Established in 1849 as an Army Outpost for settlers on the Trinity River, Fort Worth still embraces its western heritage and was a stop on the legendary Chisholm Trail. It became famous for cattle drives and ranching earning the nickname of Cowtown. Completion of the railroad made Fort Worth the westernmost point for cattle shipments and created the Fort Worth Stockyards and brought in Armour and Swift as cattle slaughtering businesses. A boom in business brought cowboys and wranglers and thieves and bars, saloons, dance halls and bawdy houses giving the Dodge City area the nickname of Hell's Half-Acre. By 1900 most of these were gone. During the 20th century many businesses were established and continue to reside here including American Airlines, Lockheed Martin, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth (formerly Carswell AFB), JPS Health Care and many more. It’s a busy thriving city of more than 800,000 residents. Institutions of higher learning include Texas Christian University, University of Texas Fort Worth, Texas A&M, and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary to mention a few. Neighborhoods have excellent public and private schools, parks, culture and activities for families.
Part of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metropolitan area or DFW Metroplex, Arlington Heights is considered one of the best neighborhoods in Fort Worth and is situated north of the Chisholm Trail Parkway and I-30. Attractions include the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens. It’s about 17 miles to downtown Fort Worth and about 14 minutes to DFW Airport. There is much to do and see making it ideal for families. Median home prices are about $260,000, rents a little over $950 and average income is approximately $61,000. There are older ranch style homes, apartments, condos and modern new homes to choose from. Schools are conveniently located. There are many shopping centers and opportunities including Lincoln Square and the premium outlets in Grand Prairie. Fred's Texas Cafe on Currie Street gets high marks for their burgers and so does Aventino's Italian Restaurant on Lovell Avenue. Check out the Famous Billy Bob's off I-35 W past the stockyards for food, drinks, dancing and maybe a chance to ride the mechanical bull.
Texas Christian University makes its home here so there are students and families for apartments, condos and single family living. It has a population of about 36,000. Home prices start about at $240,000 with average incomes around $70,000 or more. There are lots of museums and attractions for all ages including the Stockyards Museum on E. Exchange Ave. Parks and good schools dot the neighborhood and the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge on Fossil Road or the Fort Worth Zoo is a great way to spend the day. The Woodshed Smokehouse on Riverfront Drive on the Trinity River has great BBQ and specialty items at reasonable prices and family atmosphere. The Red, Hot and Blue on S. Hulen has a great variety menu for dine in or take out. The Whiskey Rose Saloon on W. Berry Street in Fort Worth is a popular local hang out for drinks, music and friends. The Hulen Mall on S. Hulen is handy for shopping and you will find specialty shops throughout the family friendly neighborhood.
Intersected by I-820 going north and south and south of Lake Worth, Lockheed Martin and the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base are big employers. Single family home prices are about $130,000 with rents in the $900 range. It's about 34 miles to Dallas where you can take in shopping and not far to see the Texas Rangers Baseball, Dallas Cowboys Football or other popular sports. Lake Worth is close for boating, fishing, swimming, camping, horseback riding and many outdoor family activities. The Stockyards Station on E. Exchange has shopping and even stables. Splash Dayz water park on Clifford Street in White Settlement is a great place to take the family on hot days. Ginger Brown's Old Tyme Restaurant and Bakery on Jacksboro Highway is a local favorite for a great menu. Woody Creek BarBQ on Mall Circle has great food and their double barrel baked potatoes are a favorite. Their bar is casual and friendly for happy hour including a variety of beers. The Dallas-Fort Worth area is home to many fine recreational and dining opportunities. You are sure to find many favorites to please everyone. Come down and learn the Texas Two Step.