$243,922Average Value$145Average Price per Sq Ft5Homes For Sale
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.”
Aerial views show old and new homes in Ossian.
A mural with flowers decorates a building in downtown Ossian.
1/2
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.
A modern craftsman home is newly built in Ossian.
A sidewalk runs in front of bungalows in Ossian.
1/2
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.”
Norwell Middle School in Ossian offers ample parking.
Norwell High School in Ossian has sports fields and courts.
Ossian Elementary has outdoor courts for students.
1/3
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.
A large lake is located in Archbold Wilson Park in Ossian.
Melching Park in Ossian has a splash pad for summer fun.
1/2
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.
Crimson House Cafe is a popular spot in Ossian.
Grocery needs can be found at Ginger Fresh in Ossian.
1/2
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.
Downtown Fort Wayne blends arts and historic housing near Ossian.
Bluffton Regional Medical Center is near Ossian for medical needs.
1/2
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.
Photography Contributed By
Melinda Anselmo
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Christina Switzer,
an experienced agent in this area.
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
On average, homes in Ossian, IN sell after 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Ossian, IN over the last 12 months is $223,500, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Open House Today! Sunday, Sept 14th, 12–2 PM. House back on the market due to no fault of sellers. Welcome to this beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bath bi-level home nestled on a spacious 0.57 acre lot in Ossian! Step inside and you will be greeted with an open-concept layout connecting the kitchen, dining, and living areas, perfect for entertaining both inside and outside. Enjoy an abundance
Move-In Ready 2 Bed, 1 Bath, 980 Sq Ft Home in the Heart of Ossian! Located just down the road from Ossian Elementary, the library, post office, & shopping. Enjoy the seasons on the 6x18 enclosed porch, large living room for guests, entertainment, & relaxation. Two nice-sized bedrooms with newer ceiling fans, updated bathroom with brand new shower & new tile flooring. The kitchen features a
. OPEN HOUSE Saturday 9/20 12-2. Move-in ready and waiting for its new owners! Well maintained ranch. 3 bedrooms, 2 Full baths on a corner lot. This home features 2 living spaces. The extra room off of the kitchen was insulated for year round use. Solar tube skylights offer an abundance of extra lighting. Enjoy quiet mornings/nights in the backyard on the deck. The backyard also offers a partial
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
