Leo-Cedarville allows for small-town living with plenty of amenities
In Leo-Cedarville, a lazy afternoon on the water is just as accessible as a shopping trip to Fort Wayne. This northeast Indiana community combines the character of a small town with a location right outside Indiana’s second-largest city. The area features the sprawling Cedarville Reservoir, has access to a sought-after school district and is a magnet for new home construction. “You kind of have that country feel, where you’re out in the country a little bit. But you’re just close enough to the city for the shopping and the restaurants,” says Nicholas Krauter, a local Realtor with Schrader Real Estate & Auction of Fort Wayne for over 10 years. “It also has a couple really nice parks within the community. And it’s got the river there that sometimes people use for fishing and boating.”
Spacious homes span multiple eras in Leo-Cedarville
This area of about 3,600 people has a broad selection of houses. Many homes date to the 1950s, including a mix of bungalows and ranch-style options. Leo-Cedarville also has a variety of modern New Traditional homes, including some built in recent years. “If they can find the land out there, they’re going to continue to build,” Krauter says. “People want to live out there.” Regardless of their age, most houses around Leo-Cedarville are tucked away on quiet residential blocks. Floor plans average over 2,500 square feet, and many lots are at least a quarter of an acre. Most properties sell for $180,000 to $490,000, depending on the age and square footage, though those with multiple acres can go for $520,000 to $670,000.
East Allen County Schools are a draw
Leo-Cedarville is part of the East Allen County Schools system, a district with a B-plus grade on Niche. Krauter says that schools are a draw for new residents; the population has grown more than 20 percent since 2000. The A-minus-rated Cedarville Elementary includes kindergarten through third grade and was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School in 2014 and 2020. Students have the B-plus-rated Leo Elementary for grades 4 through 6, where they can participate in extracurricular groups like a robotics club. Leo Junior High and High School share a campus and a B grade. The junior high offers activities including a book club, and the high school's Career Majors Academy offers courses in engineering, information technology, business and more.
Local reservoir provides built-in recreation
This community sits adjacent to Cedarville Reservoir, part of the St. Joseph River system. Anglers can catch bass and catfish here, and kayakers can drop in for miles of paddling. There’s a reservoir access point with picnic tables on Leo-Cedarville’s south side, off Pearl Street. Another boat ramp is by Riverside Gardens Park, a space with a playground and a splash pad. Cedarville Park features a larger, shaded playground. Hikers have 5 miles of trails to explore in Metea County Park.
Some restaurants and stores are available, with more nearby
Leo-Cedarville has a limited but rounded selection of businesses, including multiple restaurants. “It’s not too busy, but not slow at the same time, either,” Krauter says of the area's atmosphere. Steady Eddy's Station is popular among kayakers exploring the nearby reservoir, and has a menu full of sandwiches, flatbreads and salads. Leo Cafe is a draw for breakfast, and The Frozen Spoon offers a variety of signature ice cream flavors, like triple peanut butter and coconut almond chip. Locals shop at Cedar Creek Produce for fresh food items. Katie's Kountry Korner carries a variety of Amish-made furniture, fabrics and other items; there’s an Amish community based in neighboring Grabill. “It’s not unusual to see horses and buggies going down the road,” says Debbie Lucyk, a local Realtor with Century 21 Bradley Realty who has over 30 years of industry experience. More big-box shopping is close by in Fort Wayne, including a Walmart 9 miles away and the Glenbrook Square mall 10 miles away, with stores like Macy’s and JCPenney.
Area highways take drivers into the heart of Fort Wayne
Part of Indiana state Road 1 runs through Leo-Cedarville, and drivers can follow the highway to Clinton Street for commutes into downtown Fort Wayne, 12 miles away. Dupont Hospital is a 6-mile trip just off state Road 1, and has a 24-hour emergency room. The Fort Wayne International Airport is roughly 30 miles away using nearby Interstate 69.
Leo-Cedarville highlights local artisans and growers
Annual events in the area include Bloom Fest at Riverside Gardens Park. Held in early August, the festival features well over 100 vendors selling art, jewelry, pottery and flowers, plus live music and food trucks. There’s also a community farmers market every Thursday from May through August on the corner of Main and Center streets.
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
