Your Expert Guide
Tanglewood: A leafy sanctuary nestled in the big city
There are so many great places to live in Fort Worth that it helps to have an expert on your side. The Neighborhood Guide presented by Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty gives you insider access from the agents who live and work there, providing in-the-know info about your possible new community.
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Born and raised in Tanglewood, Missy Shaw found it only natural to focus her career in the neighborhood when she jumped into real estate in March 2020.
"I felt drawn to this area because I know it like the back of my hand, seeing as these are my stomping grounds," she says. "Because I grew up in Tanglewood, I also have a lot of personal connections to many of the homes here, from family to friends and everything in between."
That small-town vibe extends to new residents, too — Shaw says it's not unusual for drivers to pull over and chitchat when they see someone they know.
Of course, there are also the famous Tanglewood trees: towering trunks that line the streets and give the neighborhood a lush, leafy ambiance. "For being in the heart of the city, it can truly feel like you live in a wildlife sanctuary," Shaw says.
Shaw, a former TCU cheerleader and Horned Frog for life, offered up a few of her personal favorites about life in Tanglewood. Here's her guide to the area:
Where to eat & drink
"Local Foods Kitchen is the perfect spot to meet a friend for lunch, share a decadent dessert and cup of coffee, or pick up a chef-prepared dinner to take home, pop in the oven, and serve to the family," says Shaw.
Looking for some good patios close by? Check out Maria's Mexican Kitchen, Meso Maya ("try the avocado margarita," Shaw advises), or Woodshed Smokehouse for some live music.
"The Tavern is another one of those spots where you walk in and just feel at home," she says. "You'll often run into someone you know, and it has a decadent menu with all the classics served in a high-class kind of way. It's five-star comfort food."
Where to play
"There are some really special spots along the Trinity Trails near Overton Park to sit and hang out under the legendary Tanglewood trees," Shaw says. "After a good rain, you can sit and listen to the rushing water in the creek. It’s also fun to take the kiddos to feed the ducks at Foster Park."
"If you have never been, the Fort Worth Zoo is a must," says Shaw. "Consistently named one of the best zoos in the country, it's impressive even if you're not a zoo lover."
Where to live
"The thing that makes Tanglewood so special is that, traditionally, the homes were built around the famous canopy of trees," says Shaw. "Low roof lines and modern, clean edges, with landscaping to match. Many of Tanglewood's gems are those midcentury modern homes that people all over the country try to replicate today. Here, they are authentic and original."
Though Shaw says you will see evidence of the “Magnolia effect” — all-white homes with big windows and black trim, inspired by the style of Chip and Joanna Gaines — it's pretty easy to spot a Tanglewood original.
Since the neighborhood is so close to Colonial Country Club, you’re likely to spot a brick Colonial-style home every now and then.
"These three distinct home styles make for a beautiful neighborhood with plenty of culture and something for everyone," she says.
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Missy Shaw lives, works, and plays in Tanglewood. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email mshaw@briggsfreeman.com, or call 817-975-5474.