Complete Guide to Moving to North Richland Hills TX

North Richland Hills, Texas — known locally as NRH — is a vibrant mid-size city of approximately 75,000 residents located in Tarrant County, nestled between Fort Worth (12 miles west) and Hurst-Euless-Bedford in the Mid-Cities region of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Incorporated in 1953, NRH has grown from a modest bedroom community into a polished, full-service city with excellent parks, nationally recognized public safety, award-winning schools, and a thriving local economy. NRH regularly earns spots on national "best places to live" rankings for its combination of suburban amenities, low crime, quality services, and genuine community pride. For families, young professionals, and anyone looking for an established DFW community with character and convenience, North Richland Hills deserves a serious look.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about moving to North Richland Hills — from neighborhoods and schools to housing, employment, recreation, and storage solutions for your move.

Quick Facts:

Population approximately 75,000
Tarrant County, DFW Mid-Cities region
12 miles northeast of downtown Fort Worth
15 miles northwest of Dallas/Arlington
Home of NYTEX Sports Centre and NRH2O Family Water Park
Birdville ISD — well-regarded Tarrant County school district
No state income tax in Texas
Consistently ranked among safest DFW cities

1. WHY CHOOSE NORTH RICHLAND HILLS?

DFW Mid-Cities Convenience

NRH sits at the geographic and logistical sweet spot of the DFW Metroplex. Downtown Fort Worth is 12 miles west; DFW International Airport is 15 miles north; AT&T Stadium and the Arlington entertainment district is 15 miles south. Residents enjoy all the opportunities of the full DFW metro while living in a city that functions cohesively and feels genuinely like home rather than an anonymous sprawl.

Award-Winning Parks and Recreation

NRH is nationally recognized for its parks system. The city maintains over 50 parks totaling more than 1,500 acres of green space, including the beloved Iron Horse Golf Course, NRH2O Family Water Park, NYTEX Sports Centre, and an extensive trail network. The quality of the parks department contributes significantly to NRH's consistent "best places to live" rankings.

Low Crime and Strong Public Safety

North Richland Hills consistently posts crime rates significantly below state and national averages and is regularly recognized as one of the safest cities in the DFW Metroplex. The NRH Police and Fire departments are well-funded and maintain strong community presence.

Established Community Character

Unlike many DFW communities still in rapid development phases, NRH is mature and established. Tree-lined neighborhoods have decades of growth. Community events, local businesses, and civic institutions have deep roots. Residents choose NRH because it feels like a real city with a real identity — not just another subdivision development.

No State Income Tax

Texas has no personal income tax, providing significant financial benefit to NRH residents compared to similarly sized cities in other states.

2. NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITIES IN NORTH RICHLAND HILLS

North Hills Area

NRH's northern neighborhoods tend toward established mid-century and early 1990s homes with mature trees, larger lots, and quiet residential character.

Mature landscaping and established neighborhoods
Generally larger lot sizes than newer suburban developments
Proximity to regional parks and green space
Mix of long-term residents and new families

Iron Horse / NRH Centre Area

The central area around Iron Horse Golf Course and the NRH Centre community recreation complex offers easy access to the city's premier amenities. Homes in this area are popular with active families who value walkable access to parks, trails, and recreation.

Smithfield Historic District

The Smithfield area in the eastern portion of NRH retains a historic character with older homes, a distinctive identity, and proximity to Trinity Metro's Trinity Railway Express commuter rail at the Smithfield station — a rare transit amenity in suburban DFW.

Walkable access to Trinity Railway Express (TRE) commuter rail
Historic neighborhood feel
Growing local restaurant and small business scene

Southwest NRH

The southwestern portions of NRH near Loop 820 offer strong access to Hurst-Euless-Bedford commercial corridors and quick highway connections to Fort Worth and DFW Airport.

3. COST OF LIVING IN NORTH RICHLAND HILLS

NRH's cost of living is near or slightly above the national average — comparable to the DFW mid-cities region generally.

Cost of Living Index (National Average = 100)

Overall: 100–105
Housing: 100 (moderate by DFW standards)
Groceries: 99
Utilities: 103
Transportation: 102
Healthcare: 98

Monthly Budget Estimates

Single Person Renter — ~$4,200/month: Housing $1,300 · Groceries $600 · Utilities $180 · Transportation $440 · Healthcare $110 · Other $1,570

Family of Four (Homeowner) — ~$8,400/month: Housing (PITI) $2,300 · Groceries $1,300 · Utilities $420 · Transportation $900 · Healthcare $340 · Other $3,140

4. HOUSING MARKET OVERVIEW

Rental Market

NRH has a strong rental market with a mix of apartment communities, single-family rentals, and townhomes. Turnover is steady given the city's position in the DFW employment market.

1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,100–$1,500/month
2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,400–$2,000/month
3-Bedroom Single-Family: $1,800–$2,600/month
4-Bedroom Single-Family: $2,200–$3,200/month

Home Buying

Median Home Prices: $380,000–$480,000

Starter homes (3BR/2BA): $320,000–$420,000
4-Bedroom family homes: $400,000–$560,000
Larger / updated homes: $500,000–$750,000+

Property Taxes

Tarrant County property taxes run approximately 2.0–2.5% of assessed value. On a $430,000 home, expect roughly $8,600–$10,750 annually. File homestead exemption with the Tarrant County Appraisal District after purchase to reduce your taxable value on your primary residence.

5. SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION

Birdville Independent School District

Most NRH students attend Birdville ISD, a highly regarded Tarrant County district serving approximately 24,000 students across NRH, Richland Hills, Haltom City, and surrounding communities. The district consistently earns strong state accountability ratings and is known for its commitment to fine arts, athletics, and college preparation.

Richland High School — Large, comprehensive high school with robust athletics, fine arts, and AP programs
Birdville High School — Additional high school option depending on address
Award-winning performing arts programs districtwide
Multiple National Blue Ribbon campuses in the district

Keller ISD

A small portion of NRH's northwestern area falls within Keller ISD, another highly regarded Tarrant County district. Confirm your specific school assignment with the appropriate district.

Higher Education

Tarrant County College — Northeast Campus is approximately 5 miles north in Hurst, offering affordable two-year degrees and university transfer programs. Texas Wesleyan University is in Fort Worth (15 minutes west), and major research universities including UT Arlington (20 minutes east) and TCU (20 minutes southwest) are within easy reach.

6. EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMY

NRH residents benefit from access to the full DFW employment market — one of the largest and most diverse in the country:

Fort Worth Employment Corridor — American Airlines HQ, BNSF Railway, Lockheed Martin, and major healthcare systems (12 miles west)
DFW Airport — 15 miles north; massive aviation employment hub for airlines, cargo, and hospitality
Mid-Cities Corridor — Hurst, Euless, Bedford business parks along SH-183/360
North Fort Worth / Alliance Area — Rapidly growing industrial and logistics employment (20 miles northwest)
Las Colinas / Irving — Corporate campuses including Exxon, GTE Financial, and others (20 miles east)

7. TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS

Loop 820 (Northeast Loop) — Primary highway circling the NRH/Fort Worth eastern edge
SH-26 (Grapevine Highway) — Arterial corridor through NRH connecting to Colleyville and Southlake
Rufe Snow Drive — Major north-south commercial and residential corridor through NRH
Trinity Railway Express (TRE) — Commuter rail at NRH/Smithfield Station connecting to downtown Fort Worth and Dallas Union Station
Trinity Metro Bus — Bus service throughout Tarrant County

NRH is one of the few DFW suburbs with direct commuter rail access via the TRE — a meaningful advantage for car-free or car-light commuters heading to downtown Fort Worth or Dallas.

Drive Times: Downtown Fort Worth 15–20 min · DFW Airport 15–20 min · Arlington 20 min · Downtown Dallas 30–40 min

8. SELF-STORAGE SOLUTIONS IN NORTH RICHLAND HILLS

Why NRH Residents Need Storage

North Richland Hills is a community where families put down roots — and accumulate the belongings that come with full, active lives. From sports equipment and holiday décor to furniture during home renovations, seasonal items, and the overflow that comes with growing families in established homes, self storage is a practical necessity for many NRH households. Storage is also essential during the buying-and-selling timing gap common in NRH's active real estate market.

Downsizing storage when empty-nesters reduce square footage
Renovation storage — keeping furniture safe during home updates
Sports and recreation equipment (golf, camping, water sports gear)
Business inventory storage for home-based entrepreneurs
Gap storage between home sale and purchase closing

Choose 10 Federal Storage — Two NRH Locations

10 Federal Storage serves North Richland Hills with two convenient local facilities — on Rufe Snow Drive and Smithfield Road — putting secure, professional storage right in the heart of the community.

Why 10 Federal Storage?

24/7 video surveillance and gated access with personal entry codes
Climate-controlled units protecting belongings from DFW's summer heat and humidity
Drive-up units for easy loading and unloading of furniture and equipment
Full range of unit sizes from small (5x5) to large (10x30+)
Flexible month-to-month leases — no long-term contracts required
Locally managed by a team that knows the NRH community

Contact 10 Federal Storage Today

10 Federal Storage — North Richland Hills (Rufe Snow Drive)
3802 Rufe Snow Dr
North Richland Hills, TX 76180
Phone: (817) 859-7790

10 Federal Storage — North Richland Hills (Smithfield Road)
7510 Smithfield Rd
North Richland Hills, TX 76182
Phone: (817) 345-0735

Rent online at 10federalstorage.com/storage-units/texas/north-richland-hills or call either location today.

9. UTILITIES AND SERVICES

Electric Service — Deregulated Market

Important: Texas has a deregulated electricity market. NRH residents must actively choose their retail electric provider — you are not automatically assigned one when you move in. Visit PowerToChoose.org to compare plans available in your ZIP code. Oncor maintains the physical distribution lines throughout the NRH area. Average monthly electric costs: $120–$200 (DFW summers drive higher summer peaks).

Natural Gas

Atmos Energy serves North Richland Hills. Call 1-888-286-6700 or visit atmosenergy.com to establish service. Average Monthly Cost: $30–$80 (seasonal variation).

Water and Sewer

City of North Richland Hills Utility Services — (817) 427-6700. Water in NRH comes from the Trinity River Authority and other regional sources managed through the city's utility system. Average Monthly Cost: $50–$90.

Trash Collection

Trash collection is managed by the City of NRH. Contact NRH Public Works at (817) 427-6650 for collection schedules and recycling information.

Internet

Spectrum, AT&T Fiber, and Frontier Fiber are the primary internet providers in NRH. Gigabit fiber service is available in much of the city. Check availability at your specific address.

10. HEALTHCARE FACILITIES IN NORTH RICHLAND HILLS

Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center — Fort Worth
Address: 1400 8th Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76104 (15 minutes west)
Phone: (817) 926-2544

Full-service regional medical center
Comprehensive specialty services and emergency care

Medical City Alliance
Address: 3101 N Tarrant Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177 (10–15 minutes northwest)
Phone: (817) 639-1000

Full-service hospital with emergency services
Women's and maternity services

Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford
Address: 1600 Hospital Pkwy, Bedford, TX 76022 (10 minutes south)
Phone: (817) 848-4000

Regional hospital convenient to NRH residents
Emergency department and specialty services

Local Urgent Care: Multiple urgent care clinics are located throughout NRH and adjacent communities for non-emergency needs.

11. RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT

NRH Parks and Recreation — Award-Winning System

North Richland Hills operates one of the most celebrated parks systems in Tarrant County with over 50 parks, 60+ miles of interconnected trails, and several premier destination facilities. The system is consistently recognized at the state and national level:

NRH2O Family Water Park — A city-operated water park offering water slides, lazy river, wave pool, activity pool, and seasonal special events. One of the best water parks in the DFW suburbs and a major family draw throughout the summer season.

NYTEX Sports Centre — A multi-sheet ice arena hosting hockey leagues, figure skating programs, and public skating. Home ice for youth hockey and adult leagues, and regularly hosts tournaments drawing teams from across DFW.

Iron Horse Golf Course — An 18-hole public golf course known for its excellent conditions and playability, consistently rated among the top-value public courses in Tarrant County.

NRH Centre — The city's state-of-the-art community recreation center featuring indoor pools, lap swimming, fitness center, group exercise classes, gymnastics, youth programs, and senior programming.

Richland Tennis Center — Full-service tennis facility with lighted courts, lessons, and league play.

Trails and Outdoor Spaces

Calloway Branch Trail — Popular multi-use greenway running through central NRH; a favorite for cyclists, runners, and walkers
Big Fossil Creek Greenbelt — Natural creek corridor with trail access and wildlife viewing
Linda Spurlock Park — Large community park with athletic fields, picnic pavilions, and playground facilities
Cross Timbers Trail — Regional trail system connecting NRH to adjacent communities
Green Valley Park — Community park with ponds, walking paths, and picnic areas popular for relaxing evenings

Dining Highlights

NRH's dining scene is supplemented by the broader Hurst-Euless-Bedford and Fort Worth Mid-Cities corridor immediately adjacent:

Local NRH restaurants along Rufe Snow Drive and Davis Boulevard corridors — mix of local independents and popular regional chains
North Hills area dining — Growing local restaurant cluster near NRH Centre
Hurst-Euless-Bedford dining corridor (5–10 min south) — Broad range of options along SH-183 and Pipeline Road
Fort Worth Near Southside / Magnolia Avenue (15 min west) — One of DFW's most vibrant independent restaurant streets with acclaimed local chefs
Fort Worth West 7th Street (15 min west) — Upscale urban dining, bars, and entertainment
Southlake Town Square (15 min east) — Upscale open-air dining and shopping in a beautiful walkable setting

Shopping

North East Mall (Hurst, 5 miles south) — Major regional mall with department stores, 100+ retailers, and dining
Rufe Snow Drive corridor — Strong commercial strip running through NRH with Target, grocery, and retail
Grapevine Mills Mall (15 min north) — Major outlet and value mall
Southlake Town Square (15 min east) — Upscale outdoor shopping with Apple, lululemon, and boutiques
Sundance Square, Fort Worth (20 min west) — Downtown Fort Worth's premier retail and entertainment district

Arts, Culture, and Entertainment

Fort Worth Cultural District (15 min west) — One of the premier cultural destinations in the American South: Kimbell Art Museum, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Amon Carter Museum of American Art, and the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame
Bass Performance Hall, Fort Worth (20 min west) — World-class performing arts venue hosting opera, ballet, symphony, and Broadway touring productions
Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion (The Woodlands) and Dickies Arena (Fort Worth) — Major live music venues accessible from NRH
Billy Bob's Texas, Fort Worth (20 min west) — The world's largest honky-tonk; live country music and rodeo in the historic Stockyards District
Fort Worth Stockyards (20 min west) — National Historic District with daily longhorn cattle drives, Western boutiques, restaurants, and authentic Texas culture

Professional Sports

NRH's Mid-Cities location provides exceptional access to the full DFW professional sports calendar:

Dallas Cowboys — AT&T Stadium, Arlington (20 min south)
Texas Rangers — Globe Life Field, Arlington (20 min south)
Dallas Stars (NHL) — American Airlines Center, Dallas (30 min east)
Dallas Mavericks (NBA) — American Airlines Center, Dallas (30 min east)
FC Dallas (MLS) — Toyota Stadium, Frisco (30 min northeast)

Day Trips from NRH

Downtown Fort Worth (15–20 min) — Stockyards, Cultural District, Sundance Square
Lake Texoma (75 min north) — Major reservoir on the Texas-Oklahoma border; boating, fishing, and resort recreation
Waco (90 min south) — Magnolia Market at the Silos, Cameron Park, Baylor University
Grapevine (15 min east) — Historic Main Street, Grapevine Lake, Grapevine Vintage Railroad, and DFW Airport retail

12. COMPLETE MOVING CHECKLIST

8 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING

Research NRH neighborhoods and determine Birdville ISD vs. Keller ISD zone for your target address
Explore rental listings and home listings in NRH — inventory moves quickly in this market
Research commute routes to your primary workplace; test drive during peak hours if possible
Confirm TRE (Trinity Railway Express) access if planning to use commuter rail
Obtain at least three moving company quotes; begin decluttering
Create comprehensive moving budget including property tax estimates at 2.0–2.5%
If buying, begin mortgage pre-approval process

6 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING

Finalize lease or purchase agreement
Reserve storage unit with 10 Federal Storage — NRH (Rufe Snow or Smithfield location) if needed
Contact Birdville ISD enrollment office: (817) 547-5700 or Keller ISD if applicable
Request school records from current district for all school-age children
Request medical and dental records from current providers
Notify employer HR of pending address change

4 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING

Submit change of address with USPS
Select Texas electric provider at PowerToChoose.org — you must actively choose a provider; none is assigned automatically
Establish Atmos Energy gas service: 1-888-286-6700
Set up NRH water and sewer service: (817) 427-6700
Schedule internet installation — Spectrum, AT&T Fiber, or Frontier Fiber; confirm availability at your address
Update all insurance policies (homeowner/renter, auto, life)
Update financial accounts, subscriptions, and billing addresses
Contact NRH Parks about recreation center memberships, water park passes, and golf course

2 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING

Confirm all utility activation dates for new NRH address
Confirm moving company schedule and access logistics (parking, elevator, HOA rules if applicable)
Verify storage unit reservation at 10 Federal Storage if using
Pack non-essential items; label all boxes clearly by destination room
Arrange care for pets and young children on moving day

MOVING DAY

Complete thorough final walkthrough of previous home; photograph every room and document conditions
Verify all utilities are active at new NRH address before movers depart
Locate main water shut-off, main breaker panel, and gas shut-off at new home
Test all door locks, garage doors, and security systems
Confirm storage unit access code at 10 Federal Storage if using

FIRST WEEK AFTER MOVING

Update Texas driver's license at Texas DPS (within 90 days of establishing residency)
Register vehicles with Texas DMV (within 30 days)
Get Texas vehicle safety inspection (required annually)
Register to vote at new Tarrant County address
File homestead exemption with Tarrant County Appraisal District — reduces taxable value on primary residence
Enroll children at assigned Birdville ISD campus
Locate nearest grocery (Tom Thumb, H-E-B, Walmart), pharmacy, and urgent care
Pick up the NRH Parks and Recreation program guide at City Hall or online at nrhtx.com

FIRST MONTH AFTER MOVING

Purchase NRH Centre membership for access to pools, fitness, and programs
Visit NRH2O Family Water Park (in season) and Iron Horse Golf Course
Explore the Calloway Branch Trail system by foot or bike
Attend a Fort Worth Stockyards cattle drive and explore the Historic District
Visit the Fort Worth Cultural District — Kimbell, Modern, and Amon Carter are all world-class
Take the Trinity Railway Express into downtown Fort Worth or Dallas on a weekend
Check out North East Mall and Southlake Town Square for local shopping orientation
Attend a Cowboys, Rangers, Stars, or Mavericks game — NRH location makes it easy

WELCOME TO NORTH RICHLAND HILLS

Congratulations on choosing North Richland Hills! You're joining a city that has earned its reputation — safe, beautiful, full of amenities, and with a genuine sense of community that many larger DFW cities struggle to replicate.

NRH offers:
✓ DFW Central Location — Fort Worth, Dallas, and DFW Airport all within reach
✓ Award-Winning Parks — NRH2O, NYTEX Sports, Iron Horse Golf, and 50+ parks
✓ Low Crime — Consistently among the safest DFW communities
✓ Birdville ISD — Quality Tarrant County schools
✓ Commuter Rail — TRE at NRH/Smithfield Station
✓ No State Income Tax — Texas financial advantage
✓ Established Community — Mature, tree-lined neighborhoods with character
✓ Professional Sports Access — Cowboys, Rangers, Stars, Mavericks all nearby

10 Federal Storage is here to support your move with two convenient NRH locations — (817) 859-7790 on Rufe Snow Drive and (817) 345-0735 on Smithfield Road. Rent online or call today.

Welcome to North Richland Hills — pride of the Mid-Cities!

For more information, visit the City of NRH at www.nrhtx.com or call City Hall at (817) 427-6000.

About 10 Federal Storage

10 Federal Storage serves North Richland Hills at 3802 Rufe Snow Dr (817) 859-7790 and 7510 Smithfield Rd (817) 345-0735 — offering secure, climate-controlled units, drive-up access, and flexible month-to-month rentals in the heart of the Mid-Cities.

The Complete Guide to Moving to North Richland Hills, Texas