Where Should Young Professionals Live in Fort Worth? 10 Best Neighborhoods for Your 20s

Fort Worth has great neighborhoods for young professionals, whether you’re after a lively downtown, artsy hangouts, or affordable rent with a quick commute. Areas like Downtown Fort Worth, Southside, and Fairmount are especially popular with 20-somethings thanks to their mix of walkability, nightlife, and access to major employers.

This guide covers the 10 best Fort Worth neighborhoods for young adults, based on rent, amenities, commute times, and social scene, so you can find the right fit for your lifestyle and budget.

Best Neighborhoods in Fort Worth for Young Professionals

• Best for Urban Energy- Downtown Fort Worth - With a Walk Score of 66, high-rise apartments, lively bars in Sundance Square, and easy access to Trinity Metro transit, you get unmatched city vibes.
• Best for Dining & Nightlife- Southside - This artsy enclave is packed with live music venues, craft cocktails, breweries, and independent restaurants, making it a growing hotspot for creatives.
• Most Walkable- Arlington Heights - Charming bungalows, quick access to West 7th or the Cultural District, and a steady stream of evenings spent walking to dinner.
• Best for Young Creatives- Fairmount - Known for its walkable streets, murals, and local cafes, Fairmount attracts artists, remote workers, and young professionals.
• Best for Post-Grad Life- TCU–Westcliff - Close to campus life, with transit access and lively TCU-area bars, it offers a good balance for younger renters.
• Best for Park & Trail Lovers- Mistletoe Heights - Nestled next to Trinity Trails and Mistletoe Park, it's ideal for early-morning runners and weekend cyclists.
• Most Affordable- Ridglea / Western Hills - Less than 10 minutes from downtown via I‑30, this area offers some of the most affordable rentals and green shopping options with a suburban feel.
• Best for Arts & Culture- Cultural District - Home to Kimbell, Modern, and Amon Carter Museums, along with café culture and trail access, it’s great for professional creatives.
• Best Under-the-Radar Gem:-Oakhurst - Quiet, affordable, and walkable with blossoming vintage businesses and cafes. A low-key, local scene.

Best Neighborhoods in Fort Worth, TX, for Young Professionals

Trying to find a place to live in Fort Worth in your 20s or early 30s? These 10 Fort Worth neighborhoods offer everything from nightlife and coworking spaces to quiet blocks and killer coffee, perfect for young professionals looking to make the most of the city.

Downtown Fort Worth

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,738
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,227
• Median Home Purchase Price: $543,500
• Crime Score (Compared to Fort Worth citywide average): Average

Downtown Fort Worth is where young professionals go to be in the center of it all. With bars, music venues, festivals, and Class-A office space packed into a walkable grid, it offers unbeatable access to work and play.

High-rise apartments and lofts dominate the skyline, many with skyline views, fitness centers, and rooftop pools. The scene stays lively throughout the week with events in Sundance Square, happy hours, and food truck pop-ups. It’s not the cheapest, but for those who crave a fast-paced city living with no commute, Downtown is hard to beat.

Things to Do in Downtown Fort Worth

• Happy hour at Thompson’s Bookstore
• See a Broadway show at Bass Performance Hall
• Walk or bike the Trinity Trails
• Brunch at The Beast & Company or Little Red Wasp

Southside

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,048
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,247
• Median Home Purchase Price: $280,800
• Crime Score (Compared to Fort Worth citywide average): Average

The Southside is Fort Worth’s answer to cool. Home to Magnolia Avenue, this artsy district has indie cafes, tattoo parlors, bike shops, and some of the city’s best restaurants and breweries. Rents are lower than downtown, but the vibe is just as lively.

You’ll find a creative crowd of designers, baristas, and musicians, walking dogs and hanging out at patio bars. While you’ll still want a car for commuting, the walkability around the core is excellent. It’s ideal for young professionals who value community and nightlife over high-rises and parking garages.

Things to Do in Southside

• Grab tacos at Velvet Taco or brew flights at HopFusion
• Catch a show at Amphibian Stage
• Explore South Main’s vintage and vinyl shops
• Swing by Melt Ice Creams for dessert

Arlington Heights

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,135
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,452
• Median Home Purchase Price: $465,000
• Crime Score (Compared to Fort Worth citywide average): Average

Arlington Heights hits that sweet spot between urban and residential. Tree-lined streets, early 20th-century charmers, and duplex rentals give it an old-school feel, but you're minutes from the buzz of the Cultural District.

This neighborhood is especially appealing for those who want walkability without the price tag of downtown. Coffee shops, parks, and boutique gyms are scattered throughout, and it’s easy to bike into the city or hop on Camp Bowie for a straight shot to nightlife.

Things to Do in Arlington Heights

• Catch indie flicks at the historic Ridglea Theater
• Sip wine at Winslow’s Wine Café
• Walk your dog through Sanguinet Park
• Shop local at Camp Bowie boutiques

Fairmount

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $900
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,787
• Median Home Purchase Price: $535,800
• Crime Score (Compared to Fort Worth citywide average): Average

Fairmount is Fort Worth’s most colorful neighborhood, literally. With restored bungalows, historic porches, and tons of street personality, it’s a haven for young creatives.

The neighborhood is part of the Near Southside and overlaps with Magnolia Avenue’s nightlife, making it both walkable and community-driven. Rents are still manageable, and neighbors are known to host porch concerts, art walks, and block parties. It’s ideal for someone who wants to feel like they are truly part of a neighborhood, not just living in one.

Things to Do in Fairmount

• Browse records at Panther City Vinyl
• Get coffee at BREWED then thrift nearby
• Attend ArtsGoggle in the fall
• Enjoy farm-to-table dinner at Ellerbe

TCU-Westcliff

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,487
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,883
• Median Home Purchase Price: $367,100
• Crime Score (Compared to Fort Worth citywide average): Above Average

TCU-Westcliff has campus buzz with upscale chill. It's perfect for post-grads, med students, and young professionals who want to be near the action but not drowning in it. Rent skews higher, but you're paying for access to coffee shops, college sports, trails, and a tight-knit social scene.

Streets are lined with older homes, student duplexes, and newer apartments. Plus, the food and drink scene around University Drive is low-key excellent. This is where you settle if you’re not quite done with college life but need a grown-up lease.

Things to Do in TCU-Westcliff

• Watch a Horned Frogs game
• Walk to Dutch’s Burgers or Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
• Hang out at TCU’s library or on the campus lawn
• Catch a concert at Dickies Arena nearby

Mistletoe Heights

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,591
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,005
• Median Home Purchase Price: $570,000
• Crime Score (Compared to Fort Worth citywide average): Average

Mistletoe Heights is a favorite for young professionals who want peace and proximity. Just south of the Cultural District and near the Trinity River Trails, it offers leafy streets, early-20th-century homes, and quiet living within 10 minutes of downtown.

While nightlife is nearby, Mistletoe Heights itself stays calm, making it perfect for work-from-home professionals or couples who like the best of both worlds. It’s also highly walkable, especially near Park Place Avenue, and connects easily to biking and running routes.

Things to Do in Mistletoe Heights

• Walk or jog the Trinity Trails
• Sip coffee at Press Café nearby
• Picnic in Forest Park
• Catch a quick concert at The Post at River East

Ridglea / Western Hills

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,046
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,291
• Median Home Purchase Price: $321,600
• Crime Score (Compared to Fort Worth citywide average): Average

Ridglea and Western Hills offer a slower pace for young professionals who prioritize cost and space over nightlife. It’s one of the most affordable areas near downtown, and while it leans suburban, you’ll still find shopping centers, gyms, and restaurants nearby.

Commutes are reasonable, and housing options range from mid-century homes to garden-style apartments. For those who want Fort Worth access without the price tag or need space for a home office, this neighborhood brings solid value.

Things to Do in Ridglea / Western Hills

• Play a round at Ridglea Country Club
• Get Tex-Mex at Esperanza’s Restaurant & Bakery
• Catch live music at the historic Ridglea Theater
• Shop the boutiques along Camp Bowie Blvd

Cultural District

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,083
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,315
• Median Home Purchase Price: $656,500
• Crime Score (Compared to Fort Worth citywide average): Average

If you want art, culture, and coffee all within a few blocks, Fort Worth’s Cultural District is a dream. Young professionals here enjoy walkable access to five major museums, cozy cafés, and boutique apartments. It’s got a sophisticated feel without being stuffy, and it’s just minutes from both Downtown and Southside.

Rentals range from mid-rise units with sleek amenities to charming brick fourplexes. Plus, you’re right next to the Trinity Park trail system, so it’s easy to balance work, play, and wellness.

Things to Do in the Cultural District

• Visit the Modern Art Museum or Kimbell
• Brunch at Blue Sushi or Cafe Modern
• Walk the trails in Trinity Park
• Grab drinks at Gemelle or Magnolia Wine Bar

Oakhurst

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: -
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,923
• Median Home Purchase Price: $344,900
• Crime Score (Compared to Fort Worth citywide average): Average

Oakhurst is an up-and-coming gem with vintage homes, tree-lined streets, and a chill, neighborhood feel. Just north of downtown, it’s popular among renters who want space and character without losing proximity to the city. Homes here are affordable (by Fort Worth standards), and rents haven’t quite caught up to trendier districts.

It’s also one of the few areas where you’ll find craftsman houses and 1950s charm without HOA restrictions. It’s a solid pick for creative professionals or couples who want room to grow.

Things to Do in Oakhurst

• Get coffee at Race Street Café
• Walk the dog along Oakhurst Scenic Drive
• Explore the River East development nearby
• Grab burgers at Tributary Cafe

Final Thoughts

Fort Worth offers a surprising variety of neighborhoods that check all the boxes for young professionals, including affordable rent, short commutes, and plenty of ways to unwind after work. Whether you’re into the nightlife of Southside, the artsy energy of Fairmount, or the laid-back feel of Ridglea, there’s a corner of the city that fits your lifestyle.

Not sure where to start? Take Apartment List’s personalized quiz to get matched with rentals that align with your priorities, budget, commute, must-haves, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Worth’s Best Neighborhoods for Young Professionals

Where do most young professionals live in Fort Worth?

Popular areas include Downtown Fort Worth, Fairmount, and the Cultural District. Downtown offers walk-to-work convenience and nightlife. Fairmount draws creatives with its historic homes and bar scene, while the Cultural District appeals to art lovers and professionals who want to be near museums, coffee shops, and coworking spots.

Is Fort Worth a good city for young professionals?

Yes, Fort Worth is one of Texas’s most livable cities for early-career professionals. The job market is strong in healthcare, aerospace, logistics, and education. Rents are still below national averages, and with dozens of walkable pockets, vibrant food halls, and plenty of coworking options, Fort Worth offers a solid work-life balance.

What makes Fort Worth better than Dallas for young professionals?

Fort Worth is more affordable, more laid-back, and less traffic-choked than Dallas. Many professionals who work in either city choose to live in Fort Worth for its lower rent and cultural perks like the Kimbell Art Museum and Sundance Square. It’s ideal for people who want city access without big-city burnout.