My First 30 days in Fort Wayne, IN (English: real estate market, apartments)

[BanyanTree]

I am a transplant from Northern California
Yes, that's the typical reaction I get - But you got to go where the job is.

Looks like I have moved at the best possible time with Spring in the air, although I have experience few flurries in early april and 0.1" hail as well.

Yeah, having lived in a rental 1+ million $ house in Cal., the real estate here is mouth watering. But I am resisting the temptation and looking for a rental house for a year - real estate market being what it is and just to make sure I and my family want to spend several years here.

The housing rental market is a bit out of whack compared to the real estate value. We used to pay 2100$ for a 1+ million $ house. Here, I am struggling to find a rental house in the West Allen county area for 1500$. And these properties are about 200k value. Here's a shout out to anyone who wants to rent a house in West Allen county.

So, for a house renter, Fort Wayne isn't exactly a great saving. Restaurant prices and groceries are no different than N. Cal. Gas prices are probably 10 to 15 cents cheaper. But the commutes are short, so it doesn't make much of a difference.

A shorter commute definitely adds to the quality of life. I used to commute 45 minutes each way minimally. Now it is 10 minutes max

Another negative is the utility bills. I hear that 150$/month is on the low side. It can easily be 200 - 250$/month! That just about knocks off the
couple of hundred rental savings.

I find the place to be a conservative place with people putting their kids in private christian schools, home schooling, advocating prayers in school.
I am a Hindu and was fully aware before moving here that this is, "the city of churches" and the state has a logo, "In God we trust" (Where does that leave my million Gods *and* Goddesses . Actually, Hindus also believe in one Supreme Being. But that's another story). But the beauty of U.S. constitution and its progressiveness is that I feel safe and comfortable despite this and I have not experienced discrimination.

Apart from this, politically, people are conservative. No shocker there but still it catches your attention. Randomly I heard people disapproving same sex marriage bill in Iowa, openly advocating guns ("the gruesome murders in upstate new york wouldn't have happened if people had guns" . I thought those murders happened exactly because that nutcase could easily purchase guns. Now, I don't want to get into any debate about the "right to arms" stuff. I am just giving my impression. You don't have to agree with me!)

Other things like, "Obama is wasting money by spending it". In a nuanced way that may be true - like bailing out those financial institutions who are quite a bit responsible in the first place for today's economy. On the other hand, I feel the government should be spending trillions to get out of recession and avoid a depression. Why the tough love for car makers and kid gloves for those SOBs in Citi/BOA/AIG ?

We have a preteen daughter and I am a bit anxious about her schooling.
She will be moving in after she is done with her current school year.
My wife and I visited couple of schools. Quality seems much better than what is there in the Bay Area, Cal. But in a 95% white community, will she face harrasement (sp?) ? I don't know. There are hardly any Indo-americans in the schools. Like 5 in the entire school of 1000!
In her current school, out of a class of 30, there are like 15 oriental, 8 indo-american, 2 middle eastern, 3 caucasian and 1 african american.
She grew up in the Bay Area and I think she will be ok. A little exposure to "real america" and snow will probably do her good

Thank you for reading this. Best wishes.

[StilltheSame]

I am in your position somewhat - recently moved to the Twin Cities - my family is finishing out the school year before they head up here. So, the cost of living is not less - and were moving from South Florida! That being said - its different - the TC's are more liberal than what you describe - but I am loving the reduced commute and the slower pace - though not dead. Im having the same problem finding a rental - but im not worried - it will all work out - I get the sense you have embraced the move- and based on that alone you will be sucessful. Best wishes!

[alwayspositive]

Originally Posted by BanyanTree

I am a transplant from Northern California
Yes, that's the typical reaction I get - But you got to go where the job is.

Looks like I have moved at the best possible time with Spring in the air, although I have experience few flurries in early april and 0.1" hail as well.

Yeah, having lived in a rental 1+ million $ house in Cal., the real estate here is mouth watering. But I am resisting the temptation and looking for a rental house for a year - real estate market being what it is and just to make sure I and my family want to spend several years here.

The housing rental market is a bit out of whack compared to the real estate value. We used to pay 2100$ for a 1+ million $ house. Here, I am struggling to find a rental house in the West Allen county area for 1500$. And these properties are about 200k value. Here's a shout out to anyone who wants to rent a house in West Allen county.

So, for a house renter, Fort Wayne isn't exactly a great saving. Restaurant prices and groceries are no different than N. Cal. Gas prices are probably 10 to 15 cents cheaper. But the commutes are short, so it doesn't make much of a difference.

A shorter commute definitely adds to the quality of life. I used to commute 45 minutes each way minimally. Now it is 10 minutes max

Another negative is the utility bills. I hear that 150$/month is on the low side. It can easily be 200 - 250$/month! That just about knocks off the
couple of hundred rental savings.

I find the place to be a conservative place with people putting their kids in private christian schools, home schooling, advocating prayers in school.
I am a Hindu and was fully aware before moving here that this is, "the city of churches" and the state has a logo, "In God we trust" (Where does that leave my million Gods *and* Goddesses . Actually, Hindus also believe in one Supreme Being. But that's another story). But the beauty of U.S. constitution and its progressiveness is that I feel safe and comfortable despite this and I have not experienced discrimination.

Apart from this, politically, people are conservative. No shocker there but still it catches your attention. Randomly I heard people disapproving same sex marriage bill in Iowa, openly advocating guns ("the gruesome murders in upstate new york wouldn't have happened if people had guns" . I thought those murders happened exactly because that nutcase could easily purchase guns. Now, I don't want to get into any debate about the "right to arms" stuff. I am just giving my impression. You don't have to agree with me!)

Other things like, "Obama is wasting money by spending it". In a nuanced way that may be true - like bailing out those financial institutions who are quite a bit responsible in the first place for today's economy. On the other hand, I feel the government should be spending trillions to get out of recession and avoid a depression. Why the tough love for car makers and kid gloves for those SOBs in Citi/BOA/AIG ?

We have a preteen daughter and I am a bit anxious about her schooling.
She will be moving in after she is done with her current school year.
My wife and I visited couple of schools. Quality seems much better than what is there in the Bay Area, Cal. But in a 95% white community, will she face harrasement (sp?) ? I don't know. There are hardly any Indo-americans in the schools. Like 5 in the entire school of 1000!
In her current school, out of a class of 30, there are like 15 oriental, 8 indo-american, 2 middle eastern, 3 caucasian and 1 african american.
She grew up in the Bay Area and I think she will be ok. A little exposure to "real america" and snow will probably do her good

Thank you for reading this. Best wishes.

Hi, we are also Indians & Hindu moving to Fort Wayne from NYC in July. I am looking at Apartments/Housing there. Regarding school, did you try Canterbury School? It is the best school in Indiana although a little expensive.

Email me if you would like to talk and I will send you my phone number:

vik_pal@yahoo.com

[domergurl]

The housing situation isn't surprising. Most homes are owned. As for the political climate, at least you knew before you got here. Fort Wayne is also very very very conservative politically.

Yes, do look into Canterbury. It is top notch. As for public schools, Homestead in SW Allen county has a good reputation.

Best of luck and welcome to Indiana.

[Signora]

We are also moving to Fort Wayne in July! I know that it is supposed to be conservative... but I also know (and saw) that it is a bit more multi-cultural than where we are now in WI. I am hoping that my children won't feel quite so self-conscious speaking another language (or having me speak one at them... they have actually been rebelling a bit and always wanting to speak English!).

We are also looking to rent at first and were told that there may be good prospects among those with houses on the market that just aren't selling right now....

Best of luck! Maybe we will run into each other....

[alwayspositive]

Originally Posted by domergurl

Fort Wayne is also very very very conservative politically.

I think it is closer than what many would believe. From Allen County John McCain got 77, 102 votes (51.7%) and Barack Obama got 70, 844 votes (47.5%). A margin of a 3-5 % is close. There is almost an equal divide. Besides the future trend will be towards more democratic side due to demographic changes which is being witnessed in Virginia and North Carolina as well and also due to spread of common sense!!! (sorry GOPers). I'm sure Fort Wayne will also catch up soon.

[domergurl]

But Mitch Daniels won overwhelmingly ... it was 58-40 overall, but Allen county was 61-37 ... the state going for obama was an anomaly ... a welcomed anomaly (for me anyway!) ... the state reps from Allen County are all Republican.

[Future Trooper]

Welcome to Indiana everyone!

[alwayspositive]

Originally Posted by domergurl

But Mitch Daniels won overwhelmingly ... it was 58-40 overall, but Allen county was 61-37 ... the state going for obama was an anomaly ... a welcomed anomaly (for me anyway!) ...

Who cares about some... Daniels.... this is Obama country !!!!

Originally Posted by domergurl

the state reps from Allen County are all Republican.

We've got to change that. Wait a few months and I am coming in...

[BanyanTree]

Originally Posted by alwayspositive

Hi, we are also Indians & Hindu moving to Fort Wayne from NYC in July. I am looking at Apartments/Housing there. Regarding school, did you try Canterbury School? It is the best school in Indiana although a little expensive.

Email me if you would like to talk and I will send you my phone number:

vik_pal@yahoo.com

Come on over! Lets add a little more color to the city

Yes, I have heard good things about Canterbury as well. But there are several good public schools here. And I don't like to shell down 10 - 12k per year unless I am convinced. Finally, my belief is that in education, the parents' attention to the child's education is the key to a child's success.

I hear that lot of "desis" are in the Canterbury green apartment which has a good reputation.