If you're moving to Fort Worth for the first time or preparing to visit, you may find the many neighborhood names confusing.

Stockyards, Downtown, Cultural District, Southside... they are all different neighborhoods, but it can be hard to get a sense of what each one feels like. I felt the same way at first. Fort Worth isn't as divided as Dallas, but each neighborhood has a distinct atmosphere.

Downtown is the administrative and business center of Fort Worth. It features a new city hall building and a cluster of major office buildings. Sundance Square is located within Downtown and spans 35 blocks of dining and entertainment options.

The Stockyards National Historic District is an independent area located about 3 miles northwest of Downtown. Once the center of the cattle industry in the 19th century, it has transformed into a tourist destination while still retaining the atmosphere of Western culture. Along Exchange Avenue, you'll find Western boot shops, saloons, and barbecue joints, as well as large cowboy clubs like Billy Bob's Texas.

The Cultural District is situated to the west of Downtown. The Kimbell Art Museum, Modern Art Museum, and Amon Carter Museum are all within walking distance. The Fort Worth Botanic Garden and Zoo are also nearby.

There are also residential areas mixed in, with single-family home neighborhoods that feel quiet and stable. Near Southside is the area just south of Downtown, which is changing as more young people and artists move in. The Magnolia Avenue area is becoming a central business district with an increasing number of cafes, vintage shops, and local restaurants.

West Fort Worth refers to the residential areas that extend west from the Cultural District. To the north of Fort Worth are Haltom City and North Side, which have strong Hispanic communities.

Heading southeast connects you to Arlington, where you'll find AT&T Stadium (home of the Cowboys) and Globe Life Field (home of the Rangers). Fort Worth residents often head to Arlington to catch games. The western corridor connecting Fort Worth to Arlington is one of the fastest-growing areas in the DFW metroplex.