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West Central

West Central

Suburban Neighborhood in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Allen County 46802

$260,570 Average Value
$133 Average Price per Sq Ft
16 Homes For Sale

Historic homes nestled west of Downtown Fort Wayne

Established in the early 1830s during Fort Wayne’s canal era, West Central is a community steeped in history. “One of the many reasons people love this neighborhood is because it’s focused on historic preservation,” says Broker Benjamin Wahli of 4th Street Real Estate, with more than six years of experience. “People who move here want walkability, to be social, and to celebrate history and enjoy art – and West Central is the perfect location for all those things.” As its name suggests, the neighborhood is immediately west of Downtown Fort Wayne, making it close to where the action is. Locals get the best parts of the big city while enjoying historic homes on private lots.

This aerial view shows West Central's close proximity to downtown Fort Wayne.
This aerial view shows West Central's close proximity to downtown Fort Wayne.
The St. Mary's River runs along the western edge of Fort Wayne's West Central neighborhood.
The St. Mary's River runs along the western edge of Fort Wayne's West Central neighborhood.
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Homes that harken back to a different age

Victorian and Greek Revival homes, flourishing gardens and tree-lined streets encapsulate the timeless charm of this Indiana neighborhood. Most homes were built between the 1830s and 1950s, preserving the architectural styles of their time. Buyers will find grand Victorian and established Italianates for $500,000, while traditional Foursquare homes and worker’s cottages built during the Industrial Age list for $180,000 to $300,000. Revitalized homes merge these classic styles with contemporary features to give residents the best of both worlds. Most homes in West Central have a covered porch, a popular gathering space for the community. Neighbors come together to share conversation and a drink during porch parties held every Friday night from May to October.

This historic West Central home features cedar shake shingles with a bold trim color.
This historic West Central home features cedar shake shingles with a bold trim color.
This lovely green two-story home in Fort Wayne's West Central features a second story balcony.
This lovely green two-story home in Fort Wayne's West Central features a second story balcony.
Fort Wayne's West Central neighborhood is home to some very large properties.
Fort Wayne's West Central neighborhood is home to some very large properties.
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Grabbing a bite or drink in town

The history of West Central extends beyond its picturesque homes. The neighborhood’s heritage weaves into everyday life, be it a Broadway musical at the 1920s Embassy Theater, a TinCaps baseball game at Parkview Field, or a stroll through the art-laden halls of the Castle Gallery Mansion. Even the area’s more modernized attractions retain connections to its past. One example is Electric Works, an up-and-coming mixed-use development district that sits on 39 acres of a former electricity company. Today, the campus houses coworking and commercial spaces, plus a food hall in its social gem, the Union Street Market. “From the Electric Works project to riverfront revitalization, the area has development that’s pulling people from all over,” says Wahli. “It’s a great time to move to and live in Fort Wayne.” Local favorites like Henry’s and The Brass Rail are neighborhood staples. As two of the oldest bars in Fort Wayne, these spots offer a taste of some history alongside their craft cocktails. At the intersection of Broadway and Taylor Street sits the Plowshares at the Market, where folks can grab their weekly produce.

West Central's Electric Works is a multi use building buzzing with activity.
West Central's Electric Works is a multi use building buzzing with activity.
West Central's Parkview Field has views of the downtown skyline.
West Central's Parkview Field has views of the downtown skyline.
Residents of West Central are close to concerts and performances at the Embassy Theatre.
Residents of West Central are close to concerts and performances at the Embassy Theatre.
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The annual Home and Garden Tour is a hit with locals and visitors

Fall visitors won’t want to miss West Central’s annual Home and Garden Tour, which takes place in September. Folks from around the state flock to experience the two-day event, which features ten local homes and gardens. “The tour welcomes people into our neighborhood to showcase its beauty and promote revitalization and historic preservation,” Wahli says. “One thing that makes our tour even more unique is the ArtsFest – we’ll have blocks of arts and crafts, live music and food trucks. The tour and fest are an all-weekend party celebrating this community.”

Fort Wayne's West Central neighborhood is home to The Castle Gallery.
Fort Wayne's West Central neighborhood is home to The Castle Gallery.
This large Four Square is a popular home style in Fort Wayne's West Central neighborhood.
This large Four Square is a popular home style in Fort Wayne's West Central neighborhood.
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Plenty of parks to explore west of Fort Wayne

Set along the St. Mary's River, West Central offers residents plenty of opportunities to reconnect with nature. Hikers will appreciate the shady 1.1-mile West Jefferson Trail, part of the Rivergreenway that hugs the neighborhood's north end. A more relaxing weekend means enjoying one of the open green spaces across the district’s three parks. Swinney Park is a recreational haven with tennis and basketball courts and an 18-hole disc golf course. The spot also hosts the annual Allen County Fair for some summer family-friendly fun. Locals stop to smell the flowers at Foelling-Freimann Botanical Conservatory and experience all the riverfront offers at Promenade Park, both just a few blocks outside the neighborhood.

Swinney Park offers an 18 hole disc golf course to West Central golfers.
Swinney Park offers an 18 hole disc golf course to West Central golfers.
West Central's Swinney Park has a large tennis complex.
West Central's Swinney Park has a large tennis complex.
West Central residents can take advantage of the trail system at Swinney Park.
West Central residents can take advantage of the trail system at Swinney Park.
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Attending class in West Central

Students in West Central can attend the centrally placed Washington Elementary School, rated C-plus by Niche. At Portage Middle School, rated C overall, kids get a robust academic curriculum paired with an array of extracurricular activities and athletics. Wayne High School rounds out the list with an Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training program, where students learn about aerospace science. The school receives a B overall from Niche.

Neighborhood students may attend Washington Elementary.
Neighborhood students may attend Washington Elementary.
Neighborhood Children may attend Portage Middle School.
Neighborhood Children may attend Portage Middle School.
Wayne High School offers students project-based learning for STEM activities.
Wayne High School offers students project-based learning for STEM activities.
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Crime in West Central

The crime rate in West Central is much higher than the national average. According to the CAP Index’s score-based predictors, residents of this community have a much higher likelihood of experiencing crimes like burglary and motor vehicle theft. Across Fort Wayne’s population of 269,366 in 2019, FBI data indicates that 974 violent crimes and 7,437 property crimes were committed. In early 2024, the City of Fort Wayne implemented a plan to install more streetlights to make pedestrians safer at night.

Malcolm Longerbeam
Written By
Malcolm Longerbeam

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Schools

Source:
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 Aaron Hoover, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Fort Wayne International

20 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime West Central US
Homicide 7 4
Sexual Assault 8 4
Assault with Weapon 7 4
Robbery 8 4
Burglary 10 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 10 4
Larceny 9 4
Crime Score 9 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$277,450
Median Single Family Price
$234,900
Median Townhouse Price
$355,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$567,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$133
Number of Homes for Sale
16
Last 12 months Home Sales
46
Months of Supply
4.20
Median List Price
$317,450
Median Discount From 1st List Price
6%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
5%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
647
Median Year Built
1900
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,148
Above the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,415
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,947
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
384,634

Open Houses

  • Saturday, May 3
    12 - 2pm

    410 W Brackenridge St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802

    $650,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 2,351 Sq Ft
    • 410 W Brackenridge St
    • New 18 days ago

    ***OPEN HOUSE Saturday 5/3 from 12-2PM***Experience industrial-modern living at its finest in this four-story townhouse at Cityscape Flats, offering over 2,300 sqft of thoughtfully designed space. Enjoy rooftop views of the TinCaps stadium and downtown from your private outdoor space — all just minutes from Electric Works, local dining, and entertainment. Inside, you’ll find 3 spacious bedrooms

    Jared Kent Anthony REALTORS

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  • Sunday, Apr 27
    1 - 3pm

    801 W Berry St Unit A The Cleveland, Fort Wayne, IN 46802

    $825,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,700 Sq Ft
    • 801 W Berry St
    • Unit A The Cleveland

    Experience Luxury Living at “The Presidential on W. Berry”! Nestled in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne, in Historic West Central, The Presidential on West Berry is a masterfully reimagined historic building, now home to five exclusive luxury condominiums. Every detail of this architectural gem has been meticulously renovated, seamlessly blending timeless elegance with modern sophistication. Each

    Melissa Maddox North Eastern Group Realty

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  • Sunday, Apr 27
    1 - 3pm

    1025 Garden St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802

    $672,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 3,403 Sq Ft
    • 1025 Garden St

    This exquisite home has been meticulously and elegantly renovated in 2018 blending historic charm with modern amenities with over 3,400 sq feet of living space in the historic West Central neighborhood. Renovations included new HVAC, plumbing, electrical and new hardwood floors in 2018. All of the rooms are spacious with tall ceilings. The stunning kitchen has beautiful quartz countertops with

    Shelley Hans Lentz Realty Group LLC

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Aaron Hoover, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
2,985
Median Age
36
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12.1%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$48,770
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$71,883

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
90.5%
College Graduates
35.5%
Advanced Degrees
10.2%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
73.2%
Above the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
39''
Average Winter Low Temperature
19°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
28''

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

85 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

79 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

48 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
West Central