What Are The 7 Safest Neighborhoods In Fort Wayne, IN?

Paige Hanawalt
by Paige Hanawalt

Home to over 270,000 people, Fort Wayne is the second-largest city in Indiana and the cultural and economic center of the state’s northeast region. The city is strategically located between three rivers, so it’s no surprise that it was once a major trading and manufacturing hub in the Midwest.

The safest neighborhoods in Fort Wayne, IN are Briarwood Hills, Timberlake-Covington Woods, and Cherry Hill. While Fort Wayne is the fifth safest large city in Indiana, these neighborhoods are exemplary in their low crime rates, low unemployment rates, and high-income levels. The residents of these neighborhoods include young families, mid-level executives, and retirees which all rate the communities as wonderful, safe places to live.

Before moving into Fort Wayne, we recommend going for a drive or doing online research to check for safety and compatibility. If you’re unsure about one neighborhood, the city has many to offer, and you can always go on to the next one.

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7 Safest Neighborhoods in Fort Wayne, Indiana

We’ve compiled the top seven safest neighborhoods in Fort Wayne. The data is from FBI’s crime statistics and includes reviews from long-term residents and locals. While Fort Wayne’s overall crime rate is 25% higher than the national average, the following safe neighborhoods have lower crime rates than average, on top of great amenities and good accessibility.

1. Brierwood Hills

  • Population: 159
  • Median income: $65,469
  • Property crime per 100K: 1,104 (1.1%)
  • Violent crime per 100K: 145 (.00145%)
  • Unemployment rate: 1.6%

Brierwood Hills is safer than 99% of Indiana neighborhoods. It is perfect for those looking to retire in a safe, quiet neighborhood with newer houses that offer plenty of space. A two-bedroom, three-bath property in Brierwood Hills costs upwards of $150,000, while properties with three bedrooms and three baths can go as high as $350,000.

Brierwood Hills is also very accessible to grocery stores and interesting restaurants. If you’re looking for attractions, Brierwood Hills is an easy, five-minute drive from Eagle Marsh Nature Preserve, which has over 750 acres of wetlands and native wildlife with over 10 miles of hiking trails. It is also close to Lutheran Hospital, one of the top 10 hospitals in Fort Wayne.

2. Timberlake-Covington Woods

  • Population: 518
  • Median income: $72,378
  • Property crime per 100K: 1,104 (1.1%)
  • Violent crime per 100K: 145 (.00145%)
  • Unemployment rate: 2.4%

Close to Brierwood Hills, Timberlake-Covington Woods is another Fort Wayne neighborhood that puts a premium on safety. Most of the residents here are employed in sales, management, and administrative occupations, with the median household income of around $79,000.

Renting a property might be a better decision in this neighborhood, as real estate prices hover around 40% higher than the Fort Wayne average, while rental prices are much lower. If you travel frequently, the neighborhood is not far from I-69.

Residents of Timberlake-Covington Woods appreciate the pet-friendliness of the neighborhood, with no stray or abandoned pets running around.

3. Cherry Hill

  • Population: 1,099
  • Median income: $75,786
  • Property crime per 100K: 1,104 (1.1%)
  • Violent crime per 100K: 145 (.00145 %)
  • Unemployment rate: 1.5%

Cherry Hill is located on the northeast side of Fort Wayne and features beautiful homes with prices ranging from $200,000 to $600,000. The median income is $75,786 which is 70% higher than the average for Fort Wayne residents.

If you are an avid golfer, the neighborhood is close to a relaxing and challenging golf course – the Cherry Hill Golf Club. One resident who has lived in the neighborhood for 14 years says that the quiet Cherry Hill neighborhood is a great place to raise children, especially if the family enjoys swimming pools and tennis.

4. Forest Ridge Estates

  • Population: 258
  • Median income: $81,719
  • Property crime per 100K: 1,323 (1.3%)
  • Violent crime per 100K: 173 (.0017%)
  • Unemployment rate: 4%

Forest Ridge Estates is a beautiful community that offers the perfect blend of serenity and convenience. It is close to the Fort Wayne Sport Club, home to one of the most successful soccer clubs in the Midwest.

Properties in the area measure around 3,700 square feet and cost approximately $274,900, with an average annual homeowners’ association fee of $17.00. This also means that rental prices are on the higher end, usually around 110% higher than the city average.

Crime rates in Forest Ridge Estates are 52% lower than the average crime rates in Fort Wayne.

5. Liberty Hills West

  • Population: 132
  • Median income: $75,057
  • Property crime per 100K: 1,639 (1.639%)
  • Violent crime per 100K: 215 (.00215%)
  • Unemployment rate: 3%

When you first move to the Liberty Hills West, it may seem like an average neighborhood with a mix of old and new homes. In reality, 82% were built during one time period, between 1970 and 1999, making this neighborhood rather unique.

The average rental cost for Liberty Hills West residents comes out to $1,283 per month, putting it among one of Indiana’s most expensive neighborhoods (higher than 81.4% of Indiana neighborhoods). This isn’t a surprise if you know that most Liberty Hills residents are mid-career executives with a median age of 43.

There are a number of schools located near Liberty Hills West: Sonshine Christian Academy, Aboite Elementary School, Homestead High School, and Haverhill Elementary School.

6. Lake Forest Extended

  • Population: 887
  • Median income: $69,608
  • Property crime per 100K: 2,069 (2.07%)
  • Violent crime per 100K: 271 (.0027%)
  • Unemployment rate: 0%

A safe and quiet neighborhood—that’s what Lake Forest Extended is known for. The neighborhood’s crime rates are 25% lower than the Fort Wayne average, and violent crime is 29% below the national average.

With its proximity to grocery stores and restaurants, Lake Forest Extended is a favorite among sales, business, and production professionals. After a busy day at work, residents of Lake Forest Extended can unwind at nearby Kreager Park.

Property prices may be 10% higher than the Fort Wayne average, but seven out of 10 residents own their homes and consider Lake Forest Extended a great place to live in long-term.

7. Arlington Park

  • Population: 2,590
  • Median income: $77,604
  • Property crime per 100K: 1,740 (1.74%)
  • Violent crime per 100K: 228 (.0028%)
  • Unemployment rate: 3%

Arlington Park is a great place to live for those who are looking to raise their family or retire. The neighborhood offers a selection of well-maintained amenities, such as golf courses, pools, and clubhouses, with fitness trails available on site.

Residents are happy about the neighborhood’s family-friendly environment, which includes 11 miles of bike paths and multiple parks and playgrounds. These benefits come with a price tag, as real estate prices in Arlington Park are around 40% higher than the Fort Wayne average.

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Summing It Up

Fort Wayne is a safe and great option for anyone, from early career professionals to families and retirees. If you are looking for somewhere that will offer plenty of opportunity as you mature in your profession, look no further than the fifth safest large city in Indiana. If you are a growing family with young kids or a retiree looking to kick back after years of hard work, there is a perfect and safe Fort Wayne neighborhood for you.

Paige Hanawalt
Paige Hanawalt

Paige is an elementary school librarian with a passion for writing. Her hobbies include reading an exorbitant amount of fantasy, slowly teaching herself to draw, and home decor. While she isn't the most talented artist or interior designer, what she lacks in skill she more than makes up for in enthusiasm. When she's not curled up with a book, you can certainly find her curled over the keyboard.

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