Fort Worth is generally considered safe for a city its size. Some areas may not be as secure, particularly at night, including southeast Fort Worth, the Near South Side, just outside downtown, and the area north of the Stockyards National Historic District. Both the Stockyards tourist area and the downtown Sundance Square area are considered safe, even after dark.
Use common sense and be aware of your surroundings. Ask your hotel's concierge or at the front desk for advisories concerning any areas you wish to visit.
Dos & Don'ts
Don't expect everyone to say 'howdy,' but do expect friendly strangers and a certain southern charm.
Don't assume that everyone you meet is a native of Fort Worth or even a native Texan. In recent years, an explosion of business opportunities and general expansion have brought an influx of nonnatives to the city.
Do take some dressy, trendy clothes. Locals like to dress up at night. Keep in mind that not everyone wears western duds and cowboy hats.
Do pack flip-flops or sandals for the sweltering summer months. You'll see them everywhere around town—which explains why pedicures are popular there.
Do expect to hear 'plenty of sunshine across the area,' which is the local meteorologists' most-repeated phrase.
Don't presume that Dallas and Fort Worth residents are interchangeable; both groups are proud of their city's personality, and they enjoy a friendly rivalry with their counterpart. (As for those who live in the cities in between, they generally pick a side and stick with it.)
