Living in Fort Worth, TX — Relocation Guide

Tarrant County, Texas

Living in Fort Worth, TX

Western heritage meets modern growth Cultural District, Stockyards, diverse neighborhoods, and world class museums.

Ask Your Advocate About Fort Worth

Fort Worth at a Glance

County

Tarrant County

Population

Approx. 950,000+

To Downtown Dallas

Approx. 35–45 min via I-30

To Downtown Fort Worth

Downtown

To DFW Airport

Approx. 20–30 min via SH-183

To Love Field

Approx. 35–45 min via I-30

Median Home Price

Approx. $280,000–$450,000 (varies significantly by neighborhood)

Avg. Property Tax Rate

Approx. 2.0–2.5% (varies by location)

Year Incorporated

1873

ZIP Codes

Multiple varies by neighborhood

Welcome to Fort Worth

Fort Worth is one of the most underrated cities in the country. Often overshadowed by Dallas, Fort Worth has a distinct identity rooted in Western heritage the Stockyards National Historic District, the Chisholm Trail, and a genuine cowboy culture combined with a thriving modern economy and world class cultural institutions. The Cultural District is home to the Kimbell Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. The Near Southside is a walkable urban neighborhood with restaurants, breweries, and boutiques. Fort Worth's diverse neighborhoods range from historic Fairmount and Ryan Place to master planned communities in the far north and west.

Housing in Fort Worth

Fort Worth offers one of the most diverse housing markets in Texas. Historic neighborhoods like Fairmount, Ryan Place, and Mistletoe Heights feature craftsman bungalows and Tudor revival homes. The Cultural District and Near Southside have urban condominiums and townhomes.

Established suburban neighborhoods are available throughout the city, with newer master planned communities in the far north (Alliance corridor) and west (Aledo area).

Fort Worth is generally more affordable than comparable Dallas neighborhoods, offering significant value for buyers who want urban character or suburban convenience.

Lifestyle in Fort Worth

Fort Worth's lifestyle is defined by its unique blend of Western heritage and modern sophistication. The Stockyards National Historic District offers daily cattle drives, honky tonks, and Western entertainment. The Cultural District provides world class museums and performing arts.

The Near Southside is Fort Worth's most walkable urban neighborhood, with restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, and boutiques. Magnolia Avenue is the heart of the district.

Sundance Square in downtown Fort Worth is a vibrant entertainment and dining district. The city's diverse neighborhoods each have distinct characters and communities.

Things to Do

The Kimbell Art Museum, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, and Amon Carter Museum are world class cultural institutions. The Stockyards National Historic District offers daily cattle drives and Western entertainment.

The Fort Worth Zoo is consistently ranked among the best in the country. Sundance Square provides dining, entertainment, and community events in a vibrant downtown setting.

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden, Trinity Trails, and numerous parks provide outdoor recreation throughout the city.

Education

Fort Worth is served by Fort Worth ISD, one of the largest school districts in Texas. Portions of the city also fall within other districts depending on location.

Texas Christian University (TCU) and Texas Wesleyan University are located in Fort Worth. Tarrant County College provides community college education.

For school boundary information, visit the Fort Worth ISD website at fwisd.org.

Major Employers

Fort Worth's major employers include American Airlines (headquarters), Lockheed Martin, Bell Textron, BNSF Railway, and Texas Health Resources.

The healthcare sector is significant, with JPS Health Network, Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital, and Cook Children's Medical Center among the major employers.

The Alliance corridor in north Fort Worth is a major logistics and industrial employment zone.

Transportation and Commuting

I-30, I-35W, I-20, and SH-183 are Fort Worth's primary arteries. The TEXRail commuter rail connects downtown Fort Worth to DFW Airport.

Trinity Metro provides bus and rail transit throughout Fort Worth. The Molly the Trolley provides free downtown circulation.

Fort Worth is more car dependent than Dallas, but the downtown core and Near Southside are walkable.

Parks and Outdoor Recreation

Trinity Trails is a 70+ mile trail system along the Trinity River, one of the most extensive urban trail networks in Texas. The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is a premier outdoor destination.

Lake Worth, Eagle Mountain Lake, and Benbrook Lake provide boating, fishing, and outdoor recreation within the city and nearby.

The Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge is a 3,600-acre natural area with hiking, wildlife observation, and nature education.

Annual Events

The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is one of the oldest and largest livestock shows in the world, held each January. The Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival is a premier outdoor arts event.

Mayfest, the Panther Island Pavilion concert series, and numerous neighborhood festivals reflect Fort Worth's vibrant community culture.

Homeownership in Fort Worth

Fort Worth homeowners benefit from a diverse market with strong demand across all price points. The city's growth and economic strength support long term property values.

Utility providers include Oncor Electric Delivery (electricity), Atmos Energy (natural gas), and the City of Fort Worth (water/wastewater).

Tarrant County offers a homestead exemption. Contact the Tarrant Appraisal District (tad.org) for details.

Historic district homeowners should be aware of preservation guidelines. Contact the City of Fort Worth's Historic Preservation office for details.

Utilities and Services

Everything you need to set up before your move date in Fort Worth.

Internet Providers

Common providers in Fort Worth. Availability varies by address. Always verify before committing.

ProviderTypeCustomer ServiceWebsite
AT&T FiberFiber800-288-2020Visit site
SpectrumCable833-949-0036Visit site
Frontier FiberFiber800-921-8101Visit site
T-Mobile Home Internet5G Wireless800-937-8997Visit site
Verizon 5G Home5G Wireless800-922-0204Visit site

Electricity

Deregulated market choose your provider at PowerToChoose.org

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
TXU Energy800-818-6132Visit site
Reliant Energy866-222-7100Visit site
Direct Energy866-968-8065Visit site
Gexa Energy866-961-9399Visit site
Green Mountain Energy866-785-4668Visit site
Rhythm Energy888-774-9846Visit site

Natural Gas

Atmos Energy serves most of North Texas. Set up service at least one to two weeks before your move date.

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
Atmos Energy888-286-6700Visit site
CoServ Gas940-321-7800Visit site

Water and Sewer

Water service in Fort Worth is provided by the city or a Municipal Utility District (MUD) depending on your development.

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
City of Fort Worth Water Department817-392-4477Visit site

Trash and Recycling

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
City of Fort Worth Environmental Services817-392-1234Visit site

Home Security

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
ADT800-238-2727Visit site
Vivint800-216-5232Visit site
Brinks Home800-447-9239Visit site
SimpliSafe800-548-0526Visit site

Mobile Phone Providers

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
AT&T800-331-0500Visit site
Verizon800-922-0204Visit site
T-Mobile800-937-8997Visit site

TV and Streaming

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
DIRECTV800-531-5000Visit site
Spectrum TV833-949-0036Visit site
YouTube TVOnline supportVisit site
Hulu + Live TVOnline supportVisit site
Sling TVOnline supportVisit site

Postal Services

ServiceContactWebsite
USPS Customer Service800-275-8777Visit site
Change of AddressOnlineVisit site
Hold MailOnlineVisit site

Texas Driver License & Vehicle Registration

ServiceContactWebsite
TX Dept of Public Safety (Driver License)512-424-2600Visit site
TX Dept of Motor Vehicles (Registration)888-368-4689Visit site

Homestead Exemption

File your homestead exemption with your county appraisal district to reduce your property tax bill. You must own and occupy the home as your primary residence as of January 1.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Fort Worth different from Dallas?

Fort Worth has a distinct Western heritage identity the Stockyards, cattle drives, honky tonks combined with world class museums in the Cultural District and a more affordable housing market than Dallas.

What school district serves Fort Worth?

Most of Fort Worth is served by Fort Worth ISD. Some areas fall within other districts. Always verify for a specific address.

Is Fort Worth affordable?

Fort Worth is generally more affordable than comparable Dallas neighborhoods, offering significant value for buyers who want urban character or suburban convenience.

What is the Near Southside?

The Near Southside is Fort Worth's most walkable urban neighborhood, centered on Magnolia Avenue, with restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, and boutiques.

Thinking About Moving to Fort Worth?

Nichelle Boyland is a DFW REALTOR® who specializes in helping buyers find the right community. Get personalized guidance, no pressure, just answers.

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