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Home prices are sky-high, we know. But just because we’re in a prolonged seller’s market doesn’t mean you should abandon your desire to purchase a home. But where should you buy? Here, we break down six distinct neighborhoods that offer homebuyers competitive prices, convenient locations, and, of course, charming homes. Each neighborhood has its own unique flavor and positive characteristics, so we encourage you to skim through the following pages to find the one that best suits the needs of you and yours.
Crystal Wise
Linwood - On the market: 228 Wimberly St. // 3 bed // 2.5 bath // 3,615 square feet // Asking price: $540,000
In the middle of the Foundry District, Crockett Row, and Fort Worth’s Cultural District, there’s a surprisingly peaceful neighborhood that seems worlds away from fast-paced city life. Located in the 76107 ZIP code, Linwood is tucked away between West Fifth Street, North University Drive, and Montgomery Plaza, offering a quiet respite in the heart of the city.
The area has experienced a lot of transition over the past few years, and it’s now normal to see contemporary townhomes sitting next to historic cottages, across the street from luxury apartments. Open lots are also available, which is ideal for anyone who’d like to build from the ground up.
“If you can get in [Linwood] now, this is a really good time,” advises Kris Richardson, Realtor with Texas Pride Realty Group. “It hasn’t blown up yet, but it’s on the verge.”
Richardson believes that homes in Linwood will maintain and grow in value over the next several years, bringing homeowners a great return on investment. There’s a lot of options in the area: single-family homes prime for renovation, open lots begging for new builds, and state-of-the-art townhomes ready for move-in.
As of right now, the average price for a home in the area is $522,000, although this number will vary if you’re looking at an older home or open lot. For those who don’t mind renovating room by room, purchasing an older house may be best, allowing them to move in and remodel over time. Kids growing up in the area can attend schools in Fort Worth ISD, including North Hi Mount Elementary School, Stripling Middle School, and Arlington Heights High School.
“I always recommend this area for young families,” says Richardson, “It’s easy to pop out for date night but still be close by home, just in case.”
With so much to do nearby, there are plenty of options for a night out. You could walk to The Grand Berry Theater (at the edge of the neighborhood, off Weisenberger Street), make your way across Carroll Street to admire local murals along Inspiration Alley, or venture a little further down Foch Street to enjoy a bite to eat at Fort Brewery and Pizza.
One of the best things about Linwood is its location. Even though it’s close to everything, it’s hidden away from the hustle and bustle. Drive down any of the main roads surrounding the area, and you’ll see car dealerships, fast-food chains, local restaurants, and offices ... but if you turn into the neighborhood and drive a little further, you’ll find a quiet area with a variety of eclectic homes (including one on Merrimac Street creatively built with shipping containers).
Amid the colorful single-family cottages, vacant lots, and modern townhomes is another component that adds to Linwood’s appeal: a 4-acre park, named after longtime Linwood resident, Jesse D. Sandoval. It’s in the center of the neighborhood, complete with a playground, basketball courts, a soccer field, walking trails, and ample space to have a picnic or fly kites on a sunny afternoon.
Crystal Wise
White Lake Hills - On the market: 600 Blue Lake Drive // 4 bed // 2 bath // 3,030 square feet // Asking price: $440,000
With Quanah Parker Park to the north, Gateway Park to the west, and Interstate 30 to the south, it’s rather easy for residents of White Lake Hills to find balance between spending time outside and time in the city. The neighborhood is conveniently located next to the highway (the Stockyards, downtown, and the Cultural District are all about a 15-minute drive away), but it still feels tucked away, surrounded by nature.
Three sides of White Lake Hills are bordered by green space, and there are only a handful of discreet entrances leading into the neighborhood, making it a tranquil, safe, and scenic place to live. Considering the location and atmosphere, purchasing a home in White Lake Hills is a great option for anyone who wants to stay close to town without blowing their budget. The average price for a home in this area is $319,000.
“Truth be told, I can’t think of another area in the city where you’re going to get over 2,000 square feet, on a quarter-acre, for under $320,000,” says Jake White with League Real Estate.
Driving through the neighborhood, you’ll find multiple single-story, ranch-style homes, each with their own unique flair. Many of the homes are on a quarter-acre of land, averaging around 2,000 square feet with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and spacious front and back yards. The neighborhood itself features several cul-de-sacs, along with winding, hilly roads and a lot of lush greenery. It’s a little slice of (reasonably priced) paradise, and homes here are in demand.
“Recently, one of the houses went on the market on a Saturday and stopped taking bids on Tuesday,” says Kris Richardson, real estate agent with Texas Pride Realty Group. “The houses [in White Lake Hills] are moving quickly, but I would say they’re moving at a fair price, considering what you’re getting.”
Along with scenic views in the neighborhood, there’s a lot of nature to enjoy at multiple parks nearby. Smith-Wilemon Park has a playground and picnic gazebo within walking distance, and a little further down the road, Gateway Park and Quanah Parker Park offer access to trails along the Trinity River. Gateway Park is rather expansive, featuring softball fields, soccer fields, a disc golf course, and Fort Woof Dog Park. There’s even more to explore on the other side of Interstate 30: Tandy Hills Natural Area, Oakland Lake Park, and Meadowbrook Golf Course.
South of Interstate 30 is also where parents will find public schools, including Meadowbrook Middle School and Meadowbrook Elementary School. Private school options, like East Fort Worth Montessori Academy and Nolan Catholic High School, are a little closer by.
The 76103 ZIP code might not be the first that comes to mind when looking for a new home, but rest assured, White Lake Hills is a peaceful pocket in east Fort Worth that’s a win-win: close enough to the city for a fun night out and just far enough away to find an affordable home, encompassed by nature.
Crystal Wise
Meadows West - On the market: 6721 Ashbrook Drive // 3 bed // 4 bath // 3,464 square feet // Asking price: $674,500
One of the hottest neighborhoods in Fort Worth, Meadows West may even be one of the hottest in all of North Texas.
The small, cozy neighborhood is made up of neo-eclectic houses built between the late 1990s and mid-2000s. It is highly acclaimed for its prime location in Southwest Tarrant County and accessibility to abundant green space.
Parallel to the east bank of the Trinity River, Meadows West residents have easy access to outdoor recreation. The neighborhood is centrally located between Oakmont Park and Cityview Park. Additionally, the neighborhood boasts an entrance to the Fort Worth Bike Trails.
“You can pop on a bike trail in our neighborhood and ride for 60 miles in a circle from Benbrook Lake out to Riverside Park,” says Bernie DeMent, the branch manager of Service First Mortgage and decades-long resident of Meadows West. “That was always kind of a plus for this neighborhood.”
Although slightly isolated in its proximity to businesses and restaurants, the route down Bellaire Drive makes for a quick 10-minute trip to The Shops at Clear Fork and 15-minute trip to Sundance Square.
And just a few minutes away, a day fishing at Benbrook Lake or spent on the greens at Pecan Valley Golf Course awaits.
“It’s actually faster to get on your bike and ride around on the bike trails to get to Benbrook Lake than it is to drive it,” DeMent says.
Located between the Trinity River, Interstate 20, and Bryant Irvin Road, residents won’t have to worry about development or any future disturbances to their quiet neighborhood.
“It’s just a little enclave where there’s not going to be any more development,” DeMent says. “We don’t have to worry about what the future will bring because all the land is already taken.”
Plus, it’s on the hospital grid, DeMent jokes as one of its most redeeming qualities.
The median home price for Meadows West in March was $592,000, up 17% increase from March 2021.
Crystal Wise
Oakhurst - On the market: 2520 Carnation Ave. // 3 bed // 2 bath // 1,560 square feet // Asking price: $349,900
For years, the Near Southside was the primo destination for homebuyers who wanted to buy into a historic part of Fort Worth. But recently, another area of the city has become popular with homeowners who want a slice of history with their patios and pools.
Oakhurst, a small community filled with historic homes just east of downtown, has become a haven for those looking for antique or vintage homes, either to fix up or are move-in ready. You’ll find more of the latter, less of the former in this secluded area, a tree-lined oasis whose tucked-away location gives way to beautiful views of downtown.
Take a drive through the winding streets of Oakhurst, and you’ll find immaculately kept homes and residents walking their dogs and riding their bikes and mowing their yards. Most will wave at you, even if you’re a stranger. People jog at night and don’t think anything of it.
As such, it’s not easy to find a home in Oakhurst, especially in this still-hot real estate market.
“The stability of home ownership and large percentage of lifers in Oakhurst have created a strong sense of community,” says Noelle Slater, a Realtor for TDT Realtors. “The turnover of real estate in this area is low, and oftentimes, homes are sold from one family to another by word of mouth or simply passed down from one generation to the next.”
Recent price points range from $443,000 for a three-bedroom/three-bath home built in 1945 on Yucca Avenue to a nearby four-bedroom/four-bath, built in 1949, for $775,000.
One of Oakhurst’s many charms is that virtually no two homes are the same. “Many new communities are designed and built by one family or developer in a condensed amount of time,” Slater says. “That was not the case with Oakhurst. While the neighborhood was officially established in 1924, construction continued through the 1960s, which introduced architectural styles ranging from 1930s bungalows to 1950s ranch-style homes.”
The neighborhood feels like a neighborhood, not just a collection of homes built next to one another, Slater says.
“From a real estate perspective, Oakhurst is the kind of place where neighbors know each other, know their neighborhood, and take pride in checking in on each other,” she says. “The original developers of Oakhurst, John P. King and Henry King, hired the renowned landscape architecture firm, Hare and Hare, to artfully design their 175-acre development with lush landscaping, tree-lined streets, and bright green front yards. I believe that this original concept of bringing people outside to tend to their gardens contributed to that feeling of community.”
The area is home to an elementary school that also goes back nearly a century. “What strikes me as special about Oakhurst Elementary is that it has been there from the beginning as it was built in 1927,” Slater says. “With just around 600 students in grades Pre-K – fifth, the strong family vibe of the community permeates the classrooms with smaller classes and a sense of belonging.”
The area is sandwiched between downtown Fort Worth and Riverside, the latter of which serves as the gateway to many of the city’s most popular restaurants, including My Lan, a popular Vietnamese restaurant. The nearby Race Street features several restaurants, including Tributary Cafe and La Onda, plus a live music venue/restaurant called The Post at River East.
But most are attracted to Oakhurst for its longevity and history.
“While Fairmount rightfully gets a lot of attention for being a tremendous and respected historic district, Oakhurst earned its own place on the National Register of Historic Places in 2010,” Slater says. “There is something to be said for a community that honors and encourages historic preservation.”
Crystal Wise
Candleridge - On the market: 4429 Foxfire Way // 3 bed // 2 bath // 2,564 square feet // Asking price: $400,000
In far Southwest Fort Worth is Candleridge, a booming neighborhood with charming homes and abundant green space.
The neighborhood is currently one of the hottest in the Fort Worth market, seeing a 34% increase in median home price year over year. Currently, the median home price sits around $361,000.
Gary Addison, a real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway/Alexander Chandler Real Estate, says there are many reasons that Candleridge is so attractive to homebuyers: First and foremost, Candleridge Park, French Lake, and linear beltways are in close proximity.
Just a walk away, Candleridge residents can visit the park for any outdoor activity they desire. The park offers a fishing pond — paired with a catch-and-release global program — a children’s playground, two-mile exercise trail, and soccer and softball complexes.
“These green spaces provide ample opportunity for outdoor recreation — and for those who just enjoy being immersed in nature,” Addison says. “French Lake houses fish, turtles, and ducks, and the surrounding park is home to several other wildlife species.”
He added that the neighborhood is also attractive for its proximity to retail and restaurants, as well as other daytime activities and nightlife.
Located along South Hulen, Candleridge is a quick drive to the Shops at Clearfork or downtown Fort Worth. It also offers easy travel to Benbrook Lake for water recreation or quick access to Interstate 35 for southbound travel to other major areas within the state.
In far Southwest Fort Worth, the neighborhood is quiet with few to no disturbances.
“Because it is landlocked, residents can expect it to stay the way it is,” Addison says. “There’s no room for any continued development, so residents don’t have to worry about increased traffic coming through their neighborhood or loud noises from nearby construction.”
Additionally, the area provides advanced opportunity to communities of color, Addison says, and homebuyers seeking to purchase in Candleridge could be eligible for minority-majority grants.
“Candleridge is a great neighborhood for families who want to live within Fort Worth city limits but want to avoid the fast-paced environment that we see as we get closer to downtown and other cultural districts,” Addison says.
Crystal Wise
Crestwood - On the market: 337 Eastwood Ave. // 3 beds // 3 baths // 2,404 square feet // Asking price: $697,000
There are neighborhoods in Fort Worth that’ll put you front and center of all the action: the Cultural District, Fairmount, West 7th — all located within walking distance of hip restaurants, museums, cool bars, and lively nightlife scenes.
And then there are neighborhoods that shield you from all that commotion. The nearly century-old Crestwood falls into the latter category. Sandwiched between the West Fork of the Trinity River and the Monticello neighborhood, it’s quiet and serene, a reminder of what Fort Worth life was like before our small town turned into one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
Crestwood’s oldest homes are from the World War II-era when the area first began to take shape. Small, simple and indicative of the time, many of these homes have survived for nearly eight decades. Go over a street or two, and you’ll find more luxurious homes, some built during the same time, others more recently.
“You’ll find homes that go back to the 1930s and all the way up to new construction,” says Adrianne Holland, a real estate agent for Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty. “Mediterranean, Cape Cod, midcentury — the area encompasses so many architectural styles because that’s the way neighborhoods were built back then. There’s new construction here and there but not rows of new homes that all look the same.”
The area went through a renaissance in the 1970s when nearly 400 new homes were built.
Crestwood has consistently been a popular area for Fort Worth homebuyers for years, though. Holland says residences are attracted to the feeling of seclusion the neighborhood offers.
“There’s not a major pass-through in Crestwood, no major road that goes through,” she says. “Because of that privacy, people feel tucked away.”
Crestwood is known for its tree-lined streets — literally, trees grow in the middle of the street.
Homes are currently selling on average for $238,000 to $1.3 million, according to real estate website Trulia. As of this writing, only three homes are for sale.
“It’s a hard area to get into,” Holland says. “Homes in that area go so fast, within days.”
The area is part of the Fort Worth ISD. Students attend North Hi Mount Elementary, Stripling Middle, and Arlington Heights High School.
The voluntary Crestwood Association, whose annual membership fees are only $15, organizes several family-friendly events for residents, including Halloween in the Park Before Dark, an annual Easter egg hunt, and a July 4 parade and picnic.
“Crestwood is definitely ideal for raising a family,” Holland says. “It’s a nice, quiet neighborhood, but it’s not that far from restaurants and shopping and downtown. It’s secluded but close enough to what you need — sort of the best of both worlds.”
