By Gwen Harper, Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty
If you’re thinking about moving to Fort Worth, welcome. As someone who was born and raised here, there’s one piece of advice I give every relocation client:
Don’t choose your neighborhood before you get to know the city.
Fort Worth covers more than 355 square miles, and every corner has its own personality. One neighborhood might offer historic homes and walkable streets, while another features sprawling estates on winding roads or a gated golf course community. They’re all “Fort Worth,” but they can feel like completely different cities.
One of the things I love most about Fort Worth is that, despite its size, it still feels like a big small town. It doesn’t take long before you start recognizing familiar faces at your favorite coffee shop or running into friends at local events. People here are welcoming, genuine, and proud of this city.
Clients often ask me how Fort Worth compares to Dallas, and my answer is always the same: Fort Worth has a much more laid-back feel. We have world-class museums, incredible restaurants, beautiful neighborhoods, and a thriving economy, but we haven’t lost the western charm and southern hospitality that make this city special.
Local Neighborhoods
Choosing where to live isn’t just about buying the right house—it’s about finding the right lifestyle. That’s where knowing the city makes all the difference.
One of my favorite parts of showing Fort Worth is watching buyers discover neighborhoods they didn’t even know existed. Some of the city’s biggest surprises are tucked away in smaller pockets.
- Oakhurst — “If you’ve never driven through Oakhurst, put it on your list. It feels like pure Americana, with mature trees, charming homes, and a true neighborhood feel.”
- Ridglea Hills — “Ridglea Hills has some wonderful parks and quiet streets that many buyers overlook.”
- Westover Hills — “The estates in Westover Hills can be jaw-dropping. Even after years in real estate, I still slow down when I drive through.”
- Fairmount — “Fairmount is the largest historic neighborhood in the Southwest and has incredible character. If you love front porches, Craftsman architecture, and walkable streets, it’s worth exploring.”
- Park Hill — “Park Hill has always been one of my personal favorites. It’s not every neighborhood where you can enjoy your morning coffee and occasionally hear the lions at the Fort Worth Zoo.”
My Favorite Local Stops
If you’re spending a Saturday getting to know Fort Worth, here’s where I’d send you.
- ☕ Match Point Coffee on West 7th to start the morning. matchpointcoffee.com
- 🥪 Carshon’s Deli for lunch. (They just started accepting cards in 2026, no longer cash only.)carshonsdeli.com
- 🍜 Teddy Wong’s for dinner. Yes, it’s inside a former 7-Eleven. Yes, you’re going to wonder if you’ve found the right place. And yes, it’s absolutely worth it. teddywongs.com
Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make, and I don’t take that responsibility lightly. My goal isn’t simply to help you buy this house—it’s to earn your trust for every home you buy or sell in the future. I want the process to be enjoyable, informative, and successful, so that when the next chapter comes along, I’m the first person you think to call.
Call Gwen today, 817-301-6291
