Morningside - Fort Worth, TX

Morningside is one of the historic districts of Fort Worth. The neighborhood is comprised of early-20th century houses and commercial buildings that make up a planned community developed by John C. Ryan.

Fort Worth, known as the "Museum Capital of the Southwest," gives residents public and private options for viewing art. The Kimbell Art Museum houses an intimate collection of 350 pieces. While walking through the city, people can also enjoy beautiful public displays and sculptures, such as the Tabachin Ribbon near City Hall.

Morningside residents find a varied food and bar scene in the Fort Worth area. Buttons Restaurant, for example, has received many accolades for its food and colorful bar scene. On most week nights, live jazz, blues or R&B accompanies upscale Southern comfort food. Classic dishes, such as chicken and waffles and fried green tomatoes, are tried-and-true menu options for many patrons.

Spiral Diner & Bakery serves up diner-inspired meals without using any animal products. The restaurant, with its cruelty-free philosophy and use of fresh ingredients, elevates vegan food to the next level without the fancy prices or bland flavors. Eschewing the hippie aesthetic typically associated with vegetarian cuisine, Spiral Diner leans towards a rock-and-roll vibe in a laid-back diner setting.

If you're in the mood for Greek food, try Terra Mediterranean Grill. From well-seasoned kabobs to creamy hummus with soft pita bread, you get delicious food here. The buffet food stations are organized in a specific manner, so patrons say to take a quick look as you head to your table before plating up. The place gets packed for the lunch rush, but stop in at dinner for a slower pace.

Like its food scene, residents find a vibrant and diverse nightlife in the Morningside area. From concert halls to Western-style saloons and swanky bars, you can find a spot to meet your tastes.

Shinjuku Station gives locals a perfect spot to unwind after work with delicious food, good drinks and great service. The restaurant set up in an izakaya style means the food is prepared in small plates to accompany drinks. With a full bar including handcrafted cocktails and a mature list of sake, it's no wonder why locals flock to Shinjuku.

Locals also flock to trendy The Usual, another hot spot for late-night drinks. Without a sign on the door, first timers may be fooled that The Usual does not exist, but be brave and just walk on in. The interior design pulls you into its low-key, unassuming atmosphere, while you enjoy Prohibition Era-inspired cocktails.

Morningside residents benefit from a variety of transit options. The neighborhood sits within a web of highways and thoroughfares. Interstate 35 W is nearby. Route 287 takes residents into Arlington, while Interstate 30 goes into Dallas. Once in the main city center of Fort Worth, visitors can find ample parking in fee-based garages.

Arranging for a cab in Morningside requires advance notice. Uber also recently expanded into Forth Worth and presents another alternative to getting around the city. The local transit system, the T-Local, has routes that go into Morningside, with several bus stops scattered throughout the neighborhood.

While Morningside as a neighborhood does not accommodate bikers, once you get into Forth Worth, you find an extensive network of dedicated bicycle paths and bike-friendly roads. Also, commuters who bike can use the bike racks on the front of buses to easily combine biking with public transportation.

Morningside residents have access to a wealth of public parks and spaces. Cobb Park has expansive green space that is perfect for large gatherings and events. The park has a playground area as well as an equestrian center. A short distance from Fort Worth's Cultural District, 252-acre Trinity Park has more than 40 miles of hiking and biking trails along the river, large playgrounds and a train that has been in operation since 1959.

For dog owners, Gateway Park's Fort Woof provides a fenced off-leash are for your dog to play. Owners can enjoy an afternoon on the sidelines as they watch their furry companions socialize with other dogs. Events supporting canines take place throughout the year in this park, such as Barktoberfest.

Living in Morningside is about 4.4 percent more expensive than the Texas average. However, when compared to the cost of living within the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metropolitan area, Morningside is more affordable. A one-bedroom apartment rents for an average of $843 per month.

Gas prices in the area are only 1 percent over the national average, and taking the T into the city center costs about $3.50. Expect to pay around $2 for a domestic beer at local bars, with imported beer at about $4.

From upscale boutiques to shopping centers, residents find a collection of stores in the Morningside area that can satisfy almost any retail need.

Head out to the Grand Prairie Premium Outlets if you want a deal. Just try not to get overloaded by the offerings of over 123 designers, such as Hugo Boss and Michael Kors. Shoppers looking for a taste of Texas stop in at Stockyard Station, a shop selling cowboy boots, leather goods and even jewelry. More traditional shopping options from national brands and department stores can be found at Hulen Mall.

If you are in need of denim or pieces that update classic western designs, 44 Bootlegger provides authentic pieces for men and women. They also sell custom, handmade furniture.

Inspired by the fashion of the 1960s, Beehive brings a bold selection of clothing to its female clientele. With affordable prices and unique designs, you're sure to get lost in this store for hours.

Local stores near the neighborhood meet everyday grocery needs. For local produce and ingredients, go to Cowtown Farmers Market or Rufe Snow Farmers Market, located outside of the immediate Morningside area.