Aug 12, 2023

Forney, Texas: Everything You Need to Know About Dallas’s Most Affordable Suburb


Get ready to discover the ultimate deal in Dallas! Welcome to Forney, Texas, the most affordable suburb in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex! 

Today, we’ll take you on an adventure through this awesome little city and spill all the secrets on why it’s the coolest place for new homeowners.

Forney, located in Kaufman County, has a special claim to fame – it’s been officially named the “Antique Capital of Texas” by the Texas Legislature. So get ready to explore this incredible town where history comes alive and adventure awaits!

About Forney

With a population of approximately 27,000 people, this vibrant city is home to a younger community, boasting a median age of 32 years old. The demographics of Forney are diverse, with around 62% of the population being white, 18% Hispanic, and 15% African American. 

Forney is one of the hottest spots for homebuyers in the country right now, placing number 5 on Opendoor’s list of the most popular zip codes in the United States.

History of Forney

Forney was founded in 1873 and named after John W. Forney, a railroad official. It initially served as a hub for the Texas and Pacific Railway, contributing to its early growth and development.

Downtown Forney

The historic Downtown Forney district showcases the city’s rich history with well-preserved buildings dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Forney Historic District is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

There’s much to see and do in Downtown Forney throughout the year, including shopping at the Cotton Gin; sampling great cuisines, from Cajun to award-winning Texas barbeque; visiting downtown attractions like the Spellman Museum of Forney History.

If you visit downtown, you’re sure to have a great time, whether you’re with friends or family!

Jobs and Economy

Forney is small but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of opportunities. Forney ISD is Forney’s largest employer with around 5000 employees with an average salary for teachers at around $58,000. There is also an Amazon Fulfillment Center that employs around 1000 people. Because Forney is 25 miles from Downtown Dallas, residents will also be able to work in Dallas Proper, if they are comfortable with a 30-45 minute commute. 

Here are some other numbers: 

  • The median household income in Forney is around $93,000.
  • The median home price in Forney in June 2023 was $349,900.

Schools in Forney 

Forney ISD

Let’s take a look at the Forney Independent School District (Forney ISD). They’ve got 11 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, and 2 high schools. With a big student group of 14,000, they’ve earned an A- rating from niche.com. And in a bunch of school districts in Texas (there are 1018 of them!), Forney ISD is ranked at a solid #211.

Forney High School 

Let’s talk about Forney High School. They’ve got around 2000 students learning there. And guess what? Almost all of them graduate – their graduation rate is an awesome 99%! When it comes to tests, their average SAT score is 1150, and their average ACT score is 24.

North Forney High School

Now onto North Forney High School. They’ve got a big bunch of students – around 2291. When it comes to rankings, they’ve nabbed the 606th spot among the best public high schools in Texas. Talking about tests, their average SAT score is 1100, and their average ACT score is 24.

Parks and Recreation 

Forney has 11 total parks and has recently implemented expansive developments to increase the natural beauty and entertainment values of these Parks. 

Forney Community Park 

Of the 11 parks, Forney Community Park is Forney’s largest park at 170 acres and contains a wide variety of amenities for the citizens of Forney. 

The existing development Includes:

• Lighted Athletic Fields (Softball, Soccer and Football)

• Lighted Athletic Courts (Basketball, Sand Volleyball and

 Tennis Courts)

• Site Amenities (Benches, Tables, Trash Receptacles,

 Drinking Fountains)

• Shade Structures (Bleachers and Playground)

• The 5000 seat Spellman Amphitheater

• Concession/Restroom

 Buildings

• Pavilion/Restroom Building

• Administration Building

• Maintenance Facility

• Playgrounds

• Sidewalk/Trails

• Pedestrian Bridges

• Parking

40 Acres of Wooded Areas

Mulberry Park

Mulberry Park is Forney’s second largest park and is located between Johnson Elementary

School and Warren Middle School. The park’s location between the two schools allows for

joint use of some facilities, such as parking. Mulberry Park functions as a sports complex

for the City with soccer, baseball and softball fields. The City of Forney has an interlocal

agreement with the Forney Independent School District, who owns the property, for

development, use and maintenance of the park.

Existing Development Includes:

• Lighted Athletic Fields (Baseball, Softball and Soccer)

• Tennis Courts

• Concession/Restroom Buildings

• Playground

• Site Amenities (Benches, Tables, Trash Receptacles, Drinking Fountains)

• Picnic Shelters

• Sidewalk/Trail

• Bleachers (Covered)

• Sand Volleyball

• Parking

Gentle Zoo

This animal rescue and zoo is a great place for both adults and children to view and interact with all kinds of animals. From Llamas and Capybaras to Tortoises and Kangaroos, The Gentle Zoo is a great place to learn about animals and see them up close. 

Shopping 

Even though Forney, Texas is a smaller town, there are still some shopping options around to get you anything that you’ll need (including more than a couple of antique shops). 

Shoppes at Forney Crossing

Shopping Mall at the intersection of Highway 80 and 548. Includes dozens of retail shops and restaurants.

Forney Antique Row

String of Several Antique Shopping Centers such as Little Red’s Antiques and Antiques and Vintage Texas.

Neighborhoods 

Here are some of the affordable neighborhoods throughout Forney, Texas that could make a great place to call your new home. 

Gateway Parks 

Gateway Parks is a master planned community that will include 1850 homes and a bunch of fun amenities that will make it a pretty sweet place to live.

  • Homes
    • Homes by some of DFW’s finest builders will offer families a wide variety of floor plans and architectural styles priced from the mid $200s
  • Amenity Center
    • A spacious Amenity Center features an event hall and a multipurpose community room. Outside, make a splash with three pools, two outdoor pavilions, a lighted event lawn and more!
  • Open Space
    • Miles of trails wind throughout Gateway through parks, greenbelts and along beautifully landscaped streets to connect neighborhoods, parks, the proposed school site and the community amenities.
  • Planned School Site
    • Gateway has set aside land for an elementary school site within the community to accommodate future growth and provide residents with an outstanding Forney ISD school within walking distance.
  • General Retail
    • 40 acres of land near Gateway Parks will provide neighborhood services and shopping as the local population grows. Gateway MarketPlace, a major shopping center on the north side of Hwy 80 will provide an array of shopping for all of your needs.

Overland Grove

Our second stop is Overland Grove in Forney Texas where you can find fantastic homes from the 300s. 

In addition to the great houses, this community also has an abundance of amenities including: 

  • Large resort-style swimming pool
  • Shaded cabanas
  • Adjacent lawn
  • Outdoor grilling stations
  • High-speed Wi-Fi available throughout the complex
  • Screened-in patio space with tables and TVs
  • Outdoor pavilion with fireplace
  • Large-screen TVs and Sonos sound system
  • Private Meeting Room
  • Dog park
  • Multi-age play structure
  • Pocket parks
  • Walking and jogging trails
  • Baseball backstop
  • Disc golf course
  • Catch-and-release fishing pond & pier
  • Self-pick orchards
  • Community gardens

Trinity Crossing

Our next neighborhood is Trinity Crossing. This community is among the most affordable with new constructions from the 200s.

Some of the amenities include :

  • Swimming Pool
  • Playground
  • Greenbelt

Bellagio Lagoon

Bellagio Lagoon is another master planned community that was developed by Megatel Homes LLC in 2022. The project was budgeted at $800 million and will feature hundreds of homes and its own white sand beach lagoon.

Homes will range in size from 1,800 square feet to 4,200 square feet, priced from $349,000 to $600,000.

The community will have:

– a swim up bar

– A Flowrider surfing machine

– A dog park

– A playground

– A splash park

Pros and Cons of Forney, Texas

Pro #1- Low Housing Prices 

Forney has one of the most affordable housing markets in all of DFW.  The median home price in June 2023 was $349,900. Just compare that to $453,000 in Dallas, $679,000 in Frisco and $542,000 in Plano

Con #1- Two Lane Road Traffic Jams 

Many of the roads in Forney consist of two lane roads and with a growing population, residents say that these roads can quickly become congested leading to traffic jams. community-wide special events and festivals.

Pro #2- Not the Concrete Jungle of Dallas 

Forney is just far enough outside of the bounds of Dallas to where you will have a small town feel. You won’t have the urban development of the DFW in this small town.

Con #2- Lower Performing Schools 

While Forney’s schools are by no means below average, they still  are not quite up to par with some of the school districts throughout Dallas(on average). 

Pro #3- Family Friendly 

Forney is an extremely family friendly suburb. This is evident in it’s 11 parks with plenty of activities for kids to partake in such as team sports, parades, and festivals. 

Con #3- Long Commutes

One con of living in Forney is the long commutes, with a half-hour drive to Dallas, an hour to Fort Worth, and over 30 minutes to Plano. 

Pro #4- Lots of Antiquing Options 

Forney is, after all, the antique capital of Texas. And if you visit the Forney Antique Row, you will be sure to have a great day antiquing at one of the several shops available. 

Con #4- Driving on I-80 and I-20 to get to Dallas 

The stretch of I-20 that goes through Forney and Tarrant County is rated as one of the top 10 deadliest roads in America.

I-80 is a safer option with less accidents per 100 miles but still sees its fair share of wrecks. Make sure you are always paying attention when driving on both of these highways.

Pro #5- Increasing Inventory 

While inventory in other parts of the DFW has been declining, Forney’s has actually seen a steady increase in the last 12 months.

Make Forney, Texas Your New Home

So, are you convinced yet? The most affordable suburb in Dallas is just a phone call away from becoming your permanent home. The Living in Dallas Texas Team is here to help you find your new home in Forney. Give us a call , send us an email , or hop on a zoom so we can help you make that smooth move to Forney!

CONNECT WITH LIVING IN DALLAS TEXAS TEAM

Ready to take the next step?

Let's schedule a meeting! During this initial consultation, we'll learn more about your situation and what you're seeking in a home. We'll provide advice and address any concerns you may have in order to determine the best approach to achieving your goals. By the end of our conversation, we'll have a solid plan of action and next steps for moving forward.

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Photo of Levi & Travis, Founders of the Living in Dallas Texas Team

Connect with Living in Dallas Texas Team

Ready to take the next step?

Let's schedule a meeting! During this initial consultation, we'll learn more about your situation and what you're seeking in a home. We'll provide advice and address any concerns you may have in order to determine the best approach to achieving your goals. By the end of our conversation, we'll have a solid plan of action and next steps for moving forward.

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