So, Military spouse here. With a population of 266K, Fort Wayne is a mid-size city. Average temperature is around 53°F, so expect cold winters. Household incomes average around $60,293 in Fort Wayne. The median home value here is around $169,700, which is actually reasonable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Would love some local perspective. Thanks! There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
19 upvotes
14 Replies
cool_maya82
I've lived in Highland for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good healthcare facilities
- The public transit scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Hope this helps!.
37 upvotes
Austin Phillips
exactly what I was thinking
31 upvotes
Brooks
literally same
22 upvotes
Caroline Richardson
I work in consulting here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is underrated. Definitely worth checking out..
21 upvotes
Isabelle Scott
I've lived in Oak Park for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- The weather scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Hope this helps!.
19 upvotes
avery_local
I work in consulting here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is improving. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
18 upvotes
Lucy J.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 15 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
17 upvotes
Henry Murphy
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. pet-friendliness used to be much stable but now it's decent.
16 upvotes
cora_dude
I've lived in South for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
- The housing market scene is improving
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Hope this helps!.
11 upvotes
Kenneth L.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 55, moved here 8 years ago from LA. I've lived in Greenfield and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The traffic situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- South: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from LA, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
7 upvotes
Ian Peterson
This.
7 upvotes
Owen R.
Came here for family and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The community vibe is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
6 upvotes
Leah Scott
Used to live on the Springfield side, now on the Greenfield side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
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