If Dallas and Fort Worth were siblings, Dallas would be the stylish, fast-talking go-getter in designer sunglasses. Fort Worth would be the laid-back, boot-wearing sibling with a love for rodeos and live music. They share an entire metroplex of eight million people in total — but boast entirely different personalities. If you’re shopping for luxury real estate, choosing the right city might just come down to vibe. Here’s a bare-bones primer on the ambiance of each.

 

People & Personality: Cosmopolitan or cowboy cool?

Dallas folks move fast. From power lunches to Pilates, they’re always chasing the next big thing. It's a city of transplants, entrepreneurs and influencers, where image and ambition reign supreme. Fort Worth, by contrast, oozes an almost Southern hospitality. It’s more likely you’ll be greeted with a “Howdy” than a LinkedIn connection request. Think artists, oilmen and third-generation locals, who love their city with quiet pride.

 

Reputation: Style or substance?

Dallas, above, has long been seen as the flashy, polished face of North Texas. Sky-high gloss meets big business here, with sleek towers and luxury everything. Fort Worth, meanwhile, embraces its Cowtown heritage. But don’t mistake authenticity for simplicity: Fort Worth’s charm is intentional, its refinement worn lightly under a cowboy hat.

 

Homes: Glamour or grace?

In Dallas, luxury homes often mean contemporary masterpieces in Highland Park or polished estates in Preston Hollow. Think clean lines, imported marble and walls just waiting for your art collection. Fort Worth brings more traditional flair — stately homes, sprawling ranch-style estates and a slower, more gracious pace of living. (Two top spots? Westover Hills and Rivercrest.) Both offer beauty, but one’s ready for a black-tie gala, the other for a barbecue.

 

Arts, Shopping & Dining: Uptown chic or stockyard swagger?

Dallas dazzles with its downtown Arts District, high-end shopping (think Highland Park Village and NorthPark Center) and buzzy restaurants that take reservations months in advance. Fort Worth, above, counters with the incomparable Kimbell Art Museum, the eclectic Magnolia Avenue food scene and the world’s only twice-daily cattle drive, in the famous Stockyards.

 

In short: Dallas is high heels and foie gras, Fort Worth is boots and brisket — and both are delicious.

 

So, which city are you?

If you love a fast pace, polished luxury and being at the center of what’s next, Dallas is your dream city. If your soul longs for charm, tradition and a little yeehaw with your wine list, Fort Worth is calling your name. Either way, luxury lives large in North Texas. The only question is: Which flavor fits your personal style?

 

Explore all the great areas of Fort Worth and Dallas — and meet the real estate advisors who know them best — at our exclusive Neighborhoods guide at briggsfreeman.com.