Moving to Fort Worth? Here’s What to Know.
Embarking on a move to Fort Worth, Texas promises an adventure filled with new opportunities and experiences. Whether you’re moving from another city in Texas or from another state entirely, it’s crucial to equip yourself with a solid understanding of what Fort Worth has to offer. From its dynamic economy to its diverse cultural landscape, there is a unique charm to this historic city. Whether you’re drawn to its thriving job market, family-friendly atmosphere, rich culinary scene, or growing nightlife, there’s something for everyone in “Panther City.” Here, we’ll delve into ten key insights to ensure you’re well-prepared to embrace all that Fort Worth has in store for you.
1. Thriving Economy
Fort Worth is one of the fastest growing cities in Texas, and for good reason. Fort Worth boasts a diverse economy with sectors like healthcare, aviation, manufacturing, and logistics. From the many hospitals in the Southside medical district, to big companies like Lockheed Martin and Bell Helicopter, to business headquarters like American Airlines, researching the job market and potential career opportunities in your field is crucial before moving.
2. Affordable Housing
Even though home prices have gone up in Fort Worth over the past few years, compared to many other major cities in Texas, Fort Worth offers relatively affordable housing options. However, prices vary across neighborhoods, so it’s essential to explore different areas to find the right fit for your budget and lifestyle. Areas like west and south Fort Worth may have less city life to offer, but they are quickly growing in their housing options.
3. Cowtown Heritage
Fort Worth embraces its Western heritage, earning the nickname “Cowtown.” You’ll find nods to its cowboy culture throughout the city, from the Fort Worth Stockyards to rodeos and western-themed events. The city is even home to notable museums like the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, as well as numerous historic buildings and markers that reflect the city’s rich western history.
4. Family Friendly Environment
Fort Worth is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, with top-rated schools, family-oriented attractions like the Fort Worth Zoo and the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, and safe suburban neighborhoods. Even downtown areas like Sundance Square provide enjoyable experiences for all family members, featuring events like the Christmas tree lighting during the holidays and splash water fountains in the spring and summer.
5. Traffic and Transportation
Fort Worth’s growing population has led to increased traffic congestion, especially during rush hours. Familiarize yourself with major highways. Know that major interstates like I-35W tend to back up in some areas as early as 3:00 on weekdays. Consider alternative routes or utilize tollways like Chisolm Trail Parkway when traveling west of downtown or the I-35W express lanes when driving north of downtown.
6. Texas Cuisine
Indulge in Texan culinary delights such as barbecue, Tex-Mex, and Southern comfort food. Fort Worth offers a wide array of dining options ranging from local BBQ joints to upscale restaurants. Famous restaurants include Joe T. Garcia’s, an iconic Fort Worth Mexican restaurant, Kincaid’s Hamburgers, an old-school burger joint with a vintage feel, or Angelo’s BBQ for an authentic barbecue experience.
7. Shopping & Nightlife
Fort Worth offers many opportunities for shopping and nightlife. It’s home to two malls: Ridgmar Mall off I-30 and Hulen Mall off I-20, with the latter offering a wider array of stores and activities. For upscale shopping, visit The Shops at Clearfork, featuring stores like Neiman Marcus Additionally, explore the numerous well-known retailers and small businesses along major roads like Camp Bowie Boulevard. For a vibrant mix of bars, restaurants, and shopping, head to West 7th Street, Fort Worth’s premier nightlife district. Here, you’ll find historic Montgomery Plaza, upscale stores like FIG Designers, and local gems like Doc’s Records and Vintage.
8. Music and Art
Although many see Fort Worth as Dallas’ little sister, Fort Worth has a growing nightlife and event scene. With the newly built Dickies Arena, even national touring artists are opting to play in Fort Worth rather than Dallas. Smaller venues like Tulips and The Cicada host a wide variety of local artists from all genres, including country, rock, rap, jazz, alternative music, and beyond. Fort Worth is also home to several vendor fairs every month, allowing you to shop local art, jewelry, and goods to support small businesses.
9. Outdoor Recreation
With over 200 parks and numerous outdoor recreational areas, Fort Worth offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, boating, and picnicking. Explore the Trinity Trails just west of downtown or spend a day at one of the many lakes nearby, such as Lake Worth (northwest Fort Worth) or Benbrook Lake (southwest Fort Worth). Whether you’re seeking a peaceful escape into nature or an active adventure under the open sky, Fort Worth’s diverse outdoor landscape awaits your exploration and enjoyment.
10. Unpredictable Weather
In recent years, the weather in north Texas has become increasingly unpredictable. While Texas summers remain hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees, even February can see highs in the 90s. In addition to the heat, snow and ice storms are becoming more frequent, leading to significant power outages due to Texas’ infrastructure being unprepared. Additionally, tornadoes always pose a risk during the transitional seasons. It’s important to be prepared for fluctuating temperatures, especially during spring and fall.
Making the Move to Fort Worth, Texas.
As you prepare to experience all that Fort Worth has to offer, armed with our insider tips, remember that moving to a new city is both exciting as well as stressful. If you’re looking for some professional help with your move, please consider reaching out to Condor Moving Systems. Whether you’re moving locally from another Texas city or heading cross-country to Cowtown, we’ve got you covered with our top-notch moving services and over 20 years of experience moving clients nationwide. Contact us today for a free moving quote and let us take care of the heavy lifting while you start your next chapter in Fort Worth.