Which Indiana City Might Work For Me? (Indianapolis, Fort Wayne: transplants, apartments)

[dakota79]

No other state has consistently impresses me as much with their people as Indiana. All my times there, and all the people I have come in contact with elsewhere, have impressed me with their sincere kindess and concern.

For the most part, Indiana is affordable and has a tolerable climate similar to Missouri where I am now. My job in retail is fairly transferrable.

But I am having trouble deciding what city might work, as I have some things to consider. I do not want to live in a huge city like Indianapolis or its suburbs. I also would prefer to not be where they get a lot of lake effect snow.

Here are some things I need/want

Decent selection of 1 bedroom apartments under $550 in safe areas

Public transportation - does not have to be great, but just there if needed. I don't expect evening or Sunday service. I will live where I can walk to work, as I can't drive due to a vision condition

Sidewalks - A city with sidewalks along most major streets would be helpful

Airport - must either have an airport, or have a shuttle service to an airport

Large enough to have most things you would need on a daily basis without having to leave town

I looked into Evansville, but it will not work due to the location of my job versus the closest apartments. I was drawn to Muncie, but the airport situation seems difficult. Bloomington fits a lot of my needs, but I am unsure about living in such a big college town. Someone I know suggested Lafayette, but someone else told me Lafayette is expensive to rent due to nearby Purdue.

I love Indiana. I just hope I can find a city that will work.

[grmasterb]

Would Fort Wayne be too large for you?

[wh15395]

Fort Wayne should probably work. Is 250,000 people too big?

[dakota79]

250,000 is not necessarily too large, as long as there was a safe part of the city where a lot of things were closely located. (stores, restaurants)

What areas of Fort Wayne are considered safe or dangerous?

[cdr18]

Nearly every part of Fort Wayne is safe, with the exception of the southeast side. The north, northwest, and southwest side of hte cities are where the newest and more shops are available. I would recommend you look at the Dupont corridor in northern Fort Wayne around the Coldwater Road area and north of that. Also, look at the northeast side of the city around Maysville Road.

[dakota79]

Looking at a map, and knowing where I would be working, the area around Glenbrook Square Mall just might work. It looks like there are some apartments in the vicinity. Any suggestions on apartments in that area?

Also, just curious. I see the population of Fort Wayne has grown by over 45,000 in the past 10 years. Is that all pure growth, or was there annexation involved? The city growth was 21%, but the metro only 5%.

[cdr18]

Yes, the city of Fort Wayne has grown signfiicantly throughout the last decade. It can be attributed to two things, annexation and people moving to the area. The reason it grew so much was because Aboite township was annexed, which added nearly 30k to the population. HOWEVER, I dictate the overall health of the city by looking at the county population. According to statistics, the county has gained a significant amount of population as well, contributing to the overall health of the economy. Unlike many midwestern cities, Fort Wayne has fared well and by moving here you will be able to see that. There has also been a lot of new home construction over the last 10 years and it shows how sprawling the city has become. You will be fine in the metro area as along as you stay away from certain corridors. All of them are southeast of the downtown.

The area surrounding Glenbrook Mall is nice for the most part. There a few shady nieghborhoods here and there, but overall, it is nice. The main thoroughfare is Coliseum blvd (which is six lanes) so beware that traffic is VERY heavy on this road. It is also a state road. I would consider nearly every apartment in the area. The ones immediately surrounding the area aren't suburban, picturesque apartments but they are not filled with corruption either. I would consider Woodbridge, Archer's Pointe, Coliseum Park, etc. From the outside, these appear decently nice.

Also, there is an economical divide in the city, as all cities have. The southwest portion is the extremely rich portion and a lot of out of towner transplants live there. The northern area consists of the more wealthy as well and the northeast is mainly middle class with a few exceptions of nice areas. Southeast is crime alley and where a lot of manufacturing occurs. Downtown is decently nice and has grown over the years with a new baseball field and new development downtown. Overall, I love Fort Wayne and I think you will too.

[ohgabbykinz]

You could look into Fort Wayne. I may not live in the most fancy apartments, but I love the location. It's Coliseum Park Apartments. Its in between a mall and the Coliseum.
In Ft Wayne, the main road is Coliseum Blvd and driving down that road, you will find anything you need or want. A lot of job opprotunities. Our rent is $500 but we have a 2 bedroom.
Just PLEASE, STAY AWAY FROM THE SOUTH SIDE! Not safe, at all.

[jc76]

South bend/mishawaka. Sb has an airport. We are a straight shot 90 miles to Chicago. The winters are brutal though. Decent business but nothing like bigger cities. Close to the lake too if you want a faux version of the ocean lol.

[edwardianlady]

This thread is a year old .