Considering moving to Fort Worth, TX? As one of the best places to live in Texas, Fort Worth is a great locale for people of all ages. As with any city, however, there are a few drawbacks. Here are 13 pros and cons of living in Fort Worth.
Pros of Living in Fort Worth
There are several things to appreciate about living in Fort Worth. As part of the DFW metro, this Texas city offers residents affordable living, great education opportunities, and no shortage of fun attractions. These are some of the best things Cowtown has to offer!
Pro: Affordable Living in Texas
If you’d like to live in Texas but avoid the high price tag of nearby cities like Dallas and Austin, consider living in Fort Worth. While Dallas’ housing costs are 13% higher than the U.S. average, Fort Worth’s median home price is just 3% higher than the national average at $190,400. Fort Worth’s median household income is also nearly $10,000 higher than both the state and U.S. averages. And since Texas residents don’t have to pay income tax, Fort Worth citizens see more money in their pockets. Although the cost of living in Fort Worth is 1% higher than the state average, budget-friendly housing, transportation, and healthcare options help bring the overall cost of living to 7% less than the national average, making this city an affordable place to call home.
Pro: Strong Job Market
With a low unemployment rate of 3.3% and a diverse job market among the manufacturing, aviation, aerospace, and gas and oil industries, Fort Worth residents will have no trouble finding meaningful work. Secure a job with Fort Worth Fortune 500 companies in the transportation industry like American Airlines or BNSF Railway. Find employment with aerospace companies like Bell, or check out Lockheed Martin, a leader in aerospace and defense. Consider a career in the oil industry at Forum Energy Technologies or Finley Resources. Or find fulfilling work as a civilian or active duty military member at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth.
Pro: Top Colleges & Universities
For students seeking higher education, you can attend one of the many colleges and universities in Fort Worth. Prepare for a career in allied health sciences, business analytics, or finance, or complete your medical degree through the Burnett School of Medicine at Texas Christian University (TCU). Supplement your studies in accounting, human resources, or business administration at Tarrant County College. Achieve an undergraduate degree in mass communication, physics, and more at Texas Wesleyan University, a private Fort Worth institution. Interested in exploring the medical field? Attend the HSC College of Nursing, School of Public Health, and more at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth. Or earn your graduate degree in engineering, social work, or health care administration from UTA Forth Worth.
Pro: Visit the Stockyards
It’s not Fort Worth without the Fort Worth Stockyards. Step back in time, see Wild West artifacts, and learn about the history of the Stockyards and how Fort Worth earned the title of “Cowtown” at the Stockyards Museum. In the afternoon, gather to watch the iconic Fort Worth Herd Cattle Drive. Attend various events, from Ultimate Bullfighters to the Stockyards Championship Rodeo, at the Cowtown Coliseum. Splurge on a pair of handcrafted boots, and browse saddles and other goods at M.L. Leddy’s. Be sure to stop by Billy Bob’s, the “world’s largest honky-tonk,” where you can grab a friend and learn how to line dance, attend live music performances by country music legends, or watch professional bull riders during live indoor bull riding. Or grab a drink and hit the dance floor at the White Elephant Saloon or Sidesaddle Saloon.
Pro: Active Art & Culture Scene
Known for its immersive art and culture scene, Cowtown is home to a plethora of museums in the Fort Worth Cultural District and beyond. See the work of talented artists, watch a film, and grab a bite to eat at Cafe Modern when you visit The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. Admire more than 350 pieces of artwork from artists like Pablo Picasso, Teresita Fernandez, and Philip Guston at the Kimbell Art Museum. Spend the day looking at pieces from national artists, check out Second Thursdays, or attend events with the kiddos at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. Located in Sundance Square, get tickets to a Broadway show at Bass Performance Hall, or enjoy performances by the Fort Worth Opera, Texas’ oldest performing opera company! Browse artwork from the American West, including pieces made from oil, watercolor paintings, and more at the Sid Richardson Museum. Or treat yourself to annual performances like A Holiday Special or the Summer Dance Concert by Ballet Concerto.
Pro: Family Activities in Fort Worth
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly things to do in Fort Worth or want to learn about the city’s history, there are plenty of fun activities for all! Meet red kangaroos and beaded lizards, watch kids make a splash at the Safari Splash, and more at the Fort Worth Zoo. Learn about the women who helped shape the Wild West, see the Sergeant Reckless statue at the Alice Walton Cowgirl Park, and more at the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame. See the skeleton of Paluxysaurus jonesi, catch a show at the Noble Planetarium, and watch the kiddos play on the Galaxy Park Playground at the Fort Worth Museum of Science & History. Nicknamed “The Great American Speedway,” head down to the Texas Motor Speedway to watch NASCAR drivers cross the finish line. Attend kid-friendly productions like Mary Poppins Jr. at the Children’s Theatre or sign your kids up for acting or dance classes at Casa Manana. Or let the kids crawl through tunnels, go down slides, play in the arcade, and more at KidMania.
Pro: Exciting Festivals & Events
There are a wide range of Fort Worth festivals and events to keep residents busy year-round! Every Thursday evening in July and August, hop in a tube or kayak and attend a concert from the water at Rockin’ the River. See some of the year’s most anticipated films, attend panel discussions, and more at the Lone Star Film Festival. Listen to live music, hit up the carnival rides, and chow down on finger food at the annual Mayfest. Sample German food and beer, watch the Dachshund Dash, and participate in games and competitions at Fort Worth Oktoberfest. Dance along to hundreds of performers during Music on Main, try all kinds of new foods, shop for art, and more in Downtown Fort Worth at the Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival. Or jam out to live musical performances taking place across seven stages at the Fort Worth Music Festival.
Pro: Outdoor Recreation
Of course, the City of Fort Worth has more to offer than museums and honky-tonks—there are also great outdoor spaces to take advantage of! Sign the family up for horseback riding lessons, go out for a ride on one of the scenic trails, or learn how to bait a hook during Fish Camp at Benbrook Stables. Spend the day exploring more than 120 acres of gardens like The Rose Garden, Perennial Garden, Cactus Garden, and more at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, the oldest botanic garden in Texas. With more than 20 miles of hiking trails, walk the forests, prairies, and wetlands at the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge. Go swimming at the lake, relax along the beach, or have a family grill out during the summer at Burger’s Lake. Try your hand at fishing, go canoeing or kayaking, and more at Marine Creek Lake. Or spend the day playing basketball, watch the kids on the playground, and have a cookout with friends at 252-acre Trinity Park.
Pro: Diverse Fort Worth Food Scene
From Tex-Mex and BBQ to Italian and traditional American favorites, Fort Worth is a foodie’s dream! For brunch, try the Rise & Shine Waffle, Stuffed French Toast, or Avocado Toast at Press Cafe. Enjoy Mexican dishes like Enchiladas Poblanas, Fajitas A La Parrilla, and Polo De Mole at Los Asaderos. Devour Chili Con Queso Dip before digging into main dishes like Cabrito Al Pastor or Carnitas at Mercado Juarez Mexican Cafe. Chow down on BBQ favorites with a Texas spin like Pork Ribs, a Chopped Brisket Sandwich, or Bulgogi Salmon Tacos at Woodshed Smokehouse. Order cuisine from across the globe such as the Gorgonzola Fries, Lemon Chicken & Shrimp, or Harvest Gnocchi at Lili’s Bistro. In the mood for classic Southern soul food? Find dishes like Smothered Pork Chops, Fried Chicken, or a Catfish Sandwich at Drew’s Place. Or sit down for classic Italian entrees like Bucatini Cacio e Pepe, White Bean Soup, or Tagliatelle Bolognese, and save room for a Chocolate Torta at 61 Osteria.
Cons of Living in Fort Worth
Though Fort Worth is a great place to live in Texas, there are some disadvantages to be aware of, including high temperatures and traffic congestion. Here are a few cons of moving to Fort Worth.
Con: Heavy Fort Worth Traffic
If you’re relocating to Fort Worth, consider giving yourself extra time on the road. The DFW area ranks 6th for metro regions with the worst commutes, and Fort Worth was named one of the riskiest U.S. cities for driving. Why? Fort Worth has seen significant growth in population in recent years, more than any other city in the Lone Star State. With more people in the city comes more congestion on the roads, but thankfully, residents can get around with ease by taking advantage of the excellent Fort Worth public transit options! Ride the city bus to different parts of the metro or use the Trinity Metro Tex Rail for simple trips between Downtown Fort Worth and the DFW International Airport via Trinity Metro. Hop on The Dash to explore the city center and Cultural District. Or for residents who plan to regularly commute between Fort Worth and Dallas, utilize the convenient Trinity Railway Express.
Con: High Crime Rate
Fort Worth has a crime rate 39% higher than the national average. However, it’s important to note the city’s safety compared to other areas within the state of Texas. For instance, more densely populated Texas cities like Dallas see a crime rate 98% higher than the national average, making Fort Worth a safer alternative. You can also avoid areas where crime tends to be concentrated in the city, and opt for safe neighborhoods in Fort Worth like Wedgewood or TCU-Westcliff. Further, to help keep Fort Worth residents safe and assured, the Crime Control & Prevention District (CCPD) offers educational resources and crime prevention programs.
Con: Extreme Summer Weather
If you’re moving to Fort Worth, prepare for hot, humid summer days. Located in North Central Texas, Fort Worth’s average high temperatures in the summer months rest in the upper 90s. Fort Worth residents also experience uncomfortably high humidity, reaching up to 80% in the summer. With the extreme heat also comes the chance of tornados. The risk of tornados in Fort Worth is considerably higher than the state and national averages, so it’s important that you take the proper precautions to prepare for severe summer weather. But don’t let the sweltering heat stop you from having fun! Cool off with a trip to the Fort Worth Water Gardens. Or put on your swimsuit and take the kids to play at the Sycamore Spray Ground!
Con: Lack of Professional Sports Teams
Fans of professional sports should bear in mind that Fort Worth is not home to any teams of its own. However, with its convenient location near major cities like Dallas, there’s still plenty of teams to cheer on without having to go too far from home. Head to the AT&T Stadium to watch the Dallas Cowboys (NFL) score a touchdown. Catch the Texas Rangers (MLB) hit a home run at Globe Life Field. Watch the Dallas Stars (NHL) send pucks down the ice, or root for the Dallas Mavericks (NBA) at American Airlines Center. And don’t forget to support local Fort Worth college teams like the TCU Horned Frogs and Texas Wesleyan University Rams in a variety of sports!
***
Relocating to Fort Worth? Life Storage offers storage facilities in Cowtown to make your move easier. Find self storage units in Fort Worth today!
This post was originally published on 07/14/2017 and last revised on 02/14/2024 with updated information.
