5 Reasons to Live in or Relocate to Fort Wayne, Indiana
Fort Wayne, Indiana is a hidden gem. With ample job opportunities, good schooling, and a community involved in arts and cultural events, the city is a great place to relocate and live. As a midsize city located right in the heart of the Midwest, Fort Wayne has everything a big city has to offer but without the busy and hectic lifestyle that goes along with it.
The low cost of living allows singles and families to make the most of their income, with a good selection of housing that’s affordable whether you’re buying or renting. The cost of food, transportation, and health care are all below the national U.S. average.
As a great place to start a new career or raise a family, the community of Fort Wayne is warm and welcoming, opening their arms to newcomers and ready to lend a hand as you get used to life in the city. Here are five reasons to live in or relocate to Fort Wayne, Indiana.
1. Education
Fort Wayne offers many suitable academic institutions and schools. Whether you’re looking for an elementary, middle, or high school or higher education colleges and universities, there are several great options in this part of the state.
Three of Fort Wayne’s high schools made the list in 2019 for Best High Schools in the U.S. For higher education, Indiana University-Purdue University is located right in the city, offering two state campus systems with a focus on academics as well as athletics. Other good colleges include Huntington University, the University of Saint Francis, and the Indiana Institute of Technology, which has an excellent reputation for producing grads ready for the tech industry.
2. Employment Opportunities
If you’re a college grad or young professional who wants to relocate to a smaller city, Fort Wayne has some great employment opportunities in several different industries, such as insurance and financial services, health care, and communications. Production and manufacturing also continue to be strong industries, providing full-time employment year-round. Top employers include:
- Parkview Healthcare Systems
- General Motors
- BAE Systems (aerospace and defense production)
- BFGoodrich (tire manufacturer)
- Frontier Communications (phone, television, and high-speed internet)
3. Indiana Parks and Recreation
After a game, stop in for a craft beer at one of the local pubs, which are always filled with college students taking a break from studying. Fort Wayne is well known as having some of the best beer in the state, with several breweries supplying unique beers that you won’t find anywhere else. The Fort Wayne area also has some excellent wineries where you can sample the different and delicious varieties of wine from the region.
Fort Wayne has numerous parks and recreational facilities to keep you fit and active. Bike through the city and enjoy sunny days in one of the well-maintained parks. Another great place to bike or walk is along the Rivergreenway Trail, which has 30 miles of network trails linking Fort Wayne together with New Haven.
Ready to get involved in community events? Sign up at one of the recreation centers and take a yoga class or learn how to dance. Or sign up for baseball or soccer, joining one of the city community teams.
Parkview Field, the city’s well-known baseball stadium, is a great place to take in a game of minor league baseball. The city is home to the TinCaps, so living in Fort Wayne means you’ll be able to take in all of the home games.
After a game, stop in for a craft beer at one of the local pubs, which are always filled with college students taking a break from studying. Fort Wayne is well known as having some of the best beer in the state, with several breweries supplying unique beers that you won’t find anywhere else. The Fort Wayne area also has some excellent wineries where you can sample the different and delicious varieties of wine from the region.
Ready to get involved in community events? Sign up at one of the recreation centers and take a yoga class or learn how to dance. Or sign up for baseball or soccer, joining one of the city community teams.
Parkview Field, the city’s well-known baseball stadium, is a great place to take in a game of minor league baseball. The city is home to the TinCaps, so living in Fort Wayne means you’ll be able to take in all of the home games.
After a game, stop in for a craft beer at one of the local pubs, which are always filled with college students taking a break from studying. Fort Wayne is well known as having some of the best beer in the state, with several breweries supplying unique beers that you won’t find anywhere else. The Fort Wayne area also has some excellent wineries where you can sample the different and delicious varieties of wine from the region.
4. Fort Wayne Arts and Culture
There’s plenty of things to do in Fort Wayne, Indiana. If you’ve just relocated to the city or have lived here for a number of years, get out and explore all there is to do in the city. Enjoy the rich history that’s represented at several of the cultural centers.
Numerous festivals take place throughout the year, bringing the community together for concerts and special events. Many of the events are free to attend and are a great way to meet your new neighbors. The BuskerFest is always a popular attraction that features local music and entertainment.
The Fort Wayne, Indiana farmer’s market is another way to get involved in the community. Operating indoors during the winter and outdoors in the downtown district during the summer, the market lets you enjoy local produce, baked goods, and arts and crafts by local vendors.
As well as organized community events, Fort Wayne also boasts a superior library system, including the main branch and numerous branch libraries throughout Allen County. Other arts and cultural attractions include several art galleries and museums. Enjoy paintings, sculptures, and photography by local and regional artists. The Fort Wayne Museum of Art has a yearly rotation of special exhibitions. The Orchard Gallery is another popular stop for art enthusiasts, displaying even more work by local artists.
Another nice way to spend an afternoon is at Fort Wayne’s Children’s Zoo, which has been named one of the top zoos in the country. Or, take the family to the science center where you can interact with hands-on displays.
You can also enjoy musical events in Fort Wayne, with many opportunities to listen to live music, attend concerts, or dance in one of the nightclubs.
As well as organized community events, Fort Wayne also boasts a superior library system, including the main branch and numerous branch libraries throughout Allen County. Other arts and cultural attractions include several art galleries and museums. Enjoy paintings, sculptures, and photography by local and regional artists. The Fort Wayne Museum of Art has a yearly rotation of special exhibitions. The Orchard Gallery is another popular stop for art enthusiasts, displaying even more work by local artists.
5. Fort Wayne Indiana Housing and Apartment Living
The quiet neighborhoods and surrounding suburbs of Fort Wayne are one of the reasons grads, millennials and young professionals choose to live in the city. Many love to live in the heart of the downtown district, close to where they work.
Not ready to buy yet or don’t want the commitment of a mortgage? Renting with Redwood has all the advantages, and it’s the ideal way to get a community feel without a mortgage. Only in Fort Wayne for a couple of months as you do business? In addition to long-term rentals, ask about the short-term corporate rentals.
When you’re ready to move to Fort Wayne, Indiana, be sure to connect with Redwood to discuss your rental options. Or feel free to get started with our apartment finder checklist.