By Katarina Vanderploeg
Sunset Heights is a hidden gem located behind Central Market in west Fort Worth. The neighborhood is secluded from the busy traffic and carries a small-town vibe.
The neighborhood offers views of Lake Como with ample trees and wildlife. From my home, I am able to see blue jays, cardinals and mockingbirds. There’s also a large squirrel population here. It takes me about two minutes to walk to Lake Como, where you can see ducks and various kinds of waterbirds. My neighbors and I are all really passionate about the environment and protecting it.
All my neighbors are friendly, and there are many residents who have lived here for decades. The residents in this neighborhood have that famous Southern hospitality, where oftentimes they will drop off food they’ve cooked such as ribs, potatoes and desserts.
Before moving to Texas, I have lived in several different cities across the Midwest. Although each neighborhood I’ve lived in was unique in its own way, none can be compared to Sunset Heights.
The location is what made me decide to move to this neighborhood. It’s convenient how close I am to everything. Downtown Fort Worth and Hulen Mall are both only a 10-minute drive away, while the neighboring city of Arlington is a 20-minute drive.
Since moving here in March earlier this year, I have discovered why many of the residents have lived here for so long. Sunset Heights is a tranquil, treasured trove. Living here in this neighborhood has been a breath of fresh air with its welcoming and refreshing atmosphere.
One of my favorite local stores in the neighborhood is Central Market. They have a wide variety of fresh food with outstanding quality. They also have a cute outdoor dining area that’s perfect for hanging out. Salad and Go is conveniently located nearby as well. They serve as a quick, easy and healthier alternative to fast food.
My favorite part of being a resident here is to lay out in my backyard and watch the sunset. I’ve encountered countless stunning sunsets right from the comfort of my backyard.
Sunset Heights is certainly named correctly.
Katarina Vanderploeg studied marketing at Morningside University in Sioux City, Iowa. She now works as a leasing consultant for a property management company. She is on Instagram @katarinamichelle_. She loves her job and loves helping people. Her hobbies include traveling, exploring and being outdoors with her boyfriend Tyler Wright. As a cat mom, Katarina also loves staying inside with her three cats, Suki, Ginny and Moochie and playing video games.
Sunset Heights
Total population: 3,548
Female: 51% | Male: 49%
Age
0-9: 9%
10-19: 14%
20-29: 14%
30-39: 17%
40-49: 14%
50-59: 14%
60-69: 10%
70-79: 6%
80 and older: 3%
Education
No degree: 25%
High school: 22%
Some college: 27%
Bachelor’s degree: 19%
Post-graduate: 8%
Race
White: 40% | Asian: 1% | Hispanic: 44% | Black: 14% | Two or more: 1%
Click on the link to view the schools’ Texas Education Agency ratings:
Arlington Heights High School
Transition Center
Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program
Como Montessori Middle School
Boulevard Heights and Transition Center
Como Elementary
Tarrant Co JJAEP
Premier High School of Fort Worth
Monnig Middle School
Stripling Middle School
Texas Academy of Biomedical
Burton Hill Elementary
North Hi Mount Elementary
M L Phillips Elementary
South Hi Mount Elementary
Tanglewood Elementary
Richard Milburn Academy Fort Worth
Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts
Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts Elementary
Jo Kelly Special Education
Applied Learning Academy
International Newcomer Academy
Alice Carlson Applied Learning Center
Lily B Clayton Elementary
Ridglea Hills Elementary
Luella Merrett Elementary
Overton Park Elementary
Castleberry High School
Irma Marsh Middle School
A V Cato Elementary
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