Moving to Fort Worth

Welcome to Fort Worth! A City Overview 

Welcome to the city of Cowboys and Culture! 

Being in Fort Worth is like being right on the set of a Western movie. We're talking cattle herding, rodeos, country music, cowboy boots, and that Southern hospitality. 

Fort Worth is a Texan smaller metro city with a population of about 920,000. But don't be fooled! It's still one of the fast-growing cities in America. 

The city is rich in history and arts. Some of the best museums across the U.S. are found there. It's also worth checking out the Fort Worth Opera house or its old western historical buildings across the city. 

The best part about Fort Worth (and all locals will agree) is the small-town charm and friendliness. It's really easy to feel right at home here. 

Stick around to see what else Fort Worth has to offer. 

‍

1. Cost of Living in Fort Worth

Just like most of the other cities in Texas, living in Fort Worth is pretty affordable. The cost of living isn't very high- great news if you're looking to move there! 

Despite this, living here is still slightly more expensive than in the whole of Texas. The cost of living is about 6% higher than the Texan average. Fortunately, the cost of living in Fort Worth is about 2% below the national average! 

Let's talk in greater depth about the costs associated with living in Fort Worth!

‍

Average Income in Fort Worth

The cost of living in Fort Worth is pretty low. As such, the average income for a resident isn't too high either. 

The median household in Fort Worth was about $62,187. Things get a little grittier when discussing the average income per capita. The average individual earns $29,531 per year. 

The average income of locals has also been increasing at a rate 3.5% per year. That's pretty solid!

‍

Average Cost of Items in Fort Worth

As we mentioned above, expenses don't run too high for Fort Worth residents. 

The most notable difference in their costs is in the housing market. Rent and house costs can be as much as 15% lower than the US average. The price of healthcare and food is also low. Fort Worth does bear higher utility and transportation costs, though. 

The taxes in Fort Worth are also a huge plus. Locals only pay sales taxes, which are 8.25%. They don't have to worry about paying state income tax since they don't have any! 

Down below is a chart of the cost of some other items in Fort Worth. 

‍

2. Renting in Fort Worth

The rent prices in Fort Worth have been growing as more people move into the city. This past year, the monthly rent cost increased around 5%.

In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the current average cost of rent is $1,699. This price can be narrowed down to $1,300 for Fort Worth, though.

Renting a 1-bedroom apartment is going to cost around $1,200. A studio apartment rent is approximately $1,100 while a 2-bedroom apartment is $1,580. 

As Fort Worth continues to grow, so does the real estate market. If you need help sifting through Fort Worth's rental market, Lighthouse is here for you! On top of that, our team will get you cashback on your monthly rent if you choose to partner with us. It's a win in our books!

‍

3. Best Neighborhoods in Fort Worth to Rent 

Some really nice and fascinating neighborhoods are found in Fort Worth. Real estate in the area is very diverse. You can find anything from apartments to starter homes to massive estates. 

Down below, we'll discuss the most coveted locations in Fort Worth. 

‍

Most Affordable Suburban Neighborhood: Wedgewood

If you want to live away from the commotion of downtown, Wedgewood is for you. This family-friendly neighborhood is located about 20 minutes from Downtown Fort Worth. 

People of all ages can live here if they're looking for a suburban atmosphere. Despite being further from the city, dining and nightlife options are still available. 

‍

Most Affordable City Neighborhood: Arlington Heights 

Arlington Heights is only ten minutes away from Downtown Fort Worth. It's perfect for young professionals or singles who are looking for affordable rent. The average rent price in the area ranges around $1,050. 

There's also tons to do! Participate in their recreational activities, or visit their dining spots and botanic gardens. 

‍

Most Urban: Downtown Fort Worth

We all know that the most dynamic part of every city is the downtown area. Well, it's no different for Downtown Fort Worth. 

The city's best entertainment, dining, and nightlife spots are found here. 

This location is more expensive but still sought out by professionals and singles. You can find a 1-bedroom apartment for approximately $1,200. 

‍

Best for Families: City View 

The percentage of households occupied by renters in City View is over 80%. This is a pretty high number, and due to the location's safety and affordability. 

You can mostly find families residing in City View. This area has many top-rated schools and preschools, making it desirable for those who have kids. 

Commuting from City View can be a little complicated though. The neighborhood doesn't have great transit and walkability scores. If you're considering a move here, it would be in your best interest to have a car.

‍

Best for Young Professionals: CentrePort Business Park 

This neighborhood is very popular among young professionals. The rental market is huge here as almost all homes in CentrePort Business Park are rented. 

Many residents do have to commute about 15 minutes to get to work, but at least the rent is pretty affordable! Along Route 360, you can also find many dining and shopping options. 

‍

Best for College Students: TCU-Westcliff

Many young professionals, college students, and university faculty reside in TCU-Westcliff. That's because Texas Christian University is located in the area. 

TCU-Westcliff maintains its suburban feel while remaining close to Downtown Fort Worth. Despite being a more peaceful neighborhood, there are still plenty of things to do. Attend sports events, museums, or one of the many outdoor activities the area has to offer!

‍

4. The Fort Worth Job Market

Fort Worth is one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas. As people move in, the job market has also been working overtime to create more opportunities. 

The Fort Worth area saw a local job growth increase of a whole 5.5%. Nationally, the US only experienced a gain of 4.4%. I guess you could say that Fort Worthers are winning when it comes to the job market! 

Fort Worth has grown right before our eyes. What was once a small Midwestern city is now a city that offers a variety of job sectors. The major industries in the Fort Worth area are: 

• Oil & Gas
• Manufacturing
• Aviation & Aerospace
• Logistics
• Life Sciences
• Telecommunication
• Corporate & Professional Services

Fort Worth is home to many headquarters and massive employers. These include: 

• Wal-Mart Stores Headquarters
• Texas Health Resources 
• American Airlines
• Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company
• JPS Health Network
• NAS Fort Worth
• Texas Health Harris Methodist Fort Worth

‍

5. Culture in Fort Worth

Fort Worth is the self-proclaimed "Cultural Capital of the Southwest". Honestly, we couldn't have said it better ourselves. 

There's no other place in the U.S. that embodies the western heritage quite like Fort Worth. 

The Cultural and Historic District in Fort Worth is the perfect example of that. 

You can experience well-preserved Old West buildings in the Stockyards National Historic District. Some of the city's most popular attractions- rodeos and cattle drives, are also found there. 

Down at the acclaimed Cultural District, you can find 5 top-rated museums. Equestrian shows, Dickies Arena, and the Fort Worth Zoo also reside in this area. 

Fort Worth's culture has much more to offer! Check out what they're all about down below. 

‍

6. Hidden Gems & Famous Attractions in Fort Worth

It'll come as no surprise that many attractions in Fort Worth have a western twinge to them. This city loves celebrating the classic cowboy lifestyle. If ranch life isn't for you though, you can find lots of other outdoor activities, dining spots, and bars in the area. 

Here are some of our recommendations for some of the hidden gems in Fort Worth. 

1. The Herd. You can watch this daily cattle drive in the Historic District at 11:30 am or 4 pm. Real Texas cowhands rally up and drive a herd of longhorn cattle through the city (lasts about 15 minutes). Doesn't get any more Texan than that!

2. Fort Worth River Walk. Behind the new Stockyards Hotel is a fun little nature path. The Fort Worth River Walk is a small scenic river walkway- great for strolling outside or biking! 

3. Fort Worth Water Gardens. The Fort Worth Water Gardens are definitely not a hidden gem, but still something you can't miss. This free attraction is located on the south side of Downtown Fort Worth. The water features are uniquely stunning and the perfect place for a photo op!

4. Bodega West 7th. Hidden behind a grocery store is a luxurious bar and lounge. Bodega West 7th is one of Fort Worth's few speakeasies. They have a different event every night- from karaoke to tiki night to live DJs. You can also enjoy some activities like pool, darts, or shuffleboard! 

5. Hotel Drover. Get a true feel for a classic Midwest vibe at Hotel Drover. This western-inspired hotel is all about that Texas hospitality. Have a drink or dinner at one of their dining spots: 97 Restaurant, Veranda Bar, or the Lobby Bar. 

6. Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. There's no better place to experience an authentic western lifestyle like at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. This event has been around since 1896! It's 23 days of live music, exhibits, rodeos, bull-riding competitions, and kid-friendly activities. 

7. Cavender's Stock Yards. The cowboy culture is huge in Fort Worth. And if you want in on it, head on down to Cavender's Stock Yards. They have a massive collection of authentic cowboy/cowgirl boots. You can opt for a classic design or a pink rhinestone boot! 

8. Billy Bob's Texas. This one is for our music lovers! You can experience a Honky Tonk attitude at Billy Bob's Texas concert hall. Find tons of bars, live bull riding, the greatest country music shows, and mechanical bulls to ride! 

9. Gemelle. Steering away from Western-inspired activities, here we have Gemelle! It's a fun Italian-American dining spot with a cute patio and fully-equipped bar. They also have bocce ball courts and live music- an interesting, but fun mix! 

10. Cowtown Cattlepen Maze. This attraction is perfect for people of all ages! The Cowtown Cattlepen Maze is a challenging 5,400-foot labyrinth of wooden pathways. If mazes aren't your thing, you can cheer others on from their observation deck. 

‍

Parks and Recreation in Fort Worth

The Fort Worth area has seen some great urban development throughout the years. As the city grows, plans are also in place to maintain and expand its premier park system. 

Fort Worth has almost 300 parks and public spaces spread across 12,495 acres. The city provides many outdoor activities and educational opportunities.

The city offers typical community centers, parks, trails, pools, and recreational leagues. You can also golf at Fort Worth Golf or play tennis at their top tennis facility. 

Fort Worth also has plenty of green spaces for the casual walker, runners, or families. Some of the most notable parks in Fort Worth are: 

• Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge 
• Trinity Park 
• Fort Worth Water Gardens
• Burger's Lake
• Fort Worth Botanic Garden 
• Fort Worth Japanese Garden 
• Lake Worth
• Airfield Falls Trailhead & Conservation Park

‍

Weather in Fort Worth

The one thing you don't need when living in this city is a heavy winter jacket. The weather in Fort Worth is subtropical. In other words, that translates to around 250 warm days every year! Even the cold seasons here are pretty subdued. 

You can expect to encounter some hot and muggy summers. Their hottest months are in July and August, where the temperatures reach 95F. 

The winters are pretty mild. Residents very rarely experience snow. The coldest month is January, where the chilliest day is around 37F. 

‍

7. Transportation in Fort Worth

A great benefit to living in this fine city is how easy it is to get around. Public transportation in Fort Worth comes in a variety of services. 

Their rail systems are well-developed, making it easy to travel to Dallas without a car. Alternatively, the city's freeway setup makes driving out of state simple.

The primary methods of transportation in Fort Worth are listed down below. 

‍

TEXRail 

Going from Tarrant County to Downtown Fort Worth is the TEXRail commuter train. This rail line travels through Grapevine and stops at DFW. 

The service is also pretty cheap. A single ride only costs $2.50. 

‍

Trinity Metro

Trinity Metro is the major public transportation system used by Fort Worth residents. Its buses run citywide and connect Downtown Fort Worth to many surrounding districts. 

Trinity Metro buses service over 2000 bus stops across the city. It also remains one of the most affordable ways to travel in Fort Worth.

‍

Trinity Railway Express (TRE) 

You can hop on the Trinity Railway Express if you’re traveling from Downtown Fort Worth to Dallas. The entire line has 10 stations, one of which includes DFW Airport. 

This train operates all week (except Sundays). They're also pretty affordable! A regional TRE pass is $12.

‍

Fort Worth Bike Sharing

Across Downtown Fort Worth, you can find this bike-sharing service. It's an accessible and convenient way to get around town. 

All you have to do is pay for your ride at one of their kiosks or on their app. Check out the bike from one of their stations, and get cycling!

‍

Fort Worth’s Molly the Trolley

Make your way around Downtown Fort Worth on Molly the Trolley. This trolley doesn't just have a cute name- it has a vintage aesthetic too! 

The Molly operates all week and runs from the Fort Worth Convention Center to Sundance Square. 

‍

Fort Worth’s Dash Bus 

If you're headed downtown from the Cultural District, you can take The Dash. This fully-electric bus also connects to the West 7th entertainment corridor. 

You can catch this bus every day of the week (and during later hours on Friday and Saturday). 

‍

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

The DFW is the busiest international airport in the state of Texas. It services all the residents and tourists in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area.

Most American Airlines flights come out of DFW since their headquarters are nearby. You can also fly to 44 countries or over 270 destinations from DFW.

The airport is very accessible by public transportation through the TEXRail or TRE. 

‍

Dallas Love Airport

If you can tell by the name, Dallas Love Airport is located in Dallas. Despite this, many Fort Worth residents catch flights there. 

It's important to note that you can only travel domestically from Dallas Love. 

‍

Fort Worth Freeways 

Like Dallas, the freeways in Fort Worth are also set up in a hub-and-spoke system. 

The interstates that run through Downtown Fort Worth are the I-35W and I-30. Other major freeways include Spur 280, US 287, US 377, Chisholm Trail Parkway, SH 199, and SH 121. 

On the outskirts of town is the I-820, which loops around Fort Worth. 

‍

8. Pros & Cons of Living in Fort Worth

Fort Worth has tons to offer- some of it is great while other things are a little more unfavorable. It’s good to know what you’re getting yourself into if you’re moving to the city.

Keep reading to see the contrast between the benefits and drawbacks of living in Fort Worth. 

‍

Pros 

The pros of living in Fort Worth are:

• Has many job opportunities available
• The cost of living is pretty reasonable 
• Very diverse arts and cultural scene 
• LGBTQ is well supported and accepted
• The city is less crowded than most major metro areas
• No state taxes have to be paid
• Many suburbs surround the city for family-living

‍

Cons 

The cons of living in Fort Worth are: 

• The city is prone to natural disasters 
• Has a lot of traffic congestion
• Hot summer months are brutal
• There’s limited public transportation
• The school system (Fort Worth Independent School System) lacks funding

‍

Conclusion 

The City of Fort Worth is all about cowboys and that Southern charm! The city is quite affordable (2% below US average) which means that the average income isn't that high. Rent costs are super cheap too, which is a great bonus. The average cost of rent is around $1,300. The city has tons of neighborhoods, most of which are charming, safe, and full of outdoor spaces. Downtown Fort Worth is where most people live, but TCU-Westcliff is a great option for our fellow students. 

If you're moving to Fort Worth and haven't found a rental apartment, we're here for you! Lighthouse will help find your perfect rental home and get you up to $1200 in cashback. 

The job market is booming in Fort Worth. Tons of companies are headquartered here and the city is working hard to offer even more jobs to the locals. The culture is definitely something to admire. You'll love the Southern cuisine and Midwestern vibes. Fort Worth is also a very green city with over 300 parks. The transportation system is also awesome. You can easily get from Fort Worth to Dallas without a car! Just hop on the TRE or TEXRail. 

If you're still on the hunt for an apartment in Fort Worth, we've got you covered. Our mission at Lighthouse is to help you find your perfect rental home and get you up to $1,000 in cashback. 

Let us know what you thought was the best fact about Fort Worth in the comments below!