New Member (Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Lafayette: crime, homes, schools)

[JamesinFW]

Hey guys, I've lived in New Haven all my life until about 3 months ago when I moved to the North side of Ft Wayne. So far I'm enjoying living up here.

Is there anyone else from this part of town? How do you like living up here? I reside off St Joe Road north of St Joe Center.

[KMT]

Originally Posted by JamesinFW

Hey guys, I've lived in New Haven all my life until about 3 months ago when I moved to the North side of Ft Wayne. So far I'm enjoying living up here.

Is there anyone else from this part of town? How do you like living up here? I reside off St Joe Road north of St Joe Center.

James,

I'm interested in your thoughts on Ft. Wayne now that you live there. I have read some pretty nasty comments (not necessairly on this forum) about that city. What's it like?

Keith

[JamesinFW]

Well, I've been around and through this city since before I could remember. In fact, I remember driving down Washington Blvd with my dad wondering how you can get to other parts of downtown... because I'd never been over that way.

My biggest gripe with Fort Wayne is basically the road layout. I've always wondered if the city planners were on crack when they designed the arterials. The only road that goes in one long straight line throughout the entire city is Washington/St Joe Ctr road. You have to make so many turns to get from the north to south side road if you don't want to take Clinton/Lafayette through downtown.

This is more prevalent to me than it might be you because I drive for a living to customers places of business to do my work.

As far as the crime rate; I don't really think it is that bad at all here. There are quite a few nutty people, but I think they're overshadowed by the over all good and decent people that are here. I know where the few trouble spots are, but I normally stay away from them.

Traffic. Well, it depends on the time of day and location. But for the most part traffic is free flowing and does so smoothly. They're getting ready to widen a select few roads through town and even removing four way stops for traffic signals.

Shopping is good, we have a plethera of great stores and national chains. Including Best Buy. lol

I will warn about jobs though, unless you have a specific degree and can get into something specific, it's really hard to find jobs here. I searched for two months after being laid off from a company off at Wells Street.

[KMT]

Originally Posted by JamesinFW

Well, I've been around and through this city since before I could remember. In fact, I remember driving down Washington Blvd with my dad wondering how you can get to other parts of downtown... because I'd never been over that way.

My biggest gripe with Fort Wayne is basically the road layout. I've always wondered if the city planners were on crack when they designed the arterials. The only road that goes in one long straight line throughout the entire city is Washington/St Joe Ctr road. You have to make so many turns to get from the north to south side road if you don't want to take Clinton/Lafayette through downtown.

This is more prevalent to me than it might be you because I drive for a living to customers places of business to do my work.

As far as the crime rate; I don't really think it is that bad at all here. There are quite a few nutty people, but I think they're overshadowed by the over all good and decent people that are here. I know where the few trouble spots are, but I normally stay away from them.

Traffic. Well, it depends on the time of day and location. But for the most part traffic is free flowing and does so smoothly. They're getting ready to widen a select few roads through town and even removing four way stops for traffic signals.

Shopping is good, we have a plethera of great stores and national chains. Including Best Buy. lol

I will warn about jobs though, unless you have a specific degree and can get into something specific, it's really hard to find jobs here. I searched for two months after being laid off from a company off at Wells Street.

Thanks James!

What is the countryside like? Are there any hills to look at or is it pretty much flat? Also, what aobut air quality? Is is smoggy at all or clear?

Keith

[JamesinFW]

The country side really depends on where you go. Most of indiana is flat, but Ft Wayne is slightly higher sitting on a Summit at the confluence of the three rivers (hence why it's nicknamed the Summit City). So there are a few hills here and there. You'll notice them more on the far west side of the city right around the county line around the Jefferson Blvd (US 24) and Indianapolis Rd (US14).

As far as air quality, I've never noticed any smog or air pollution problems other than right around Lima road where it intersects with I69. There's a company that's called Fort Wayne Foundry, which of course, will have the smoke stacks coming from the roof. (Further reference: the location of Bob Rohrmans Fort Wayne Nissan and pre-owned lots by Ley road)

During the summer we will have ozone warning days, but with all global warming of today you'll have that just about anywhere, I would say that it'd be much worse in a city like Indianapolis or out in California, Florida, etc.

[KMT]

Originally Posted by JamesinFW

The country side really depends on where you go. Most of indiana is flat, but Ft Wayne is slightly higher sitting on a Summit at the confluence of the three rivers (hence why it's nicknamed the Summit City). So there are a few hills here and there. You'll notice them more on the far west side of the city right around the county line around the Jefferson Blvd (US 24) and Indianapolis Rd (US14).

As far as air quality, I've never noticed any smog or air pollution problems other than right around Lima road where it intersects with I69. There's a company that's called Fort Wayne Foundry, which of course, will have the smoke stacks coming from the roof. (Further reference: the location of Bob Rohrmans Fort Wayne Nissan and pre-owned lots by Ley road)

During the summer we will have ozone warning days, but with all global warming of today you'll have that just about anywhere, I would say that it'd be much worse in a city like Indianapolis or out in California, Florida, etc.

You sound like you really enjoy living there! How bad are the winters? Is there much snow and does the city take care of the roads?

Keith

[JamesinFW]

Well, it depends on the winter really. lol It never really gets THAT bad, and out in the country sides the drifts are especially bad. But we've had our fair share of accumulations of up to about 5-12 inches. The city usually takes care of them really well. Since I lived in New Haven for the most part of my life, I was never really in Ft Wayne before noon at any given time anyway.

There are trouble spots on hard corners that you'll have to look out for, of course, but for the most part the city gets moving pretty quick. They love to salt the hell out of the roads too, so if you're coming from a warm climate and have a nice vehicle, I'd suggest having it winterized right around october or so just as the leaves are done falling.

[KMT]

Originally Posted by JamesinFW

Well, it depends on the winter really. lol It never really gets THAT bad, and out in the country sides the drifts are especially bad. But we've had our fair share of accumulations of up to about 5-12 inches. The city usually takes care of them really well. Since I lived in New Haven for the most part of my life, I was never really in Ft Wayne before noon at any given time anyway.

There are trouble spots on hard corners that you'll have to look out for, of course, but for the most part the city gets moving pretty quick. They love to salt the hell out of the roads too, so if you're coming from a warm climate and have a nice vehicle, I'd suggest having it winterized right around october or so just as the leaves are done falling.

Thanks for the advice. We are up in the air right now on future plans. I've been picking your brain because you actually live there and are not someone who "just visited."

Thanks again,

Keith

[christina0001]

I'm another one interested in Fort Wayne. Mind if I ask a couple of questions?
1. Are tornados a real threat, or an occasional nuisance?
2. Do you know if the schools in the area are decent?
3. What suburbs around Fort Wayne might you recommend for a young family to consider?

[domergurl]

Originally Posted by christina0001

I'm another one interested in Fort Wayne. Mind if I ask a couple of questions?
1. Are tornados a real threat, or an occasional nuisance?
2. Do you know if the schools in the area are decent?
3. What suburbs around Fort Wayne might you recommend for a young family to consider?

Tornados are what they are ... the warning systems are pretty good though.

Schools ... move to Aboite twp in the Homestead district.