By John English
Contributing Writer
Located in Fort Worth near Southside is the historic district of Fairmount. Construction on the middle class development first began in the year 1890, continued through the late 1930’s, and is “representative of the early 20th-century streetcar suburb, with a diversity of house forms, related institutional and commercial properties,” according to timdyoung.com.
Resident Adrienne Johnson has lived in the same house in Fairmount for almost 19 years and said her neighborhood offers more than she could have ever possibly imagined.
“Fairmount is so vibrant and full of life — a living, breathing community in every way,” Johnson said. “Walkability is the first thing you will notice here. The sidewalks are always busy with people walking with their pets and kids.”
For decades, the Fairmount neighborhood association has invested in decorative street lamps placed throughout the neighborhood. “They cast a warm glow on large, welcoming porches where folks are often sitting out on nice evenings,” Johnson added.
“My closest neighbors have lived here twice as long as I have, and they are like family to me. We look out for each other, share homemade goodies with each other, love on each other’s dogs, and we often chat over the fence several times a week.”
The feeling of community extends to every corner of this large historical district.
This is thanks in part to social media connecting neighbors to each other on a neighborhood page, where residents report such things as escaped pets, items for free or trade, recommendations on how to care for very old homes, or just generally offer help when needed.
“I can’t imagine living anywhere else,” Johnson said. “The beautiful houses themselves drew me here, but the people are what makes it worth living and staying in one place for so long.”
Wood frame bungalows comprise the largest number of single-family residences in the community, and the median home price is just over $580,000.
Public transit is provided by Trinity Metro (bus) and there are 16 bus stops in Fairmount.
The neighborhood is served by the Fort Worth Independent School District.
“When looking for a place to buy in 2004, the age and history of the homes and the tree canopy of the neighborhood appealed to me more than any other area in Fort Worth,” Johnson said. “I like things with a story to tell, be it people, clothing, furniture, jewelry, or, in this case, houses.”
The houses of Fairmount were built at the turn of the century, and because of the historic overlay, so many retain the incredible craftsmanship of that time, or have been saved and restored to reflect their original splendor.
“My house was built in 1910,” Johnson said. “To think about all of the lives that have been lived in this one house makes the house itself a living thing to me.”
And Johnson added that there is “literally always something going on in Fairmount.”
Arts Fifth Avenue hosts music and theater performances, dance classes, music lessons, and yoga.
Their annual home tour, which happens every Mother’s Day weekend and begins with a parade is celebrating its 41st year in 2023.
Residents can rent a plot in the Fairmount Community Garden and grow their own plants and vegetables alongside their neighbors, and also benefit from group work days, where residents help each other keep their plot’s growing.
“The long-awaited Fire Station Skate Park opens this spring, and we are so excited about it,” Johnson said. “Yogi Squad hosts children’s yoga classes in Fairmount Park every Monday. The annual spring garage sale is really popular for neighbors who want to both sell and buy. Halloween is insane – people go all out. We dole out candy and smiles for hours, and there is a contest for the best decorated house. “Santa makes an appearance in the park each year for photos. And, of course, being just blocks from the wonderful, independent restaurants, coffee shops, retail, and events on Magnolia is a fantastic benefit to living here.”
Playgrounds in Fairmount include Rosemount Park, Capps Park, and Worth Hills Park and the community offers easy access to I35W, I30 and Chisholm Trail Parkway.
