Relocation Guide 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!
Fort Wayne is a great place to live! Don’t just take our word for it – Money Magazine, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, AllAmerica 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.
We invite you to join us in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Learn more by visiting us online or contacting our Visitors Center – we’d love to help you explore your new community!
Visit Fort Wayne 927 S. Harrison Street Fort Wayne, IN 46802 VisitFortWayne.com (260) 424-3700 Access on our mobile website on your smartphone!
Facebook.com/VisitFortWayne Instagram.com/VisitFortWayne Twitter.com/VisitFortWayne
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. Topnotch medical care is available for six 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 270,402 of Allen County’s 382,187 residents, making two thirds of the county’s resident’s city dwellers.
Fort Wayne At-A-Glance Population: 270,402 (Allen County: 382,187) Average July high: 84 Average January low: 16 Avg. Annual Precipitation: 65.6 inches Average Annual Snowfall: 47.4 inches Health Care: 6 hospitals Cost of Living: 9% below national average Housing costs: Average home sells for $185,000 Average 2-Bedroom Monthly Rent: $1,105 Fort Wayne International Airport: 14 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