East Central
Affordable fixer-uppers in East Central
East Central is ideal for those who want city life without the price tag. The median listing price for this community is $100,000, almost four times less than downtown Fort Wayne. Worker’s cottages and bungalows with around 2,000 square feet are common among single-family homes. Fixer-uppers with plenty of potential list for as low as $70,000, while more contemporary homes spanning 3,000 square feet start at $200,000. “Fort Wayne has invested a lot of money to revive East Central, including the housing,” Holmes says. “It’s a community that’s being totally revived.” The demand for homes aligns with Holmes’ assertion: East Central listings spend a mere 28 days on the market, on average.K-12 and beyond: from grade school to Indiana Tech
Students in East Central attend class in the Fort Wayne Community School System, starting with Washington Elementary, rated C-plus by Niche. At Lakeside Middle School, rated C overall, kids get a robust academic curriculum paired with various extracurricular activities and athletics. Wayne High School completes the list with a B overall from Niche and offers an aerospace science program. For higher learning, students can investigate the Indiana Institute of Technology. “Indiana Tech brings a lot of diversity and energy to East Central,” Holmes says. The university’s mission to provide engineering and career-oriented education extends past just its student body and supports the neighborhood’s culture by collaborating with community partners to create summer camps and after-school programs for children. Built on interactive learning, these opportunities encourage youths aged 5 to 18 to pursue STEAM degrees and career paths.A day outside at one of East Central's rec centers
East Central is a recreational hub kitted out with many parks and centers to support an active lifestyle. The Maumee River provides a scenic backdrop for bike rides and walks, as well as volleyball games at Fair Play. Women’s, men’s and coed volleyball leagues play at the sandy court and enjoy a post-game drink at the adjoining bar and picnic tables. Kids enjoy the playground and basketball courts at Hanna Homestead Park and sharpen their skating skills at Slam City Skatepark, Fort Wayne’s only indoor skate park and bicycle shop. Residents of all ages can get involved in various activities at Albert G. Jennings Recreational Center, which offers free adult and youth programs, including athletics, clubs, skill development and food services. Another attraction for East Central residents is the TinCaps ballgames at Parkview Field, which is only a baseball throw away in downtown Fort Wayne.Locally owned and operated businesses foster a sense of community
The neighborhood’s sense of community permeates its shopping, dining and nightlife scenes. “East Central’s shops are a highlight for locals,” Holmes says. Neighbors make small talk at Summit City Brewerks, participating in their weekly trivia and bingo nights. Beer lovers can sample one of 30 made onsite. The entire family can have fun at the pinball machines and pool tables or get competitive over a board game. For mouth-watering meals, folks go to Neighborhood Smoke House for their irresistible pulled pork and BBQ rib specials. The Kroger, located about 3 miles south on Lafayette, meets locals’ weekly grocery needs.Crime in East Central
The crime rate in East Central is higher than the national average. According to the CAP Index’s score-based predictors, East Central residents have a higher risk of being victims of homicide. 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, which will improve nighttime visibility for pedestrians.

Agents Specializing in this Area
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Nicholas Krauter
Schrader RE and Auction/Fort Wayne
(260) 376-7789
151 Total Sales
1 in East Central
$28,000 Price
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JB Langas
Responds QuicklyHansen Langas, REALTORS & Appraisers
(260) 264-7546
63 Total Sales
1 in East Central
$75,000 Price
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Robert Rolf
Responds QuicklyMike Thomas Assoc., Inc
(260) 376-4883
201 Total Sales
1 in East Central
$2,500 Price
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Evan Riecke
Responds QuicklyEncore Sotheby's International Realty
(260) 376-7817
266 Total Sales
1 in East Central
$300,000 Price
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John Garcia
Responds QuicklyImpact Realty LLC
(260) 376-4997
185 Total Sales
1 in East Central
$28,000 Price
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Melissa Clopton
Responds QuicklyRealty ONE Group Envision
(260) 264-7244
43 Total Sales
3 in East Central
$6K - $61K Price Range
Schools
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to
, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.Parks in this Area
Transit
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | East Central | US |
---|---|---|
Homicide | 7 | 4 |
Sexual Assault | 6 | 4 |
Assault with Weapon | 7 | 4 |
Robbery | 6 | 4 |
Burglary | 5 | 4 |
Motor Vehicle Theft | 5 | 4 |
Larceny | 4 | 4 |
Crime Score | 6 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
East Central Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in East Central, Fort Wayne sell after 299 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in East Central, Fort Wayne over the last 12 months is $300,900, down 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Neighborhood Facts
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to
, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Finances
Education and Workforce
Weather
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
Some Transit
Transit 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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