and dairy farm. Residential development around the farm soon followed, and in 1922 Berkeley Place was annexed by Fort Worth (and the original farmhouse that started it all may still be seen at 2230 Warner Road). Styles here range from Antebellum to Bungalow to Tudor Revival to Modern, and are known for their very distinctive brick or stucco construction, pointed arches and multiple roofs. Larger homes here feature detached garages and even guest cottages. Residents in Berkeley Place are extremely involved in their neighborhood’s activities, and the Berkeley Place Association is one of the most active homeowner’s associations in Fort Worth.
CANDLERIDGE Bounded by Kingswood to the north, Sycamore School Road to the south, Trail Lake to the west and Hulen Street to the east, Candleridge is a master-planned community of more than 1,000-acres, provides easy access to I-20, I-35W and Hulen Mall, and undeveloped lots are still available. Many of the homes here are custom-built and characterized by brick construction, complete with beautiful lawns and attractive landscaping. Candleridge is home to the largest neighborhood park in Fort Worth, which includes French Lake and miles of hiking and bike trails that run through the 100-acred park, plus a linear greenbelt that extends along the creekbeds and behind homes. French Lake is surrounded by walkways, shade trees and a pavilion for picnics, with many varieties of ducks, both wild and domestic, together with geese, herons and other waterfowl here at various times of the year.
COLONIAL AND BELLAIRE Similar in style and history, the Colonial and Bellaire neighborhoods are forever connected by more than just a shared boundary. Located four miles southwest of downtown Fort Worth, Colonial Hills was originally a dairy farm, until the construction of the Colonial Country Club in 1936. South of Colonial Hills and west of Texas Christian University is Bellaire. Most of the land in the Bellaire neighborhood was divided into lots and developed by Bellaire Estates. Later, in 1929,
the land along Bellaire Drive North became the TCU football stadium. Both neighborhoods feature large two-story Colonial, Spanish and Tudor-style homes, mixed in with ranch-style homes found along Simondale and Alton Road. Prairie cottage homes made of stucco or brick are found at the southern end of both neighborhoods, and have tile roofs and basements.
FAIRMOUNT Located on the near south side of Fort Worth, the Fairmount Southside Historic District covers approximately one square mile, and contains within its boundaries some of the nation’s best prime examples of turn-of-the-century housing. Originally, Fairmount was 20 different subdivisions platted between 1883 and 1907. After World War II, as suburbs around Fort Worth were growing, the neighborhood fell into disrepair. During the 1970s, residents formed the Fairmount Association – a neighborhood association dedicated to restoring Fairmount. The association was instrumental in securing the neighborhood’s historical designations, and still works closely with Fairmount residents. The neighborhood features an annual home tour that hosts thousands, as well as an annual Neighborhood-wide Real Estate open house. Homes in Fairmount range in architectural style from one-story wood frame, Queen Anne, and various American Bungalows, as well as two-story American Four Squares, Victorian, and Prairie Style. Many Fairmount homes still possess most of their original features and fixtures, or are being restored to contain them. As a result, real estate values in Fairmount have doubled in the last five years, and are still rising.
MIRA VISTA Located in southwest Fort Worth, Mira Vista is a 700-acre gated community, and considered to be one of the premier neighborhoods in this area, offering gated security and many custom-built homes, many of
which have golf course or water views. The Mira Vista par-71 championship course has been home to many state and local tournaments, and is challenging to both beginning and expert golfers alike. The community also boasts a swimming pool, tennis courts and a beautiful clubhouse.
RIVER CREST Only three miles west of the Fort Worth Central Business District, River Crest is a historic community that has been the proud home of many Fort Worth forefathers, including Amon Carter Sr. and Wesley C. Stripling. Beautiful and scenic, River Crest is built around a country club and a golf course, and its shaded, quiet streets are perfect for brisk morning walks and afternoon strolls. Many of the homes here are two-story homes and offer views of the golf course, and architectural styles range from wood-framed Prairie-style to stucco Mediterranean to Tudor Revival. The area is also home to more than 30 historic homes.
RYAN PLACE Ryan Place was originally marketed to the “elite and exclusive,” although during the Great Depression building was halted and some houses began to deteriorate. In 1969, the Ryan Place Improvement Association started beautification efforts, and the results are stunning. Ryan Place is the oldest intact residential neighborhood in Fort Worth, with tree-lined streets, sidewalks and beautiful ornamental streetlights. Residences here range in style from Mediterranean to Tudor to Revival, and prices vary depending on the size and condition of the home. The first weekend of December heralds the RPIA-sponsored annual Ryan Place Candlelight Tour, which is responsible for funding many neighborhood improvements, such as the restoration of the gates at the east and west entrances of Elizabeth Boulevard. Residents also participate in the Ryan Place 4th of July Parade, Halloween’s BooFest!, and annual Croquet Tournaments.
TCU/UNIVERSITY The TCU neighborhood is derived from its famous neighbor and major landowner,
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