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.
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.
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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.
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.
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
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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.
The trails at Foster Park are a great place for Broad River
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.
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.
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
Are you familiar with the Broad River neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Broad River
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Broad River Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Broad River, Fort Wayne sell after 24 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Broad River, Fort Wayne over the last 12 months is $154,500, up 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Stop looking.... Here it is! 3 Bedroom and 1 bath home with 1440 Sq feet available for you to stretch out. Hard wood floors in the home look amazing and in good condition, adding to the charm. Room sizes are estimate, please verify.
Experience comfortable living and strong rental potential in this turnkey 3BR/1BA investment opportunity located in Fort Wayne’s desirable ‘07 neighborhood. Just minutes from Downtown, the River Greenway, and local parks, this move-in-ready home blends modern updates with classic charm. Inside, you’ll find new windows, drywall, electrical work, fresh paint, stylish flooring, and an upgraded
Renovated from top to bottom not long ago. The Roof, Central Air, Furnace, and Water Heater were all NEW in '19! On a main downtown throughway just South of the city's center, find this rescued & revamped Craftsman. Start by passing under the covered front porch and into the Large Room lined with vinyl plank flooring. The updated Kitchen - which is just steps from the Formal Dining Room AND Main
Property Being sold cash only or conventional. Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath home located in Fort Wayne’s classic 46807 neighborhood! Built in 1900, this property combines vintage character with excellent potential, offering a fantastic opportunity for homeowners and investors alike. Oversized Detached Garage Newer, Roof, HVAC , and Garage Door, Appliances Included.
Kenneth RichardsonAmerican Dream Team Real Estate Brokers
***As-Is** This is a must-see, beautiful two-story home in downtown Fort Wayne. The large, covered porch welcomes you into a spacious entryway with a charming built-in bench seat and a stately staircase. Charming archways direct you through the grand living room and formal dining room, boasting large windows and a built-in corner cabinet. The main floor offers three-year-old luxury vinyl flooring
Large house, 5 bedrooms and 2 baths ready for your next home or investment opportunity. Rent rate in the area on a 5 bedroom home is estimated to be between 1300-1700 depending on finishes and condition. Room sizes are estimated. Get this property first, as it shouldn't last long on the market. (Please note for investors, house could potentially be split into a duplex. )
Located just off a main '07 throughway, this charming 2-story historic home is minutes from Foster Park, the Clyde Theater, Electric Works, and a variety of local restaurants, shops, and walking paths—truly an eclectic & electric place to call home! Step onto the amazing front covered porch, perfect for relaxing or greeting guests, and into a spacious foyer filled with original character and
This two-story home in the '07 features 3 bedrooms and 2 baths and is full of potential for renovation, a flip, or creating your ideal home. Located near Foster Park, Clyde Theatre, popular eateries, and downtown entertainment, the property offers the perfect combination of location and opportunity to transform it into a profitable investment or a personalized space to call your own.
This charming 3-bedroom home offers a bright, updated kitchen with white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, rustic wood-look countertops and backsplash. Newer furnace, 2 years. Newer roof, 3 years.Newer water heater, 3 years and updated plumbing in 2024. The basement is clean and spacious, offering excellent utility space and flexibility. Outdoors, the property stands out with a fenced,
***NEW YEAR NEW PRICING** This charming three-bedroom, one-bathroom home offers 1,232 square feet of thoughtfully updated living space that's ready to welcome new owners. Step inside to discover beautiful new flooring throughout, complemented by fresh paint that brightens every room. The updated kitchen features brand-new appliances and modern fixtures, making meal preparation a genuine pleasure
A large 1100 sq ft upstairs apartment. 2 bedroom, 1 bath with washer & dryer, and dishwasher. Eat in kitchen, dining room & living room. Fresh paint, wood flooring , central air, gas heat. Centrally located, close access to bus transportation, parks, library, and new GE complex off Broadway. Convenient off street parking.
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