Pantego brings a sense of community to a sprawling metroplex
Pantego brings the atmosphere of a small town to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The area's name and logo, a band of feathers, honor a Native American friend of former state representative Frederick Foscue, who purchased the land following the Civil War. Today, Pantego has around 2,500 residents and uses its own police and fire departments while providing other municipal services. Though close to Arlington's amenities, the town is miles from the nearest interstate. Once settled, residents don't usually want to leave. The area's restaurants and events are points of pride. "People are tied to the community," says Jon Smedley, a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty. "There's lots of movement within it, but not many people move out. It's a super desirable area."
Family restaurants and boutiques, plus The Parks Mall at Arlington is close
Smedley says residents of Pantego take pride in supporting small restaurants over chains. “They are committed to eating over there,” Smedley says. Fattoush Mediterranean Kitchen gives a taste of Iraqi-style food and coffee. David’s Barbecue opened in 1988 and remains a family business. Cajun Corner Seafood has gumbo, po’boys and other Louisiana-inspired entrees. Dr. Jeckyll’s Beer Lab hosts a weekly trivia night and occasional live performances while offering a wide drink selection. The community has an Aldi’s and a Dollar General, and it is close to a Tom Thumb. Several clothing stores, like Main Event Boutique, sit along Park Row Drive and Highway Spur 303. The area is around 5 miles from The Parks Mall at Arlington, which has more than 170 stores and an AMC Theatres.
Ranch-style and traditional brick homes along walkable concrete streets
Pantego properties tend to have a higher value than those in surrounding areas. Brick ranch-style homes from the late 1960s and early 1970s fill the community, frequently ranging from $230,000 to $480,000. Traditional multilevel houses usually go from $380,000 to $640,000. Condos in the Forest Edge subdivision typically sell for $200,000 to $220,000. While main roads are asphalt, residential streets are often concrete, and sidewalks generally flank them on both sides. A handful of roads cut through the town, while others snake through subdivisions. Front yards can feature small and medium trees and bushes. Mailboxes can sit on posts or inside brick holders.
Highly rated schools and Friday night football
Students are served by the Arlington Independent School District. They can attend Hill Elementary, which gets a B-plus Niche grade, as does Bailey Junior High School. Arlington High School offers the International Baccalaureate program, which challenges students to develop critical thinking skills. It holds a B-plus from Niche. High school football is a big deal throughout Texas, and residents often spend fall Friday nights at a game.
Students can also attend private academies like The Oakridge School, which receives an A-plus grade. Starting in 2026, Texas' school choice voucher program will send participating families around $10,000 to put toward their children's private education.
Activities center around Bicentennial Park, but other spaces are nearby
The community’s activity hub is Bicentennial Park, which offers an artificial turf playground, a sand volleyball court, two gardens, a wading pond and walking trails, plus a picnic area. To the south, Gardens Park provides ball fields, a multisport area, walking paths and a playground. It also houses Pappy Elkins Lake, where anglers can hook largemouth bass and bluegill, among other fish. Though it has several amenities, Veterans Park is best known for its disc golf course and equestrian trail. To the north, the Dottie Lynn Recreation Center at Woodland West Park has exercise machines, basketball courts, a volleyball court and a multipurpose room.
Crossroads Arlington is a church that partners with organizations dedicated to helping people in need, particularly women and children. Camp Thurman hosts 7,000 kids at its Christian-themed summer camp. Pantego throws events like an Easter egg hunt, a December holiday decoration contest and an Oktoberfest celebration.
Close to major attractions without much traffic
Texas State Highway Spur 303 cuts through the area, while State Highway 180 sits a few miles north. It is close to 5 miles from AT&T Stadium, home to the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, and Globe Life Field, where the MLB’s Texas Rangers play. Downtown Fort Worth is close to a 15-mile drive. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is around 20 miles away. “Traffic in Pantego is almost nonexistent,” Smedley says. “It’s a very small town. You wouldn’t think you were in the DFW area, but you are.” Summers can reach triple-digit temperatures, keeping residents indoors or at the pool.
