Living In & Moving To Fort Worth, Texas: The Definitive Guide

Considering a move to Fort Worth, Texas? This guide aims to assist those looking for information on the area, while highlighting all the reasons so many are choosing to call Fort Worth home. Whether your move is from another state, country or continent, Living in Fort Worth, Texas: The Definitive Guide aims to provide you with all you’ll need to know about life in Fort Worth!

Being the 5th largest city in Texas and the 13th largest city in the United States, Fort Worth has so much to offer. Beautiful neighborhoods, thriving economy, excellent education and an entertainment scene that offers something new every day of the year have people flocking to Fort Worth, Texas. 

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General Overview | Origins | Business & Jobs | Education | Where To Live | Transporation | Restaurants | Events

General Overview of Fort Worth Texas

Where is Fort Worth, Texas Located?

Fort Worth is located in North Texas, set roughly 36 miles to the west of Dallas. Covering a total of 350 square miles, the city of Fort Worth is the county seat for Tarrant County. However, it encompasses 3 additional county’s, Denton, Parker and Wise. Fort Worth is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metropolitan area which is the 4th most populous metropolitan area in the United States. 

Why do people move to Fort Worth, Texas?

Fort Worth, Texas offers its residents an abundance of amenities and activities all while maintaining a small town feel. A strong sense of community and a welcoming atmosphere have people eagerly considering Fort Worth as their next home. In Fort Worth, homes can often sell before purchase, so many home buyers find ways to store their belongings while they continue their house hunt.

Fort Worth’s proximity to Dallas makes it an ideal location for commuters. According to https://www.bestplaces.net, Fort Worth has a lower cost of living than its counterpart, however, due to its location residents can still enjoy all the benefits of Dallas.

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What are Fort Worth’s origins?

The city of Fort Worth was named after Major General William Jenkins Worth, who was the commander of the Department of Texas in 1849. Along with 6 other forts, Fort Worth was established as an army post to protect settlers during the Mexican War. The post was later abandoned in 1853. 

Redevelopment of the town happened years later as Fort Worth was a stop along the legendary Chisholm Trail. Fort Worth was stimulated by the millions of heads of cattle that were driven through town, eventually being nicknamed “Cow Town”.

The town took another hit during the Civil War as it experienced mass shortages of food, money and supplies, seeing the population drop to a mere 175 people. 

Recovery came in the form of the opening of general stores and Tidball, Van Zandt, and Company, which became Fort Worth National Bank in 1884.

Over the next century Fort Worth experienced growth and development with help from the oil gushing in West Texas. During this time Fort Worth was in the middle of the action. 

During the period between 2000-2006 Fort Worth was the fastest growing city in the United States and was voted one of “America’s most livable cities”. 

Business and Jobs in Fort Worth

Fort Worth has a stable economy that is predicted to experience significant growth in the near future according to bestplaces.net. Over the last year there was an increase of 2.7% with future growth over the next decade expected to reach 41.5%. This is significantly higher than the national average which is only anticipated to reach 33.5%. 

Residents of Fort Worth also enjoy a lower than average unemployment rate of 3.6% vs. the national average of 3.9%. Industries in Fort Worth are rather diverse, seeing an evenly mixed job force. Some notable sectors are:

Health Care - 12.4%
Manufacturing - 11.5%
Retail Trade - 11.2%
Construction - 7.3%
Educational Services - 8.5%

Other sectors include dining and hospitality, finance and insurance and arts and entertainment. 

Notable companies with their headquarters in Fort Worth are American Airlines Group, John Peter Smith Hospital, Pier 1 Imports, RadioShack, Cash America International and GM Financial. In addition, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Lockheed Martin, GE Transportation and telecommunication giant AT&T, all have a heavy presence in Fort Worth, Texas. 

What can you expect to be paid in Fort Worth?

The average salary in Fort Worth, Texas is approximately $63,000 according to payscale.com. Keep in mind this amount heavily depends on the job, experience and education. For those part of a double salary home, this is over $100,000 per year!

The highest paid industries in Fort Worth are Mining, Quarrying and Oil & Gas Extraction at $77,098, Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting and Mining at $76,892 and Management of Companies and Enterprises at $73,870.00.

Other well paying jobs are Software Engineers being paid close to $75,000 or jobs in Operations Management which pay around $65,000.

Education in Fort Worth

The majority of schools in Fort Worth are serviced by the Fort Worth Independent School District. Within the FWISD there are 83 Elementary Schools, 29 middle Schools, 21 High Schools and 16 special campuses. 

There are 15 other school districts around the city of Fort Worth that have schools within the city boundaries. Regardless of the district that provides education, you can be sure to find caring staff and welcoming teachers at any of the educational institutes within Fort Worth. 

Alternative Education options:

There are a wide array of alternative education options within Fort Worth, Texas for those interested in a different path. They come in both religious and non-religious forms as well as 3 state charter schools. The majority of these private schools provide education from kindergarten through to grade 12 at the same institution.

Post-Secondary Education:

Fort Worth is home to 15 institutes of higher education. Some Universities, Colleges and Schools include:

Texas Christian University
University of Texas at Arlington (downtown Fort Worth campus)
Texas A&M University School of Law
Tarrant County College
University of North Texas Health Science Center
The Art Institute of Fort Worth
Fisher More College
The Culinary School of Fort Worth

These, among other establishments of higher learning have been drawing students to Fort Worth from all over the country and the world. 

Where to live in Fort Worth?

Central Meadowbrook

Meadowbrook is a larger neighborhood located in the eastside of Fort Worth. Residents of this area would then further narrow down the neighborhood into west Meadowbrook and central Meadowbrook. The eastern portion is just referred to as Meadowbrook. 

Central Meadowbrook offers a wide array of real estate types from comfortable bungalows to large estates. There are a number of homes in the neighborhood that have some historical significance as the earliest builds were done at the turn of the century. 

The majority of the houses in Central Meadowbrook were constructed post WWII and continued through the 70’s and 80’s with a handful of new homes popping up on available lots. Home prices are as diverse as property types. Listings can be found starting at $115,000 for a bungalow and climbing to just under $1 million for a larger estate style.

The area is popular for many due to its ideal location which is close to downtown Fort Worth as well as the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Central Meadowbrook is home to the Meadowbrook golf course as well as Oakland Park, Gateway Park and nearby Quanah Parker Park which connects to the network of paths in Trinity Trails.

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Arlington Heights

Located between Interstate 30W and Camp Bowie Road is the well sought after neighborhood of Arlington Heights. This well maintained, family-friendly area was mainly developed during the 1920’s. The majority of homes are bungalow or tudor style properties set on generous lots with mature trees. Arlington Heights is just outside of the cultural district of Fort Worth and lays next to some of the city’s most prestigious neighborhoods. Due to this fact, the area has become increasingly popular and property values have been on the rise. Generally, homes range between $250,000 and $650,000, however it is not uncommon to find a million dollar property within in the mix. Developers have caught wind of the area and its ideal location and have constructed a number of townhome complexes and condo communities along the outer edges of the neighborhood.

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Rivercrest

One of Fort Worth’s most prestigious neighborhoods is Rivercrest. Full of greenspace and mainly surrounded by the Rivercrest Country Club, this area is home to a mix of real estate types. Mainly found within the area are large mansions with some tudor style and bungalows throughout. Many of the older homes have been replaced by new construction. Homes in the Rivercrest neighborhood are listed between 3.4 million and 5.5 million making it one of Fort Worth’s most expensive neighborhoods.

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Overton Park

Located south west of downtown Fort Worth, Overton Park is nestled just south of the Clear Fork Branch of Trinity River. Overton Park consists of approximately 1,000 traditional Texas style single family homes. The neighborhood is popular for residents as it is well established, featuring mature trees and close proximity to major roadways and highways. Residents of the neighborhood enjoy access to Overton Park as well as the Trinity trail system that winds through the area. Homes in Overton Park range greatly seeing listings as low as $400,000 that then climb upwards of $1 million dollars.

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Crawford Farms

The award-winning neighborhood of Crawford Farms is located in the north end of Fort Worth. 

Developed between the years of 2001 and 2009, Crawford Farms is home to 1,072 properties. 

When purchasing a property in Crawford Farms, residents become part of an active homeowners association that is constantly working to maintain and improve the standard of living. The association fees are allocated to care for common areas, the community pool and more. Homes in Crawford Farms are extremely affordable, ranging between $200,000 and $400,000, making it an ideal location for first time home buyers, young families and retirees.

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Transportation In Fort Worth

The most popular public transit system for travelling around Fort Worth is the bus system, Trinity Metro. Operating 46 bus routes around Fort Worth and surrounding suburbs, Trinity Metro connects riders with all areas of town. 

Fort Worth is home to two commuter rail lines. TEXRail which connects passengers to the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and the Trinity Railway Express. TRE is a joint endeavor with the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) providing rail service from downtown Fort Worth to downtown Dallas. 

A carpool/van service is available for groups of at least 7 individuals that are headed to the same area. This “pay for what you use” service collects passengers from a specific location and brings them to a common drop off. 

For residents requiring assistance while using public transit, the Trinity Metro Access system is available offering door-to-door service within the areas of Forest Hill, Fort Worth, Blue Mound and River Oaks. 

Destinations nearby:

Distance to major cities and airports from Fort Worth:

Dallas, Texas - 32.4 miles
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport - 22.6 miles
Austin, Texas - 180 miles
San Antonio, Texas - 260 miles
Houston, Texas - 261 miles

Restaurants in Fort Worth

Fort Worth is full of flavor and culture when it comes to restaurant options. Regardless of your mood, there is something for every palate in Fort Worth’s dining scene.

Some of the best restaurants in Fort Worth:

The Capital Grille

Located in the heart of Fort Worth, The Capital Grille serves up warm and welcoming elegance, along with their mouth watering steaks. One visit and you will soon understand why they were the recipient of the American Culinary Federation’s “Achievement of Excellence Award”.

Texas de Brazil

A unique blend of southern comfort food with the worldly flair of Brazilian fare. Texas de Brazil serves up traditional steakhouse style meals, or try it all with the churrascaria option. Vegetarians need not dismay! Texas de Brazil features an extensive salad bar with over 50 items and hand crafted dressing. 

Istanbul Grill

The 2019 recipient of the Certificate of Excellence Award, Istanbul Grill invites you to take a trip to the Mediterranean via your taste buds. Traditional plates made with fresh, top quality ingredients will have you enjoying every bite of their impressive menu. 

What to do in Fort Worth

Fort Worth is a city where something is always happening! Here are a few of the annual events, arts and culture, outdoor activities and beautiful parks you can enjoy while living in Fort Worth, Texas. 

Stock Show and Rodeo

Running from mid-January to early February, the Stock Show and Rodeo is an action packed event featuring horse shows, rodeo action and numerous family-friendly activities. Live entertainment, a carnival experience and downtown parade are just some of the things to take in. Food trucks and nearly four acres of shopping will have everyone busy at this annual event. 

National Day of the American Cowboy

Hosted in the Stockyards National Historic District, this tribute to the American Cowboy and Wild West has been named the “Best Cowboy Tribute” by the Western lifestyle magazine. With activities and entertainment for the whole family, this is one event you won’t want to miss.

Texas Motor Speedway

While races happen throughout the year, two weekends are set aside to play host to the stars of NASCAR and INDYCAR racing. The only stop in the Lone Star State, this event will have racing enthusiasts flocking to the Texas Motor Speedway. Enjoy the thrill and excitement in March and October!

Along with these great events, the city of Fort Worth routinely has festivals, activities and entertainment happening on any given day. Celebrating all major holidays such as Easter, Fourth of July and Christmas, there is no shortage of things to do in Fort Worth. 

Lone Star International Film Festival

Held in Sundance Square, the Lone Star International Film Festival is the highlight of the Lone Star Film Society. This annually anticipated event features upcoming films, meet and greets and Q and A’s with directors and stars. 

Main St. Fort Worth’s Art Festival

Truly a place to enjoy and celebrate art in all forms, the Main St. Art Festival features more than 300 live performances and 200 juried artists. Take in the sights and sounds from musicians, sculptures and crafters from all over during this highly attended four day event. 

Fort Worth is home to a plethora of art galleries, museums and cultural centers. The world renown Cultural District is situated just a mile from downtown and celebrates all types of art and science. 

Check out these great establishments, among others:

• Bass Performance Hall
• Jubilee Theater
• Fort Worth Opera
• Texas Ballet Theater
• Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
• Fort Worth Stockyards Museum 
• Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
• Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame

Fort Worth Water Garden

Dubbed a “cooling oasis in the concrete jungle”, the Fort Worth Water Garden is an urban park containing 3 pools of water. Spend the afternoon strolling through the spectacular greenspace or taking in the scenery on one of the benches situated throughout.

Heritage Park Plaza

This modern park consists of interconnecting rooms constructed out of concrete which come alive by flowing water walls, channels and pools. A sight to be seen!

ZBONZ & Fort Woof Dog Parks

These off leash dog parks will give your furry friends a place to burn off energy and socialize. Fort Woof, an award winning dog park, features an agility course, water fountains and shelters. 

Trinity Trail

With more than 70 miles of scenic trail networks, the Trinity Trail system branches out to all areas of Fort Worth. Whether walking, running, biking or horseback, this trail system will offer a chance to enjoy being outdoors and active. 

Following along the Trinity River, the trails run through a number of area parks, which are the perfect place to stop and picnic. Stop at Airfield Falls, the areas longest natural waterfall, or take your rods to Marines Creek for a relaxing day of fishing. 

Could Fort Worth be the next place you call home?

We hope this guide was able to give you a glimpse into all Fort Worth, Texas has to offer! From welcoming neighborhoods, exceptional schools, dining and activities, there truly is something for everyone in Fort Worth!

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