Is your family considering moving to Fort Wayne, Indiana? There are plenty of things to think and worry about in such a major transition, but we’re going to point out ten reasons why this Midwestern spot is a great place to call home.
1. There’s a very low cost of living in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
According to Salary.com, Fort Wayne’s cost of living is negative 8 percent lower than the national average, and the city has scored an 8.6 out of 10 on the US News Value Index. It’s also ranked second on the list of cheapest places to live, according to US News. The median household income is about $48,000 and the median value of housing is $110,600, according to the US Census, making moving to Fort Wayne a very good deal.
2. Commutes are typically under 20 minutes.
According to the Indiana Business Research Center at Indiana University, 58 percent of the workforce in Fort Wayne lives within 10 miles of their jobs, making this a convenient place to commute in. The average commute is typically 21.1 minutes. For people currently commuting in a coastal city like New York or San Francisco, that often means that they’ll get hours of their life back every single week. Newcomers can deal with far less stress on a day-to-day basis.
3. The area is very family friendly.
Many newcomers ask us, “Is Indiana a good place to live for families?” The answer is definitely! There’s plenty of things for kids to do in the area, like visiting Children’s Zoo, Science Central and Historic Fort Wayne. Also, don’t ignore the Allen County Public Library system, which is a staple of the community.
4. The city has beautiful, well-maintained parks.
There are dozens and dozens of local parks and lots of greenery in the city for walking and biking. It’s a great way to get outside and explore. Memorial Park is a great place to start! The city has more than 90 miles of trails to explore, as well as dog-friendly parks and riverside walks.
5. You’ll enjoy lower taxes.
While living in Fort Wayne, IN, you can enjoy lower sales tax and lower income tax than the US average. It also features a decently low property tax rate. This can positively impact your cost of living overall.
6. There’s plenty of local sports.
Fort Wayne is home to the Komets (the local hockey team), the Mad Ants (the basketball team) and the TinCaps (the baseball team), among many local school and intercollegiate sports teams.
7. There’s a vibrant and growing arts community.
Arts enthusiasts can peruse the works of the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, the numerous local art galleries, a handful of small museums and plenty of public art pieces. They can also find inspiring spots like the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory. The area also throws many fun festivals, especially in the fall.
8. There’s a wide variety of jobs in the area.
The unemployment rate bounced back from the pandemic relatively quickly for those in Fort Wayne, unlike many areas in the country. Often, families relocating to Fort Wayne, Indiana, are the most stressed about what opportunities there are nearby. Fort Wayne features employers like General Motors, Vera Bradley, Nestle, numerous health systems and many different financial companies.
9. You have the unique ability to design your own home here.
Those who are trying to find the best places to live near Fort Wayne, Indiana, can actually design their own homes that are completely perfect for their needs. New, beautiful neighborhoods offer open houses for you to tour. Call us today and we can help to find the right home for you!
10. The locals are renowned for being friendly.
Those moving to Indiana will often comment on how friendly Midwesterners are. Indiana is one of the friendliest states in America, and culturally the locals pride politeness. Newcomers will be surprised at just how willing locals are to wave and interact with strangers. Many times, people will feel right at home after a very short period.
If you’re still on the fence about relocating, consider talking to a local, touring the town or dropping by at an open house!
