Dallas and Fort Worth may be sister cities located within 35 miles of one another, but don’t make the mistake that they are the same. These two anchors and surrounding cities and towns form the fourth most populated area in the country. However, a quick trip down one of the interstates connecting the east and west ends of the mighty Metroplex shows how very different the areas are. Ever wonder about the difference between Dallas and Fort Worth? Here are 19 undeniable differences between the two in terms of history, personality, culture, and even lifestyle:

1. Both cities were established near the banks of the Trinity River, but the differences end there.
Barton Warren Evermann/WikiMedia Commons
Dallas, to the east, ranks as the ninth in the U.S. with a population of over 1.3 million. Fort Worth, to the west, is ranked as the 16th largest, and it's the fastest-growing city in the nation, with a population reaching nearly 900,000. The Trinity River is both beautiful and dangerous, as demonstrated during the Great Flood of 1949.
2. Dallas thrived as a railroad town and quickly developed a "big city" feel.
Big Tex
An early claim to fame is the ongoing State Fair of Texas first held in the late 1800s. Today it is the largest and longest-running fair in America. Dallas was formally established in 1841 and became a business and trading center. It was booming by the end of the 1800s and the early 1900s.
3. Fort Worth was a rough-and-rowdy Cowtown.
North Fort Worth Historical Society
Fort Worth was established in 1849 as an Army outpost by the Trinity River. Its growth was attributable to its stop on the Chisholm Trail. It became a bawdy, gunslinger sort of Western town, with a legendary Hell's Half Acre. It became the center of cattle drives, and later, the ranching industry, earning it the nickname, "Cowtown." Fort Worth became the host of successful stock shows and exhibitions, and, of course, rodeos. The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is its hallmark event and is still held every January/February.
4. Dallas had to work hard to live down its "City of Hate" image following the John F. Kennedy Presidential assassination in 1963 and with periods of civil unrest.
Adam Simmons/Flickr
Dealey Plaza, where John F. Kennedy was assassinated in November 1963, is still the top tourist attraction in the city today. Tourists flock to landmarks from that tragic event. This theater is in Oak Cliff, which is where assassin Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested.
5. Fort Worth has had to work hard to build up its image as being more than just a Western town.
Darrell/Flickr
Although locals and city officials are still proud of Fort Worth's moniker of "Where the West Begins."
6. Dallas has a more expansive and impressive skyline.
Daxis/Flickr
The city has a big ball in the sky that features nightly LED light shows, for example. The newest addition is the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, a spectacular bridge that crosses the Trinity River.
7. Fort Worth's skyline is smaller, but the buildings light up to form a beautiful evening silhouette.
Jay Weenig/Flickr
Its downtown Main Street and Sundance areas are beautiful, lively, clean, and safe. It's one of our favorite main streets in Texas.
8. Dallas is known for its fashion, sophisticated bars and club scenes, and its urban feel.
rawartistsmedia/Flickr
It is considered more progressive and open-minded. It's an excellent place for artists and creatives.
9. Fort Worth has a more casual feel, with a come-as-you-are friendliness vibe.
PTMurphus/Flickr
Residents, in general, are more apt to be a bit more traditional and old-fashioned than those living in Dallas.

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10. Dallas loves its eclectic artsy feel.
Marco Becerra/Flickr
If you've never been to Deep Ellum, you've never truly lived. While you're there, you definitely want to check out Truth and Alibi, a truly unique restaurant in Dallas that doubles as a speakeasy.
11. Fort Worth embraces the classics.
joevare/Flickr
The internationally-renowned Kimbell Art Museum is in the Cultural Arts District of Fort Worth, but don't be misled - both cities embrace and surround themselves with art of all kinds through countless caliber museums and arts festivals. By the way, the Kimball Art Museum is one of the best museums in Dallas that you need to add to your bucket list ASAP.
12. Some say Dallas has an inflated sense of self...
Adam Simmons/Flickr
13. ...while Fort Worth has had to stir things up to generate excitement.
Heritage Trails Project
The city was once called "Panther City" because, in 1873, a local said things were so quiet there that there was a panther asleep on Main Street. Whether this is actually true or not... well, we doubt it... but it's fun to think about.
14. Dallas is one of the fastest-growing cities for millionaires.
Steven Martin/Flickr
Dallas has more than 115,000 millionaires, largely due to the oil and technology industries. Dallas alone is home to numerous high-earning neighborhoods - some of the highest-earning folks call the city home.
15. Fort Worth's established neighborhoods are full of charm.
Steven Martin/Flickr
Make no mistake, there are plenty of mansions spread across Fort Worth as well.
16. Dallas has renowned culinary restaurants known for their food as well as their expensive prices.
The Mansion Restaurant at Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek
The Mansion Restaurant at Turtle Creek (shown here) is just one example.
17. Fort Worth beckons with friendly and affordable options.
PTMurphus/Flickr
Tasty restaurants abound there too, but locals flock to Tex-Mex, barbecue, and Southern homestyle options. While you're here, be sure to check out some of the most unique restaurants in Fort Worth.
18. Dallas is home to Southern Methodist University.
Daniel Lobo/Flickr
Go Mustangs!
19. Fort Worth has Texas Christian University.
mckinney75402/Flickr
Fear the mighty Horned Frog!

City leaders showed great wisdom in building the Dallas – Fort Worth International Airport in the Irving area, which is centrally located between the two cities. Also, The Dallas Cowboys Stadium and Texas Rangers Ball Park are in a more neutral spot in Arlington. While each city has distinctly different personalities and goals, locals agree that there’s nothing better than living in the Dallas – Fort Worth Metroplex!

Do you live somewhere in North Texas? If so, which city or suburb is your personal favorite? Any experiences or insights to share about living here? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

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More to Explore

Difference Between Dallas and Fort Worth

Tori Jane | December 30, 2022
  1. Is Fort Worth older than Dallas?  

Dallas was incorporated on February 2, 1856, while Fort Worth was incorporated in 1874. This makes Dallas older than Fort Worth by no less than 18 years.  

2. What is the population of Fort Worth?  

Fort Worth is the fifth-largest city in the state of Texas and the 13th-largest city in the United States. It has a population of just under one million people, with 958,692 people calling it home as of the 2020 census. There are plenty of fun things to do in Fort Worth, such as:  

 

3. Are Dallas and Fort Worth the same thing?  

Though nowadays Dallas-Fort Worth is pretty much all one entity in nomenclature and culture, they are still not technically the same thing. They are two cities, albeit ones that are quite close to one another and both have all sorts of amazing things to do jam-packed within their borders. Come sample amazing restaurants, unique arts districts, one-of-a-kind shops, and so much more while visiting the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

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