Living in Dalworthington Gardens, Texas
Dalworthington Gardens
A 1934 New Deal homestead town with big lots and a fishing lake, ringed by Arlington.
What it's like
The short version
Dalworthington Gardens covers 1.8 square miles, bordering Pantego to the north and otherwise surrounded by Arlington. It began in 1934 as a federal subsistence homestead project, one of five in Texas, and Gardens Park holds Pappy Elkins Lake.
What's for sale
The median home dates to 1981, and the median lot runs about 1.2 acres. Older frame homes sit near newer homes valued above $1 million.
What it does well
Strong here
- Established neighborhoods●●●
The town began in 1934 as a New Deal subsistence homestead project. - Quiet, small-town pace●●○
About 2,300 people, with a trunk or treat and movie night on the city calendar. - Land and acreage●●○
The median lot runs about 1.2 acres. - Horses welcome●●○
Original zoning allows livestock on lots over half an acre held continuously since it took effect. - Luxury homes●●○
Newer homes valued above $1 million sit near older frame homes.
The honest part
What to know first
- Livestock zoning applies only to lots over half an acre held continuously since the zoning took effect.
- Arlington and Pantego surround the city, which leaves no room to expand.
- The 2026 combined rate runs about 2.24 per $100 with Arlington ISD before any water district charge.
Not its strength: vibrant, big-city energy, shopping, parks and trails, lake days, new construction.
Not rated yet: walkable, transit options, a real downtown, restaurants, nightlife, golf. That means I haven't confirmed it either way, not that it isn't here.
Get outside
- Gardens Park
Ball fields, a multisport area, walking paths and a playground. - Pappy Elkins Lake
A lake in Gardens Park with largemouth bass and bluegill.
Shop and errands
- The Parks Mall at Arlington
More than 170 stores, under 3 miles away.
Taxes
2026 combined rate per $100 with Arlington ISD: city 0.680740, Arlington ISD 1.096100, Tarrant County 0.186000, JPS Health Network 0.159000, Tarrant County College 0.120000. Homestead not applied. Tarrant Regional Water District at 0.027300 is not included; if it applies, the total is 2.269140.
Tarrant Regional Water District at 0.027300 brings the total to 2.269140 where it applies, so confirm on the parcel record.
School facts
- Arlington ISD: TEA rating C, 2025-26
Take it with you
Want this on paper?
Get the printable Dalworthington Gardens report sent to your email.
Sources
- 2024 NCTCOG Population Estimates
- Redfin: Dalworthington Gardens Housing Market
- Tarrant Appraisal District: 2026 Tax Rates per $100 Valuation
- Wikipedia: Dalworthington Gardens, Texas
- City of Dalworthington Gardens
- City of Dalworthington Gardens: Park Board
- Homes.com: Dalworthington Gardens City Guide
- Texas Tribune Schools Explorer: Arlington ISD