Imaginative, pedestrian-friendly streetscapes encourage time spent outside
Named for a classic work of American literature, the Fort Wayne neighborhood of Walden likewise aims to encourage a nature-filled lifestyle, much like its author Henry David Thoreau did when he wrote “this world is but a canvas to our imagination.” According to the Walden Community Association, the neighborhood was originally marketed in the 1970s as "a place for the children" due to its large yards, wide streets and pocket parks. A half-century later still, “there’s always kids running around the neighborhood,” says Emily Ewing, a Realtor with North Eastern Group Realty. Neatly paved walking paths connect cul-de-sacs so neighbors can meet up without needing to drive or even walk along streets. Another nod to Thoreau’s work is found in Walden’s referential street names: Brister’s Spring Run, Solitude Place, and of course, Thoreau Avenue. There is no pond, however.
Walden is slightly more upscale than some surrounding areas, with price points reflective of its large lots and well-placed location. According to local RE/MAX Results Realtor Jane Yoder, Walden is equally close to natural scenery and commercial amenities. "I grew up on this side of town, and I love it. The shopping is good, and it's a very convenient area,” she says.
Mid-century houses on large lots provide gardening space
Split-levels, ranch-styles and Colonial Revivals with attached garages are spaced along Walden's tree-lined streets. Most residents maintain small gardens in their front yards, while larger backyards often have playsets and landscaped patios. Walden listings range from $200,000 to $300,000, with fenced lots and larger houses priced at the higher end. The housing market is competitive in Walden—most for-sale houses are purchased within a week of listing. “The houses are well-maintained and close to parks and shopping, so this area remains popular,” says Ewing.
A variety of unique Colonial-style homes are occupied by the friendly people of Walden.
Spacious traditional and colonial-style homes are found in the Walden neighborhood.
Walden is a tight-knit neighborhood with decent lot sizes.
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Playgrounds, splash pads and hiking trails are close to Walden
Known as the largest watershed of the Great Lakes, the Maumee River curls along the south side of town. Like Thoreau’s Walden, this neighborhood has plenty of places to spend time outdoors. Bristers Spring Park is closest to home, tucked between Vance Avenue and Fitchburg Place. This pocket park has a playground with swings and is connected to the neighborhood walking path, making it easy for local kids to gather.
One of the largest parks in town, Kraeger Park, is just a few miles from Walden. Kids can run through the splash pads or join soccer and baseball games. Taylor's Dream Playground is there, filled with play equipment for children of all sizes and abilities. For even more outdoor activity, locals head to Mengerson Nature Reserve to hike through forested wetlands.
Children love the playground at Bristers Spring Park in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Kreager Park boasts a number of baseball fields for the sports players of Walden.
The Mengerson Nature preserve is a beautiful place for the people of Walden to take a hike.
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Students prepare for further education at Snider High School
Walden students are zoned within the Fort Wayne Community School District. Students may enroll in Glenwood Park Elementary, graded B by Niche; Lane Middle School, graded C; and R. Nelson Snider High School, graded B. These public schools are within walking distance for most Walden residents. According to Niche data, Snider is ranked in the top 11% of Indiana public high schools for college preparatory education. About 21% of graduates head to college, most to Indiana schools such as Indiana University, Purdue University, Ball State and others.
Glenwood Park Elementary is a public elementary school in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Snider High School is home to Fort Wayne students grades nine through twelve.
Fort Wayne students grades six through eighth may attend Lane Middle School.
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Georgetown Square and Northwood Plaza are commercial centers nearby
Walden sits between two busy commercial hubs - Georgetown Square is to the south, packed with shops and restaurants, and Northwood Plaza is to the north, home to big box chains, including a Target. Each is about a mile from home, and the nearest supermarket is a Kroger. "One of the best parts about living here is that there's great dining and shopping in every direction," says Yoder. Restaurants in the area range from fast food chains to independently owned local spots. Dicky's 21 Taps is a long-time neighborhood barbeque staple, and Casa Grille Italiano is an upscale, family-run mini-chain that serves wood-fired pizzas and pasta.
The people of Walden can drive to the Hopsing Express for some quick and tasty Chinese Food.
Residents of Walden can order delivery or pickup from Casa Grille Italiano.
Get carry-out, dine in, or have margaritas at the full bar at Cebolla's Mexican Grill in Walden.
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Walden is 6 miles from downtown Fort Wayne
The city's healthcare system, including nearby Parkview Hospital, leads the regional workforce. The 6-mile ride southwest into downtown Fort Wayne typically takes 15 minutes without major traffic delays. Most residents travel by car, but Citilink buses provide public transit downtown from the Georgetown Square or Northwood Plaza stops. "The 469 is convenient if you're traveling east to shop at Meijer or Menards," says Yoder. The interstate runs past the popular shopping center and around the city's outer edges. The Fort Wayne International Airport is roughly 15 miles south for long-distance travel.
Neighborhood events are organized by Walden’s HOA
Walden residents pay an $80 annual fee, most of which covers snow removal but also funds other maintenance expenses and community events. The Walden Community Association’s website is a resource for homeowners, while Walden's Facebook page keeps residents updated with event announcements, including garage sales, block parties and outdoor movie screenings.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Michelle Wyatt,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Mengerson Nature Preserve
Kreager Park
Baseball/Softball
Soccer
Tennis
Brister Spring Park
Bike Trails
Picnic Area
Playground
Praise Park
Imperial Gardens Park (Unnamed)
Rivergreenway
Jehl Park
Transit
Airport
Fort Wayne International
31 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Walden
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Walden, Fort Wayne sell after 15 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Walden, Fort Wayne over the last 12 months is $240,753, consistent with the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Michelle Wyatt,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,206
Median Age
38
Population Density
7 ppl/acre
Population under 18
27.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$85,119
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$94,513
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98.5%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
40.6%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
14.2%
% Population in Labor Force
64.4%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
39''
Average Winter Low Temperature
19°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
28''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
39/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
31/ 100
Minimal Transit
Transit Score®
24/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
