So I'm considering making Ft. Worth my new home.

Totally agree that the west and southwest areas of FW are underserved. Here are some very broad generalizations so don't mean any offense:
East side bad to arlington; north side bad until around 820; southwest good; west side better and gets better the closer in town you go.

Obviouslythere are exceptions: there's a small area around the stockyards on the north side that's nice and good luck telling someone around colonial/tcu (south side) that the west side is better unless they're "old FW". The bryant irvin area and hulen areas(southwest)are maybe a bit nicer than far north FW. Unfortunately these areas aren't really convenient to anything - they just started a toll road that won't be done for years.
If it were me I'd probably get as close to I30 as possible either west 7th area just west of downtown where there are a ton of new loft apartments desperate for tenants if you wanted to concentrate on FW or in arlington just off I30 because then you can hopefully get dallas and FW.

ps... as the saying goes, life's too short to spend it living in Dallas!

pps... decide what's more convenient in terms of location and getting to med school.

820 and Beach is not a bad area at all. The Eastchase and IH-30 part is much worse than you will ever know. The Eastchase area has older apartments, retail that is on the decline and high crime. Plus Eastchase is the wet dry line, lots of liquor stores. Nothing wrong with liquor stores though. The area north of IH-35, say north of Loop 820 is pretty nice with newer apartment's but the traffic is a nightmare all the time.

Fort Worth is great DL. You will love it.

The Eastchase and IH-30 part is much worse than you will ever know. The Eastchase area has older apartments, retail that is on the decline and high crime. Plus Eastchase is the wet dry line, lots of liquor stores. Nothing wrong with liquor stores though. Originally Posted by bigbobftworth

Right on! My friend and his new wife just moved close to that area and I was laughing at him when I brought up all the crimes that made the news in that area in a 3 week span.

So why are you thinking about FW ? Why do you think it's called " Cowtown " ? It's also called " Panther City " Because a panther can sleep on Main Street and not be awakened. FYI I'ved lived in FW for over 50yrs and love the place. There is still a small town feel about us. If you like the "hip" metropolitan feel you are better off in Dallas. If you want a relaxed, laid back feel , welcome. I personally like the near West side of town or the Bryant Irvin, Hulen area or TCU or 7th st (So 7th) areas if you're looking for more upscale. East side IMHO is a slight step down. Location wise though, East side is probably more convenient for Dallas and Arlington. The number of active hobbyist in FW is probably relatively small compared to Dallas. You are probably a better judge of that than I. Check us out , try several different locations before you get a permanent incall. Regardless of where you choose your incall, if you like laid back you'll love it here. It's "Cowtown".

820 can be a pain. Many of us have made that drive to a certain locale. Just allow extra time and hang at the McDonalds an exit or two away and "anticipate". Hope that the shower drain is working....

I30 and East Chase is nice and covenient on off the highway
Traffic not bad.

I'm considering Ft. Worth because I am consistently busier over there than I am when I advertise on the Dallas side. I'm leaning towards the Northern area, despite the traffic.

Look at the Grapevine/Colleyville/Southlake/Bedford/Euless area. 121/114/360 area. Mostly affluent, safe, and a quick trip from DFW Airport and both of the flanking big cities.

820 can be a pain. Many of us have made that drive to a certain locale. Just allow extra time and hang at the McDonalds an exit or two away and "anticipate". Hope that the shower drain is working.... Originally Posted by Judge Smails

820 is a pain... going east is worse than going west! Well, Maybe not. Thank Jesus that I know all of the back roads! That damn shower drain still doesn't work. I avoid that room like the plague! If you don't like McDonalds, you can always cross the street and go to Chick Fil A .

I'm considering Ft. Worth because I am consistently busier over there than I am when I advertise on the Dallas side. I'm leaning towards the Northern area, despite the traffic. Originally Posted by DecemberLove

Just had to add, I have been in Fort Worth/Mid Cities for as long as I have been doing this and the majority of my clientele come from Dallas and make the long (30/45 min) drive to see me. Fort Worth Guys you all are wonderful too and I am never leaving y'all!
As I said before, DL, I think you will really enjoy being in FTW. I hope you find the perfect spot.

The McDonalds got somewhat worried when I walked in normally dressed and walked out in a bathrobe. And its 90 degreees. Glad I didn't get stopped, but hey it was worth it.

Forget N. FTW, forget eastchase! If you're going to be FTW be in downtown, that is a central locations and you will have an endless supply of horny married men. I'll be one of them.

The bryant irvin area and hulen areas(southwest)are maybe a bit nicer than far north FW. Unfortunately these areas aren't really convenient to anything Originally Posted by DustyHands

Bryant Irvin and 20 to downtown this morning: less than 20 minutes.

DecemberLove:

Glad you're looking at this side of the Metroplex-as for my $0.02, I'd suggest North of 820, East of I-35W. Why? Good housing stock, pretty low crime rate, excellent schools (may not be a factor in your case, but doesn't hurt), and access to retail and other amenities. Downsides: could be more cultural activities around (see downtown, TCU, Cultural District), houses can cost more, and then there's the traffic. Regarding that, I drive from North Tarrant/377 to I-35/Altamesa to go to work. Typical time? 40 minutes, almost no stress. The trick is to avoid I-35 and 820 like a case of herpes!-take alternate routes, e.g., 377, 121, and/or Belknap. Anyway, good luck and best wishes on your move!