Hey, We have two kids and Rent is about $959/month for a decent place. With a population of 266K, Fort Wayne is a mid-size city. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. Am I wrong here? The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
58 upvotes
5 Replies
Theodore C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 4 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
23 upvotes
Connor Allen
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 54, moved here 10 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The food scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for families. decent vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Phoenix, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
17 upvotes
Alexa
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to San Francisco it's solid.
11 upvotes
Jackson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. No regrets on my end..
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