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
For New Residents
And Visitors Alike
All-America City
Making the Grade – Education
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
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, enrolling 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: IU Fort Wayne; the University of St. Francis; Indiana Tech, Ivy Tech Community College, and Trine University for technical education. Many more are found within one hour’s drive.
TOP EMPLOYERS PARKVIEW HEALTH SYSTEMS
ALLEN COUNTY GOVERNMENT
GENERAL MOTORS
SWEETWATER
LUTHERAN HEALTH NETWORK
LINCOLN FINANCIAL GROUP
CITY OF FORT WAYNE GOVERNMENT
BF GOODRICH
FORT WAYNE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
SHAMBAUGH & SON
*As of 2022 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.)
Arts and Culture Fort Wayne provides a rich range of artistic and cultural experiences. 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, and many more.
Sports Fort Wayne’s Memorial Coliseum, which seats 13,000 fans, hosts numerous local and national touring acts, in addition to the Komets professional hockey team and Mad Ants basketball. 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-of-the-art stadium and are one of the city’s favorite summertime fun spots. Fort Wayne is also host to the Fort Wayne FC, and many more.
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 $185,000, with a broad selection above and below that figure. The average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is under $1,105. Just about everyone can find their perfect home in Fort Wayne. This is a place where people can well afford the necessities of life—as well as a few extras.
A Safe 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.
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 Parks and Recreation 87 beautiful public parks Highlights and playgrounds cover • Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo nearly 2,200 acres. • Lakeside Rose Garden • Taylor’s Dream Walkers, joggers, and Boundless Playground cyclists stretch their legs • Riverfront Fort Wayne on Fort Wayne Trails, a • Fort Wayne Trails system of over 120 miles • Headwaters Park of trails that follow the city’s • Golf and Tennis three rivers and link many of the major parks and neighborhoods. Headwaters Park is at the center of a 20-acre downtown recreational and festival park. The park includes an ice skating rink open to the public from late November to February. Other facilities worthy of kudos include the dozens of pavilions, tennis courts, softball and baseball diamonds plus the private, public and semi-public golf courses. Not to mention Riverfront Fort Wayne, our award-winning Children’s Zoo, lush nature preserves, and nearby fun at 400 lakes, located within 50 miles of Fort Wayne.
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
Relocation Information CABLE & INTERNET
TAX INFORMATION
TRANSPORTATION
Xfinity (888) 266-2278 xfinity.com
Allen County Treasurer (260) 449-7693
Fort Wayne International Airport 3801 W Ferguson Road (260) 747-4146 flyfwa.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 (877) 501-5661
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
MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES City of Fort Wayne Call Center 311
Citilink Bus System 121 W Baker Street (260) 432-4546 fwcitilink.com VOTING ASSISTANCE Allen County Election Board (260) 449-7329 allencountyinvoters.gov SOCIAL SECURITY 2122 Lincolnway Court (877) 223-6061 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
Visitors and New Residents Visit Fort Wayne / Fort Wayne Visitors Center 927 S Harrison Street, Suite 100 (260) 424-3700 visitfortwayne.com Better Business Bureau (260) 423-4433 Greater Fort Wayne, Inc. (Metro Chamber Alliance) (260) 420-6945
Visit Fort Wayne is the official Convention and Visitors Bureau for Fort Wayne and Allen County, Indiana. Get more information at VisitFortWayne.com/Relocation Rev. 2/2022
Housing and Relocation Real Estate Agents Upstate Alliance of REALTORS 3403 E Dupont Road P: (260) 426-4700 F: (260) 422-9966 Online REALTOR directory: UpstarIndiana.com
Apartment Communities Apartment Association of Fort Wayne 5530A St Joe Road P: (260) 482-2916 Online apartment listings: neiapartmentfiner.com
North Easterm Group 10808 La Cabreah Lane P: (260) 489-7095 F: (260) 489-7950 Northeasterngroup.com
Dupont Lakes Apartments 3302 Vantage Pointe Drive P: (844) 308-4552 dupontlakesapartments.com
Home Builders Lancia Homes 9430 Lima Road P: (260) 489-4433 F: (260) 489-0325 lanciahomes.com
Liberty Mills Apartments 6101 Cornwallis Drive P: (260) 434-1104 (844) 312-5022 LibertyMillsApartments.com Southbridge Apartments 8415 Lakeside Drive, Apt 1B P: (260) 447-6032 SouthbridgeApartments.com West Wind 2102 Pointe West Drive P: (833) 650-4856 WestWindFtWayne.com
OTHER COMMUNITY RESOURCES Amani Services, Inc Private, non-profit support for multicultural residents 5104 N Clinton Street (260) 484-1414 amanifamilyservices.org The League for the Blind and Disabled 5821 S Anthony Blvd. 260-441-0551 the-league.org
Visit Fort Wayne is the official Convention and Visitors Bureau for Fort Wayne and Allen County, Indiana. Get more information at VisitFortWayne.com/Relocation Rev. 2/2022
Education 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 www.nacs.k12.in.us EAST ALLEN COUNTY SCHOOLS Administration Office 1240 State Road 930 East New Haven, IN 46774 (260) 446-0100 www.eacs.k12.in.us SOUTHWEST ALLEN COUNTY SCHOOLS Administration Office 4824 Homestead Rd. Fort Wayne, IN 46814 (260) 431-2000 www.sacs.k12.in.us PAROCHIAL/PRIVATE SCHOOLS BLACKHAWK CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 7400 E. State Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46815 (260) 493-7400 www.blackhawkchristian.org/ CANTERBURY SCHOOL 3210 Smith Rd. Fort Wayne, IN 46804 (260) 407-3553 canterburyschool.org
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS Administration Office 915 S Clinton Street Fort Wayne, IN 46802 (260) 422-4611 www.diocesefwsb.org LUTHERAN SCHOOLS PARTNERSHIP 1601 St. Joe River Drive (260) 203-4500 thelutheranschools.org WILLOWBROOK DAY SCHOOL 101 West Dupont Road Fort Wayne, IN 46825 (260) 490-0189 willowbrookdayschool.org SPECIAL PURPOSE SCHOOLS ADULT CONTINUING EDUCATION Fort Wayne Community Schools fwcsadulteducation.us EASTER SEALS ARC OF NORTHEAST INDIANA 4919 Coldwater Rd. (260) 456-4534 eastersealsnei.org TURNSTONE Center for Children & Adults with Disabilities 3320 N. Clinton St. Fort Wayne, IN 46805 (260) 483-2100 www.turnstone.org
INDIANA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY 8211 W. Jefferson Blvd. (260) 918-1212 www.indwes.edu MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF PHARMACY 10627 Diebold Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46845 (260) 470-2700 www.manchester.edu/pharmacy PURDUE UNIVERSITY— FORT WAYNE 2101 E Coliseum Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46805 (260) 481-4739 www.pfw.edu INDIANA UNIVERSITY— FORT WAYNE 2101 E Coliseum Blvd. (260) 481-4839 www.iufw.edu UNIVERSITY OF SAINT FRANCIS 2701 Spring St. Fort Wayne, IN 46808 (260) 399-7999 www.sf.edu IVY TECH COMMUNITY COLLEGE 3800 N Anthony Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46805 (260) 482-9171
COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES INDIANA TECH 1600 E. Washington Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46803 (260) 422-5561 www.indianantech.edu
Visit Fort Wayne is the official Convention and Visitors Bureau for Fort Wayne and Allen County, Indiana. Get more information at VisitFortWayne.com/Relocation Rev. 2/2022