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Airbnb City Guide: The Best Places To Invest in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Jeremy Werden

Written by:

Jeremy Werden

April 16, 2024

A photo in Fort Wayne, IN, USA

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Airbnb Rules and Regulations in Fort Wayne, Indiana

As of 2024, Fort Wayne implements regulations for short-term rental properties, including those listed on Airbnb. Hosts are required to obtain a permit from the city before offering their property for rent, ensuring compliance with local zoning laws and building codes. Additionally, hosts must collect and remit the appropriate taxes, including state sales tax and local innkeepers' tax. To prioritize guest safety, all rental properties must be equipped with functioning smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers.

Occupancy limits are enforced based on the property's size and number of bedrooms, preventing overcrowding. Hosts are also responsible for maintaining a clean and sanitary environment, addressing noise complaints, and providing guests with emergency contacts. Failure to adhere to these regulations may result in fines or the revocation of the rental permit. By complying with these rules, Airbnb hosts in Fort Wayne can provide their guests a safe and enjoyable experience while contributing to the city's thriving tourism industry.

Fort Wayne Airbnb Market Data:

  • Average Revenue – $42K per year
  • Average Daily Rate – $ 262.6per night
  • Average Occupancy Rate – 53%
  • Average RevPAR – $140.1
  • Average Home Prices – $225,268

1. Top Place to Invest in Fort Wayne, Indiana - Downtown Fort Wayne

Downtown Fort Wayne is the city's vibrant heart, offering a perfect blend of urban amenities and small-town charm. This bustling area is a magnet for both locals and tourists, making it an attractive option for Airbnb investors seeking a profitable venture in the Hoosier State.

Downtown Fort Wayne Airbnb Market Data:

  • Average Revenue – $33.6K per year
  • Average Daily Rate – $243.3 per night
  • Average Occupancy Rate – 44%
  • Average RevPAR – $109

Convenience: 8/10

Downtown Fort Wayne boasts a highly walkable layout, with numerous restaurants, shops, and services within easy reach. The compact nature of the area ensures that guests can easily navigate their way around without relying on transportation, making it an incredibly convenient location for establishing short-term rentals.

Tourist Attractions: 7/10

The downtown area is home to several notable attractions, including the historic Embassy Theatre, the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, and the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory. While these attractions draw visitors, the overall tourist appeal of Downtown Fort Wayne is somewhat limited compared to larger metropolitan areas.

Things to Do: 7/10

From exploring the local farmers market to attending live performances at the Parkview Field baseball stadium, there's no shortage of activities in Downtown Fort Wayne. However, the variety of options may not be as extensive as those found in larger cities, resulting in a slightly lower score.

Average Home Prices: 6/10

As of 2024, the average home price in Downtown Fort Wayne sits at $220,000, according to Zillow data. This represents a modest 2.5% appreciation rate over the past year. While the prices are relatively affordable compared to other urban centers, the appreciation rate is somewhat sluggish, limiting the potential for rapid equity growth.

Proximity to Work-Related Travel: 9/10

Downtown Fort Wayne is ideally situated near major employers, including hospitals, convention centers, and sports venues. This proximity makes it an attractive choice for a corporate rental due to the steady stream of business travelers and visiting professionals looking for a short-term stay.

X-Factor: 8/10

Its unique blend of historic architecture and modern amenities sets Downtown Fort Wayne apart. The area's well-preserved buildings, thriving arts scene, and friendly Midwestern atmosphere create a distinctive charm that appeals to a wide range of visitors.

2. Top Place to Invest in Fort Wayne, Indiana - Lakeside Park

Nestled just north of downtown, Lakeside Park is a charming residential neighborhood that has caught the attention of Airbnb investors. With its picturesque streets, historic homes, and proximity to local attractions, this area presents a compelling opportunity for those looking to enter the short-term rental market in Fort Wayne.

Lakeside Park Airbnb Market Data:

  • Average Revenue – $42.4K per year
  • Average Daily Rate – $183.7 per night
  • Average Occupancy Rate – 75%
  • Average RevPAR – $137.7

Convenience: 7/10

Lakeside Park offers a good balance of residential tranquility and urban convenience. While not as centrally located as Downtown Fort Wayne, the neighborhood is still within easy reach of many amenities, including grocery stores, restaurants, and public transportation. Guests will appreciate the ability to enjoy a quiet stay while still having access to essential services.

Tourist Attractions: 6/10

Although Lakeside Park is not a major tourist destination, it is near several notable attractions. The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, a popular family-friendly destination, is just a short drive away. Additionally, the neighborhood's proximity to downtown means that guests can easily explore the city's cultural and historical sites.

Things to Do: 6/10

Lakeside Park's primary appeal lies in its peaceful residential setting, which may not offer an abundance of activities for tourists. However, the neighborhood features a well-maintained park with walking trails, a playground, and a pond, providing a pleasant outdoor space for guests to enjoy.

Average Home Prices: 7/10

According to Zillow, the average home price in Lakeside Park as of 2024 is $180,000, with a 3.2% appreciation rate over the past year. These figures indicate that the neighborhood offers relatively affordable investment opportunities, with a slightly better appreciation rate than Downtown Fort Wayne. Investors can potentially acquire properties at a lower cost while still benefiting from the growing demand for short-term rentals in the area.

Proximity to Work-Related Travel: 6/10

While not as ideally located as Downtown Fort Wayne, Lakeside Park still offers reasonable access to work-related travel destinations. The neighborhood is within a 15-minute drive of major hospitals, convention centers, and sports venues, making it a viable option for business travelers and visiting professionals.

X-Factor: 7/10

Lakeside Park's unique selling point is its historic charm and residential appeal. The neighborhood features a mix of well-preserved older homes and newer construction, creating a visually interesting and inviting atmosphere. This character, combined with its proximity to both downtown and natural attractions, makes Lakeside Park an intriguing choice for Airbnb investors seeking a balance of tranquility and convenience.

3. Top Place to Invest in Fort Wayne, Indiana - Northwest Fort Wayne

Northwest Fort Wayne, encompassing neighborhoods like Huntertown and Pine Valley, has emerged as an attractive prospect for Airbnb investors. This suburban area offers a mix of residential comfort and easy access to the city's amenities, making it an appealing choice for both short-term rental hosts and guests.

Northwest Fort Wayne Airbnb Market Data:

  • Average Revenue – $28.7K per year
  • Average Daily Rate – $175 per night
  • Average Occupancy Rate – 74%
  • Average RevPAR – $148.7

Convenience: 6/10

While Northwest Fort Wayne may not have the same level of walkability as downtown, it still offers a fair amount of convenience. Guests will find grocery stores, restaurants, and other essential services within a short drive. However, the reliance on transportation may be a slight drawback for some visitors.

Tourist Attractions: 5/10

Northwest Fort Wayne is primarily a residential area and does not boast a significant number of tourist attractions. Guests may need to venture into the city center or other parts of Fort Wayne to access popular destinations like museums, theaters, and cultural sites. This lack of nearby attractions could limit the area's appeal to certain types of travelers.

Things to Do: 6/10

The suburban nature of Northwest Fort Wayne provides a relaxed atmosphere for guests looking to unwind. The area features several parks, such as Huntertown Park and Payton County Park, which offer opportunities for outdoor recreation. However, the overall variety of activities may be limited compared to more central locations.

Average Home Prices: 8/10

As of 2024, Zillow reports that the average home price in Northwest Fort Wayne is $250,000, with a 4.1% appreciation rate over the past year. These figures suggest that the area offers relatively affordable investment opportunities, with a healthy appreciation rate. Investors can potentially secure properties at a reasonable cost while capitalizing on the growing demand for suburban short-term rentals.

Proximity to Work-Related Travel: 7/10

Northwest Fort Wayne is situated within a 20-minute drive of major work-related travel destinations, such as hospitals, convention centers, and sports venues. While not as conveniently located as Downtown Fort Wayne, the area still provides an acceptable level of accessibility for business travelers and visiting professionals.

X-Factor: 7/10

The unique selling point of Northwest Fort Wayne lies in its suburban charm and family-friendly atmosphere. The area's quiet streets, well-maintained homes, and community-oriented vibe create a welcoming environment for guests seeking a more residential experience. This appeal and its relative affordability and appreciation potential make Northwest Fort Wayne an intriguing option for Airbnb investors looking to tap into the suburban short-term rental market.

4. Top Place to Invest in Fort Wayne, Indiana - Northeast Fort Wayne

Northeast Fort Wayne, home to neighborhoods like Parkview and Blackhawk, has recently gained attention from Airbnb investors seeking a promising location for short-term rentals. This area strikes a balance between residential tranquility and easy access to the city's main attractions, making it an appealing choice for both hosts and guests.

Northeast Fort Wayne Airbnb Market Data:

  • Average Revenue – $52.6K per year
  • Average Daily Rate – $257.8 per night
  • Average Occupancy Rate – 74%
  • Average RevPAR – $198.5

Convenience: 7/10

Northeast Fort Wayne offers moderate convenience, with various amenities such as grocery stores, restaurants, and shopping centers located within a short drive. While the area may not have the same walkability as downtown, it still provides guests with easy access to essential services and facilities.

Tourist Attractions: 6/10

Although Northeast Fort Wayne is not known for its tourist attractions, it is situated near some notable points of interest. The Allen County War Memorial Coliseum hosts various events and concerts and is just a short distance away. Guests can also easily reach other popular destinations like the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo and the downtown cultural district.

Things to Do: 6/10

Northeast Fort Wayne's residential setting offers a laid-back atmosphere for guests looking to relax and unwind. The area features several parks, such as Shoaff Park and Franke Park, which provide outdoor activities and recreation opportunities. However, the overall range of entertainment options may be more limited compared to the city center.

Average Home Prices: 7/10

According to Zillow, the average home price in Northeast Fort Wayne as of 2024 is $220,000, with a 3.8% appreciation rate over the past year. These figures indicate that the area offers relatively affordable investment opportunities with a decent appreciation rate. Investors can potentially acquire properties at a reasonable cost while benefiting from the growing demand for short-term rentals in this part of the city.

Proximity to Work-Related Travel: 8/10

Northeast Fort Wayne is conveniently located near major work-related travel destinations. Parkview Regional Medical Center, one of the city's largest hospitals, is situated within the area, making it an ideal location for medical professionals and visiting patients. The neighborhood is also within a 15-minute drive of the Grand Wayne Convention Center and other business hubs.

X-Factor: 7/10

The unique appeal of Northeast Fort Wayne lies in its blend of residential comfort and accessibility. The area's quiet streets and well-maintained homes create a welcoming environment for guests seeking a more suburban experience. At the same time, its proximity to key attractions and work-related destinations makes it an attractive option for a diverse range of travelers. This combination of factors and its relative affordability positions Northeast Fort Wayne as a compelling choice for investors looking to capitalize on the growing short-term rental market in the city and start their own Airbnb business.

5. Top Place to Invest in Fort Wayne, Indiana - Southwest Fort Wayne

Southwest Fort Wayne, encompassing neighborhoods like Aboite and Covington, has emerged as a promising area for Airbnb investors seeking a balance between suburban living and urban accessibility. This part of the city offers a unique blend of residential charm and proximity to key attractions, making it an attractive option for short-term rental hosts and guests alike.

Southwest Fort Wayne Airbnb Market Data:

  • Average Revenue – $35.6K per year
  • Average Daily Rate – $261.8 per night
  • Average Occupancy Rate – 50%
  • Average RevPAR – $130.1

Convenience: 7/10

Southwest Fort Wayne provides a moderate level of convenience for guests. While not as walkable as the downtown area, the neighborhood is well-served by major thoroughfares and has a variety of amenities, such as grocery stores, restaurants, and shopping centers, within a short driving distance. This level of accessibility ensures that visitors can easily meet their daily needs during their stay.

Tourist Attractions: 6/10

Although Southwest Fort Wayne is primarily a residential area, it is situated near several notable attractions. The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo and the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory are just a short drive away, offering guests opportunities to explore the city's natural and cultural offerings. However, the area itself may not be a major tourist destination.

Things to Do: 7/10

Southwest Fort Wayne offers a range of activities that cater to both outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a more relaxed experience. The area boasts several well-maintained parks, such as Aboite Township Park and Covington Plaza Park, which provide ample opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and recreational activities. Additionally, the neighborhood's proximity to the city center allows guests to easily access a variety of entertainment options, including restaurants, shopping, and cultural events.

Average Home Prices: 8/10

According to Zillow, the average home price in Southwest Fort Wayne as of 2024 is $240,000, with a 4.3% appreciation rate over the past year. These figures suggest that the area offers relatively affordable investment opportunities with a healthy appreciation rate. Investors can potentially secure properties at a reasonable cost while capitalizing on the growing demand for suburban short-term rentals in this part of the city.

Proximity to Work-Related Travel: 7/10

Southwest Fort Wayne is conveniently located within a 20-minute drive of several major work-related travel destinations, including hospitals, convention centers, and sports venues. While not as centrally located as some other areas, the neighborhood's accessibility to these key locations makes it an attractive option for business travelers and visiting professionals.

X-Factor: 8/10

The unique selling point of Southwest Fort Wayne lies in its suburban charm and family-friendly atmosphere. The area's well-maintained neighborhoods, tree-lined streets, and spacious homes create a welcoming environment for guests seeking a more residential experience. Additionally, the neighborhood's proximity to outdoor recreational areas and its easy access to the city center make it an appealing choice for a diverse range of travelers. This combination of factors, along with its relative affordability and appreciation potential, positions Southwest Fort Wayne as a compelling option for Airbnb investors looking to tap into the growing short-term rental market in the city.

⚡️
Reveal any property's Airbnb and Long-Term rental profitability

Buy this property and list it on Airbnb.