You’re looking for a new place to hang your hat, and you’ve heard good things about Texas. Frankly, there’s not much to hate about the lone star state. Fort Worth is one of the hot spots these days and, if you’re looking to make the move, this is one place you really should check out. Here’s why.

The Weather

You’re going to love the weather here – especially if you’re moving in from a northern state. Keep in mind that there’s rarely ever a need for a hoodie, a winter coat, or even hats. Fall, winter, and even spring are all pretty mild compared to what you’re used to. It’s also a drier heat than what you might be used to.

In June, July, and August, the weather gets extremely hot. If you’re not used to heat, be prepared for a shocker. Standing outside in the summer is like standing in front of a giant hair dryer blowing at you at 90+ degrees.

Some days, it gets to be over 100. So, you’ll have to get used to the idea of carrying around a water bottle, a mister, and possibly even a small wash cloth that you can wet and place on your forehead if you’re overcome by the heat. Also, you’ll probably spend these months in-doors in air conditioning. Everyone else does.

Traffic Is Awesome

The traffic isn’t what you’d expect from a big city. Some roads, like I-30 and I-35 can be problematic during rush hour, with the busiest times being between 8-10AM and 4-7PM. However, outside of that, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by just how smooth it is to get from one place to another.

The Cost Of Living Is Reasonable

Talk to a few Fort Worth realtors. You’ll quickly discover that real estate here is a bargain, and the neighborhoods are excellent. Even though it’s a large city, the neighborhoods feel smallish and comfortable. They’re “accessible.” You won’t feel lost in them.

You Won’t Get Lost Easily

Fort Worth is the 16th largest city in the U.S. But, it’s actually really easy to get around in. Average commute times from one end of the city to the other average just 28 minutes. Even during peak hours, traffic and the downtown area aren’t bad. Yeah, they’re congested, but traffic still moves considerably faster than, say, what you’d find in Atlanta or Washington D.C., where you can be stuck in a 100 mile traffic jam lasting several hours.

The city is dedicated to being bike-friendly, so if you’re one for exercise, this is the city for you. It’s not uncommon for cyclists to ride to work alongside vehicles on the road.

Neighborhoods Actually Feel Like Neighborhoods

It’s big enough to feel like a city, yet small enough to still feel like you have space to move around. This isn’t a New York City style city. Before you move here, check out the old-world charm of Near Southside district. Compare this with other areas of the city. The Near Southside is the oldest part of the city. Camp Bowie will give you an idea of the more modern side of Fort Worth. From there, you can get a good idea of what to expect out of the city as a whole, as everything else is going to be “in-between” the old and new designs.

Annette Goree understands the pains of relocation. After working with companies relocating employees, she often writes about the tips and tricks to a great moving experience.