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Love you, Austin, but please step aside for Texas’ latest hot new area: North Texas. The area encompassing Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth and the mid-cities is going through an explosive growth rate of its own. According to Census Bureau figures released earlier this year, Fort Worth, in particular, is now the second fastest growing city in the country.
The kudos continue: Seven of the Times story’s top 10 locations to move to are in North Texas: Edgecliff Village, Euless, Garland, Grand Prairie, Mesquite, DeSoto and Cedar Hill. The author of the article based that revelation on a variety of factors, including jobs, racial diversity and climate risks.
The No. 1 reason people are flocking to North Texas? Cost of living.
“Compared to other cities, North Texas is very affordable,” says real estate agent Stuart Deane. “That’s one reason why you see people moving from California, New York and Chicago to Texas. They can get the same square footage here at half the cost.” With workers becoming more mobile in an increasingly work-from-home environment, cost of living is a huge factor when contemplating where to live. But you’ve got to also enjoy where you live.
“From a real estate perspective, it’s the hottest area in Fort Worth, hands down,” Deane says.
Other hot DFW neighborhoods include the bustling Willow Park, an up-and-coming community between Fort Worth and Weatherford; the growing town of Westlake, where many homes start at a cool $1 million; and Oakhurst, which, similar to the Near Southside, is a historic Fort Worth neighborhood enjoying a renaissance, with new restaurants, bars and other businesses.
Keep an eye on a new development in Arlington, called Viridian, which promises luxury living and retail. In Dallas, popular areas to call home include Uptown and Bishop Arts District, both walkable areas lush with boutique retail stores, restaurants, residences and entertainment venues.
Another selling point for North Texas city leaders have long pointed to, is the area’s thriving arts scene. Fort Worth may have the most foot-friendly arts district in the country. A half-dozen world-renowned museums are located within walking distance of one another: The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Kimbell Art Musuem, Amon Carter Museum of American Art, Fort Worth Museum of Science and History and the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. Just a few blocks over is the newly opened Dickies Arena, home to touring concerts, rodeos and other top-notch events.
“People in DFW don’t realize how good they have it,” says Michael Arlt, who moved to Fort Worth recently to become the restaurant’s executive chef. “The cost of living here is affordable, very affordable when compared to California or New York. A lot of big businesses and corporations have opened here. There are plenty of jobs. There’s growth everywhere. In terms of affordable living, job opportunities, culture and diversity, North Texas is a goldmine.”
With the housing market booming, to-be homeowners need to be ready to make an offer as soon as they see the house of their dreams. Before you begin spending your weekends at open houses, prepare:
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Habit building: Doing it a little every day to build a solid financial foundation
Planning for a solid financial future requires work – and a good base. Here are four things that everyone should consider.
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Hidden beach towns worth finding
Who doesn’t appreciate a good beach town — or maybe any beach town? Pairing a town with a sandy coast naturally gives it a happier twang.
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The truth about inflation
It’s not always easy to prove fact from fiction when it comes to an unstable financial situation.
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Only in America
There’s no typical American experience. But when you truly experience an American city, you see traditions rooted in its music, food and art.
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Financial firsts
Whether it’s your first savings account, credit card, auto loan or home mortgage, smart money management and planning will lead to financial stability down the road.
