Fort Worth knows how to have a good time. So says a WalletHub's new report on the most fun cities in America in 2024, which ranked Fort Worth No. 55 out of 182 U.S. cities.
WalletHub's experts compared each city using 65 metrics to determine their level of "fun." Metrics were split among three main categories: entertainment and recreation, nightlife and parties, and cost.
According to the study's findings, Fort Worth was 35th nationally in the category for nightlife and parties, but ranked No. 81 in the "entertainment and recreation" category. But many Fort Worth locals know the city is full of entertainment opportunities, family-friendly activities (especially during the holidays), top dining destinations, and more. Plus, it's home to the annual Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo - which locals affectionately call "rodeo season."
Fort Worth performed poorly in the overall cost category, earning No. 74 nationwide. However, this category mostly compares flat costs rather than affordability based on local cost of living.
Potential new Fort Worth residents should do their research before deciding to move here, rather than basing their decision on short trips and vacations alone.
"The top cities offer affordable options for year-round fun for their residents, which is good for residents’ wallets and their mental health," said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo in the report.
Austin (No. 6) and Houston (No. 9) were the only Texas cities to earn a spot in the top 10 most fun U.S. cities list. Austin moved up one spot from last year, while Houston made a 10-place jump.
Fort Worth's next-door neighbor Arlington, home to one of the area's hidden-gem art museums, came in at No. 79 on the list.
Other fun-filled Texas cities that made it in the top 100 are Dallas, (No. 31), El Paso (No. 53), Plano (No. 78), Arlington (No. 79), and Corpus Christi (No. 99).
The top 10 most fun U.S. cities are:
- No. 1 – Las Vegas, Nevada
- No. 2 – Orlando, Florida
- No. 3 – Miami, Florida
- No. 4 – Atlanta, Georgia
- No. 5 – New Orleans, Louisiana
- No. 6 – Austin, Texas
- No. 7 – San Francisco, California
- No. 8 – Chicago, Illinois
- No. 9 – Houston, Texas
- No. 10 – New York City, New York
Cities were evaluated based on the number of attractions per capita, nightlife activities per capita, the average prices for eating at a restaurant or buying a movie ticket, and more. Data was sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, The Trust for Public Land, and the Council for Community and Economic Research, among others.
