When moving to the Fort Worth area with a family, finding the right city is crucial. With over 100 suburbs in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex, there’s no shortage of options, but which ones stand out? Using recent rankings from Niche.com, we’ve highlighted five of the best cities to raise a family in and around Fort Worth. This guide explores their schools, crime rates, housing options, and things to do.
1. Westlake
Westlake, Texas, is an affluent and charming town with a population of around 1,840 residents. Spanning only 7 square miles, this community offers exclusivity and luxury. Its median household income is $250,000, and Forbes once named it the "Most Affluent Community in the Nation."
Location & Accessibility
Westlake is located northeast of Fort Worth, partly within Tarrant and Denton counties. It’s adjacent to Southlake and Trophy Club, with convenient access to major highways such as Highway 114 and Highway 121. Residents enjoy a short 10-minute drive to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and approximately 35 minutes to both downtown Dallas and Fort Worth.
Education
Westlake students can attend the highly rated Carroll Independent School District (ISD), which boasts a Texas Education Agency accountability score of 98/100. Additionally, Westlake Academy, a public charter school, serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Housing
The median home price in Westlake as of mid-2024 is $3.7 million. Housing options here are diverse, with styles ranging from modern and contemporary to Mediterranean and Texas traditional. Notable communities like Vaquero and Entrada offer luxurious homes, golf clubs, and European-style living.
2. Keller
Keller is a family-friendly city with a population of about 45,000 spread over 18 square miles. The city offers a perfect mix of suburban charm and urban convenience, with a median household income of $159,000.
Location & Accessibility
Keller is northeast of Fort Worth, providing excellent highway connectivity via Interstate 35W, Highway 121, Highway 114, and Highway 183. Residents can reach Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in just 20 minutes and downtown Fort Worth in the same amount of time.
Education
Students in Keller attend Keller ISD, which has 42 schools serving over 34,000 students. The district has a Texas Education Agency score of 88/100, ensuring quality education.
Housing
With a median home price of $731,000, Keller offers a variety of housing options suitable for families. The city is known for its well-maintained neighborhoods and access to excellent parks, trails, and amenities.
3. Trophy Club
Trophy Club is a tight-knit community with a population of 13,251. Spanning only 4.1 square miles, the town is known for its serene atmosphere and strong community bonds. Its median household income is $183,100.
Location & Accessibility
Located 15 minutes from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Trophy Club is ideal for those who value proximity to major travel hubs. It’s also just 35 minutes from downtown Fort Worth and Dallas.
Education
Trophy Club is served by Northwest ISD, which has a Texas Education Agency score of 89/100. The district operates 32 schools and serves over 27,000 students.
Housing
The median home price in Trophy Club is $812,500. The area offers beautiful homes, a safe environment, and access to top-notch recreational activities, including golf courses and parks.
4. Southlake
Southlake is a thriving city with a population of approximately 31,000. Spanning 22 square miles, this upscale suburb has a median household income of $250,000.
Location & Accessibility
Located northeast of Fort Worth, Southlake is just 10 minutes from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. Residents can commute to downtown Fort Worth in 34 minutes and to downtown Dallas in 32 minutes.
Education
Southlake is also served by Carroll ISD, which has an excellent reputation and a Texas Education Agency score of 98/100. With 11 schools and over 8,000 students, the district offers outstanding educational opportunities.
Housing
Southlake homes have a median price of $1.3 million. The city is known for its luxurious housing, sprawling estates, and a strong sense of community. Families also enjoy an abundance of retail, dining, and entertainment options.
5. Grapevine
Grapevine combines historic charm with modern amenities, making it a popular choice for families. The city’s rich history and family-oriented atmosphere make it stand out.
Location & Accessibility
Grapevine is centrally located, with easy access to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and major highways. It’s an ideal spot for families who value convenience and a short commute.
Education
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD serves the city and is highly rated for its academic and extracurricular offerings. Families can feel confident in the quality of education provided.
Housing
Grapevine offers a mix of historic homes and modern builds. The city’s median home price is around $675,000, making it an affordable yet desirable location for families.
Conclusion
When looking for the best cities to raise a family in the Fort Worth area, these five options stand out for their excellent schools, safe environments, and abundant amenities. From the luxurious homes in Westlake to the community-centric vibe of Trophy Club, there’s something for every family. Each of these cities offers a unique lifestyle, so be sure to explore them and find the one that fits your family’s needs.
Post written by Michael Stephens from Living Local Texas.
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