23F from Chicago relocating to DFW – Dallas or Fort Worth?

Posted by LivingSimilar7063@reddit | askdfw | View on Reddit | 12 comments

Hi everyone!

I'm a 23-year-old Black woman from Chicago relocating to DFW next month for work, and I'm having a hard time deciding where to live.

My office is located in North Fort Worth, but I only have to go in 3 times a week. On top of that, I travel for work every other week from March through November, so I'm not constantly commuting.

I've visited Fort Worth before, and honestly, I wasn't a huge fan of the vibe. Coming from Chicago, it felt a little too country and spread out for me. I also feel like Dallas is more diverse and closer to what I'm used to culturally. It seems to have more young professionals, more things to do, and more opportunities to meet people and build a social life.

The thing is, I'll be moving completely by myself. I struggle with anxiety and some depression, so I'm trying to be realistic about how important my environment will be for my mental health. Fort Worth definitely has much nicer apartments within my budget (max $1,400), but I'm worried that I'll end up feeling isolated and unhappy. At the same time, Dallas would mean a longer commute on the days I do have to go into the office.

I've also looked at places in between Dallas and Fort Worth, but I haven't had much luck finding something that feels like the right fit.

If you were in my situation, would you prioritize living somewhere you think you'll enjoy more and just deal with the commute a few days a week? Or would you live closer to work and save yourself the drive?

I'd especially love to hear from people who moved to DFW alone, other Black women in the area, or anyone familiar with both Dallas and Fort Worth.

Also, please share if you have any apartment complex recommendations!

Thanks!

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drinksandogs@reddit

May I suggest Urban center in Las Colinas. It will check a lot of boxes. While it may not be in everyone's price range it's affordable and has a solid neighborhood diversity with plenty of things being walkable and always having something going on.

Texas22@reddit

What part of Chicago are you coming from? We can give you areas with a similar vibe. But I would suggest Las Colinas or Grand Prairie right now.

LivingSimilar7063@reddit (OP)

I’m actually from the city, not the surrounding areas of Chicago. I stay 20 minutes from Downtown Chicago.

Oh how nice. Yeah, the closest feeling you’d get to that is around downtown Dallas. But no one would recommend that commute. But I think you’d like the area around TCU.

lesmunk@reddit

Checkout South Main area of Fort Worth. Bars, restaurants, music venues, theaters, bookstores, apothecary, brewery. You can walk to downtown, and there’s a TRE stop nearby you can take to Dallas .

Intelligent-Read-785@reddit

There is a group of suburban cities across the Northeast Side of FT Worth. Those are Hurst, Euless and Bedford. I also second Grapevine, but it is a little further North and East of these three. Avoid FT Worth proper till the get raid or the KKK wannabes trying to run the place.

Jealous_Look_9337@reddit

I grew up in Dallas but moved to Chicago 15 years ago. I know both very well. Dallas to FT Worth commute is brutal (it's not like you're sitting on a cushy Metra heading north to Lake Forest from downtown Chicago). You'll be in a car dealing with traffic. I made that commute for an entire summer during an internship over 20 years ago. I'd live in Ft Worth in the most happening neighborhood you can find to make your commute to work EASY.

You can then choose to go to Dallas and meet up friends on the weekends! You don't have option to skip going into the office in Ft. Worth but you choose whether to go to Dallas for fun.

Alberta2025@reddit

If a bit of a drive is not a dealbreaker, consider Uptown or Bishop Arts. Both are areas of Dallas that I think you will like. Welcome to Texas, the Lone Star State!

LightLeader1234@reddit

Grapevine - check it out. Centrally located, close to all the happenings - gives you a chance to check out the sprawling metroplex. Dallas has 4 “centers” - downtown ( just now under revival ), Uptown (social vibe) Addison (businesses and restaurants) and Plano (new development and tons of business). Ft Worth will be larger in population than Dallas in 30 years - it’s not a center on business now but will be. It’s more relaxed, but not as racially diverse.

Grapevine is thriving, plenty of activities nearby. If you’re flying weekly out of DFW, its proximity to the airport will save you time.

Grapevine

ChangingThymes@reddit

My opinion is DFW is less about where you go and more about what you do. It’s not a typical big city. There are some areas that are social and vibrant but generally most people in DFW focus on activities so would suggest looking at your decision that way. Gym, church, work, sports (golf, biking..), hobbies. If any of those interest you see where living makes sense and start there.

The area around TCU south of downtown Fort Worth is considered pretty vibrant.

Otherwise I’d suggest sign a 1 year lease at a complex you like closer to work and focus on activities.

You didn’t say if you cared but there are some areas that have more black density if you want that (eg Crowley I believe or others).

You can also go north of Fort Worth on 35W about 8-10 miles and there is a slew of new development that’s clean, safe and convenient (albeit not urban). Traffic is pretty slow from there but it’s nothing like the drive to dallas

As others said there are lots of areas under a 30 minute commute. Read the posts here and shorten the list for more specific feedback.

klavwill@reddit

I definitely wouldn’t move to Dallas. That drive is gonna be brutal w/ traffic. Not sure exactly where your office is, but check out Las Colinas & certain areas of Arlington or Grand Prairie