When you first look into Fort Worth, the average rent is about $1,438, with 1-bedroom apartments around $1,259.

However, the biggest feature of this area is that it's not just large apartment complexes run by corporations.

There are many duplexes or fourplexes with only two or four units in a building, as well as small apartment complexes like villas and beautifully renovated older homes scattered throughout the city.

Overall, the most expensive areas are downtown and near the Southside.

In downtown, around Sundance Square, there are high-rise luxury apartments and condos packed together, so finding a 1-bedroom will cost over $1,700 a month. However, people are willing to pay this premium to enjoy a "car-free urban life" since they can walk to work, restaurants, and museums.

But just below, the Near Southside has a strangely different vibe.

This area is filled with hip cafes and restaurants, but instead of large complexes, there are many older single-family homes that are divided into 1 or 2 units, or charming small apartments with about 10 units. Even without amenities like a pool or a fancy gym, it allows young people to save on rent while enjoying the neighborhood's charm.

The area around TCU is also nice. Being close to the university means there's a lot of foot traffic and solid infrastructure.

Here, there are many small homes in the form of duplexes or townhouses, which are popular. Since you don't share walls with neighbors like in apartments, the stress of noise from above or beside is definitely less, and many come with a small yard or dedicated parking space. Plus, since many landlords are local individuals rather than corporate management, they might be flexible with deposits or conditions if you negotiate well.

If you prioritize cost-effectiveness, you should definitely look at West Ridge, Western Hills, and Broadmoor.

This area is filled with low, small garden-style apartments built in the 1970s and 1980s. Although they may look a bit worn on the outside, the interior space is much larger than newly built apartments, making them a great value.

Especially in neighborhoods like Ridge, the I-30 highway is right next door, making it easy to get anywhere by car, and there are shopping malls nearby. If you look carefully, you can find quite spacious small apartments for around $800 a month, making it very popular for newcomers.

The Eastside of Fort Worth takes it a step further with really low rent prices. If you search well, you can find homes for half the price of downtown. There are many small single-family homes for rent or older small apartments, making it the best option for saving on living expenses. However, the Eastside has significant variations in safety and school districts, so I strongly recommend checking the neighborhood's vibe in person during the day and night before signing any contracts.

Recently, the overall market in Fort Worth has been leaning in favor of renters. With new apartments flooding into the Alliance area and outskirts, older small apartments are anxious about losing tenants. As a result, there are many listings offering "one month of free rent (Concession)" or reduced deposits.

So, the most practical tip for newcomers to Fort Worth is not to just mindlessly browse large apartment search sites. If you open Zillow or HotPads and scroll through the map, you'll find many hidden gems like duplexes, small apartments, and renovated homes in the alleys.

Ultimately, in this area, your expenses can vary greatly depending on "which neighborhood you live in" and "what type of home you choose." If you enjoy the hip urban vibe, downtown or Near Southside is great; if you prefer a quiet and stable college area, TCU is ideal; and if you want to save money and commute by car, targeting small homes in Ridge or the Eastside is the way to go.

Since it's a city where you can't get around without a car, plan your commute carefully, and you'll be able to find the perfect home.