📍 About FWA & Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) serves the vibrant and growing city of Fort Wayne, Indiana. With a low cost of living, revitalized downtown, and strong community values, Fort Wayne is an ideal relocation destination for air traffic controllers and their families.
🏡 Where to Live
Popular Neighborhoods
- Southwest Fort Wayne – Suburban feel, great schools, close to FWA
- Downtown Fort Wayne – Walkable, lively, growing tech and arts scene
- New Haven – Quiet, affordable suburb just east of Fort Wayne
- Huntertown – Family-friendly with top-rated schools
- Leo-Cedarville – Small town charm with easy access to city amenities
🚗 Commute Times to FWA
- 5–15 min: Southwest Fort Wayne, Aboite, Waynedale
- 15–25 min: Downtown Fort Wayne, New Haven
- 25–35 min: Huntertown, Leo-Cedarville
🎓 Top School Districts
🧳 Things to Do – Local & Nearby
🌲 Outdoor Activities
- Trails: Rivergreenway, Pufferbelly Trail
- Parks: Promenade Park, Foster Park, Fox Island County Park
- Zoo: Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo – top-rated nationally
🏛️ Indoor & Cultural
- Downtown Fort Wayne: Arts United, Embassy Theatre, Science Central
- Local Events: Three Rivers Festival, Taste of the Arts, farmers markets
- Sports: TinCaps baseball, Komets hockey, Purdue Fort Wayne athletics
- Breweries: Hop River Brewing, Summit City Brewerks, Junk Ditch Brewing
✈️ Nearby Airports
- Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA): On-site – commercial and GA flights
- Indianapolis International (IND): ~2 hours for additional airline options
- South Bend International (SBN): ~2.5 hours for northern Indiana travel
🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers
🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Info
- Southwest Fort Wayne: Safest, newer neighborhoods
- Downtown: Growing but mixed – choose carefully
- New Haven, Leo-Cedarville: Quiet and very safe
💰 Cost of Living
- Median Home Price (Fort Wayne): ~$210,000
- Average 1BR Rent: ~$850–$1,100/month
- Utilities: ~$150–$200/month for apartment
- Groceries & Gas: ~5–10% below national average
- Taxes: Indiana state income tax = 3.15%
🌆 Neighborhood Highlights
- Downtown Fort Wayne: Urban living, arts, coffee shops
- Covington Dells: Upscale southwest neighborhood
- North Anthony: Historic, walkable, charming
☀️ Seasonal Weather
- Winter: Cold & snowy; temps in 20s–30s
- Spring: Rainy, 50s–70s, blooming
- Summer: Warm & humid; highs in 80s
- Fall: Crisp and colorful foliage
🚇 Transportation & Traffic
- Car recommended: Public transit limited
- Citilink Bus: Serves main corridors only
- Traffic: Generally light; congestion on I-69 during rush
🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care
- Parkview Regional Medical Center
- Lutheran Hospital of Indiana
- MedStat & RediMed: Walk-in urgent care options
🫂 Social Life & Community
- Young Professionals: Downtown nightlife, networking groups
- Families: Parks, youth sports, Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
- Community: Churches, volunteer orgs, festivals year-round
🍽️ Dining & Food Scene
- Popular Restaurants: The Hoppy Gnome, Tolon, Junk Ditch Brewing
- International Options: Thai Diner, Saigon, Banh Mi Barista
- Markets & Coffee: Union Street Market, Conjure Coffee
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Training: Moderate pace; small tower, good experience variety
- Shifts: Rotating – be ready for early & mid shifts
- Community: Friendly, tight-knit local tower team
📦 Moving Tips
- Winter gear: Snow brush, coat, and ice scraper needed
- Moving window: Spring and summer best for apartment hunting
- Utilities: Indiana Michigan Power & NIPSCO (gas)
❓ FAQs
- Is Fort Wayne safe?
Yes. Especially southwest and northeast suburbs. - Is the cost of living low?
Yes, very affordable housing and daily expenses. - How’s the traffic?
Very manageable; short commutes typical.