What It’s Like to Live in Forney, TX: A Complete City Overview
For many homebuyers looking at the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex, Forney, TX, has emerged as a premier destination. Whether you are drawn by strong schools, spacious master-planned communities, or the proximity to big-city opportunities while maintaining a small-town atmosphere, Forney, TX, offers a foundation for a stable, enriched lifestyle.
Read on to explore Forney, TX's rich history, robust local economy, and welcoming atmosphere below!
Forney, TX, City Insights
Served by Forney Independent School District (ISD)
Well-connected via US-80 and I-20
Vibrant local culture with historic landmarks, museums, and festivals
Distinctive communities like Devonshire and Meraki
Strong local economy with employers like Amazon and Goodyear
Schools in Forney, TX
The Forney ISD serves Forney, TX, as well as Talty, parts of Mesquite, and the Heartland community. The district is known for its dedication to delivering high-quality education through innovative teaching approaches, modern facilities, and a nurturing learning environment, earning a B rating from Niche.
Here’s a quick overview of the schools in the city:
Griffin Elementary School: Rated B by GreatSchools, serving grades PK to 5, providing Career and Technical Education.
Margaret Taylor Smith Intermediate School: Rated C, serving grades 5 to 6, recognized for its Gifted and Talented program.
Jackson Middle School: Rated B, serving grades 7 to 8, delivering athletics and fine arts courses.
North Forney High School: Rated C, serving grades 9 to 12, offering AP courses, sports, and a Gifted and Talented program.
For higher education, The Opportunity Central (The OC) in Forney, TX, connects residents to dual credit and college-level courses through Dallas College at Forney, as well as on-site and blended degree programs offered in partnership with universities such as Indiana Wesleyan University.
Commute in Forney, TX
Forney, TX, situated on the eastern edge of the DFW metroplex, offers strategic access to the region via U.S. Highway 80 and Interstate 20, connecting residents to Downtown Dallas, major industrial hubs, and North Texas's primary employment centers.
Typical drive times from Forney, TX, include:
Mesquite: Approximately 10 to 15 minutes, offering proximity to major retail centers, healthcare, and the Union Pacific intermodal facility.
Downtown Dallas: Roughly 25 to 30 minutes, providing opportunities in telecommunications, finance, professional services, and government.
Richardson: About 30 to 40 minutes, a major hub for telecommunications, insurance, and the "Telecom Corridor" technology jobs.
Plano: Roughly 35 to 50 minutes, providing access to corporate headquarters, finance, and regional healthcare systems.
Cost of Living in Forney, TX
Living in Forney, TX, reflects the city’s growing appeal and high quality of life. While the cost of living is slightly above average, many residents find the lifestyle and long-term value well worth the investment.
A family typically needs about $5,310 per month, or $63,720 annually, which is just 1.7% below the national average, while a single person may spend around $5,867 per month, or $70,400 per year, reflecting access to a growing, high-demand community.
Forney, TX, earns a BestPlaces Cost of Living score of 105.3, which means the total cost of housing, food, childcare, transportation, healthcare, taxes, and other necessities is 5.3% higher than the U.S. average and 11.8% higher than the average in Texas.
Local Demographics in Forney, TX
As of 2026, Forney, TX, has an estimated population of 38,572, and is growing rapidly at 8.11% annually, signaling strong demand from families and professionals relocating to the area. The city has a median household income of $103,360 a low poverty rate of 7.25%. The city’s median age of 32.4 highlights its youthful, family-oriented population.
The city’s diverse population is reflected in its racial and ethnic makeup:
White: 65.9%
Black or African American: 15.5%
Two or more races: 12.4%
Asian: 3.1%
Other race: 2.9%
Native American: 0.3%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.01%
Local Culture in Forney, TX
Known as the Antique Capital of Texas, Forney, TX, has transformed its legacy, from 19th-century blackland prairies and "Forney Hay" to a modern cultural hub. Typical cultural highlights in Forney, TX, include:
Spellman Museum of Forney History: This museum houses a unique collection of World War II artifacts alongside an impressive gallery of paintings, sketches, and drawings.
Historic Downtown District: A revitalized hub for the community, where 19th-century architecture now houses local boutiques, the "Antique Capital of Texas" warehouses, and the popular Downtown Forney Market.
The Forney Arts Council (FAC): The heartbeat of the local arts scene, organizing juried art shows and rotating displays.
Spellman Amphitheater: Located within the 170-acre Community Park, this 5,000-seat venue serves as the city’s main stage for the "Movies & Music" series and major cultural celebration.
Mustang Creek Music & Arts Festival: An annual spotlight on local talent, this festival brings together musicians and artisans from across Kaufman County.
Real Estate Trends in Forney, TX
As of December 31, 2025, Forney, TX, had 660 homes for sale with 97 new listings added during the year. The median list price for homes was $331,599, while the median sale price as of November 30, 2025, was $290,000, reflecting the market dynamics.
Homes in Forney, TX, were selling at a median sale-to-list ratio of 0.994, with 25.9% of sales closing above list price and 52.1% below, indicating a competitive yet varied market. The median time from listing to pending was 69 days, giving buyers and sellers a sense of the typical pace in the local real estate market.
Neighborhood Character in Forney, TX
Forney, TX, is described as having a "suburban-rural hybrid" vibe. Modern, traditional, and Craftsman-inspired designs anchor its architectural style, while the Downtown Historic District preserves a mature charm with 19th-century Victorian influences.
As development has expanded, Forney, TX, has become a premier destination for master-planned living. One standout is Devonshire, an English-inspired community featuring an iconic stone tower, resort-style pools, and a stocked fishing pond.
Another highlight is Meraki, a nature-forward neighborhood where every home is within 5 minutes of green space, offering massive lakes and miles of scenic trails.
Other notable communities around the area:
Bristol Valley: Live near Lake Ray Hubbard
Sonoma Verde: Experience resort-style amenities in Rockwall
Somerset Park: Enjoy lake activities all year round
Nearby Healthcare in Forney, TX
Forney, TX, is exceptionally well-served by a network of immediate-access healthcare facilities, with major emergency centers and urgent care clinics strategically located along the city's primary thoroughfares, including:
Baylor Scott & White Emergency Center: A 24-hour facility offering hospital-level emergency care, trauma services, and advanced imaging.
iCare ER & Urgent Care: A versatile "hybrid" model that offers both a fully staffed emergency room and a walk-in urgent care clinic under one roof.
CareNow Urgent Care: A highly efficient facility focused on minor injuries and family medicine, featuring "Web Check-In" to minimize wait times for commuters.
Care United Medical Center: A comprehensive clinic providing a unique blend of primary care, minor emergency services, and physician-supervised wellness programs.
Forney Medical Plaza: A major healthcare hub housing a diverse range of specialists, including pediatrics, cardiology, dermatology, and women’s health providers.
Economic Indicators and Major Employers in Forney, TX
Forney, TX, boasts a dynamic, skilled workforce, offering employers access to a talent pool of over 1.4 million workers within a 35-minute commute, thanks to the city’s growing population and its prime location in the DFW metroplex.
The area supports a strong mix of blue- and white-collar professionals, with notable expertise in technology, engineering, healthcare, distribution, and manufacturing. Forney, TX, also hosts career events, such as the Forney Job Fair & Business Expo, which connect job seekers with local employers and highlight the city’s active recruitment and networking opportunities.
Major employers in Forney, TX, include:
Forney ISD
Amazon
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.
Vista Energy
Smurtif Kappa
FAQs About the City of Forney, TX
Here are some of the most common questions people ask before relocating to Forney, TX:
How safe is Forney, TX, compared to other cities with a similar population size?
According to NeighborhoodScout’s analysis, Forney, TX’s crime rate is noticeably lower than the average for cities of similar size, making it safer than most communities of its size nationwide.
What are some popular weekend activities in Forney, TX?
Locals enjoy Forney Community Park, which offers a splash pad, soccer fields, and an outdoor amphitheater for concerts. Families can also visit The Gentle Zoo for interactive animal experiences. For dining favorites, you can visit 4-T’s Bar-B-Q, Mama’s Daughter’s Diner, and Madre’s Cocina.
What types of homes are available in Forney, TX
Perry Homes in Forney offers a variety of options for homebuyers, including homes for sale, new construction homes, move-in-ready properties, and the ability to build your own custom home.
Start Fresh in Forney, TX, with Perry Homes
If you’re picturing a city that blends opportunity, connection, and comfort, explore our move-in-ready homes in Forney, TX, set within thoughtfully designed neighborhoods. To learn more about available properties and begin your homeownership journey, reach out to Perry Homes today.