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East Central

East Central

$122,771 Average Value
$610 Average Price per Sq Ft
2 Homes For Sale

An up-and-coming Fort Wayne community on the east end

At first glance, East Central might seem like a sleepy neighborhood just outside the buzz of Fort Wayne. It doesn’t take long to see that East Central is an energetic and involved community within an urban setting. “It’s an up-and-coming neighborhood within walking distance of downtown,” says Realtor Tiffiny Holmes of Keller Williams Fort Wayne. More affordable homes characterize this neighborhood, alongside a strong sense of community. A handful of locally owned and operated restaurants offer a fun Friday out, just as the neighborhood’s parks make for an active Saturday. East Central’s most recognized institution is Indiana Tech, a university that partners with local organizations to encourage students down the STEAM path. In addition to all that’s offered in its boundaries, East Central is close to even more in downtown Fort Wayne. For out-of-town trips, be they business or pleasure, folks can utilize Fort Wayne International Airport.
Fort Wayne's Indiana Tech is located in the East Central neighborhood.
Fort Wayne's Indiana Tech is located in the East Central neighborhood.
This over head view shows the close proximity to Downtown Fort Wayne.
This over head view shows the close proximity to Downtown Fort Wayne.
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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.
The majority of homes in Fort Wayne's East Central neighborhood are two stories.
The majority of homes in Fort Wayne's East Central neighborhood are two stories.
Most homes in Fort Wayne's East Central are accessible to first time home buyers.
Most homes in Fort Wayne's East Central are accessible to first time home buyers.
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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.
Neighborhood students may attend Washington Elementary.
Neighborhood students may attend Washington Elementary.
Lakeside Middle School is one of the FWCS serving neighborhood children.
Lakeside Middle School is one of the FWCS serving neighborhood children.
Wayne High School offers students project-based learning for STEM activities.
Wayne High School offers students project-based learning for STEM activities.
Here is the beautiful Snyder Academic Center on Fort Wayne's Indiana Tech campus.
Here is the beautiful Snyder Academic Center on Fort Wayne's Indiana Tech campus.
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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.
East Central is within walking distance to Parkview Field and the TinCaps.
East Central is within walking distance to Parkview Field and the TinCaps.
Albert G. Jennings recreation center offers programs for kids and adults.
Albert G. Jennings recreation center offers programs for kids and adults.
Children in Fort Wayne's East Central can walk to the playground at Hanna Homestead Park.
Children in Fort Wayne's East Central can walk to the playground at Hanna Homestead Park.
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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.
Summit City Brewerks offers many options for East Central residents.
Summit City Brewerks offers many options for East Central residents.
Residents of East Central can do their grocery shopping at Kroger in Southgate Plaza.
Residents of East Central can do their grocery shopping at Kroger in Southgate Plaza.
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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.
Malcolm Longerbeam
Written By
Malcolm Longerbeam
Kristen Wilson
Video By
Kristen Wilson

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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 Nicholas Krauter, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Fort Wayne International

22 min drive

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

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$1,200,000
Median Sale Price
$300,900
Median Single Family Sale Price
$1,510,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$1,200,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
19%
Last 12 months Home Sales
6
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-14%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$610

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
557
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Median Year Built
1915
Months of Supply
4.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,714
Below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,077
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,791

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 Nicholas Krauter, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
2,240
Median Age
33
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
28%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$24,651
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$40,303

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
73%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
23.7%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
7.4%
% Population in Labor Force
55.2%

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®

46 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

44 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

45 / 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
East Central
Nicholas Krauter
Schrader RE and Auction/Fort Wayne
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