Complete Guide to Moving to Fort Worth TX

Fort Worth, Texas is a dynamic, culturally rich city of approximately 950,000 residents — the fifth-largest city in Texas and thirteenth-largest in the United States — anchoring the western half of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, the fourth-largest metro area in the nation. Fort Worth has long distinguished itself from its eastern neighbor Dallas through a proudly cultivated Western heritage, a world-class museum district, and a community character that manages to feel genuinely welcoming and approachable despite its impressive scale. From the neon signs of the Stockyards National Historic District to the Kimbell Art Museum's internationally recognized collection, from the bustling Near Southside dining corridor to the sweeping trails of Benbrook Lake, Fort Worth delivers an extraordinary range of experiences for a city of its size. Add in strong employment across aerospace, healthcare, logistics, and technology; outstanding neighborhoods across every price point; excellent schools; and Texas's zero state income tax — and Fort Worth emerges as one of the most compelling relocation destinations in the South.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about moving to Fort Worth, from finding the right neighborhood to setting up utilities, schools, healthcare, and discovering the very best the city has to offer.

Quick Facts:

Population: ~950,000 (city); ~8 million (DFW Metroplex)
Counties: Tarrant County (primarily), with portions in Denton and Parker Counties
No Texas state income tax
Home to the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District
World-class Cultural District with Kimbell, Modern, and Amon Carter museums
Major aerospace and defense hub (Lockheed Martin, Bell, American Airlines)
Texas Christian University (TCU) — Big 12 university in the heart of the city
Named "City of Cowboys and Culture" — western heritage meets urban sophistication

1. WHY CHOOSE FORT WORTH?

Cowboys and Culture — An Identity Unlike Any Other American City

Fort Worth has a self-confidence about who it is that most American cities would envy. The Stockyards still hold a twice-daily longhorn cattle drive down Exchange Avenue — the only one in the world. Cowboys in working boots share sidewalks with museum-goers browsing the Kimbell's Rembrandts and Picassos. The city's motto, "City of Cowboys and Culture," isn't marketing spin — it's an accurate shorthand for a genuinely distinctive urban identity that embraces both its frontier roots and its world-class cultural ambitions without apology.

Fort Worth Stockyards — Living national historic district with the world's only twice-daily cattle drive
World-class Cultural District — Kimbell Art Museum, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Amon Carter Museum, and more within walking distance of each other
Genuine Western heritage — Not nostalgia, but an actively maintained connection to ranching and rodeo culture
Approachable city character — Fort Worth is consistently cited as more welcoming and community-oriented than Dallas
National recognition — Ranked among the best large cities to live in Texas by multiple major publications

Economic Powerhouse with Diversified Industries

Fort Worth is one of the most economically powerful mid-size cities in the United States, home to major global corporations in aerospace, aviation, defense, logistics, financial services, and healthcare. The employment base is deep and diversified — a significant advantage over single-industry cities — and continues to grow as companies relocate to or expand within the DFW Metroplex.

Lockheed Martin's largest manufacturing facility (F-35 production)
American Airlines global headquarters
Bell Textron helicopter manufacturing
BNSF Railway global headquarters
Alcon, TPG, and other major corporations
Growing technology and healthcare sectors

Exceptional Value Within the DFW Metroplex

Fort Worth consistently offers better housing value than comparable Dallas neighborhoods, with lower median home prices and a broader range of attainable options across every income level. The combination of affordability, DFW employment access, and quality of life makes Fort Worth one of the most rational housing choices in the entire Metroplex.

World-Class Parks and Outdoor Recreation

Fort Worth has invested heavily in parks, trails, and outdoor spaces. The Trinity Trail system spans over 100 miles of paved paths along the Trinity River and its tributaries, connecting neighborhoods across the city. Lake Worth, Eagle Mountain Lake, and Benbrook Lake provide water recreation within 20-30 minutes of downtown, while the Tandy Hills Natural Area preserves a rare patch of native prairie within the city limits.

TCU and a Vibrant University Culture

Texas Christian University's Horned Frogs — now competing in the Big 12 — bring significant energy, culture, and economic activity to Fort Worth's near-south neighborhoods. The university's 157-acre campus is beautiful, its athletics are compelling, and the TCU area neighborhoods rank among Fort Worth's most desirable residential districts.

2. NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITIES IN FORT WORTH

Fort Worth's neighborhoods span a remarkable range — from historic urban bungalow districts to sprawling western suburban developments. Here are the key areas to understand when choosing where to live.

Sundance Square / Downtown — Urban Core Living

Fort Worth's downtown is one of the most vibrant and livable urban cores in Texas. Sundance Square, the privately managed entertainment and retail district at the heart of downtown, keeps the streets active with restaurants, bars, retail, and events. Downtown Fort Worth offers loft conversions, high-rise condos, and apartment towers catering to young professionals and empty nesters who want an urban lifestyle with strong walkability.

High-rise and mid-rise condos and apartments
Excellent walkability to dining, entertainment, and employment
Strong public transit connections
Vibrant street life anchored by Sundance Square
Premium pricing for premium urban convenience
Active arts and cultural scene steps away

TCU / Westcliff — Premier Residential Area

The neighborhoods surrounding Texas Christian University — including Westcliff, Tanglewood, and Ridglea — are consistently Fort Worth's most sought-after residential areas. Tree-lined streets, excellent schools, proximity to the Cultural District, and a walkable connection to the Magnolia Avenue dining and nightlife corridor make this area the top choice for professionals, families, and anyone seeking Fort Worth's best address.

Beautifully maintained homes with mature tree canopy
Walking distance to TCU campus and Magnolia Avenue
Proximity to the Cultural District
Outstanding public and private school access
Strong property values and consistent appreciation
Active neighborhood association culture

Near Southside / Fairmount — Historic and Artsy

The Near Southside is Fort Worth's most rapidly evolving neighborhood, centered on the Magnolia Avenue and Rosedale Street corridors. Once a transitional area, it has blossomed into one of the city's most exciting dining and entertainment districts, while retaining a diverse, creative residential character that draws artists, young professionals, and urban pioneers. Historic craftsman bungalows predominate, and the neighborhood association (Near Southside Inc.) has driven remarkable investment in the public realm.

Historic craftsman bungalows and early 20th-century homes
Heart of Fort Worth's best dining and nightlife corridor
Strong arts and creative community
More affordable entry point than the TCU area
Rapid appreciation driven by neighborhood investment
Walkable to restaurants, bars, and independent shops

Aledo / Weatherford Area — Western Suburbs

West of Fort Worth, communities like Aledo (served by highly-rated Aledo ISD) and Weatherford offer a distinctly Western Texas character — horses, acreage properties, and small-town charm — within commuting distance of Fort Worth's employment centers. These areas attract buyers who want more land and a rural lifestyle while maintaining DFW metro access.

Acreage and horse properties available
Aledo ISD — one of the highest-rated school districts in Tarrant County
Western lifestyle with genuine small-town character
More affordable land and home prices than inner Fort Worth
Growing commercial development along I-20
Parker County property taxes lower than Tarrant County

Keller / North Fort Worth — Suburban Families

North Fort Worth and the Keller area (see also the separate Keller guide) represent some of the DFW Metroplex's top suburban family destinations, with outstanding school districts, master-planned communities, and strong retail and dining corridors. These northern suburbs appeal to families prioritizing school quality and suburban amenities.

Wedgwood / Southwest Fort Worth — Affordable Established Living

Southwest Fort Worth neighborhoods like Wedgwood offer older, well-maintained homes on spacious lots at more affordable price points than the TCU area or north suburbs, with reasonable access to both downtown and the growing southwest employment corridor along I-20 and US-287.

Affordable established homes with larger lot sizes
Good school access in Fort Worth ISD
Convenient to I-20 and US-287 for commuters
Family-oriented neighborhoods with long-term residents
More house for the money than comparable north neighborhoods

3. COST OF LIVING IN FORT WORTH

Fort Worth's cost of living is slightly below the national average, making it one of the best large-city values in the United States — particularly given the quality of life, employment opportunities, and cultural amenities it delivers.

Cost of Living Comparison (National Average = 100)

Overall Cost of Living: ~96 (4% below national average)
Housing: ~90 (10% below national average)
Groceries: ~98 (near national average)
Utilities: ~107 (slightly above; Texas summer cooling costs)
Transportation: ~102 (near national average; car-dependent metro)
Healthcare: ~96 (4% below national average)

What These Numbers Mean for You

Fort Worth's most compelling financial feature is its housing value relative to its peer cities. A city of comparable size, economic opportunity, and cultural richness in the Northeast or California would cost 50-100% more for equivalent housing. Even within DFW, Fort Worth generally runs 10-15% less expensive than comparable Dallas neighborhoods. Combined with Texas's zero income tax, Fort Worth residents retain significantly more of their income than counterparts in high-tax states.

Monthly Budget Estimates

Single Person Renter - Approximately $4,200/month

Housing (rent): $1,300 - $1,700
Groceries: $500
Utilities: $160 - $250
Transportation: $450
Healthcare: $120
Other expenses: $650

Family of Four (Homeowner) - Approximately $8,000/month

Housing (mortgage, taxes, insurance): $2,400 - $3,000
Groceries: $1,200
Utilities: $320 - $500
Transportation: $950
Healthcare: $380
Other expenses: $1,100

Texas Tax Considerations

No state income tax — Major financial advantage over most states
Property tax rate: Tarrant County effective rate approximately 2.2% - 2.6%
Homestead exemption: $100,000 exemption on school district taxable value
Over-65 freeze: Property tax caps for qualifying senior homeowners
Sales tax: 8.25% combined state and local rate

4. HOUSING MARKET OVERVIEW

The Fort Worth Rental Market

Fort Worth's rental market is deep and diverse, ranging from downtown high-rise apartments to single-family homes in established neighborhoods and new apartment communities in suburban growth corridors.

Average Rental Rates by Size:

Studio/1-Bedroom Apartments: $1,100 - $1,500/month
2-Bedroom Apartments: $1,400 - $2,000/month
3-Bedroom Homes: $1,800 - $2,800/month
4-Bedroom Homes: $2,200 - $3,500/month

What's Typically Included: Most apartments include water and trash; tenants pay electricity (deregulated provider of your choice via Oncor distribution network), natural gas (Atmos Energy), and internet separately. Single-family rentals typically require tenants to set up all utilities.

Home Buying in Fort Worth

Median Home Prices: $310,000 - $380,000

Price Ranges by Area:

Starter homes and outer neighborhoods: $220,000 - $320,000
Mid-range established neighborhoods: $310,000 - $480,000
TCU / Westcliff premium areas: $450,000 - $900,000
Downtown condos and lofts: $300,000 - $700,000+
New construction suburban: $350,000 - $600,000
Aledo / western acreage: $400,000 - $800,000+

Home Types Available:

Historic craftsman bungalows and early 20th-century homes (Near Southside, Fairmount)
Ranch-style suburban homes
New construction in master-planned communities
High-rise and mid-rise downtown condos
Custom homes with acreage in western suburbs
Townhomes near TCU and Near Southside

Property Taxes in Fort Worth

Tarrant County property taxes are meaningful. On a $350,000 home with homestead exemption applied, expect annual taxes of approximately $7,000 - $9,000. File your homestead exemption promptly after purchase to reduce your taxable value by $100,000 on the school district portion.

5. SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION

Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD)

Fort Worth ISD is one of Texas's largest school districts, serving approximately 73,000 students across 145+ campuses. The district has made significant strides in academic outcomes and offers specialized magnet and career programs alongside its comprehensive neighborhood schools.

Notable FWISD Schools and Programs:

Paschal High School — Historic campus with strong academic and fine arts traditions
Carter-Riverside High School — IB (International Baccalaureate) program
Young Men's Leadership Academy / Young Women's Leadership Academy — Single-gender college-prep magnets
Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts — Performing and visual arts focus
Brewer High School (White Settlement ISD) — Strong academics in the western Fort Worth area

Suburban School Districts

Many Fort Worth residents choose outlying school districts by selecting neighborhoods accordingly:

Keller ISD — Highly rated, north of Fort Worth; see Keller guide
Aledo ISD — Consistently among Texas's top-rated districts; west of Fort Worth
Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD — Northwest Fort Worth; growing district with newer facilities
Crowley ISD — Southwest Fort Worth area; expanding district
Mansfield ISD — Southeast; well-regarded suburban district

Private and Charter Schools

All Saints' Episcopal School (K-12, nationally recognized)
Fort Worth Country Day School (K-12, independent)
Nolan Catholic High School
Trinity Valley School
Numerous other faith-based options throughout the city

Higher Education

Texas Christian University (TCU)

Private university; ~11,000 students; Big 12 athletics
Nationally ranked business (Neeley), nursing, and education programs
Beautiful 157-acre campus in the heart of Fort Worth
Strong community ties and economic impact

University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC)

Medical and health sciences programs in Fort Worth
Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Graduate programs in biomedical sciences and public health

Tarrant County College (TCC)

One of Texas's largest community colleges
Multiple campuses throughout Fort Worth and Tarrant County
Affordable two-year degrees, workforce certificates, and transfer pathways

Texas Wesleyan University

Private liberal arts university in east Fort Worth
Law school and graduate programs

6. EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMY

Economic Overview

Fort Worth anchors one of the most economically powerful metro areas in the United States. The city's economy is notably diversified across aerospace and defense, aviation, logistics, financial services, healthcare, education, and a growing technology sector — providing employment stability that single-industry cities cannot match.

Economic Indicators:

Median household income: approximately $62,000
Unemployment consistently near or below national average
One of the fastest-growing large cities in the US over the past decade
Strong corporate headquarters concentration

Major Employers

Aerospace and Defense:

Lockheed Martin — Fort Worth's largest private employer; produces F-35 Lightning II fighter jets at the Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base
Bell Textron — V-22 Osprey and helicopter manufacturing
Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base — Military installation within city limits

Aviation and Logistics:

American Airlines — Global headquarters in Fort Worth (DFW Airport area)
BNSF Railway — Global headquarters; one of North America's largest freight rail companies
FedEx, UPS, Amazon — Major distribution and logistics operations

Healthcare:

Texas Health Resources (THR) — Major regional health system
Cook Children's Health Care System
Baylor Scott & White — Multiple Fort Worth campuses
JPS Health Network — County health system

Financial Services and Technology:

TPG Capital — Global private equity firm headquartered in Fort Worth
Alcon — Global eye care company HQ
D.R. Horton — Largest US homebuilder, headquartered in Fort Worth
Charles Schwab — Regional operations (headquartered in Westlake)

Remote Work

Fort Worth is increasingly attractive to remote workers who want big-city cultural amenities and a central US location at costs far below coastal metros. The city's improving broadband infrastructure, growing coworking space ecosystem, and welcoming community culture make it a strong remote work destination within the DFW Metroplex.

7. TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS

Driving and Highway Access

Fort Worth is a car-dependent city, but its highway network is among the best in Texas, and intra-city commutes are generally less congested than Dallas.

Major Routes:

Interstate 35W — Primary north-south spine; to Dallas/DFW Airport north; to Burleson and Waco south
Interstate 30 — East-west to Dallas (30 miles); west to Weatherford
Interstate 20 — Southern route east toward Arlington and Dallas; west toward Abilene
Loop 820 — Beltway encircling Fort Worth
TX-121 / SH-183 — Northeast to DFW Airport and Mid-Cities
US-377 / Jacksboro Hwy — North to Keller and beyond

Commute Times from Fort Worth:

Within Fort Worth: 15-25 minutes most destinations
To DFW Airport: 20-30 minutes
To Dallas downtown: 30-45 minutes (off-peak); 60-75 min (peak)
To Arlington: 20-30 minutes
To Burleson: 20-25 minutes
To Weatherford: 25-30 minutes

Public Transportation

Trinity Metro (Fort Worth's Transit Authority)

Fixed-route bus network throughout Fort Worth
TEXRail — Commuter rail from downtown Fort Worth to DFW Airport Terminal B (37 minutes); connects to DART Orange Line for Dallas access
Trinity Railway Express (TRE) — Commuter rail from downtown Fort Worth to downtown Dallas (60 minutes); shared with Dallas DART
Affordable fares; good downtown connectivity

Air Travel

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

25-30 minutes from downtown Fort Worth
One of the world's busiest airports; American Airlines hub
Nonstop service to 200+ destinations globally

Fort Worth Meacham International Airport

General aviation and charter flights within Fort Worth
No scheduled commercial service

8. SELF-STORAGE SOLUTIONS IN FORT WORTH

Why Storage Matters When Moving to Fort Worth

Fort Worth's robust growth — as one of the fastest-growing large cities in the United States — means a constant stream of residents moving in, moving within the city, and transitioning between housing types. Whether you're an aerospace professional relocating for a Lockheed Martin or Bell Textron position, a military family PCSing to Naval Air Station Fort Worth, a remote worker downsizing from a coastal city, or a growing family transitioning to a larger home, quality self-storage plays a practical role in making your Fort Worth move smoother.

Common Storage Needs in Fort Worth:

Bridging the timing gap between your current lease end and new home closing
Temporary storage during home renovations or staging for sale
Military PCS storage for NAS Fort Worth families
Storing overflow furniture when downsizing from a larger home
Business inventory storage for local entrepreneurs and contractors
Seasonal storage for holiday décor, sporting equipment, and outdoor gear
Vehicle, motorcycle, RV, and boat storage
College student storage between semesters at TCU or TCC

Choose 10 Federal Storage in Fort Worth

10 Federal Storage brings the same commitment to quality, security, and customer service that Fort Worth residents expect in every aspect of their lives. With facilities designed for the demands of Texas's climate and the needs of a rapidly growing city, 10 Federal Storage is the clear choice for Fort Worth area storage.

Why 10 Federal Storage?

State-of-the-Art Security:

24/7 video surveillance throughout the facility
Individual unit alarms for maximum protection
Secure gated access with personalized entry codes
Well-lit facilities for safe access at any hour
Professional on-site management during business hours

Climate-Controlled Units — Essential in North Texas:

Fort Worth's climate features hot, humid summers (heat index often exceeds 105°F) and occasional hard freezes in winter. Climate-controlled storage protects:

Wood furniture and antiques from humidity and temperature swings
Electronics and appliances
Documents, photos, and records
Wine and collectibles
Musical instruments
Clothing and leather goods

Flexible Unit Sizes:

Small units (5x5, 5x10) — Seasonal gear, college student storage, small business files
Medium units (10x10, 10x15) — One to two bedroom apartment or home contents
Large units (10x20, 10x30) — Full household storage during moves or renovations
Vehicle storage — Car, truck, motorcycle, RV, or boat

Convenient Features:

Extended access hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM, seven days a week
Drive-up units for easy loading
Month-to-month rental agreements
Easy online payment
Military and senior discounts available
Special promotions including first month free

Contact 10 Federal Storage in Fort Worth

Rent your unit online at 10federalstorage.com or call to speak with a storage specialist.

9. UTILITIES AND SERVICES

Electric Service — Deregulated Texas Market

Fort Worth is served by Oncor's distribution network and participates in Texas's deregulated electricity market. This means you choose your own Retail Electric Provider (REP) — you are not automatically assigned a provider when you move in.

Distribution Provider (infrastructure only): Oncor Electric Delivery
Oncor maintains the physical power lines and responds to outages but does not sell electricity to consumers.

Choosing a Retail Electric Provider:

Visit PowerToChoose.org — the Texas PUC's official comparison tool
Compare rates (cents per kWh), contract length, and green energy options
Popular providers: TXU Energy, Reliant, Direct Energy, Gexa Energy, Green Mountain Energy
Set up your account at least 3-5 business days before your move-in date
Choose a fixed-rate plan to avoid summer price spikes

Average Monthly Electric Costs: $110 - $170 (mild months); $220 - $380 (peak summer)

Natural Gas Service

Provider: Atmos Energy
Phone: 1-888-286-6700
Website: www.atmosenergy.com

Average Monthly Gas Costs: $30 - $70 (mild months); $90 - $160 (winter heating)

Water and Sewer Services

Provider: City of Fort Worth Water Department
Phone: (817) 392-4477
Website: www.fortworthtexas.gov/water

Average Monthly Water/Sewer Costs: $55 - $95

Note: Suburban Fort Worth communities (Keller, Mansfield, Crowley, etc.) may be served by their own municipal water providers. Confirm with your specific municipality.

Trash Collection and Recycling

Provider: City of Fort Worth Code Department (Environmental Services)
Phone: (817) 392-1234

The City of Fort Worth provides weekly curbside trash and recycling pickup for residential properties within city limits. Large-item pickup is available on a scheduled basis. Residents in unincorporated Tarrant County areas contract separately with private haulers.

Internet and Cable Television

Spectrum (Charter Communications)

Primary cable internet provider across most of Fort Worth
Speeds up to 1 Gbps
Cable television packages available

AT&T Fiber

Fiber internet expanding rapidly throughout Fort Worth
Highly recommended where available — symmetrical gigabit speeds

Google Fiber

Available in select Fort Worth neighborhoods
Gigabit speeds at competitive pricing

10. HEALTHCARE FACILITIES IN FORT WORTH

Hospitals and Emergency Care

Cook Children's Medical Center
Address: 801 7th Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76104
Phone: (682) 885-4000

One of the nation's premier free-standing children's hospitals
Comprehensive pediatric specialty care
Pediatric Level I Trauma Center
Regional leader in pediatric oncology, cardiology, and neuroscience

Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth
Address: 1301 Pennsylvania Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76104
Phone: (817) 250-2000

Large full-service hospital; part of Texas Health Resources system
Level II Trauma Center
Heart and vascular center
Women's and maternity services
Orthopedic and spine care

Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center
Address: 1400 8th Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76104
Phone: (817) 926-2544

Full-service hospital with comprehensive specialty care
Cancer center
Cardiac services
Women's health

JPS Health Network
Address: 1500 S Main St, Fort Worth, TX 76104
Phone: (817) 921-3431

Tarrant County's public health system
Level I Trauma Center
Comprehensive safety-net services
Primary care clinics throughout the county

Specialty Care

Fort Worth's healthcare ecosystem is deep and comprehensive, with UNTHSC's medical school training physicians locally and strong subspecialty care across cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, neurology, women's health, and pediatrics. Cook Children's is nationally recognized as one of the top pediatric hospitals in the country — a major asset for families.

11. RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT

The Fort Worth Stockyards

The Stockyards National Historic District is unlike any urban attraction in America. Exchange Avenue's honky-tonks, Western wear shops, and livestock auction heritage are fully alive — and twice daily, a working cattle drive of Texas Longhorns moves down the street. The Stockyards Championship Rodeo performs every Friday and Saturday night. Billy Bob's Texas — the world's largest honky-tonk — anchors the entertainment end with live country music and Texas two-stepping that draws visitors from across the globe.

Cultural District

Kimbell Art Museum — Internationally recognized collection in Louis Kahn's masterpiece building; one of America's finest small museums
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth — Stunning Tadao Ando building with a world-class contemporary collection
Amon Carter Museum of American Art — Premier collection of American art and photography
Sid Richardson Museum — Western American art with Remington and Russell works
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History — Outstanding for families with children

Outdoor Recreation

Trinity Trails — 100+ miles of paved multi-use trails along the Trinity River system; Fort Worth's outdoor crown jewel
Benbrook Lake — US Army Corps of Engineers lake with boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking, 20 minutes southwest
Eagle Mountain Lake — Large recreational lake northwest of Fort Worth; boating, fishing, and lakefront dining
Fort Worth Botanic Garden — 109 acres of gardens; the oldest botanic garden in Texas
Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge — 3,600 acres of native habitat with hiking trails and Texas wildlife

Dining

Fort Worth's dining scene has exploded in recent years, with the Near Southside / Magnolia Avenue corridor emerging as one of the most exciting restaurant strips in Texas:

Reata Restaurant — Fort Worth's iconic upscale Texas ranch cuisine; celebrated for tenderloin tamales and cowboy ribeye; a Sundance Square institution
Joe T. Garcia's — A Fort Worth legend since 1935; outdoor patio dining, margaritas, and classic Mexican food in a sprawling historic setting — cash only, no menu, family-style
Lonesome Dove Western Bistro (Tim Love) — James Beard-nominated chef Tim Love's flagship; adventurous menu rooted in Western game and locally sourced ingredients
Fixture Kitchen & Social Lounge — Magnolia Avenue cornerstone with great cocktails and upscale American fare
Woodshed Smokehouse (Tim Love) — Riverside smoked meats and Texas flavors along the Trinity; exceptional outdoor setting
La Familia — Award-winning neighborhood Mexican restaurant on the Near Southside
Press Café — Popular Magnolia Ave breakfast and brunch spot
Heim Barbecue — Widely regarded as one of the best BBQ operations in DFW; known for the bacon burnt ends
Pangea — Creative global cuisine in the Cultural District area

Nightlife and Entertainment

Billy Bob's Texas — World's largest honky-tonk; live bull riding, major country music acts, and Texas two-step dancing in the Stockyards
Sundance Square — Downtown's pedestrian entertainment district with bars, restaurants, and live music venues
Magnolia Avenue corridor — Fort Worth's hippest bar and nightlife strip with craft cocktail bars, live music venues, and neighborhood pubs
Bass Performance Hall — Stunning concert venue; home to Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Texas Ballet Theater, and major touring performances
Dickies Arena — Major arena for concerts, NHL preseason hockey, rodeo, and major events
Panther Island Pavilion — Outdoor concert venue on the Trinity River
Fort Worth Cats / Texas Rangers — Minor and major league baseball nearby

Shopping

Sundance Square — Boutique retail, national brands, and local shops in the downtown pedestrian district
University Park Village — Open-air lifestyle center adjacent to TCU with national retailers and dining
Clearfork — Fort Worth's premier luxury lifestyle center with high-end retail and restaurants in the River District
Alliance Town Center (North Fort Worth) — Large open-air regional center with national retailers and dining
Fort Worth Stockyards — Western wear (Luskey's, M.L. Leddy's), leather goods, and authentic cowboy outfitters
Near Southside boutiques — Independent shops along Magnolia and Rosedale

12. COMPLETE MOVING CHECKLIST

8 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING

Research and Planning:

Research Fort Worth neighborhoods using this guide; identify priority areas based on commute, schools, and lifestyle
Determine housing budget accounting for Tarrant County property taxes
Begin property search with a Fort Worth-area real estate agent
Research school district options by neighborhood if you have children
Get at least three moving company quotes
Create a comprehensive moving budget
Begin decluttering

6 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING

Secure Housing:

Finalize purchase or rental agreement
Pay deposits and complete required paperwork
Take photos of new home before move-in
Measure rooms to plan furniture placement

Book Services:

Reserve moving company or rental truck
Reserve storage unit with 10 Federal Storage if needed
Purchase moving insurance if applicable

Employment and Schools:

Notify current employer of move if changing jobs
Contact your new school district about enrollment requirements
Request school records transfer for children

4 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING

Address Changes and Utilities:

Submit USPS change of address online
Select a Retail Electric Provider at PowerToChoose.org and set service start date
Contact Atmos Energy for gas service: 1-888-286-6700
Contact City of Fort Worth Water for water/sewer service: (817) 392-4477
Contact City Code Dept for trash/recycling: (817) 392-1234
Schedule internet installation (Spectrum, AT&T Fiber, or Google Fiber)
Update all insurance policies with new address

Healthcare Transitions:

Schedule final appointments with current providers
Request medical and dental records transfer
Transfer prescriptions to a Fort Worth pharmacy
Research primary care providers in Fort Worth

2 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING

Confirm electricity provider account and start date
Confirm all utility activation dates
Confirm moving company reservation
Verify 10 Federal Storage reservation if applicable
Complete school enrollment paperwork

1 WEEK BEFORE MOVING

Pack essentials box (medications, documents, chargers, first-night items)
Monitor weather — North Texas can produce severe thunderstorms and occasional winter ice
Confirm moving day details with the moving company
Clean out and defrost refrigerator/freezer

MOVING DAY

Complete final walkthrough of current property
Take dated photos of property condition
Verify all utilities scheduled for disconnection
At new Fort Worth home: confirm electricity, water, and gas are active
Locate water main shutoff, electrical panel, and gas shutoff
Direct movers and inspect for damages on delivery

FIRST WEEK AFTER MOVING

Government and Legal:

Update Texas driver's license at Texas DPS (within 30 days)
Register vehicles in Texas (within 30 days); get safety inspection
Register to vote in Tarrant County at tarrantcountytx.gov
File homestead exemption with Tarrant Appraisal District after purchase

Community Integration:

Visit the Stockyards — watch the cattle drive, explore Exchange Avenue
Walk the Trinity Trails near your neighborhood
Have dinner on Magnolia Avenue — your new favorite dining strip
Visit the Kimbell or the Cultural District
Explore Sundance Square and downtown Fort Worth

FIRST MONTH AFTER MOVING

Finish unpacking and organize storage areas
Establish care with a primary care physician
Find a dentist and schedule a cleaning
Update all insurance with new Texas address
Catch a TCU Horned Frogs game if in season
Attend a Stockyards Championship Rodeo
Connect with the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
Explore all four seasons of events at Bass Performance Hall

WELCOME TO FORT WORTH

Congratulations on choosing Fort Worth — the City of Cowboys and Culture! You're joining one of America's most distinctive, dynamic, and welcoming cities.

Fort Worth offers an exceptional combination of:

✓ Unique Identity — Cowboys and Culture unlike any other American city
✓ Economic Powerhouse — Aerospace, aviation, logistics, healthcare, and growing tech
✓ World-Class Culture — Kimbell, Modern, Amon Carter, and Bass Performance Hall
✓ Outstanding Value — Great housing relative to Dallas and comparable US cities
✓ Excellent Recreation — Trinity Trails, lakes, and parks throughout the city
✓ Incredible Dining — From Joe T. Garcia's to Heim BBQ to Tim Love's empire
✓ Strong Schools — Multiple outstanding ISD options within the metro
✓ No State Income Tax — Texas's lasting financial advantage

Don't forget that 10 Federal Storage is here to support your move with secure storage solutions, climate-controlled units, and exceptional customer service throughout your Fort Worth relocation.

Welcome to Fort Worth — where the West begins and the culture never ends.

For more information, visit the City of Fort Worth at www.fortworthtexas.gov or contact the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce at (817) 336-2491.

About 10 Federal Storage

10 Federal Storage provides premier self-storage solutions in Fort Worth and across the DFW Metroplex with state-of-the-art security, climate-controlled units, and flexible rental terms. Contact us today to find the perfect storage solution for your Fort Worth relocation.

The Complete Guide to Moving to Fort Worth, Texas