Moving to Fort Worth, Texas

Quick insights

• Fort Worth offers a range of neighborhoods catering to varied lifestyles, including family-friendly areas like Park Hill and Southlake with quality schools and parks.
• The city has an energetic cultural and arts scene including the Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth Zoo and lively festivals such as the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.
• First-time homebuyers considering moving to Fort Worth should evaluate their budget, research neighborhoods that align with their lifestyle and consider proximity to essential amenities like banks and grocery stores.

What is it like living in Fort Worth?

Moving to Fort Worth, Texas presents a unique mix of rich culture and community spirit. For families with young kids, areas like Tanglewood, Park Hill and Southlake are particularly appealing because of their quality schools, expansive parks and strong community aura. Fort Worth is just a quick 30-mile hop west of Dallas, making it a 30 to 40-minute drive.

Young professionals might find the Near Southside or West 7th area charming, offering a high-spirited atmosphere with modern lofts, a buzzing nightlife and proximity to downtown Fort Worth’s business hubs. In addition, sports fans can cheer on the Dallas Cowboys, savor some delicious brisket at renowned spots like Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q or check out a world class museum.

What to consider when buying a home in Fort Worth?

When buying a home in Fort Worth, first-time homebuyers may want to consider the following key factors:

• Budget and affordability: Evaluate your budget by assessing your take-home pay, monthly expenses and credit score to determine what you can afford. Consider the amount you may need for a down payment and utilize a mortgage affordability calculator.
• Neighborhood research: Visit different neighborhoods to find one that aligns with your lifestyle, preferences and long-term plans. For instance, if you enjoy a lively social scene, you may want to seek out areas with trendy restaurants and diverse entertainment options. Look for parks, recreational facilities and local events.
• Real estate market trend: Research recent home sales in Fort Woth neighborhoods to understand property value and price trends. Check for any planned developments or zoning changes that might impact property values or your quality of life.
• Proximity to amenities: Consider the quality and proximity of local schools in the area. Look for nearby grocery stores, shopping malls like Sundance Square, a post office for mailing services, banks for financial transactions, healthcare facilities and restaurants.
• Commute and transportation: Assess how long it will take to commute to work, school and other regular destinations. Consider traffic patterns and peak hours. Some of the major highways are Interstate 35W, Loop 820 and Interstate 20.  There are a few public transit options in Fort Worth such as the Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T), TEXRail and Trinity Metro.
• Property taxes: Educate yourself on the current property tax rate for the area and how it might change. Higher taxes could impact your overall housing costs.

Pros and cons of living in Fort Worth

There are many advantages of living in Fort Worth such as affordability, lively cultural scene and many employment opportunities across several sectors like manufacturing and education. Let’s explore some of the positive aspects of living in this city:

Pros of living in Fort Worth

• Affordable housing: Fort Worth generally offers lower housing and living costs compared to other major Texas cities like Dallas. According to RentCafe, housing is 16% cheaper in Fort Worth, TX than the U.S. averageec-rentcafe-cost-fort-worth.
• Robust job market: The city has a wide range of opportunities in various industries such as manufacturing, finance, aerospace and energy.
• Dynamic cultural and arts scene: Fort Worth has a vibrant cultural scene with numerous museums, theaters, galleries and music venues, including the Fort Worth Stockyards. The city shines with its rich array of attractions such as the Kimbell Art Museum and lively festivals like the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.
• Family-friendly environment: Fort Worth is known for its excellent schools, family-oriented activities and multitude of parks and recreational facilities. This includes the Fort Worth Zoo, Science and History Museum and Water Gardens (a serene urban park with cascading waterfalls).
• Outdoor activities: Fort Worth offers a variety of parks, lakes and hiking trails. Some of the outdoor spaces include Trinity Park, Lake Worth, Fort Worth Botanic Garden and Eagle Mountain Lake.

Cons of living in Fort Worth

• Hot summers: The city experiences very hot temperatures and high humidity during summer months, typically above 90 degrees.
• Limited public transportation options: Public transit options are limited compared to other similarly sized metro areas. 
• Traffic congestion: Certain areas of the city, especially during rush hour and peak hours, can experience traffic congestion. 
• Limited walkability: Some neighborhoods are not very pedestrian-friendly, which may require access to a car for many daily activities.  

What is the cost of living in Fort Worth?

According to FTWToday, Fort Worth’s cost of living is slightly higher than the national average and higher than the rest of stateec-zillow-fort-worth. Although the overall cost of living is higher, housing is more affordable. According to Zillow, as of September 2024, the average monthly rent is $2,060, and the average home value is $302,8533ec-zillow-fort-worth-housing. Utilities will vary based on your usage and provider. Groceries, healthcare, entertainment and transportation can vary significantly based on the area you reside in, especially as inflation continues to impact the economy and housing market.

Additional homebuying resources

Prospective homebuyers can check out financial assistance programs such as:

• Fort Worth Homebuyer Assistance Program
• Tarrant County Housing Assistance Program 
• Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA)

Overall, Fort Worth provides a fascinating blend of career opportunities, cultural experiences and recreational activities, making it a dynamic place to live and thrive.

In summary

Fort Worth offers a balanced lifestyle with affordable housing options, incredible entertainment scene and ample job opportunities. You can find employment in various industries, like manufacturing and healthcare. The dining scene is exciting, with popular hotspots like Joe T. Garcia’s for Tex-Mex and modern eateries such as The Capital Grille. 

Families can enjoy attractions such as the Fort Worth Zoo or experience the thrill of Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington, Texas. Young professionals might appreciate the buzzing nightlife in the Near Southside or cultural events downtown like the Fort Worth Food & Wine Festival or The Live Oak Music Hall.