Is Fort Worth the Best City in Texas

Are you considering moving south and making Fort Worth your new home address?

Beyond what you might hear being marketed elsewhere, VIP Realty, the #1 real estate company in Texas, wants to give you an honest look at what living here is really like.

While Cowtown undoubtedly has some positive aspects, we won't sugarcoat the actual factors you should take into account before moving. This article covers both the positive and negative aspects of life in Fort Worth.

And if you decide that this Metroplex neighborhood with a Western feel is where you belong, our local real estate agents are ready to help you navigate the market. Reach out to us - we would be pleased to help you in identifying the ideal house and neighborhood that suit your needs.

Weather Variability

The weather here might be difficult to forecast. Brace yourself for an unpredictable experience if you're moving to Fort Worth because the weather isn't mild or predictable. Summers are straight-up hot. Over 100°F temperatures are common, and in 1980 sweltering record-high temperatures hit 114°F.

Add in humidity and the air feels hotter than a cattle brand being pressed onto a cow. The hottest months are July and August, so turn up the air conditioning, stock up on popsicles, and prepare for the heat.

Additionally, you must keep an eye on the sky in the spring and fall because violent storms occasionally develop. Fort Worth receives rainfall on 75 days on average every year, totaling about 37 inches.

Tornadoes are also common around here. In fact, Fort Worth has the 11th-highest number of tornadoes countrywide. Take cover fast when warnings sound. Having insurance can also help guard against hazards such as hail damage.

Expect no white Christmas because the average amount of snowfall during the winter is only 4 inches. But Cowtown did set a record-breaking low temperature of -2°F back in 1930, so there are freezes now and then.

If you enjoy it when it's hot, muggy, and unpredictable outside, Fort Worth might just be the place for you. Nevertheless, Fort Worth may not be the best fit for you if you're looking for a city with a variety of outdoor recreation options.

Lack of Variety in Recreation Options

Even though Fort Worth has a vibrant cultural and historical setting, it can be challenging to find enjoyable outdoor activities in the sweltering summer heat. Jogging, hiking, and biking quickly exhaust you when the average July temperature hits 96°F, which is made worse by the excessive humidity.

This is especially true for people who have breathing problems. But there are ways to beat the heat in Fort Worth. To learn more about Fort Worth's history, visit the theaters and museums with air conditioning to cool off.

For those looking to step into the water for a splash, aquatic attractions such as Lake Worth and the Fort Worth Water Gardens are only moments away. The numerous parks in the city are another option where respite from the heat is provided by the canopy of trees.

If you enjoy year-round outdoor activities, Fort Worth might not be the best destination. But for those who are ready to put up with the heat, there’s plenty to occupy them. In addition to the heat, another potential downside of living in Fort Worth is the traffic congestion.

Traffic Congestion and Transportation Options

Fort Worth's traffic congestion is a growing problem, especially during rush hour. Commutes can be lengthy and frustrating, and roadways are often backed up. Even outside of peak hours, construction projects and traffic incidents can cause delays.

Notably, the average Fort Worth resident wastes over 39 hours each year in traffic—the equivalent of a whole workweek.

Top cities in the US for traffic congestion and delays:

What can you do in this regard? Avoid rush hour if you must drive, and consider alternatives like carpooling or public transportation. Consider biking and walking as well, especially during the warmer months. Be ready for traffic incidents regardless of how you choose to travel.

Further, whenever possible, make changes to your way of life that will lessen your carbon footprint. Another important consideration when moving to Fort Worth is the quality of education available.

Challenges and Options in Fort Worth's Education

The availability of schools is an important consideration to make when moving to a new place, especially for families with children.

The largest district in the area, Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD), which serves over 100,000 students from different socioeconomic backgrounds, has several positive qualities.

But it also faces significant obstacles. Low test scores pose a challenge for FWISD. In terms of reading and math proficiency, only 28% and 25% of students, respectively, met the benchmarks in 2022.

Over 50% of kids in the FWISD come from households with low incomes, which contributes to lowered standards of living. What's more, the district experiences a high 20% annual teacher turnover ratio rate, which disrupts ongoing learning.

Nevertheless, some FWISD schools excel. They consist of the following:

Doing your research and identifying the ideal school for your child is essential when thinking about moving to Fort Worth. Connect with parents and visit the district website for helpful information.

After considering the quality of education in Fort Worth, it is also important to be aware of the crime and safety concerns.

Crime and Safety in Fort Worth

Fort Worth is a large and diverse city, and like any large city, it has some crime. Statistics show that violent and property crimes are more common in Fort Worth than in some other cities, so it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to stay safe.

According to recent data, there were 3,563 property crimes and 735 violent crimes per 100,000 people. Higher rates are observed in some areas, often those in the city center, and those linked with lower socioeconomic levels.

Westover Hills, Briarwood, University Park, Oakhurst, and Riverside are more secure locales with a strong sense of community.

Of course, every place has a certain level of crime. But it's still possible to live securely in Cowtown if you take caution and stay vigilant. Even though crime is a concern, another challenge that Fort Worth faces is the rising cost of living.

Rising Cost of Living

Fort Worth's housing market is experiencing rapid growth, which is driving up prices. According to the most recent statistics, the average Fort Worth home costs $350,000, which is 14% more than the national average.

Rent is also high, with a one-bedroom apartment costing an average of $1,200 per month, which is 10% above the national average.

What's more, costs for food, transportation, and medical care have all increased. With that in mind, the cost of living here might not be as affordable as it is elsewhere in the state.

To counter the rising prices, consider the following:

• Inquire about the current home prices from several neighborhoods to find the most attractive deals.
• Long-term rental if unsure about the stay.
• Reduce expenditures by downsizing your house or apartment
• Lower your housing costs by opting to live in less desired places.

While making such cost-cutting decisions can stretch your money further, it is important to note that Fort Worth also offers a wide range of job opportunities.

Fort Worth's Job Market

Despite the rising cost of living, Fort Worth's booming economy offers a wide range of job opportunities in a variety of industries, including corporate, healthcare, and education.

Some of the major corporations headquartered in Fort Worth include American Airlines, Kimberly-Clark, and Lockheed Martin. The city is also home to several hospitals and medical schools, which offer a variety of healthcare jobs.

As of August 2023, the unemployment rate in Fort Worth stood at 3.8%, while the national average unemployment rate was 3.9%. Over 100,000 job openings are anticipated by 2027, bringing the total number of new jobs to be created to a record high.

Note: This table may not reflect the current data and is not comprehensive.

Before moving, thoroughly research the potential in your field. While growth is evident throughout a wide range of industries, certain occupations can have fewer openings than others.

Despite the strong job market, Fort Worth's public transportation system is limited in its reach and frequency.

Fort Worth's Limited Public Transportation System

Fort Worth's public transportation system is limited in its reach and frequency. The primary mode of mass transit is the bus system, which operates over 50 routes and serves most destinations.

But the bus system can be slow and unpredictable, especially for people who live in the suburbs or who work outside of the downtown area.

On the bright side, a light rail system named TEXRAIL connects downtown Fort Worth to DFW Airport with 12 stops along the route. Though TEXRAIL offers more reliable transit than buses, it doesn’t serve all areas of Fort Worth.

With that in mind, folks looking to move here without a car should be cognizant of the limitations of public transportation.

The Verdict: Fort Worth's Charms and Challenges

Although Fort Worth offers opportunities for employment and cultural experiences, it also faces significant obstacles from bad weather, heavy traffic, increasing costs, and limited transit.

Weighing the advantages against the disadvantages is necessary to determine whether Fort Worth is the best choice.

Make detailed research about the challenges and attractions. Before you commit, consider your career field, transportation requirements, and your personal experience with the seasons.

Are you still interested in moving here despite the wildcards?

Reach out today—our local experts can help you identify the ideal home and neighborhood so that you can take advantage of the positives. With preparation, Fort Worth may just suit your lifestyle and aspirations.