Looking for small-town charm near Fort Wayne with room to play, strong schools, and water access for weekend fun? If Leo-Cedarville is on your list, you’re not alone. Many move-up buyers choose this northeast Allen County town for its semi-rural feel, larger lots, and practical commute. In this guide, you’ll learn how the town breaks down by neighborhood, what to know about schools and parks, where prices typically land, and how to plan a smooth move. Let’s dive in.
Why families choose Leo-Cedarville
Leo-Cedarville offers a village vibe with modern conveniences. The town had a 2020 Census population of 3,624 and has seen modest growth in recent years. You’ll find established homes, newer subdivisions, and scenic water features tied to the Cedarville Reservoir and the St. Joseph River. For a quick overview, see the town’s profile on Wikipedia.
You are roughly 9 to 15 miles from central Fort Wayne, with typical drive times in the 15 to 30 minute range depending on origin and traffic. For planning, verify your exact start and end points, but tools like Travelmath’s distance guide can help you estimate.
Public schools fall under East Allen County Schools (EACS). Local families are typically assigned to Cedarville Elementary (K–3), Leo Elementary (4–6), and Leo Jr./Sr. High (7–12). You can confirm the latest campus list and updates on the town’s Our Schools page. EACS has also started facility updates in the area, including breaking ground on a new Leo Intermediate School in 2025, as reported by 21 Alive News.
Neighborhoods and subdivisions
Leo’s footprint is compact, so many neighborhood names come from developers and the MLS. Here’s how the area breaks down for family buyers.
Downtown and classic Leo
The heart of Leo-Cedarville centers on Main Street and the historic village core. You’ll see early and mid-century homes on smaller lots, plus remodeled options that keep you close to schools, parks, and the boat launch. Families who want a walkable village feel often start here. Inventory can be limited at times, so be ready to act when a fit comes up.
Established subdivisions
- Lionsgate and Lionsgate Passage: Known for traditional single-family homes with family-friendly layouts. You’ll often see 3 to 5 bedrooms, attached garages, and proximity to schools and town amenities.
- Lakes of Leo Creek, Leo Estates, Whisper Creek: These communities include a mix of custom and semi-custom homes, pond and cul-de-sac lots, and in some cases villa sections for low-maintenance living. Builders like Granite Ridge are active in the area; you can explore current community maps on Granite Ridge’s communities page.
Newer developments and infill
- Tullymore Run: A newer community on the former Cedar Creek Golf Club site with modern floor plans and a variety of pond and cul-de-sac lots. It attracts move-up buyers who value new construction and quick access to commuter routes. Learn more on the Tullymore Run community page.
- Boutique infill: Smaller lot releases and custom builds pop up within town limits and on the edges. These can be appealing if you want a new home without a large HOA footprint.
Rural and acreage options
Just beyond town, you’ll find homes on Hollopeter, Viberg, and other county roads with acreage, private ponds, and space for hobbies. These properties suit families who want privacy and outdoor room while staying within a short drive of schools and shopping.
How Leo compares to Northwest Fort Wayne
If you’re cross-shopping Northwest Fort Wayne, you’ll notice Leo often offers larger lots and more pond and waterfront options. New subdivisions deliver open, family-centered floor plans, while the village core offers earlier-era homes with added character and short drives to school campuses. You can find both low-maintenance villa living and larger move-up homes, which gives you flexibility as your needs change.
Schools and childcare
Public schools and academics
EACS serves the town with Cedarville Elementary (K–3), Leo Elementary (4–6), and Leo Jr./Sr. High (7–12). Boundaries can shift, so always confirm assignments for a specific address directly with EACS or the school. Public rating sites show strong performance indicators for the Leo schools. For example, you can review metrics for Leo Elementary on GreatSchools. Use these profiles as one input in your research and verify program details with the schools.
Facilities changes and what to expect
EACS is implementing long-term facility improvements, including a new Leo Intermediate School that broke ground in 2025. Over the next few years, watch for updates that may adjust attendance areas or building usage. You can track progress through district and local news sources such as 21 Alive News.
Preschool and early childhood care
Local options include small preschools and church-run programs listed by the town, along with regional private schools in nearby Fort Wayne. Enrollment windows and availability vary. Start your search on the town’s Our Schools page and contact providers directly for current openings.
Practical boundary tips
School boundaries can cross small catchments in and around town. Before you write an offer, verify an address’s assignment and bus eligibility with EACS. The district’s Leo Jr./Sr. High site is a good starting point: EACS Leo.
Parks, water access, and weekend fun
Leo-Cedarville shines for families who love the outdoors. The town maintains Riverside Gardens Park, the Leo-Cedarville Park with pavilions, and public boat ramps serving Cedar Creek and the St. Joseph River. You can see park locations, pavilion rentals, and launch details on the town parks page.
If you enjoy paddling, Cedar Creek connects into the St. Joseph River with routes that reach Fort Wayne. The NEI Water Trails suggested trips outline entry and exit points plus trip lengths, which makes it easy to plan family-friendly outings. Many neighborhoods also offer sidewalks or internal trail segments. If walkability is important, check subdivision plats and listing notes to confirm the presence of sidewalks and path connections.
Housing market and budget planning
Price ranges and what you’ll find
Pricing varies by data source and timing. Public reports and local sales show a broad spectrum, with many family homes trading in the 300,000 to 650,000 range, and some custom or lakefront properties selling above 700,000 into the seven figures. You may also see smaller village homes and condos near the low 100s on the entry side, and new construction or acreage properties above 1 million at the top end. Because portals track different samples, verify current medians and comparables with the local MLS and your agent.
What drives value in Leo:
- Lot size and setting, especially pond or water views
- Age and level of updates or renovations
- Builder quality and customization
- Proximity to schools, parks, and commuter routes
New vs. established neighborhoods
- New communities such as Tullymore Run, Makarios Place, Lakes of Leo Creek, and similar developments deliver modern plans, energy-efficient systems, and builder warranties. Many include HOA structures and pond or cul-de-sac lots. Some villa sections offer low-maintenance yard care.
- Established subdivisions and the village core offer mature trees, distinctive lot shapes, and short drives to schools and parks. You’ll find earlier-era homes with potential for personalized updates.
HOA dues vary widely by subdivision. Examples in recent listings show annual dues in the mid-hundreds for common area upkeep. Always request the full covenants, restrictions, and budgets during your review period so you understand maintenance responsibilities and any design guidelines.
Commute, roads, and daily logistics
Expect a 15 to 30 minute drive to central Fort Wayne depending on your starting point and time of day. The town sits near key arterials like Garman Road, Amstutz Road, Tonkel Road, and State Road 1, with access to the Dupont and I-69 corridors for regional travel. For commute validation, use a tool like Travelmath’s distance guide and test drive the route during your typical rush hour.
Utilities, internet, and services
Newer subdivisions commonly list service by AEP for electric, NIPSCO for gas, and major ISPs such as Xfinity. Some neighborhoods note a mix of Fort Wayne city water with Leo-Cedarville regional sewer, while rural and edge properties may be on well and septic. Utility connections can affect both financing and long-term costs, so confirm details early in your search and during inspections.
Family buyer checklist for Leo
Use this quick list to move confidently from search to closing:
- Confirm the exact school assignment and bus eligibility with EACS for the property address. Start at the EACS Leo site.
- Verify whether the home is on municipal water and sewer or well and septic. Note how this impacts lending, inspections, and future maintenance.
- Request and review the full HOA covenants, design guidelines, fee schedules, and budgets. Clarify rules around fences, outbuildings, and landscaping.
- For waterfront or pond properties, confirm private versus deeded or association access, boat permit rules, and any flood or insurance requirements. You can review public ramp locations on the town parks page.
- Ask your agent for recent comparable sales within 30 to 90 days and an explanation of lot-specific premiums such as water views, cul-de-sacs, or custom finishes.
How we help your family buy or sell in Leo
Buying in a competitive small market takes planning, speed, and local knowledge. You deserve responsive guidance, clear data, and polished presentation when it is time to sell or write an offer. As owner-leaders within a respected regional brokerage, our team blends local expertise with high-visibility marketing to help you move with confidence. We focus on family homes in Northwest Allen County and nearby towns, including Leo-Cedarville, and we bring a track record of professional listing marketing, strong MLS activity, and responsive service.
If you are weighing neighborhoods, schools, or new construction options, we will help you narrow your search, validate pricing with up-to-date comps, and negotiate terms that protect your interests. Thinking about selling? Our digital marketing, professional photography, and guided preparation process aim to maximize exposure and deliver efficient results.
Ready to take the next step in Leo-Cedarville? Connect with MSD Group, LLC (Lion & Christlieb) to plan your move or get your instant home valuation.
FAQs
Is Leo-Cedarville a good fit for families moving from Fort Wayne?
- Many buyers choose Leo-Cedarville for its small-town feel, access to water and parks, and public schools served by EACS. Commutes to central Fort Wayne often run 15 to 30 minutes depending on time of day and route.
Which public schools serve homes in Leo-Cedarville?
- Most addresses feed to Cedarville Elementary (K–3), Leo Elementary (4–6), and Leo Jr./Sr. High (7–12). Always confirm a property’s assignment with EACS or the schools listed on the town’s Our Schools page.
How much do homes typically cost in Leo-Cedarville?
- Price points vary by location, age, and lot size. Many family homes trade in the 300,000 to 650,000 range, with custom or water-oriented properties reaching higher. Verify current medians and comps with your agent and the local MLS.
Are there HOA neighborhoods in Leo-Cedarville?
- Yes. Newer subdivisions often have HOA structures to manage common areas, with annual dues that vary by community. Review covenants and budgets during your contract period to confirm fees and design rules.
What outdoor recreation is available for kids and teens?
- The town maintains parks, pavilions, and boat ramps for Cedar Creek and the St. Joseph River, plus sidewalks or trail segments in some neighborhoods. See the town parks page and plan paddles using the NEI Water Trails guide.
