As great as the City of Fort Worth is, many people love to live within a thirty minute drive of the big city, while enjoying the peace and serenity of a smaller town. Buyers and sellers interested in real estate around the Forth Worth area should strongly consider communities with golf courses, as they historically increase in value in line or above the average of their respective areas. In this article, we wanted to go in-depth into the smaller towns west of Fort Worth that are not only great golf communities, but great places to have a home, raise a family, and be a part of an amazing community. We thrive on helping individuals and families find the perfect home in and around the Fort Worth area.
Weatherford, Texas
Roughly thirty miles west of downtown Fort Worth, in Parker County, Weatherford boasts a population of approximately 25,000 people. Known as the Peach Capitol of Texas, the town has attracted over 40,000 people for its annual Parker County Peach Festival. However, those looking for a Weatherford home for sale will find that there is a lot more to this area than just peaches.
There are two golf courses in Weatherford: Canyon West and Oeste Ranch. Canyon West is the older of the two courses and one of the most picturesque courses in the entire Fort Worth area. Having discovered limestone under the ground during the initial stages of construction, limestone slabs were utilized to build the fountains, waterfalls, and range markers. Mixed in with the desert fauna, Canyon West is as beautiful as it is fun to play. There are some amazing homes for sale around Canyon West, and golf enthusiasts who live near the course will find their annual memberships an incredible bargain.
Homes near Canyon Ranch Golf Course feature custom brick construction and are moderately priced between $100-$150 per square foot, with several homes in the area boasting upwards of 5 acres of land.
Oeste Ranch originally opened in 2002 and is nearby Lake Weatherford. A simple 18-hole facility with a new short game area, players of all skill levels can enjoy a round of golf and improve their game here at Oeste Ranch. Whether you prefer a house for sale on the lake or near the golf course, the real estate around Oeste Ranch Golf Course features custom homes with floorplans you’ll quickly fall in love with. Oeste Ranch Golf Club also offers an incredible deal with their annual memberships, with monthly payment options available, making it an affordable golf option for a wide variety of budgets.
Despite being a small town relative to Fort Worth, there is plenty to see, explore, and do in Weatherford. Film Alley not only features many of the newest releases in the theaters, it also offers a bowling alley and arcade, making it an ideal location for family fun. For a more formal theater experience, the Texas Opry Theater showcases amazing tributes to country music legends as well as stunning theatrical plays and other events.
Holland Lake Park is the best park in Weatherford. Spanning across 40 acres and features scenic nature trails, historic log cabins, a softball complex, and a pond perfect for fishing and feeding ducks. Other great parks in Weatherford include Cartwright Park, McGratton Park, and Cherry Park.
You can also find some of the best fine dining in Texas right here in Weatherford. Located in the heart of Downtown, Fire Oak Grill is amongst the most popular restaurants in town. Featuring a seasonal menu and drink selection, this New Texas-style bistro has flourished since its opening in 2007. For those lunch cravings, Yesterdays Sandwich Shop offers a wide variety of soups, salads, and sandwiches for the locals and tourists alike. Lastly, when it’s time to get the day started, Short Chef’s Coffee House and Bistro serves up delicious breakfast fare that can be enjoyed either quickly or slowly.
Travelling to Fort Worth from Weatherford takes approximately 35 minutes via Interstates 20 and Interstate 30 – many of the residents of Weatherford commute to work in Fort Worth given the relative ease of travel.
Residents love Weatherford for its small-town charm, fantastic golf courses, and laid-back atmosphere. If you’re looking for a town that offers all of the above, Weatherford is the place for you.
Annetta, Texas
About five miles south of Interstate 20 and 25 miles from Fort Worth is the smallest golf community on our featured list. Annetta’s population is around 1,200 and has one golf course: Split Rails Links and Golf Club. This Phil Lumsden designed golf course is the only links-style course west of Fort Worth, and easily one of the longest at over 7,200 yards. The prestige of the club can be recognized by the many tournament qualifiers it has hosted, including U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur qualifiers. A semi-private course, both the daily fees and the monthly membership dues are very reasonable and create one of the best golfing values for your money in the Fort Worth area.
Annetta, Texas has a median household income of over $80,000 and it shows in its real estate. The houses for sale in Annetta start at approximately $130 per square feet, with many of the homes in nearby Aledo ranging upwards of $200 per square feet. The vast majority of the homes surrounding Split Links and Golf Club are brick-constructed and feature beautiful landscaping and attractive floorplans.
Although there are no prominent restaurants in Annetta; Willow Park and their many restaurants are only five miles away, and Weatherford is less than ten miles away.
Annetta, with its large homes for sale, is perfect for the big family who values the quiet countryside west of Fort Worth.
Willow Park, Texas
A few miles east of Weatherford is the second smallest golf course community west of Fort Worth. Willow Park boasts a population of about 4,000 people; however, it also has one of the highest average household incomes in the state, and it shows in the housing prices, which average about $150+ per square foot. Willow Park homes for sale feature many custom ranch-style homes, with a ton of new homes being built in the area.
Squaw Creek Golf Course is the only course within the city boundaries of Willow Park. Opened in the early 1970s, it underwent a recent renovation, which included upgrading the grass on the greens and fairways, adding a shorter set of tees, while preserving the original layout. Reopening in 2017, Squaw Creek Golf Course is enjoyed by all skill levels. The First Tee of Fort Worth, a section of a junior golf league program, offers their program at Squaw Creek, which includes clinics and tournaments while teaching core values such as integrity and perseverance. A semi-private course with a wide range of options including a practice facility membership, Squaw Creek is a fantastic course in the heart of Willow Park. If Squaw Creek is too busy or has a member-only event, Oeste Creek in Weatherford is fully public and only a ten-minute drive away.
Despite being a small town, there isn’t much you can’t do in Willow Park. The Shops at Willow Park features some amazing restaurants, including Sunny Street Café, Parker County Brewery Company, and Drakes Yoke. Take care of your beauty needs at one of several different boutiques including 2 Ten Salon Studios, Taylor Your Tan, and Tree of Life Wellness Center. Lastly, Red Horse Boutique and Carys Lane will have you looking your best. Brookshire’s grocery store is right off Interstate 20 and also contains a pharmacy. If you don’t feel like traveling to Fort Worth for entertainment and fun, the heart of Weatherford in less than ten miles away.
Willow Park is a great small town for those who enjoy an incredibly peaceful and quiet environment, close enough to a larger town and the big city to experience the best of the greater Fort Worth area.
Granbury, Texas
Roughly 35 miles from Fort Worth, Granbury is in Hood County and has a population of approximately 8,000 people. Originally founded in 1887, it features the beautiful Lake Granbury, Granbury City Beach, and the historic landmark Granbury Opera House, which has been around since before the city was founded. The real estate market around Granbury Opera House is perfect for a first-time home buyer who wants a relaxed lifestyle within a relatively short drive of Fort Worth, but it’s most known for its retirees and semi-retirees.
For such a small town, Granbury offers a wide array of golf courses, the most popular and scenic of them being Harbor Lakes Golf Club. Bordering Lake Granbury, Harbor Lakes Golf Club is an 18-hole championship facility designed by architect Dick Phelps. Incredible vista views along with an enjoyable test make Harbor Lakes a perfect place to play often. Although it is a members-only club, Harbor Lakes’ membership fees are reasonable without any initiation fees.
Harbor Lakes Golf Club real estate for sale include lots, condos and custom brick/rock homes both on the golf course and around the perimeter, many of them featuring views of Lake Granbury and the golf course. With price points ranging from $80 to $150 per square foot, first-time home buyers will find the area ideal, as the area continues to grow.
A short drive up Highway 377 will take you to Hidden Oaks Golf Course. Opened in 1997, this Rex Worrell design is open to the public, very reasonably priced, and is highly accommodating to every skill level of golfer.
Real estate around Hidden Oaks Golf Course is similar to Harbor Lakes, with lots averaging $100,000 per acre and custom homes ranging from $90 to $180 per square foot. There is something for every budget near Hidden Oaks Golf Course. With so many empty lots in the area being converted into beautiful ranch-style homes, the sky’s the limit for this amazing location.
Lastly, those who prefer a quick nine hole track will enjoy Granbury Country Club. This short, 9-hole par-36 course is perfect for nine or eighteen hole rounds. Featuring challenging greens and a fantastic junior golf program, the whole family will have plenty to enjoy at Granbury Country Club. Considering its close proximity to the other two golf courses, Granbury residents can choose a course that’s great for them without a long commute.
Aside from great golf, there is plenty to enjoy about Granbury. Lake Granbury is over 30 miles long and is perfect for a wide variety of water sports and swimming activities, not to mention fishing. If you love local produce, Acton Farmer’s Market is open twice a month on Saturdays and features community-grown and crafted goods for all to enjoy.
There is plenty of outdoor activity available for Granbury residents, especially in their parks. City Beach operates on Lake Granbury and features a splash pad and several picnic areas. The Tiki Hut on City Beach houses the Beachside Toys and Takeout offers kayak rentals, bicycles, tubes and paddle boards. A short distance from downtown, many Granbury citizens choose to walk from the park to the bustling downtown area and its many shops and restaurants.
Enjoy a great night with friends at Farina’s Winery and Café or at Eighteen Ninety Grille and Lounge. Watch a movie with the family at Showbiz Cinemas Granbury 6 or pull up the car to Brazos Drive-In Theater. From art galleries to historic museums detailing the rich legacy of Hood County, there’s rarely a dull moment around Granbury, Texas. As the town and real estate markets continue to grow, there’s no telling what other excitement the area will bring.
Benbrook, Texas
Benbrook is the closest of the sister cities west of Fort Worth, roughly ten miles from downtown. With a population of over 20,000 in Tarrant County, Benbrook is one of the most popular golf communities in Fort Worth. Due to its close proximity to Fort Worth, as well as being nearby Highway 20 and U.S. Highway 377, Benbrook is an ideal suburb for commuters who work in the greater Fort Worth area and want the tranquil serenity of a high-demand golf course community.
Whitestone Golf Club, in the southwest region of Benbrook, features a beautiful and well-maintained golf course that is incredibly affordable, with family membership packages costing less than $200 per month. Complete with a championship 18-hole course, driving range, chipping and putting greens, along with a Pro Shop and Grill, Benbrook residents who love golf will love Whitestone Golf Club.
Houses near Whitestone Golf Club are perfect for the first-time home buyer looking to raise a family. You can have the nice lawn and the backyard of your dreams surrounding a beautifully crafted home with modern amenities and appliances with pricing starting at about $110 per square foot.
Although technically a part of the City of Fort Worth, there are several houses in the city of Benbrook near one of the top municipal courses in the area: Pecan Valley Golf Course. The Clear Fork Trinity River cuts through and separates the two 18-hole golf courses. The River Course, a Ralph Plummer design, is the longer of the two courses. The Hills Course was designed by Dave Bennet and built nearly twenty years after the River Course. A self-service snack bar is available and offers plenty of indoor seating, while the driving range will help you keep your golf game sharp. The City of Fort Worth Golf Courses can be played at an incredible value via their Annual Pass Programs.
Houses for sale around Pecan Valley Golf Course are much older than those around Whitestone Golf Club, but are still a great value for first-time homebuyers. With quite a few houses available under $100 per square foot, they often feature upgraded contemporary interiors. Furthermore, these houses are likely poised to increase in value due to their proximity to Pecan Valley Golf Course.
Lastly, Benbrook Par 3 Golf Course and Driving Range offers a short 9-hole par-3 course and has been a favorite of the community since 1993. A great place for juniors to learn the game, Benbrook Par 3 Golf Course is a part of the First Tee of Fort Worth program.
Benbrook is home to some of the best cuisine in the Fort Worth Area. 3 Parrots Taco Shop features some incredible Tex-Mex dishes, baja-style tacos, and tasty Mexican breakfast dishes, while Lone Star Grill is the place to be for delicious comfort food, burgers and catfish. Enjoy the local Benbrook Café’s simple-yet-satisfying breakfast dishes or sink your teeth into some great pizza at Paisanos. The city of Benbrook makes it easy to enjoy some quality food without having to venture into Fort Worth.
Benbrook Lake, which is technically a reservoir built to improve flooding conditions in the Fort Worth area, is a popular spot for outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, and camping. There are also several parks near Benbrook, including Pecan Valley Park, North Holiday Park, Dutch Branch Park, and Benbrook Equestrian Trails.
If any of these sister cities look like they will fit what you’re looking for in a place to call home, we are more than happy to help you with your real estate needs. The area west of Fort Worth not only features great golf courses for every budget, the communities in Benbrook, Weatherford, Willow Park, and Granbury are ideal for the laid back, tight-knit lifestyle synonymous with North Texas. We look forward to hearing from you and finding out how we can help you find the perfect home or sell the home you’re currently living in. Call our real estate agent today!