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Ruth R. living

Is Fort Wayne getting better or worse?

Anyone else feel this way? Born and raised here. Rent is about $959/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 53°F, so expect cold winters. With a population of 266K, Fort Wayne is a mid-size city. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.

Pros:
- Good job market
- Diverse community
- Good airport connections

Cons:
- Limited public transit
- Rising rent prices
- Mosquitoes and humidity
Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
50 upvotes

4 Replies

Katherine Green
been saying this for years
37 upvotes
Jack Ruiz
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Fairview for 9 years. Moved from Dallas for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.

**Employment:**
construction is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview schools are hit or miss. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.

**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Rising rent and home prices. Chain restaurants dominate. And nightlife can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Julia C.
Used to live on the Sunset side, now on the The Heights side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
22 upvotes
Wesley Long
Moved here from Houston about 12 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to community vibe but Feel free to reach out with questions..
9 upvotes
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