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. The city is rooted in ranching and farming, but recent growth has made it an appealing bedroom community for those working in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The residential pockets of recently built homes in Springtown are the clearest sign of growth for a community that is 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. “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 of Trinity Group Realty in nearby Azle.
New homes illustrate the community's residential growth
A variety of contemporary homes have been built in recent years on both the east and west sides of the city limits. They can be found in both planned subdivisions as well as in 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. Ranch-style designs are prominent among the housing in town. This mix of homes can be found along quiet, narrow streets. Townhouses and manufactured homes offer alternative housing options. Prices range from around $130,000 to $500,000-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, which Niche gives a B-minus, consists of six community schools – three elementaries, an intermediate school, a middle school and a high school. Springtown Elementary, Goshen Elementary and Reno Elementary are the highest-rated schools, all earning Bs from Niche. Springtown Intermediate is rated C-plus. Springtown Middle School and Springtown High School are rated B-minus. While the story may be up for debate, people say the Porcupines nickname originated in the 1920s. The mascot is now known as “POJO,” a name that originated 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.
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 a direct route into Fort Worth. Arlington, Irving and Dallas are also accessible from the community. 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. Medical City Weatherford, about 17 miles away, is the closest hospital.
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Written By
Matt Pallister
