Fort Wayne Relocation Guide

Relocation Guide

Fort Wayne, Indiana is a great place to live! Don’t just take our word for it – MoneyMagazine, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, All-America City Awards, Business Week, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development have all awarded our community for our outstanding quality of life.

In addition, Fort Wayne boasts a low cost of living that consistently ranks below the national average, making it possible for residents to own their dream homes. Top-notch medical care is available for five area hospitals boasting cutting edge cancer and heart centers.

And for families with education and recreation in mind, Northeast Indiana offers the best of both worlds. The region is blessed with first rate college and trade school educational opportunities, and over 400 natural lakes for relaxing weekend getaways.

Combine the progressive business climate, solid educational opportunities, affordable living and vibrant entertainment options, and residents soon find their home in Fort Wayne, Indiana!

Our Community

Fort Wayne is the second-largest city in the state of Indiana, and the hub of Northeast Indiana. We are located in Allen County, the largest county in Indiana.

Fort Wayne makes up 16% of Allen County and the rest of the county is comprised of smaller towns, unincorporated suburban area, parks and nature preserves. 65% of Allen County is agricultural land.

The Fort Wayne Metropolitan Statistical area is comprised of Allen, Wells and Whitley counties.

The 2020 U.S. Census places the population of the three-county Fort Wayne Metropolitan Statistical Area above 430,000. Fort Wayne is home to 269,621 of Allen County’s 394,434 residents, making two thirds of the county’s resident’s city dwellers.

Fort Wayne At-A-Glance

Population: 269,621 (Allen County: 394,434)

Average July high: 84

Average January low: 17

Avg. Annual Precipitation: 38.34 inches

Average Annual Snowfall: 34 inches

Health Care: 5 hospitals

Cost of Living:

9% below national average

Housing costs:

Average home sells for $216,415

Average 2-Bedroom Monthly Rent: $1,182

Fort Wayne International Airport: 12 Non-stop destinations

Other Allen County Cities: Grabill, Huntertown, Leo-Cedarville, Monroeville, New Haven, Woodburn, Zanesville

All located within 425 Miles: Chicago, IL; Detroit, MI; Indianapolis, IN; St. Louis, MO; Columbus, OH; Toronto, CAN; Pittsburgh, PA; Nashville, TN; Buffalo, NY

For New Residents

All-America City

With All-America City wins in 1982, 1998, 2009, and 2021, Fort Wayne entered the National Civic League’s Hall of Fame. The All-America City Award recognizes exemplary grassroots community problem-solving and is given to communities that collaboratively tackle challenges and achieve results. Since 1949, the All-America City Award has encouraged and recognized civic excellence, honoring communities of all sizes in which community members, government, business and voluntary organizations work together to address critical local issues. See more honors at VisitFortWayne.com/accolades

TOP EMPLOYERS

PARKVIEW HEALTH SYSTEMS

SHAMBAUGH & SON

GENERAL MOTORS VERA BRADLEY

LUTHERAN HEALTH NETWORK CITY OF FORT WAYNE GOVERNMENT

FORT WAYNE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SWEETWATER

ALLEN COUNTY GOVERNMENT PURDUE FORT WAYNE

*As of 2024 via FWBusiness.com

On the Job

Fort Wayne has long earned the distinction as a great manufacturing town and some of its better-known products include heavy trucks and electrical equipment. Fort Wayne also has many local companies working on numerous national defense contracts. Our citizens have round-the-clock access to helpful information and assistance from elected officials, homeland security, economic development and more.

The commute to work for Fort Wayne averages 19 minutes, comparing closely to Allen County’s at 19.8 and Indiana’s at 23.2 (The national average is 25.3 minutes.)

A Safe Place

Making the Grade – Education

Fort Wayne offers solid primary and secondary education, as well as a host of higher education opportunities. Four public school districts provide the City of Fort Wayne and Allen County area with more than 80 elementary, middle, and high schools. There are also ample options for a parochial education, with Catholic and Lutheran schools. In addition, there are Amish schools and a number of other private or specialized schools.

Purdue University at Fort Wayne leads the way among post-secondary options, able to enroll more than 12,000 students. Purdue Fort Wayne offers more than 200 programs leading to associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Other great colleges in the area include: Indiana University Fort Wayne, the University of St. Francis, Indiana Tech, Ivy Tech Community College, Manchester University’s School of Pharmacy, and Trine University for technical education. Many more are found within one hour’s drive.

Housing and Cost of Living

Fort Wayne’s exceptionally low cost of living appeals to many residents. Utilities, health care, and goods and services all cost less than average here, contributing to an overall cost of living that is consistently ranked as the lowest in the nation.

Average home sales in Fort Wayne remain very affordable. The average home price is just $216,415, with a broad selection above and below that figure. The average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is under $1,182. Just about everyone can find their perfect home in Fort Wayne. This is a place

Fort Wayne takes pride in being safer than many American cities its size. Both property crime and violent crime are below the national average for similar sized cities. Community-oriented policing through local enforcement city government, and neighborhoods working together to solve problems have resulted in a substantial reduction in crime over the past decade. The Police Department takes pride in programs that have focused crime prevention efforts on total community participation. By forming partnerships with Fort Wayne neighborhoods and working together to solve problems in the city, the community has produced a city where residents are safe in their homes and on the streets.

And Visitors Alike

Arts and Culture

Fort Wayne provides a rich range of artistic and cultural experiences.

Sports

A night out on the town can mean enjoying a live performance at the Embassy Theatre or a concert by the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Fort Wayne’s award-winning symphony, which performs the works of the masters and attracts acclaimed soloists to its stage.

For visual art, stop by the Fort Wayne Museum of Art to see the Museum’s permanent and traveling exhibits. Spend a fine afternoon exploring the culture by visiting The History Center, the Foellinger-Friemann Botanical Conservatory, hands-on exhibits at Science Central, art galleries, the Genealogy Center, Allen County Public Library system, our amazing public art, and more.

Parks and Trails

Whether they’re picnicking at a park, kayaking the rivers, or fishing at a nearby lake, Fort Wayne’s citizens know how to have fun.

The city’s 87 beautiful public parks and playgrounds cover nearly 2,200 acres.

Walkers, joggers, and cyclists stretch their legs on Fort Wayne Trails, a system of over 150 miles of trails that follow the city’s three rivers and link many of the major parks and neighborhoods.

Parks and Recreation

Highlights

• Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo

• Lakeside Rose Garden

• Taylor’s Dream

Boundless Playground

• Riverfront Fort Wayne

• Fort Wayne Trails

• Headwaters Park

• Golf and Tennis

• Promenade Park

Downtown Fort Wayne features Promenade Park and Headwaters Park, both offering family-friendly amenities yearround. Summers bring festivals to Headwaters, while Promenade is the gateway to the Riverfront. Other facilities worthy of kudos include the dozens of pavilions, tennis courts, softball and baseball diamonds, golf courses, Riverfront Fort Wayne, our award-winning Children’s Zoo, lush nature preserves, and nearby fun at 400 lakes.

Fort Wayne’s Memorial Coliseum seats 13,000 fans, hosts numerous local and national touring acts, in addition to the Komets professional hockey team. The Fort Wayne Komets are the longest continuously running sports franchise in Fort Wayne with plenty of trophies to display.

The TinCaps, a class A minor league baseball team, take the field at their downtown state-ofthe-art stadium and are one of the city’s favorite summertime fun spots.

Fort Wayne is also host to the Fort Wayne FC, our USL League Two soccer team.

Festivals and Events

All year long, residents and visitors enjoy outstanding festivals and community events, including Johnny Appleseed Festival, Three Rivers Festival, GermanFest, BBQ Ribfest, Arab Fest, Greekfest, Grabill Country Fair, Taste of the Arts, Middle Waves Music Festival, Vera Bradley Outlet Sale and so many more. Explore our event calendar at CurrentFortWayne.com

Our History

Early settlers and Native Americans referred to Fort Wayne, Indiana as a crossroads because of its strategic location where the St. Marys and St. Joseph River converge to form the Maumee River. The name, Fort Wayne, is derived from bold military leader General “Mad” Anthony Wayne who established the first American fort on the confluence of the three rivers.

In 1824 Allen County was established by an act of the Indiana General Assembly. The 1830s brought the construction of the Wabash and Erie canal in Fort Wayne, which fostered further development in the area. This famous canal earned Fort Wayne the title “Summit City” because it was the highest point along the entire canal route.

Years later in 1854, the first railroad locomotive arrived in Fort Wayne by way of canal boat. Soon afterward, the city became well known because of its key position in the great Pennsylvania Railroad.

As the 19th century drew to a close, industry in the city continued to flourish. Immigrants poured into the area seeking jobs and creating a need for several different church denominations. This gave rise to another Fort Wayne moniker, “The City of Churches.” The original courthouse could no longer fulfill the needs of the growing city, so in 1897 construction of a new courthouse began. The building was finished and dedicated in 1902, and is a National Historic Landmark and community treasure.

Tradition continues in the 21st Century as we become a more welcoming and vibrant city, celebrating our past and looking forward to a bright future. We hope you’ll join us!

Relocation Information

CABLE & INTERNET

Xfinity (800) 934-6489

xfinity.com

Frontier FiOS (800) 921-8101 frontier.com

ELECTRIC COMPANIES

CITY OF FORT WAYNE

Indiana Michigan Power (800) 311-4634

CITY OF HUNTERTOWN

Northeastern REMC (260) 625-3700

GAS COMPANIES

NIPSCO (800) 4-NIPSCO

PHONE COMPANIES

Frontier

Residential (800) 921-8101

Business (800) 921-8102

MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES

City of Fort Wayne Call Center 311

Visitors and New Residents

Visit Fort Wayne / Fort Wayne Visitors Center 927 S. Harrison St, Ste. 100 (260) 424-3700

visitfortwayne.com

Better Business Bureau (260) 423-4433

TAX INFORMATION

Allen County Treasurer (260) 449-7693

GARBAGE & RECYCLING

CITY OF FORT WAYNE

City Utilities 311

CITY OF HUNTERTOWN

Huntertown Utilities (260) 637-5058

CITY OF NEW HAVEN

Republic Services (800) 876-9001

WATER & SEWER SERVICES

CITY OF FORT WAYNE

City Utilities (260) 427-1234

CITY OF HUNTERTOWN

Huntertown Utilities (260) 637-5058

CITY OF NEW HAVEN Water & Sewer (260) 748-7050

TRANSPORTATION

Fort Wayne International Airport 3801 W. Ferguson Rd. (260) 747-4146

flyfwa.com

Citilink Bus System 121 W. Baker St. (260) 432-4546

fwcitilink.com

VOTING ASSISTANCE

Allen County Election Board (260) 449-7329

allencountyinvoters.gov

SOCIAL SECURITY 2122 Lincolnway Ct. (800) 772-1213

LICENSING SERVICES

Fort Wayne Community Development (Business License) (260) 427-1127

Bureau of Motor Vehicles in.gov/bmv

Marriage Licenses (260) 449-7370

Birth Certificates (260) 449-7147

Greater Fort Wayne, Inc. (Metro Chamber Alliance) (260) 420-6945

Fort Wayne is

official Convention and Visitors Bureau for Fort Wayne and Allen County, Indiana.

Housing and Relocation

Real Estate Agents

Upstate Alliance of REALTORS

3403 E. Dupont Rd.

P: (260) 426-4700

F: (260) 422-9966

Online REALTOR directory: UpstarIndiana.com

Home Builders

Lancia Homes

9430 Lima Rd.

P: (260) 489-4433

F: (260) 489-0325

lanciahomes.com

Other Community ResourcesAmani Services, Inc

Private, non-profit support for multicultural residents

5104 N. Clinton St. (260) 484-1414

amanifamilyservices.org

The League for the Blind and Disabled

5821 S. Anthony Blvd. (260) 441-0551

the-league.org

Apartment Communities

Apartment Association of Fort Wayne

5530A St. Joe Rd.

P: (260) 482-2916

Online apartment listings: aafw.org

Arcadia Apartments

Custom designed for ultimate convenience, modern style, and ideal comfort, residents love living at Acadia because

Dupont Lakes Apartments

3302 Vantage Pointe Dr.

P: (844) 308-4552 (260) 471-6655

dupontlakesapartments.com

Edward Rose

Liberty Mills Apartments

6101 Cornwallis Dr.

P: (260) 434-1104 (844) 312-5022

LibertyMillsApartments.com

South Bridge Apartments

8310 Bridgeway Blvd.

P: (844) 780-3135

SouthbridgeApartments.com

West Wind Apartments

2102 Point West Dr.

P: (260) 483-5734

WestWindFtWayne.com

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

FORT WAYNE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Administration Office

1200 S. Clinton St.

Fort Wayne, IN 46802 (260) 467-1000 (260) 467-2009 fortwayneschools.org

NORTHWEST ALLEN COUNTY SCHOOLS

Administration Office

13119 Coldwater Rd.

Fort Wayne, IN 46845 (260) 637-3155 nacs.k12.in.us

EAST ALLEN COUNTY SCHOOLS

Administration Office

1240 State Rd. 930 E. New Haven, IN 46774 (260) 446-0100 eacs.k12.in.us

SOUTHWEST ALLEN COUNTY SCHOOLS

Administration Office

4824 Homestead Rd. Fort Wayne, IN 46814 (260) 431-2000 sacs.k12.in.us

PAROCHIAL/PRIVATE SCHOOLS

BLACKHAWK CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

7400 E. State Blvd.

Fort Wayne, IN 46815 (260) 493-7400 blackhawkchristian.org

CANTERBURY SCHOOL

3210 Smith Rd.

Fort Wayne, IN 46804

Admissions - (260) 407-3553 canterburyschool.org

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

Administration Office

915 S. Clinton St. Fort Wayne, IN 46802 (260) 422-4611 diocesefwsb.org

LUTHERAN SCHOOLS PARTNERSHIP

1601 St. Joe River Dr. Fort Wayne, IN 46805 (260) 203-4500 thelutheranschools.org

SPECIAL PURPOSE SCHOOLS

ADULT CONTINUING EDUCATION Fort Wayne Community Schools fwcsadulteducation.us

EASTERSEALS ARC OF NORTHEAST INDIANA

4919 Coldwater Rd. Fort Wayne, IN 46825 (260) 456-4534 eastersealsnei.org

TURNSTONE

Center for Children & Adults with Disabilities

3320 N. Clinton St. Fort Wayne, IN 46805 (260) 483-2100 turnstone.org

COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

INDIANA TECH

1600 E. Washington Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46803 (260) 422-5561 indianantech.edu

Education

INDIANA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY 8211 W. Jefferson Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46804 (260) 918-1212

indwes.edu

MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF PHARMACY 10627 Diebold Rd. Fort Wayne, IN 46845 (260) 470-2700

manchester.edu/pharmacy

PURDUE UNIVERSITY— FORT WAYNE

2101 E. Coliseum Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46805 (260) 481-4739

pfw.edu

UNIVERSITY OF SAINT FRANCIS 2701 Spring St. Fort Wayne, IN 46808 (260) 399-7999

sf.edu

IVY TECH COMMUNITY COLLEGE 3800 N. Anthony Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46805 (260) 482-9171

ivytech.edu