$263,405Average Value$132Average Price per Sq Ft21Homes 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.
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 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.
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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.
This large Four Square is a popular home style in Fort Wayne's West Central neighborhood.
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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 Parkview Field has views of the downtown skyline.
Residents of West Central are close to concerts and performances at the Embassy Theatre.
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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.
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 Children may attend Portage Middle School.
Wayne High School offers students project-based learning for STEM activities.
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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.
West Central's Swinney Park has a large tennis complex.
West Central residents can take advantage of the trail system at Swinney Park.
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
Robert E. Meyers Park
Freimann Square
McCulloch Park
Swinney Park
Fort Wayne Parks Department
Headwaters Park
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
West Central Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in West Central, Fort Wayne sell after 53 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in West Central, Fort Wayne over the last 12 months is $312,000, up 22% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
***OPEN HOUSE Sunday 6/15 from 1-3PM***Beautifully renovated and full of charm, this two-story home in the sought-after West Central neighborhood seamlessly blends historic character with modern updates. Hardwood floors, beamed ceilings, and original staircase woodwork add warmth throughout, while the spacious layout offers a seamless flow from the welcoming front porch to the living and dining
Welcome to this stunning 3-story townhome, perfectly situated in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne! Enjoy the ultimate urban living experience with Parkview Field just steps away, and a host of exciting destinations within walking distance, including bars, restaurants, Electric Works, Starbucks, Promenade Park, Headwaters Park, and more. Inside, this thoughtfully designed home offers 3 bedrooms, 2
Here's an opportunity to own in West Central! Beautiful wood work and duel stair ways greet you as you enter this home. Upstairs bath has been beautifully updated. This home is estate owned and is being offered as-is. Great chance to live downtown in a convenient location. This home is located in the West Central Historic District. Here is a link that will give buyers a guide to the process
**OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 6/8 1-3PM** Here's your chance to enjoy downtown living this summer! This home in Fort Wayne's Historic West Central neighborhood offers modern updates along with classic charm and is located close to everything that downtown has to offer. On the main level you'll find an updated kitchen that's open to the dining and living area, a bedroom with two closets (would make an
OPEN HOUSE THIS SUNDAY, 6/8 1p - 3p! Here is a rare opportunity to own a charming ranch home just steps from downtown, Fort Wayne. This vibrant, walkable community is known for its front-porch culture where neighbors genuinely connect. The inviting front porch leads to the front door where you'll find beautifully maintained original wood floors, w/ central hall connecting nearly every rm. Step
You catch concerts and baseball games. You bike the River Greenway, stroll the farmer’s market, kayak the river and browse boutiques. You save Friday evenings for happy hour with co-workers and Saturday mornings for coffee with friends, and your summer isn’t complete without an outdoor festival. You like comfort and quiet. You appreciate the small luxuries of a fully modern kitchen and bath. You
Pleasant 2 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath, two story home between Electric works and historic West Central neighborhood. Stove, refrigerator, washer and dryer are included in rent. (Washer and dryer are on main floor in half bath.) Neutrally painted interior and professionally cleaned carpets. Off street parking. Sizable back yard. Tenant pays gas, electric, water/sewer/trash, lawn care/snow removal and
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.
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.
