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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While the term "master planned community" is frequently used, real estate professional Adrianne Holland, GRI, will tell you that Walsh is in a class of its own in this category.
Located in Fort Worth, the 7,200-acre development is one of the largest of its kind in a major U.S. city and includes commercial development, residential neighborhoods, and mixed-use areas.
“The developer invested in more than a decade of research and design to ensure every factor that makes a world-class neighborhood was planned out in detail,” says Holland, who was born and raised in Fort Worth. “This included many forward-thinking, long-term investments, such as a tree farm, integration with a top school district, 2,300 acres of green space, and some of the most advanced internet connectivity available in the United States.”
She’s so inspired by the area that she and her husband, Bowie, plus dogs Tiffany and Merlot hope to be in their new custom-built Walsh home by the holidays.
“From creative neighborhood events that happen year-round to outstanding amenities and the friendly waves of passing golf carts, this neighborhood has a thriving community experience that is missing from so many others,” adds Holland.
A new phase just opened in 2023 called Brook Hollow, which adds 224 new homes by builders Britton Homes, Perry Homes, and David Weekley. In addition to these single-family homes will come the addition of a multi-use trail that links the existing parks and trail system already in use.
Additionally in 2023, Republic Property Group began work on another 138 homes in a new subdivision known as The Village, featuring homebuilders David Weekley Homes, Highland Homes, High Street Homes, and Village Homes.
Homes in The Village will start in the mid-$400,000s and are sited around amenities like the Makerspace, clubhouse, and Walsh Village Market. The Village will be reminiscent of a high-density neighborhood with shared-wall walk-in homes — think the brownstone homes of New York or the Painted Ladies in San Francisco.
The area is attracting other businesses, like Cook Children’s. This hospital will offer specialty care in pediatrics, sports medicine, and orthopedics. A new fire station is also underway across from Brook Hollow. As Walsh grows, so does its amenities and services.
One of her greatest joys is helping her clients find their perfect home, for whatever phase they are moving into in life. Another great joy? Halloween decorations! "My decorations definitely lean to scary rather than whimsical, and every year I try to build on what I did the year before," she says.
Holland is also a frozen yogurt aficionado — it's her "kryptonite" — and she will detour on road trips and block time to try new places.
Fro-yo aside, she offered up some of her personal favorites about life in Walsh. Here's her guide to the area:
Where to eat & drink
While Fort Worth is a mere 12 minutes away for anything you might be craving, Holland also suggests two excellent options even closer to Walsh: Fire Oak Grill in Weatherford and Railhead Smokehouse BBQ in Willow Park.
“Both places have Texas-style decor and laid-back ambiance," says Holland. "Definitely ask for my favorite off-the-menu item at Railhead: the fried turkey.”
Where to play
Walsh has 120 acres of green space in addition to a state-of-the-art Athletic Club with sport courts and two huge swimming pools.
But Holland’s go-to hangout is Lake Park — especially in the summer months — where you can rent a kayak, lounge in an Adirondack chair, or go for a swim in the nine-acre lake. There’s also a two-tiered, shaded playground with a cushioned floor to keep little ones safe while they play on swings, slides, and a globe spinner.
Holland also loves Makerspace, a creative lab and gathering place that provides innovative tools and technology like 3-D printers, robotics, laser cutters, woodworking tools, sewing equipment, and kid-friendly arts and crafts. Access to Makerspace is an included amenity for all Walsh residents.
What to see
“Don’t miss a chance to visit downtown Weatherford,” says Holland. “It has a rich Western and pioneer history that can be seen and explored in its downtown square and historic district.”
It’s also the Peach Capital of Texas, and there’s an annual Peach Festival where you can sample many fruity creations.
Where to live
Holland shares that Walsh allows future residents to select from a broad range of architectural styles, with one to suit almost any taste.
There are eight unique styles from which to choose: Colonial Revival, Mediterranean, midcentury modern, Arts and Crafts, modern farmhouse, Texas vernacular, transitional, and Tudor.
“The variety of architecture is so appealing, but if none of those styles perfectly match your taste there are custom-designated areas, such as Cline Park, that allow you to further customize your dream home,” adds Holland.
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Adrianne Holland works and plays in Walsh. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email aholland@briggsfreeman.com, or call 817-988-7955.
Photo courtesy of Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty
Agent Adrianne Holland.
