Fort Worth may be the second sister to Dallas, but it can hold its own anytime. A census estimate in 2005 figured the population of Forth Worth at 624,067, making it the 19th largest city in the U.S.

With a population center like that, Fort Worth offers a neighborhood for everyone, whether it's the uber-urban downtown or a quaint historical area or a newer neighborhood on the skirts of the city.

Fort Worth was originally a military camp, founded in 1849 and named after General William Jenkins Worth. Later is was a cattle drive terminus, which earned it the nickname "Cowtown." The Stockyards still play a big role in Fort Worth's identity, a city proud of its western heritage. In fact, the city motto is "Where the West Begins."

Downtown Fort Worth is the equal of any U.S. city, with plenty of shopping, open spaces, cultural performances, colleges and universities, sporting events, and museums. Fort Worth has its own orchestra, ballet, opera, and four professional sports teams. In one city, you can take in sculpture by the great artist Henri Matisse as well as the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. You can watch the presitigous Van Clibrun International Piano Competition one day and walk along the Trinity Trails—a network of more than 35 miles of trails along the Trinity River—the next. There's the zoo, the nature center and refuge, and plenty of parks for the outdoorsy types. There's NASCAR for high octane fun. The Stockyards National Historic District is the perfect place to feel the real old west, including a daily cattle drive.

The median family income was $42,939. Median resident age is 30.9 years Good jobs are supported by industry leaders such as Lockheed, American Airlines, and Burlington Northern.