Fort Worth, Texas, is often overshadowed by its larger neighbor, Dallas, but the city holds its charm, blending a rich history with modern development. Living in Fort Worth means experiencing the warmth of Texas hospitality, a thriving cultural scene, and a surprisingly affordable cost of living. With diverse communities, a growing job market, and plenty of things to do, Fort Worth is an exciting place to call home. After spending time here, I’ve learned the city has much to offer, and I’ll share everything I know.
Table of Contents
Best Places to Visit in Fort Worth
- Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District
When you think of Fort Worth, the Stockyards likely come to mind first. It’s a place where the Old West is alive with daily cattle drives, rodeos, and Western-themed shops. Walking through the Stockyards, you can almost feel the history under your boots. - Kimbell Art Museum
The Kimbell Art Museum is renowned for its small yet impressive collection of masterpieces. From Michelangelo to Monet, it’s a place where art lovers can get lost for hours. I visit whenever I need to reconnect with the creative side of life. - Fort Worth Botanic Garden
If you’re seeking peace, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden is an oasis of lush greenery. I recommend visiting in spring, when everything is in bloom, or exploring the Japanese Garden, which is especially tranquil. - Sundance Square
Located in the heart of downtown, Sundance Square is the city’s lively entertainment district. It’s where you’ll find theaters, restaurants, and shops, all within a beautifully restored historic setting. - Fort Worth Zoo
One of the top zoos in the country, the Fort Worth Zoo is a must-see. With over 7,000 animals, it’s perfect for a day out with family or friends. I love visiting the African Savanna exhibit, where giraffes and rhinos roam.
Best Things to Do in Fort Worth
- Experience the Rodeo at Cowtown Coliseum
The rodeo is a staple of Fort Worth culture. The Cowtown Coliseum, located in the Stockyards, hosts regular rodeo events. Even if you’re not a rodeo fan, the energy and excitement of the crowd will draw you in. - Tour the Fort Worth Water Gardens
The Water Gardens downtown is a unique urban park with massive water structures you can explore. The rushing water creates a sense of escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, making it one of my favorite spots to relax. - Catch a Concert at Billy Bob’s Texas
Known as the world’s largest honky-tonk, Billy Bob’s Texas is more than just a bar—it’s an experience. I’ve caught some incredible live country music here and even tried my hand at line dancing. Whether you like the country or not, the atmosphere is unbeatable. - Bike the Trinity Trails
The Trinity Trails run along the Trinity River and offer miles of scenic biking, walking, and running paths. I like to start my weekend mornings with a bike ride here, enjoying the calm river views.
Best Restaurants in Fort Worth
- Joe T. Garcia’s
No list of Fort Worth restaurants is complete without Joe T. Garcia’s. Known for its large outdoor seating and family-style Mexican food, this iconic spot has been serving locals since 1935. I recommend their enchiladas and margaritas. - Reata Restaurant
For an upscale dining experience, Reata offers a true taste of Texas. Their pan-eared pepper-crusted Tenderloin and Chicken Fried Steak are both excellent. The rooftop views of downtown Fort Worth are worth the visit alone. - Heim Barbecue
Texas is known for its barbecue, and Heim doesn’t disappoint. They are famous for their Brisket and Bacon Burnt Ends. The lines can get long, but it’s worth the wait. - Paris Coffee Shop
A staple of Fort Worth since 1926, Paris Coffee Shop is my go-to spot for comfort food and pie. It’s the kind of place where you feel like a regular after just one visit. - Woodshed Smokehouse
Located on the river, Woodshed blends traditional barbecue with a more modern flair. I love spending Sunday afternoons here, sipping on craft beer and enjoying their smoked meats while overlooking the Trinity River.
Holiday Activities in Fort Worth
- Parade of Lights
Every year, downtown Fort Worth hosts the Parade of Lights to kick off the holiday season. The floats, lights, and music make it a magical event that brings the entire community together. I try to catch it every year—it’s a must-see. - Christmas in the Stockyards
Fort Worth’s Stockyards go all out for Christmas with Christmas in the Stockyards. The event includes festive lights, live music, and a chance to meet Santa. It’s a great family-friendly activity, and I never miss the annual tree lighting. - Panther Island Ice
Panther Island Ice is Fort Worth’s outdoor ice skating rink. It’s a fun way to get into the holiday spirit, even if you’re not a pro skater (like me).
Cost of Living in Fort Worth
Fort Worth offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major U.S. cities. However, prices can vary depending on your location within the city.
- Rent: The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Fort Worth is around $1,200 per month. In trendier areas like West 7th or Downtown, you might pay closer to $1,500 or more. In quieter neighborhoods like Arlington Heights, rents can be as low as $1,000.
- Food: On average, groceries cost around $300-$400 per month. Dining out is also affordable, with most meals costing between $10 and $20.
- Transportation: Gas prices are around $3.50 per gallon. If you rely on public transportation, a monthly pass for Trinity Metro costs $80.
Safety and Security
Fort Worth is generally a safe city, though certain areas have higher crime rates. Downtown, the Stockyards, and West 7th are safe, but neighborhoods like Stop Six or Como are more prone to crime. Always be aware of your surroundings.
Emergency Numbers:
- Police, Fire, and Medical Emergencies: 911
- Non-Emergency Police: (817) 392-4222
- Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
Nightlife in Fort Worth
Fort Worth’s nightlife has a laid-back vibe with a mix of honky-tonks, craft breweries, and rooftop bars.
- Billy Bob’s Texas
As mentioned earlier, Billy Bob’s is the world’s largest honky-tonk. It’s more than a bar—it’s a Texas-sized experience. - The Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
This pub offers one of the largest selections of craft beer in the city. I love stopping here for a casual night out with friends, especially during their trivia nights. - The Library Bar
Located near Texas Christian University, this spot has a cozy atmosphere with a lively college crowd. It’s a great place for drinks and catching up with friends. - Bar Louie (West 7th)
The West 7th area is known for its bars, and Bar Louie is a popular one. I like the atmosphere here—whether it’s for happy hour or late-night drinks.
Transportation Options
Fort Worth is a car-centric city, but public transportation is available.
- Trinity Metro: Fort Worth’s public bus system has extensive routes around the city.
- TexRail: The TexRail commuter train connects downtown Fort Worth with Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), which makes traveling more convenient.
- Biking: Fort Worth is gradually becoming more bike-friendly, with bike lanes and the Fort Worth Bike Sharing program.
Employment Opportunities
Fort Worth has a diverse economy with opportunities in various industries.
- Aerospace and Defense: Fort Worth is home to Lockheed Martin, one of the largest employers in the area. The aerospace industry is a significant part of the local economy.
- Healthcare: The healthcare sector is also booming, with major employers such as Texas Health Resources and Cook Children’s Medical Center.
- Education: Fort Worth Independent School District and Texas Christian University (TCU) offer employment opportunities in education.
- Oil and Gas: The energy sector, including oil and gas, remains a significant industry in Fort Worth.
Healthcare Access
Fort Worth has an excellent healthcare system with access to world-class medical centers.
- Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital
Address: 1301 Pennsylvania Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76104
Phone: (817) 250-2000 - Cook Children’s Medical Center
Address: 801 7th Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76104
Phone: (682) 885-4000 - JPS Health Network
Address: 1500 S Main St, Fort Worth, TX 76104
Phone: (817) 702-3431
Education
Fort Worth is home to several highly regarded public and private schools, as well as universities.
- Texas Christian University (TCU) is a prestigious private university located in the city.
- Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) serves over 80,000 students, with several highly-rated schools.
- Tarrant County College is a top community college providing affordable education and vocational training.
Cultural and Social Scene
Fort Worth has a rich cultural scene that blends the old and the new. It’s known for its art museums, theater, and music. The Bass Performance Hall is one of the best places for live performances, from Broadway shows to symphony concerts. Fort Worth’s social calendar is filled with events like the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo and the Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival.
Climate and Weather
Fort Worth experiences a humid subtropical climate. Summers are hot, with temperatures often soaring into the 90s. Winters are mild, with occasional cold snaps. I’ve found the spring and fall to be the most pleasant seasons, though they can also be rainy.
Community and Diversity
Fort Worth is known for its welcoming and diverse community. The city embraces people from all walks of life, with thriving Hispanic, African-American, and Asian communities. I’ve always felt that Fort Worth’s sense of community is one of its strongest assets.
Public Services and Infrastructure
Fort Worth provides good public services, from reliable water and waste management to public safety. The city is constantly improving its infrastructure, with road expansions and efforts to make the city more walkable and bike-friendly.
Political and Social Climate
Fort Worth tends to be more conservative than neighboring cities like Dallas, but it’s a balanced mix. While the city embraces its Western heritage, it’s also growing more progressive in areas like education and healthcare.
Noise and Air Pollution
Living downtown or near major highways can mean dealing with some noise and air pollution. However, most residential areas are peaceful, and the air quality is generally good, except for peak allergy seasons.
Green Spaces and Recreation
Fort Worth is home to over 200 parks, with plenty of green space for outdoor activities. Trinity Park and Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge are two of my favorite places to escape the urban bustle. The city’s commitment to maintaining its green spaces is impressive.
Conclusion
Living in Fort Worth offers a unique blend of traditional Texas charm and modern amenities. The city has a lot to offer, from its affordable cost of living to its diverse job market and cultural attractions. Whether you’re drawn here for work or leisure, Fort Worth has something for everyone, and I’ve come to appreciate all the layers of life in this vibrant Texas city.