Fort Wayne

INFort Wayne Metropolitan Statistical Area

Real Estate Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$273,000 (June 2025)
Median Home Price
~267,000 (city), ~420,000 (metro area)
Population
~$56,000 (recent estimate)
Median Income
Above average (Fort Wayne Community Schools, Northwest Allen County Schools highly rated)
School District Rating

Market Overview

Property Values

$273,000 (June 2025)
Median Home Price
$145 (June 2025)
Price per Sq Ft
+2.7% to +11% depending on metric and period
YoY Change

Market Performance

Days on Market7 days (median, June 2025)
Market TypeSeller's market
Months of SupplyData not specified; inventory remains tight, indicating a seller's market

Sales Activity

Sales Volume167 homes sold in January 2025 (down 7.2% YoY)
Metro AreaFort Wayne Metropolitan Statistical Area
Population~267,000 (city), ~420,000 (metro area)

Economic Indicators

Employment & Growth

Unemployment RateData not specified for 2025; historically below national average
Job Growth RateData not specified for 2025; steady growth in recent years
Median Household Income~$56,000 (recent estimate)

Major Employers

  • Parkview Health
  • Lutheran Health Network
  • General Motors
  • Sweetwater Sound
  • Lincoln Financial Group

Demographics

~267,000 (city), ~420,000 (metro area)
Population
35.3 years (recent estimate)
Median Age
Steady, positive growth (~1% annually)
Population Growth
~88% high school graduate or higher; ~25% bachelor's degree or higher
Education Level

Family Composition

Mix of families, young professionals, and retirees

Key Industries

HealthcareManufacturingEducationLogisticsFinancial Services

Education

School District

Above average (Fort Wayne Community Schools, Northwest Allen County Schools highly rated)
District Rating

Top Schools

  • Homestead High School
  • Carroll High School
  • Canterbury School

Higher Education

  • Purdue University Fort Wayne
  • Indiana Tech
  • University of Saint Francis

Infrastructure & Development

Major Projects

  • Electric Works mixed-use redevelopment
  • Riverfront Fort Wayne expansion

Transportation

  • US-30/US-33 corridor upgrades
  • Downtown streetscape enhancements

Planned Developments

  • New residential subdivisions in northwest and southwest Fort Wayne
  • Expansion of commercial/industrial parks

Lifestyle & Amenities

Recreation

  • Rivergreenway Trail System
  • Headwaters Park
  • Fort Wayne Children's Zoo

Dining & Entertainment

  • Downtown dining district
  • Electric Works food hall
  • Local breweries and cafes

Cultural Attractions

  • Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory
  • Fort Wayne Museum of Art
  • Embassy Theatre

Investment Analysis

Investment Opportunities

  • Strong rental demand due to affordability and job growth
  • Appreciating home values with relatively low entry price
  • Growing downtown and mixed-use developments

Growth Outlook

Positive, with continued appreciation and population growth expected

Market Risks

  • Rising home prices may impact affordability
  • Inventory shortages can limit options for buyers/investors

Rental Market

Healthy; low vacancy rates and steady rent growth

Marketing Intelligence

Target Demographics

  • First-time buyers
  • Young families
  • Relocating professionals
  • Investors

Marketing Channels

  • Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin
  • Facebook and Instagram ads
  • Local real estate websites

Pricing Strategies

List slightly below recent comps to drive multiple offers in a seller's market

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Prices are rising too fast; worried about buying at the peak.

Response Strategy:

Show historical appreciation data and emphasize long-term value and local economic stability.

Objection: Not enough homes available in my price range or preferred area.

Response Strategy:

Expand search criteria and highlight up-and-coming neighborhoods with similar amenities.

Objection: Interest rates are higher than last year.

Response Strategy:

Discuss creative financing options and the potential for refinancing in the future.

Professional Recommendations

1

Educate buyers on market conditions and set realistic expectations.

2

Encourage sellers to price aggressively and stage homes for maximum appeal.

3

Leverage digital marketing and virtual tours to reach remote and relocating buyers.

4

Monitor new developments and infrastructure projects for emerging investment opportunities.

5

Stay informed on local economic trends and employer expansions.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Indianapolis, IN
  • Toledo, OH
  • Dayton, OH

Market Positioning

Affordable Midwest market with strong fundamentals and growth potential

Competitive Advantages

  • Lower median home price than regional peers
  • Strong job market and low cost of living
  • Consistent appreciation with less volatility

Price Comparison

Median home price is lower than Indianapolis and comparable to other secondary Midwest cities

Investment Metrics

6-7% typical for single-family rentals
Cap Rates
~7% gross yield
Rental Yields
~13-15 (favorable for investors)
Price-to-Rent
Positive cash flow achievable with 20% down and market rents
Cash Flow
2-4% annual appreciation expected
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Benefit from affordability and down payment assistance; competition for entry-level homes is high.

Move-Up Buyers

Can leverage equity gains; may face limited inventory in mid-range price points.

Downsizers

Opportunities in new condos/townhomes and low-maintenance neighborhoods.

Investors

Strong rental demand and favorable cap rates; focus on single-family and small multifamily properties.

Relocators

Attracted by job growth, low cost of living, and quality of life.

This city analysis was generated using comprehensive market data and AI intelligence.

Market conditions change rapidly - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

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