In January 2018, my wife and I moved to downtown Fort Worth after purchasing a 4 story brownstone with amazing views of the city that is strategically located on the edge of downtown, adjacent to Panther Island, and not far from West 7th and Near Southside.
Earlier this week my wife and I listed our home for sale so that we can relocate to the East.
Giving Thanks
Our current home is the eighth property we’ve owned that has also served as our primary residence. It was the first to be four stories tall and the first located in an urban area. It was the sixth with a two car garage, sixth with a HOA, fourth with a view (two prior homes had water views and one had a golf course view),fourth with three bedrooms, third to have square footage in the lower 2000s, and the second with three and a half bathrooms.
Reflecting on our four and a half years I’m especially grateful for
- Location, location, location. I’ve long heard that the top three rules in real estate are one in the same: location. Before living in such a central location I never fully understood this wisdom. We’ve enjoyed having everything nearby.
- Cowtown Friendly. From a tightknit community within our small HOA to our involvement in a nearby community of faith to our experiences of so many people in a variety of settings, we’ve found the downtown area to be incredibly safe and the people to be authentic and friendly.
- Walkability. Whether seeking a dinner or entertainment, getting in one of our vehicles has been optional. We’ve walked more than ever before to do life together, and we’ve also enjoyed exercising on the Trinity Trail which is just a few blocks to the North of our residence. (It was also the first time in our lives we ever walked to church!)
- Views. It’s one thing to look out at a city now and again, and completely another to do so every day. We’ve enjoyed watching people come and go for their everyday happenings and be joined by many others for special events, like the annual Fort Worth’s Fourth fireworks and extravaganza on Panther Island. (And our rooftop deck has become selfie central for our guests to snap pics with the city in the background.)
- Growth. Downtown and the surrounding areas were growing rapidly when we arrived, slowed down a bit early in the pandemic, and have really taken off again lately. It’s been a joy to be a part of the expansion of the urban core of America’s 12th largest city. And, most recently, to see a church being erected on the lot that sits between us and downtown.
So What?
Living in downtown Fort Worth has been an incredible experience! The only reason we are departing is that I now work more than 40 miles away.
Living in downtown taught me that while I’m more apt to connect with God in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city, I’m also able to do so in nature – including on a number of journeys down the Trinity Trails.
Note: All of the details associated with this transition have contributed to less frequent blogging.