Walnut Creek: Individuality defines this sought-after Mansfield neighborhood

 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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Though Theresa Kell doesn't technically live in Walnut Creek, she's certainly an honorary resident. Whether visiting friends in the neighborhood or using the amenities at Walnut Creek Country Club, where she's a member, the Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty agent is an area regular.

She likes the neighborhood so much that she began specializing in it five years ago. "It is in the heart of Mansfield and I love the people in that community," Kell says. "The homes are all so unique and different — I love that it is not cookie-cutter."

She also lists the small-town vibe and superior schools as reasons why she loves introducing buyers to the area. Kell works as part of a team with her mother, Marilyn Newton, who has more than 30 years of real estate experience.

Kell offered up a few of her personal favorites about life in Walnut Creek. Here's her guide to the area:

 Where to eat & drink
 La Gondola and El Primo's are Mansfield institutions, Kell says, while her pick for best new restaurant is The Vault.

If you're looking to have a drink and unwind, head to Poured. "The best sushi is Suzushii, and my favorite spot for brunch or breakfast is 360 Brunch House," she says.

 Where to play
"Mansfield has more than 900 acres of parkland, and my favorite is Elmer W. Oliver Nature Park," says Kell. "It is by far my favorite neighborhood gem."

Also on her outdoors list are Katherine Rose Memorial Park, Joe Pool Lake, Britton Park, and McClendon Park West, with Hawaiian Falls, StarCenter Mansfield, and popping into the boutiques in historic downtown Mansfield also making the cut for play time.

 What to see
Get a glimpse into the life of Mansfield residents in the mid-19th century at the Man House Museum, the homestead of Mansfield founder Ralph Man, and learn even more at the Mansfield Historical Museum & Heritage Center. Take in a movie under the stars or an al fresco concert at The Lot Downtown.

 Where to live
"Homes in this area were built anywhere from the early 1980s to the early 2000s, and price points range from the high $300,000s to $1,000,000 or more," Kell says. "Many of the homes back up to the award-winning Walnut Creek Country Club golf course. This area is highly sought-out and homes do not last long."

The homes here are surrounded by parks and walking trails and are minutes away from retail and restaurants. The Walnut Creek area is centrally located, only 30 minutes away from DFW International Airport and the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth.

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 Theresa Kell works and plays in Walnut Creek. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email tkell@briggsfreeman.com, or call 817-937-4040.