Springtown is a rural Texas escape with access to the metroplex
Springtown is a rural destination about 25 miles northwest of Fort Worth undergoing a residential transformation. Recent growth has made it an appealing bedroom community for those working in the Metroplex. The residential pockets of recently built homes in Springtown are the clearest sign of growth for a community now pushing 5,000 residents. While big-city access is appealing, the true draw of Springtown is its hometown appeal. Residents can be found cheering on their beloved Porcupines football team on Friday nights in the fall and gathering at the downtown square for year-round events.
New homes illustrate the community's residential growth
A variety of contemporary homes have been built in recent years east and west of the city limits. These offerings can be found in both planned subdivisions and more spacious settings. “It’s a growing community with a lower tax base, and the land is a little cheaper than Fort Worth,” says Chris Reeves of Trinity Group Realty, who has sold several homes in Springtown. Within the city limits, midcentury ranch designs are prominent among a mix of older homes along quiet, narrow streets. Manufactured homes outside the city limits offer an alternative option. Prices typically range from the mid-$100,000s to the low $400,000s in the city. Newer homes outside of town range from the mid-$200,000s to $600,000-plus. The community’s Cap Index Crime Score of 2-out-of-10 is below the national average.
Community rallies around the high school's porcupine mascot "POJO"
The Springtown Independent School District consists of six community schools:
- Springtown Elementary, pre-K through fourth grade
- Goshen Elementary, pre-K through fourth grade
- Reno Elementary, pre-K through fourth grade
- Springtown Intermediate, fifth and sixth grades
- Springtown Middle, seventh and eighth grades
- Springtown High, home of the Porcupines
While the story may be up for debate, people say the Porcupines nickname originated in the 1920s. The mascot is affectionately known as “POJO,” which came from a football team chant in 1983. The community has long embraced the Porcupines moniker and “POJO,” which has become an anagram known around town as Power of Jesus Overcomes. “It’s a very quiet, close-knit community that’s kind of an escape from the city with more of a slow-paced lifestyle,” says Katy Reeves, also of Trinity Group Realty.
Texas law generally allows students to apply for transfers, but the receiving districts can deny requests even if they have space. Lawmakers are seeking to provide more options, and the state’s first school choice scholarship program was recently signed into law.
Community offers shopping and dining; downtown hosts popular events
Shopping and dining options, which include several Mexican establishments and a Brookshire’s grocery store, are concentrated along the Texas State Highway 199 corridor. POJO Coffee Shoppe is a popular destination along Main Street in the heart of the historic district. Downtown hosts several annual events. The Wild West Festival is a signature celebration held on the third Saturday in September, and it typically attracts more than 200 vendors. Featured entertainment includes live music and Western-style “showdowns.” Christmas in the Park is another popular event that features a parade and a tree lighting.
Community park, nearby regional lake offer recreation
The community’s recreational center is located near the heart of town. The 33-acre green space features a disc golf course and children’s playscapes among its amenities. Visitors can also take advantage of a walking trail that leads to dinosaur footprints along Walnut Creek. The city is working to fund its Parks Master Plan through grants. Twin Points Park is a popular destination about 15 miles away on the shores of Eagle Mountain Lake. The regional reservoir is also a haven for fishing and water sports.
Convenient location for commutes into the DFW Metroplex
“Most of the people who live in Springtown work in the Fort Worth area or the Dallas area,” Chris Reeve says. Texas-199 provides direct access to the heart of Fort Worth, about 25 miles away. Arlington and Dallas require longer drives but are relatively accessible via the region's network of highways and interstates. Residents should be aware that travel times are often affected by heavy traffic in one of the country’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas. Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is about a 45-mile drive. Important destinations closer to home include Medical City Weatherford, about 17 miles away.
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Written By
Matt Pallister
