New affordable housing community for seniors opens in Decatur

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Inside one of the units at The Link at Columbia Senior Residences in Decatur. (Photo: The Link)

DECATUR, Ga. -  A new affordable senior living community opened Thursday in Decatur, located just a quarter of a mile from accessible transportation, officials said.

What they're saying:

The Link at Columbia Senior Residences has opened as an 80-unit community for seniors 62 and older at 515 East Freeman Street, just 7 miles from downtown Atlanta.

Half of the units serve seniors with an extremely low income, addressing a critical affordable housing shortage for seniors in metro Atlanta, housing leaders said.

The five-story building features one- and two-bedroom apartments with modern amenities, contemporary finishes, a business center, an outdoor courtyard, and more.

The residence is also within walking distance from the Avondale MARTA station, about a quarter mile away.

"This is a beautiful place to live, and I feel very secure here. I have everything I need, including being close to my healthcare providers," Palma Taylor, a senior resident, said. 

The backstory:

The Link builds upon the Decatur East community, with phase one being Columbia Senior Residences at Decatur East, which opened in 2018 and remains fully occupied.

Construction finished on The Link in June 2025 and received funding from Low Income Housing Tax Credits, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, DeKalb County, the City of Decatur, and the Decatur Housing Authority.