Ossian provides a best-of-both-worlds balance
In Ossian, tranquil residential streets, broad lawns and a well-regarded school system come squeezed into a community of about 3,300 in northeast Indiana. It’s all just 15 miles away from downtown Fort Wayne, the core of the state’s second-largest city. The combination of atmosphere and access is a draw for buyers in this part of Wells County. “For some people, this is their preference,” says Isaac Stoller, a local broker and auctioneer at Steffen Group, who has over a dozen years of industry experience. “They want to be close to the big city so they can have those amenities if they want, but they like that small-town feel and that sense of community.”
A small community packed with a wide variety of homes
The housing in Ossian is eclectic, not tied to any particular era. Homeseekers can find a 1900 bungalow in one spot and a new ranch-style house in another. “There is a huge variety,” Stoller says. “There are some very high-end housing additions where you have properties that are selling for $400,000, which is what I would say is high end for Wells County. But there’s also lots of starter homes.” Many of Ossian’s lots are at least one-fifth of an acre, and the homes average 1,700 square feet. Prices tend to sell between $110,000 and $430,000.
Extracurricular activities are important in Norwell schools
Ossian falls within the Norwell Community Schools district, which maintains a B-plus rating from Niche. Ossian Elementary gets a B-minus and offers student groups, including art and book clubs. The B-plus-rated Norwell Middle has a show choir group called Knight Sounds that competes in regional showcases. The roughly 750-student Norwell High has a B grade and competitive sports teams, including a girls basketball team with a recent state championship. “In Norwell, you know everybody in your entire high school,” Stoller says. “It’s smaller classes, and people know each other. It's a small community, and people care.”
Ossian offers a high ratio of green space
This community has five different parks, and residents are minutes from all of them. Led by the 62-acre Archbold Wilson Park, Ossian offers 80 acres of public green space, or almost 1,200 square feet of parkland per person. Archbold Wilson has a playground and an 18-hole disc golf course. The 5-acre Melching Park also includes a playground and a rentable pavilion.
Main drag is the main draw for nearby amenities
Jefferson Street cuts through the middle of Ossian and acts as the community’s commercial thoroughfare. The stretch is lined with businesses, including Crimson House Cafe, which has a drive-through and is popular for breakfast and lunch. Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant is a draw for lunch and dinner. Heyerly’s Bakery, open since 1931, may be Ossian’s most well-known spot. “It is the best doughnut shop,” Stoller says. “People literally drive hours, like from Ohio, to come over and get Heyerly’s doughnuts.” Ginger Fresh Market is a family-owned grocery store, just off Jefferson Street. Across the road is Ossian Hardware, known in part for its selection of pocketknives. “They’re a really big Case knife dealer,” Stoller says. “They get some really exciting Case knives in. They’re one of a kind, special releases.” Fort Wayne has many more retail options, including the Jefferson Pointe Shopping Center, 15 miles away. This open-air mall has stores ranging from Bath & Body Works to Trader Joe’s.
Central thoroughfare is a key connection to Fort Wayne
Ossian’s Jefferson Street is part of Indiana state Road 1, which continues north to the Fort Wayne International Airport, 9 miles away, and south from Ossian to Bluffton Regional Medical Center, 10 miles away. It also provides access to the Airport Expressway and Fairfield Avenue to downtown Fort Wayne.
Namesake festival takes over town in September
Ossian Days is a community tradition that takes place every September. The event dates to the late 19th century and lasts three days. “Ossian Days is a great thing,” Stoller says. “They shut down state Road 1 right through town and have a bunch of rides.” The festival features vendor booths, face painting, a doughnut hole eating contest and a parade. From June through August, Ossian also has a concert series once a month, with performances at Archbold Wilson Park.
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
