Located smack dab in the heart of Illinois, the city of Decatur is the county seat of Macon County. Decatur grew to prominence as a major rail transportation hub in the late 19th century. Today, the city is the focal point of business, shopping, and entertainment in the area.

Forbes Magazine named Decatur as the best Small Metro Area in America to do business. The city is corporate headquarters for the Archer Daniels Midland Company, the huge multinational grain processor, and counts several major industrial companies within its boundaries such as A. E. Staley Manufacturing Company, Caterpillar Tractor Company, Illinois Power, and Mueller Corporation to name a few. Although Decatur is known as a manufacturing community, it is also home to many white-collar and service based businesses.

Decatur can take great pride in having one of the finest park systems in the country. Decatur enjoys one of the highest ratios of public park acreage per capita of any community. Lake Decatur offers an additional source of recreational enjoyment for those interested in boating, fishing, or just walking along the lake shore. Decatur is also home to Miliken University, a liberal arts college.

Close to major cities, Chicago and St. Louis, many people are attracted to the city because of the high-quality, affordable housing. Real estate is a relative bargain in Decatur.