Lakeside Park

Fort Wayne, IN

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$159,000 (Feb 2025, -29.5% YoY)
Median Home Price
High for Fort Wayne (estimated 70-75/100); easy access to parks, shops, and downtown.
Walkability Score
Public schools are rated average to above-average; private options nearby are well-regarded.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Generally bounded by the St. Joseph River to the north and east, Lake Avenue to the south, and Anthony Boulevard to the west. Adjacent to downtown Fort Wayne and the Lakeside Park & Rose Garden.

Zip Codes

46805

Market Data Summary

Price RangeRecent listings and sales range from $120,000 to $180,000 for most single-family homes.
Price per Sq Ft$108 (up 16.1% YoY)
Inventory LevelsLow to moderate; only 2 homes sold in Feb 2025, but more listings available as sellers adjust to new pricing realities.

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Single-family homesHistoric homesRanch-style housesOccasional duplexes (converted)

Architectural Styles

American FoursquareCraftsmanColonial RevivalRanch

Property Details

Typical Lot Sizes0.10 to 0.20 acres; compact urban lots
Home Age Range1900s-1950s (historic core), with some mid-century infill
Construction QualityGenerally solid, with many homes featuring recent updates (roofs, windows, HVAC); some properties may require cosmetic or systems upgrades.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Diverse, with a mix of long-term residents, young professionals, and families. Increasing presence of first-time buyers and investors due to affordability.

Community Vibe

Historic, walkable, and community-oriented. Active neighborhood association and frequent local events.

Typical Residents

  • Young professionals
  • Families
  • Retirees
  • Investors

Family Friendly

Yes; proximity to parks, walkable streets, and access to schools make it attractive for families.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Lakeside Park & Rose Garden
  • St. Joseph River Greenway
  • Headwaters Park (nearby)

Dining Options

  • Local cafes
  • Casual dining
  • Downtown restaurants within 1 mile

Shopping Centers

  • Downtown Fort Wayne shops
  • North Anthony Corridor

Local Businesses

  • Coffee shops
  • Convenience stores
  • Boutique retail
  • Service businesses

Education & Schools

Public schools are rated average to above-average; private options nearby are well-regarded.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • Forest Park Elementary
  • Franke Park Elementary

Middle Schools

  • Lakeside Middle School

High Schools

  • North Side High School

Private Schools

  • Concordia Lutheran High School
  • St. Jude Catholic School

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • Citilink bus routes along Lake Ave and Anthony Blvd

Major Roads

  • Lake Avenue
  • Anthony Boulevard
  • Coliseum Blvd (nearby)

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times5-10 minutes to downtown; 20-25 minutes to major employers on the outskirts.
WalkabilityHigh for Fort Wayne; most errands can be accomplished on foot or bike.
ParkingMostly off-street (driveways, garages); some street parking, generally adequate.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • First-time buyers
  • Young professionals
  • Investors
  • Families seeking affordability near downtown

Key Selling Points

  • Historic architecture
  • Walkable lifestyle
  • Access to parks and downtown
  • Affordability

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively given recent market correction and longer days on market. Be prepared for negotiations and possible concessions.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Older homes may need repairs or updates.

Response Strategy:

Provide inspection reports, highlight recent upgrades, and offer home warranties or repair credits.

Objection: Longer days on market suggest weak demand.

Response Strategy:

Explain recent market correction and emphasize current buyer leverage and value opportunity.

Objection: Concerns about crime or safety.

Response Strategy:

Share neighborhood watch info, crime stats, and testimonials from residents about community engagement.

Objection: Flood risk near river.

Response Strategy:

Clarify floodplain boundaries, provide flood insurance info, and highlight mitigation measures.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Moderate; recent price correction may present buying opportunities, with long-term upside as Fort Wayne continues to grow.

Rental Demand

Strong, especially for updated historic homes and duplexes. Proximity to downtown and universities supports rental market.

Buyer Competition

Lower than previous years; longer days on market and price drops mean less competition for buyers.

Best For

  • First-time buyers
  • Investors seeking value-add or rental properties
  • Buyers seeking historic charm

Potential Concerns

  • Older homes may require maintenance/upgrades
  • Slower resale due to longer days on market
  • Flood risk in select areas

Professional Recommendations

1

Educate buyers on historic home ownership and maintenance.

2

Price listings realistically and prepare for longer marketing periods.

3

Leverage Lakeside Park’s unique character and walkability in all marketing.

4

Network with local lenders familiar with renovation loans and historic properties.

5

Host open houses and neighborhood tours to showcase community vibe.

6

Highlight recent updates and energy efficiency improvements in listings.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • North Anthony
  • West Central
  • ’05 District

Market Positioning

Best value for buyers seeking historic homes near downtown with walkable amenities.

Competitive Advantages

  • Lower price point than West Central or North Anthony
  • Historic charm and walkability
  • Proximity to downtown

Price Comparison

Lakeside Park median ($159K) is lower than Fort Wayne overall ($195K) and much lower than West Central or North Anthony.

Investment Metrics

Estimated 7-8% for well-maintained rentals, higher for value-add properties.
Cap Rates
Gross yields of 8-10% possible on smaller homes or duplexes.
Rental Yields
Favorable for investors; lower than city average due to recent price drop.
Price-to-Rent
Strong for updated rentals; lower acquisition costs improve cash flow.
Cash Flow
Modest near-term, but long-term upside as Fort Wayne grows and downtown revitalizes.
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Affordable entry point, historic charm, and walkability appeal. May need education on older home maintenance.

Move-Up Buyers

Less common; may seek larger homes or newer construction elsewhere.

Downsizers

Some appeal for those seeking walkability and low maintenance, but stairs and older layouts may be a barrier.

Investors

Attractive due to price correction, rental demand, and value-add opportunities.

Relocators

Appealing for those seeking urban lifestyle at lower cost than larger metros.

This neighborhood analysis was generated using hyperlocal data and AI intelligence.

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

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