Van Wert is a small rural city sandwiched between four major U.S. cities, trying to adapt to modern times by growing through a new downtown scene. “The biggest issue is keeping folks around, especially young people who leave for college,” says David Byrne, a Realtor at Straley Realty & Associates. “But we care for each other in this town, especially if anyone is in trouble. With our downtown scene growing, I believe we are experiencing a rebirth that makes people stick around.”
As young people leave for nearby universities or pursue career paths, Van Wert is working to develop more jobs, specifically in agriculture and manufacturing. “Our top two businesses employ 700 people, primarily in agriculture and manufacturing,” says Amanda Miller, workforce development manager for Van Wert Works. “We are also looking to grow within our insurance companies, which are close behind in employing people here.”
The agricultural industry is a cornerstone of Van Wert's economy.
According to the 2020 census, the population of Van Wert is 11,092.
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Heavy car-dependent city near multiple U.S. Routes
Van Wert has access to several U.S. and state routes that helps residents travel to nearby major U.S. cities such as Columbus, Ohio. However, the city does not offer any public transportation. “We have U.S. 30 and U.S. 127, and that’s pretty much how everyone gets in and out of town,” says Byrne. “We have zero public transportation, so if you don’t have a car, I suggest investing in a bike.”
On Washington Street, the city’s main thoroughfare, narrow lanes may cause traffic during rush hour and when people pull into their driveways due to the homes lined along the road. Fort Wayne International Airport, the nearest commercial airport, is 40 miles west in Fort Wayne, Indiana. However, OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital is within city limits for quick access.
New restaurants, coffee shops in downtown Van Wert
The new downtown scene features several new restaurants and coffee shops aimed at drawing a younger crowd to stay in the city or return after college. While historic shops like Collins Fine Foods and 133 Bistro are staples in the community, The Well Nutrition and Winans Chocolate Shop, two cafes, are part of the downtown revitalization. Walmart Supercenter and national fast-food chains such as McDonald's, Arby’s, and Subway are located north on U.S. Route 127 along Washington Street.
Collins Fine Foods gets busy at lunch serving freshly made sandwiches and has been a family run business serving Van Wert since 1890.
The Well Nutrition's husband & wife duo proudly serve healthy drink and food options in downtown Van Wert.
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Travel in the summer to YMCA Camp Clay
A small town like Van Wert relies on its city parks, such as Smiley Park, to host youth sports and share the city’s history, as the peony gardens at Jubilee Park do.
“Smiley Park and Jubilee Park are active parks in the community, hosting both JV and varsity high school athletics,” says Byrne. “Franklin Park also has a skate park that was funded by the Tony Hawk Foundation.”
In the summer, Van Wert residents flock west to YMCA Camp Clay, a branch in Van Wert County that operates daily. The camp offers seven water attractions, three floating splash mats, and a zipline, in addition to week-long camps for kids ages 6-14.
Jubilee Park sits in downtown Van Wert and encourages kids of all ages to get outside and play.
Franklin Park features a skate park in downtown Van Wert.
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Attend the annual Van Wert County Fair, Peony Festival
Van Wert is home to the Van Wert County Fairgrounds, which hosts the county fair annually in August. The fair attracts nearby communities to indulge in carnival food, truck shows, and amusement rides. “We do a pretty good job of tackling events around here. There is always something to do, from our Fridays in the Park in the summer to our annual Peony Festival, which is always a treat,” says Byrne.
The Van Wert Peony Festival celebrates the flowers grown in this small community. Main Street is shut down as residents fill the streets, stopping at food trucks, a vendor fair, and a beer garden. For weekly events, the Niswonger Performing Arts Center showcases musical acts, Broadway shows, and comedy performances each week in the 1,200-seat venue.
Van Wert County Fairgrounds offer many events to the public throughout the year including the Tap Craft Beer Festival.
Thanks to hundreds of individuals and organizations who contributed to the cause, the Niswonger Performing Arts Center, a nearly $10 million dollar facility, opened to the public in 2007 promoting the arts in Van Wert.
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Homes below the national average
With a population of 11,000, homes in Van Wert range from a mix of single-family housing styles scattered throughout the city. Old buildings have been transformed into relatively new apartment homes with downtown revitalization. “While single-family homes are scattered throughout the city, the remodeling of downtown has opened the door for new apartment homes to be built to attract a younger crowd,” says Byrne. The median price of a single-family home in Van Wert is $170,000. The city's eastern half features two-story brick ranch-style and Craftsman homes with expansive driveways, ranging from $300,000 to $400,000.
Craftsman of all colors adorn the streets of downtown Van Wert.
New construction seems to consume the outskirts of Van Wert brining new life.
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Free dental service to Van Wert schools
Van Wert City Schools, the city’s central school district, serves 2,000 students and earns a B rating on Niche. It oversees four schools, all with access to Dental Outreach, a school-based mobile dental service. Participating schools offer dental exams and cleanings at no out-of-pocket cost to students. Northwest State Community College is within city limits.
Van Wert Schools take great pride in their Cougar sports.
Van Wert City Schools serve 2,000 students and earn a B rating on Niche.
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Low crime and history of environmental concerns
According to the FBI Data Explorer, crime in Van Wert is relatively low; however, larceny rates have increased over the past two years. The city also experienced its fair share of environmental pitfalls with a blizzard in 1978 and a tornado incident that drew national attention in 2002. There is also a high flood risk near downtown due to Town Creek.
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.
