of resilience, faith, and history. Established in 1866 by 21 formerly enslaved individuals, the church has not only served as a spiritual home for its congregation but also as a significant symbol of African American perseverance and architectural heritage. The church's beginnings trace back to the home of Jane Young, where its founding members gathered under the leadership of Rev. Alfred Peters, the first pastor. Initially, services were held in a modest storefront along the Tennessee River, embodying the dedication and commitment of its members despite limited resources. In 1873, the congregation took a significant step forward by purchasing a building from a white Methodist congregation, establishing a more permanent place of worship.First Missionary Baptist Church's current home, constructed in 1921, is a masterpiece of Neoclassical Romanesque architecture, designed by the renowned Wallace Augustus Rayfield. Rayfield, a trailblazing African American architect, is best known for designing the historic 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, which became a tragic yet powerful symbol of the Civil Rights Movement following the 1963 bombing. His influence is evident in the thick brick walls, rounded arches, towering structures, and striking stained-glass windows of First Missionary Baptist Church, which shares design elements with its Birmingham counterpart. Throughout its history, First Missionary Baptist Church has been more than a place of worship; it has been a pillar of the African American community in Decatur. During the era of segregation and Jim Crow laws, the church became a hub of resistance and advocacy. Notably, during the infamous Scottsboro Boys trials of the 1930s, the church provided a safe space for meetings between defense attorneys and prospective jurors, demonstrating its commitment to justice and equality. While the church remains a cornerstone of Decatur's African American community, it has faced its share of struggles as years have gone by. Despite these challenges, the congregation remains steadfast in preserving this historic landmark. Efforts are underway to restore and maintain the building, with hopes of transforming it into a destination for Civil Rights education, historical tours, architectural enthusiasts and more.  First Missionary Baptist Church is more than just a structure; it is a living testament to faith, endurance, and cultural heritage. Its story, interwoven with the broader narrative of African American history in the South, deserves recognition and preservation for future generations. With ongoing community support, this historic church can continue to serve as an enduring symbol of resilience and progress.
By Emma Martin January 21, 2025
Decatur Now and Then
By Emma Martin December 27, 2024
If you're looking for an unforgettable way to ring in the New Year in the River City, look no further! We’ve put together the ultimate New Year’s Eve itinerary to ensure you have an evening full of amazing food, drinks, and excitement. From a fantastic dinner to a lively pre-game cocktail hour, and an unforgettable casino night, the River City has it all. 

What trail will you explore next?

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