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Broad River

Broad River

Suburban Neighborhood in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Allen County 46802, 46807

$132,957 Average Value
$64 Average Price per Sq Ft
3 Homes For Sale

A southwest Fort Wayne neighborhood undergoing steady changes

Modest 20th-century homes along tree-lined streets characterize Fort Wayne’s Broad River neighborhood. “It might not be pretty, but it has a lot to offer,” says resident and local business owner Dot Witham. Though parts of the southwest Fort Wayne district may appear lackluster, the community is vibrant with a brighter-looking future. Broad River is experiencing a facelift, as seen with some of its newly renovated homes, ultimately bringing a new desire for the area. This neighborhood is one of 18 that make up the Packard Area in south-central Fort Wayne and is already seeing changes, thanks in part to the Packard 2030 Neighborhood Plan. Adopted in May of 2023, the plan outlines quality-of-life enhancements like improving the area's sidewalks and general safety, maintaining the neighborhoods' character and supporting local businesses. “To outsiders, the area may look a little broken, but it has great bones,” says Witham. “You can tell the area has a wonderful community. So many people come together to make this place amazing.” The Packard Area Planning Alliance joined forces with Fort Wayne’s Neighborhood Planning and Activation Workgroup to develop a strategy that gives the group of communities a shared vision and direction. “Broad River is the first of what is happening as far as renovating and growing this area into a desirable community,” says Realtor Jennifer Camperman-Bradford of American Dream Team Real Estate Brokers.

It might not be pretty, but Broad River has a lot to offer.
It might not be pretty, but Broad River has a lot to offer.
Broadway Street is one of the busiest thoroughfares in the Broad River area.
Broadway Street is one of the busiest thoroughfares in the Broad River area.
Broad River is one of 18 neighborhoods that make up the Packard Area in south Fort Wayne.
Broad River is one of 18 neighborhoods that make up the Packard Area in south Fort Wayne.
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Modest worker's cottages and bungalows offer older charm at a great price point

Homes in Broad River appear in typical suburban fashion. Some houses here may look a little run down, but this is due to their age rather than neglect. “The area looks old and used, but it’s because of how cherished homes are, not because they’re being discarded,” says Witham. Most worker’s cottages, derived from the vernacular home styles of the Industrial Age, were built between 1890 and 1930 for the area’s working-class folks. Development in the 1940s through the 1960s saw more contemporary styles, many of which were traditional front-gabled bungalows with Craftsman-influenced columns and rafters. “Homes need work, but they’re in a great price range, especially for first-time homebuyers,” says Camperman-Bradford. Realtor Jennifer Harris-Steele of Century 21 Bradley Realty, Inc. attests, “I think we will see an influx of first time home buyers moving in rather than investment buyers.” The median single-family home price floats around $135,000. Buyers can find a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom cottage for around $43,000, while renovated homes boasting 4,514 square feet may list for $306,000. At an average of $71, the price per square foot is one of the lowest in the area. “It’s only that low because there are a ton of fixer-uppers,” says Camperman-Bradford. “People buy because they know it’s worth it and because they love the community.”

The workers cottage is a popular home style in Broad River.
The workers cottage is a popular home style in Broad River.
Broad River is full of charming homes like this bungalow.
Broad River is full of charming homes like this bungalow.
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Grabbing a bite or stocking up at Union Street Market

Broadway, one of the busiest thoroughfares in the neighborhood, contains much of the local dining and retail scene. Locals can grab a sweet treat from Zesto Ice Cream or stop into the 07 Pub for a brew. The latter is a lively neighborhood staple named after the area’s zip code. Weekend shopping in Broad River means fun for all ages, whether browsing vinyls at Welcome Back Records or grabbing an oddity from Mt. Olympus Toys. The grocery shopping scene is surprisingly unique, as well. Union Street Market at the new Electric Works offers a wide range of regionally sourced meals and foodstuffs in West Central, an adjacent community. The Electric Works campus development brings increasingly more traffic to Broad River and its ilk. “Electric Works has been a big boom for the city in general,” says local business owner Morrison Agen. “Broad River is just a half mile south of that, and we are seeing the effects of the business that Electric Works is bringing in.”

The Fort Wayne Farmers Market is just up the road from Broad River at Union Street Market.
The Fort Wayne Farmers Market is just up the road from Broad River at Union Street Market.
Johnny Ox Pizzeria at Union Street Market is a popular spot for Broad River residents.
Johnny Ox Pizzeria at Union Street Market is a popular spot for Broad River residents.
Electric Works campus development has brought much more traffic through Broad River and adjacent
Electric Works campus development has brought much more traffic through Broad River and adjacent
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Taking to the trails or strolling through Foster Park

The name Broad River begs the question: where does the “river” part come in? The St. Marys Pathway, part of the Rivergreenway trail that hugs the St. Marys River, provides nature lovers with a scenic backdrop for hikes, bike rides and leisurely walks. Two expansive parks also give locals plenty of space to stretch their legs and get their fill of nature. Foster Park to the south and Swinney Park to the north, both less than 2 miles outside the neighborhood, offer access to golf courses, riverside trails, tennis and basketball courts, playgrounds and open natural spaces.

Residents of Broad River can take advantage of the St. Marys River Trail.
Residents of Broad River can take advantage of the St. Marys River Trail.
The trails at Foster Park are a great place for Broad River
The trails at Foster Park are a great place for Broad River
Broad River golfers can join the Wednesday afternoon senior league.
Broad River golfers can join the Wednesday afternoon senior league.
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Attending class in the Fort Wayne Community School District

Students in Broad River may attend schools within the Fort Wayne Community School District, starting with C-rated Harrison Hill Elementary, which offers a Young Authors literary program. Kekionga Middle School also gets a C from Niche and serves sixth through eighth graders. South Side High rounds out the list with a C-plus. The school provides Northeast Indiana’s only International Baccalaureate program for 11th and 12th graders.

Kekionga Middle School serves grades 6-8 with a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1.
Kekionga Middle School serves grades 6-8 with a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1.
South Side High School offers Indiana’s only International Baccalaureate program.
South Side High School offers Indiana’s only International Baccalaureate program.
Harrison Hill Elementary School serves K-5 with a student-teacher ratio of 20 to 1.
Harrison Hill Elementary School serves K-5 with a student-teacher ratio of 20 to 1.
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Malcolm Longerbeam
Written By
Malcolm Longerbeam
Travis Patton
Photography Contributed By
Travis Patton
Austin Lewis
Video By
Austin Lewis

Agents Specializing in this Area

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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 Jennifer Harris-Steele, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Fort Wayne International

19 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Broad River US
Homicide 6 4
Sexual Assault 5 4
Assault with Weapon 5 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$141,000
Median Single Family Price
$143,300
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$64
Number of Homes for Sale
3
Last 12 months Home Sales
14
Months of Supply
2.60
Median List Price
$145,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-1%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
386
Median Year Built
1920
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,815
Below the national average
1,936
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,923
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
500,068

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 Jennifer Harris-Steele, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
1,193
Median Age
33
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
28.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10.9%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$39,903
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$55,910

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
81.6%
College Graduates
14.8%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.2%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
70.4%

Weather

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

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

50 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

56 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

32 / 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
Broad River