Train buffs and railroad enthusiasts, all aboard! New Haven is home to an all-volunteer railroad historical society, which is the location of one of the few surviving steam engines in the world, called Nickel Plate Road Number 765.
New Haven is located in Adams, Jefferson, and St. Joseph townships of Allen County, Indiana. An agricultural center, it's close to metropolitan Fort Wayne and perched on the banks of the Maumee River. With a population of 14,794 as of the 2010 census, this town features a busy downtown business community and plenty of lovely green space and parks.
Moving to Town
Starting your apartment search in New Haven? You'll find house rentals, rental apts, and furnished apartments available in this community. You'll want to leave yourself about a month to find the right rental. Look at online rental resources, listings in the local newspaper, and drive around the neighborhood or walk the streets to find the property you'll love. Spend a day around Jury Park or Schnelker Park to get a feel for the area.
Although vacancies pop up frequently in some parts of this community, it takes time to find the best spot for you. When you do find the right place, make sure you're all set to rent: bring your ID, W2s or tax return, and a copy of your credit report, as many landlords require this information.
Neighborhoods
You'll find that the lush farm fields that were a part of this town's heritage still show up today, with plenty of green space. Parks, trails, and the Wabash and Erie Canal make this a great community for enjoying fresh air and nature.
Meadowbrook: Suburban in density, this area is made up primarily of medium-size and smaller single-family homes and mobile homes. There are often many vacancies in this area, which is a mix of owner and renter-occupied properties. Homes were constructed primarily between 1940 and 1999. Residents enjoy easy access to Moser Park and its Nature Center from this area.
New Haven City Center: The heart of town is located along the pretty Maumee River and is a highly coveted rental location. There are single-family homes of all sizes and small apartment buildings here. Many properties were built from 1940 to 1969, with some historic homes in the mix. The charming Whispering Creek Golf Club is located in this part of town, as are many shops and restaurants.
Edgerton / Townley: This community has a rural feel, with plenty of open space. If you're looking for broad green space, this is the spot for you. Many properties are owner occupied, but you can find a rental with a little searching. Many of the homes were built between 1970 and 1999. The Rivergreenway National Recreation Trail is convenient to this neighborhood.
Life in New Haven
Rich farmland has long been a draw in New Haven, which was incorporated in 1865. Along with agriculture, transportation has been a significant industry in town. Located on the Wabash and Erie Canal, it was once a hub for the Wabash and Nickel Plate and the Norfolk Southern Railway. Today, Interstate 469 is the preferred mode of transportation. With commute times averaging between 15 and 30 minutes, residents do need their own car to make this short drive.
Like the outdoors? You'll love New Haven! New Haven cherishes its parks and nature areas. A favorite of the community is the Rivergreenway, a National Recreation Trail. The New Haven portion of the Rivergreenway trail runs along the Maumee River banks to Fort Wayne. Popular for biking, running, walking, and hiking, this trail is a part of the 40-mile Rivergreenway. Mile markers dot the trail which begins in Moser Park. Moser Park itself includes a Nature Center that stays open in the spring, summer, and fall. The center offers lectures and classes which are highly regarded in the town.
Deetz Nature Preserve comprises 72 acres of low-lying wetlands. Pristine and pastoral, it's a great place for hiking, bird watching, and secluded picnics. There are many natural trail loops as well as an outdoor classroom -- a perfectly scenic place to learn about the flora and fauna of the region.
The parks and recreation and community programs are very spirited here; you'll find classes for adults, children, and seniors. A strong youth sports program, an aquatic program, and arts and technology courses are all a part of the mix. Kids' baseball and softball are especially cherished pastimes.
Every year the town hosts the June Canal Days Festival. This premier community event includes rides, games, food, and arts and crafts, and celebrates the town's heritage as a part of the canal system. There's an annual 10K and a Veterans Motorcycle Ride as well.