Moving to Fort Worth: What You Need to Know
September 17, 2024 | Moving
Fort Worth is a city that resonates with those who appreciate a down-to-earth, slower paced atmosphere. It has a strong sense of community and a rich appreciation for the arts and Western culture. What sets Fort Worth apart from other major Texas cities like Dallas, Austin, or Houston, is its affordability. With a diverse range of housing options, Fort Worth is an attractive place for families, young professionals, and retirees alike.
While Fort Worth is not a suburb but a major city in its own right, it is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, often referred to as the “DFW Metroplex.” You can think of Fort Worth and Dallas as twin cities in terms of being world renown, but the two are very different when it comes to lifestyle. For example, Dallas has a reputation for being fast-paced and flashy, with a larger corporate presence.
So, if you’re moving to Texas but prefer a less densely populated area, check out Fort Worth. While Dallas and Fort Worth are roughly the same size in terms of square miles, Fort Worth’s population is approximately 935,000, while Dallas’s population hovers around 1.3 million. Explore everything you need to know about moving to Fort Worth, Texas.
The Best Time of Year to Move to Fort Worth
The best time to move to Fort Worth, Texas, typically depends on a few factors, such as weather, housing market trends, and personal circumstances. Here’s a breakdown of what it looks like to move to Fort Worth throughout the year.
- Spring (March to May): Spring is often considered the best time to move to Fort Worth. The weather is mild with temperatures ranging from the 60s to 80s (°F). This season is ideal for settling in and exploring the city before the intense summer heat arrives. The housing market tends to be active, so more options may be available, though prices can be higher.
- Fall (September to November): Fall is another great time to move, with cooler temperatures and less humidity than in summer. The housing market may be less competitive than in spring, offering better deals on rentals or homes. This season also allows for comfortable outdoor activities as you acclimate to your new surroundings.
- Winter (December to February): Winter in Fort Worth is relatively comfortable, with temperatures typically ranging from the 30s to 60s (°F). Moving in winter can sometimes lead to better deals on housing, as the market tends to slow down during this period. However, fewer housing options may be available.
- Summer (June to August): Summer is the peak moving season nationwide, so there’s a lot of activity in the housing market. However, Fort Worth’s summer temperatures can be pretty hot, often reaching the 90s and 100s (°F). If you move during this time, be prepared for the heat, but you may also find a wide range of housing options due to the high turnover.
What Makes Fort Worth So Special
Fort Worth and Dallas are only 30 miles apart and share major highways and airports, so taking advantage of everything Dallas has to offer is certainly doable. Moving to Fort Worth offers several advantages over Dallas, however. In particular, a lower overall cost of living with significant savings in housing and transportation. Also, Fort Worth boasts a diverse economy driven by aerospace, healthcare, energy, and manufacturing sectors.
Fort Worth’s special charm combines Texas culture and lifestyle with a strong sense of community. This Texan city has a rich history and plenty of interesting aspects.
- Fort Worth’s Population: Approximately 935,000 residents, making it the fifth-largest city in Texas.
- Fort Worth’s Nickname: This Texas city is affectionately known as ‘Cowtown,’ a nickname that reflects its deep roots in the cattle ranching industry and Western heritage. This historical significance adds to the city’s unique character and charm.
- Fort Worth is Known as a Cultural Hub: Home to the Cultural District with world-class museums like the Kimbell Art Museum and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
- Fort Worth Historic Stockyards: Famous for the Fort Worth Stockyards, featuring daily cattle drives, rodeos, and Western-themed attractions.
- Strong Sense of Community: Fort Worth is frequently described as having a small-town feel and neighborly vibe despite its large size.
Recreation and Outdoor Activities in Fort Worth
Fort Worth has numerous parks, trails, and outdoor spaces that residents love. The Fort Worth Botanic Garden and the Trinity Trails system offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, contributing to a high quality of life. Fort Worth offers a variety of excellent spots for outdoor recreation.
Here are some top places where locals and visitors can enjoy the great outdoors:
TRINITY TRAILS
This extensive trail system runs along the Trinity River, offering over 100 miles of trails for walking, running, biking, and even horseback riding. The trails connect many of the city’s parks and are a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts.
FORT WORTH BOTANIC GARDEN
The oldest of its type in Texas, Fort Worth Botanic Garden’s 110-acre site features a diverse array of themed gardens, including a Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, and Native Texas Boardwalk. It’s a beautiful place for a peaceful stroll or a family outing.
EAGLE MOUNTAIN LAKE
Located just north of the city, Eagle Mountain Lake is famous for boating, fishing, swimming, and watersports. The surrounding parks offer picnic areas, hiking trails, and scenic views, making it a great escape into nature.
FORT WORTH NATURE CENTER AND PRESERVE
Spanning over 3,600 acres, Fort Worth Nature Center and Preserve is one of the largest city-owned nature centers in the U.S. It features a range of habitats, including forests, prairies, and wetlands, with over 20 miles of hiking trails and opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and canoeing.
GATEWAY PARK
This large urban park is perfect for a variety of recreational activities, including disc golf, mountain biking, hiking, and sports. The park also features scenic trails along the Trinity River and is an excellent spot for families to spend a day outdoors.
FORT WORTH STOCKYARD AND STABLES
The historic Stockyards district in Fort Worth offers an authentic taste of the Old West. There are real-life cattle drives, live auctions at the Livestock Exchange Building, and rodeos at the Cowtown Coliseum.
These locations provide a mix of activities, from relaxing walks to more adventurous pursuits, making Fort Worth a great city for outdoor lovers.
Higher Education Options in Fort Worth
Fort Worth is home to several key higher education institutions contributing to the city’s academic and cultural landscape. Here are the most notable ones:
TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY (TCU)
TCU is a private university known for its vital business, education, and arts programs. It’s also recognized for its vibrant campus life and competitive athletics, particularly in football.
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER (UNTHSC)
UNTHSC is a graduate-level institution that is a hub for groundbreaking research in health sciences. Its medicine, pharmacy, public health, and biomedical sciences programs, coupled with its leading role in health research and education, inspire innovation in the region.
TEXAS WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY
A private university focused on liberal arts and professional programs, Texas Wesleyan is known for its intimate learning environment and robust programs in business, law, and the performing arts.
TARRANT COUNTY COLLEGE (TCC)
TCC, a large community college system offering several associate degree programs, certifications, and continuing education opportunities. Its focus on workforce development reassures the community of its commitment to professional growth.
These institutions, with their diverse offerings and vital academic and research programs, significantly shape the educational and professional landscape of Fort Worth.
Plan for Your Fort Worth Move with Metro Self Storage
If you’re considering moving to Fort Worth, you’ll enjoy discovering everything this vibrant city offers. For a stress-free move, consider storing your items in self storage while you find the perfect place to live. When you choose Metro Self Storage, our friendly storage team will help you find the ideal business or household unit to meet your needs. We offer plenty of convenient amenities like complimentary carts, drive-up access units, boxes, moving supplies, and more.
We invite you to choose a clean and reliable storage facility in Fort Worth and find out how stress-free storage can be!
