Best place to live for 23 year old (Dallas, Fort Worth: apartment complexes, home)

[Jav4491]

I might be relocating to Dallas from Southern California for a job opportunity in the near future and wanted to get some info about the area. I am a 23 year old female and would be working in Fort Worth.

-Is the commute from Dallas to Fort Worth a pain in terms of traffic and time?

-Would downtown or west village be better to live in terms of nightlife / younger crowd? Or another area?

-What are the best apartment complexes to live in? I would like to live somewhere that is within walking distance/ fairly close to shops/ dining/ grocery stores? I would like to stay under/around $1400 for a one bedroom.

-Is Dallas more of a fast paced city or a slower paced city?

Any other helpful information on the area would be greatly appreciated!!

[J800]

I wouldn't recommend living in Dallas and commuting to Ft.Worth.

Look into apartments near West 7th in Ft.Worth, that should give you decent night life. Try Firestone Apartments.

I think Dallas is a slower paced city.

[TrueDat]

If you're working in downtown Fort Worth, the commute from North Oak Cliff/Bishop Arts District (a neighborhood southwest of downtown Dallas) isn't totally horrible as it's a reverse commute along I-30. Still, it's 30 miles each way and if there's a wreck or ice, you'll add a lot to your commute time.

Living any farther north or east in Dallas would not be recommended. Commuting from West Village wouldn't be fun as that means having to go through downtown. Not fun during rush hour and it would only add to your expenses as Uptown probably is the most expensive (for apartments) neighborhood in the region.

As far as areas in Fort Worth, the West 7th corridor, Near Southside/Magnolia Avenue, or downtown itself are where you want to be.

As for Dallas being slower or faster paced, the question is compared to where. It's faster than Fort Worth but is pure molasses compared to New York or Chicago. Coming from Southern California (as did I), it might feel similar in terms of car-oriented sprawl.

[WorldKlas]

There's plenty of good choices in FTW. The commute to Dallas would be a complete drain.

[TurtleCreek80]

Live near the Arts District in Fort Worth (West 7th). It's fun and full of young professionals. The vast majority of people who work in Fort Worth live there, not Dallas. It will be important for you to make new friends and start to feel at home in Texas and it will be really hard to do that if you miss all of the happy hours and events because you're stuck in traffic. I even know several people who got jobs in FW and ended up moving there from Dallas due to the commute. It jus beats you down.

Move to Fort Worth.
Join the Junior League if you want to meet like-minded professional women who enjoy bettering their community and making lasting friendships.
Join the Junior group at the Kimbell or Modern museums. It's pricey but comes with a great social program of happy hours, events, and trips throughout the year.
Find out where your alma matter's football games are broadcast and to to that bar every Saturday in the fall to make connections from home.
If you were in a sorority, you'll find a young alumnae group to join in FW that will have monthly social events like Painting with a Twist, wine tastings, etc.
Join a church / temple/ etc - most have vibrant singles groups for 20-30's.
If you're athletic, there are tons of intramural teams to join. Know more than a few marriages that started with intramural softball and running clubs!

[ChristieP]

Totally agree with TC80. Living and working inFort Worth can be really fun!

Don't make that commute from Dallas. It will suck the life out of you and cost a fortune.

[RJ312]

Live in Fort Worth. Dallas to Fort Worth is a terrible commute. Look at West 7th in Fort Worth. You'll be happier.

[JTC Mom]

I agree with TC80 and would also suggest checking out Steer Fort Worth, which is an amazing young professionals group, with lots of networking and professional development opportunities.