Living in Burleson, Texas

The short answer: Burleson is a growing city south of Fort Worth that sits in both Johnson and Tarrant counties. It is one of the main options on the south side, with highway access to Fort Worth. It is worth a look if you want to live south of the city. The details that matter most are which county and school district a specific address falls in, and what the drive looks like at your hours.

Burleson at a glance

These are the facts I could confirm from published sources.

  • According to the Texas State Historical Association, Burleson is fourteen miles south of Fort Worth, in northern Johnson and southern Tarrant counties, reached by Interstate 35W, U.S. Highway 81 and State Highway 174.

  • TSHA says the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad established a depot there in 1881 and the community was named in honor of Dr. Rufus C. Burleson. A post office opened in 1882.

  • TSHA says population grew from 795 in 1950 to 2,345 in 1960 as suburban development picked up, and the 2020 census recorded 47,641 residents.

How Burleson compares with living in Fort Worth

Burleson is its own city, not a neighborhood of Fort Worth. It spans two counties, Johnson and Tarrant, so the county for a specific address affects property records, taxes and services.

Because the city crosses a county line, do not assume that two homes with a Burleson address are in the same county or the same taxing districts. Confirm each property.

My take: Burleson is a strong comparison point if you are looking south of Fort Worth. I would compare it with the closer-in south side of Fort Worth on the full monthly cost and the drive, not just the price.

Who Burleson tends to fit

  • Buyers who want to live south of Fort Worth with highway access to the city.

  • Buyers who are comfortable checking county and school boundaries by address.

  • People who want a suburban city with an old railroad-town history.

Who might want to keep looking

  • Anyone who wants urban, walkable living. Look at Near Southside or the River District.

  • Buyers who need the shortest possible drive to downtown Fort Worth. Test the route at your real hours.

  • Anyone who has not compared current listings across areas. I have not published price figures here because they change quickly.

What to check before you buy in Burleson

  • County and taxing districts. Burleson spans Johnson and Tarrant counties, so confirm the county and every taxing jurisdiction for the exact property.

  • School zoning. Verify the district and assigned schools for the exact address with the district itself, not from a listing.

  • The drive. TSHA puts Burleson about fourteen miles from Fort Worth, but real time depends on the route and the hour. Test it.

  • The full monthly cost. Property taxes, HOA dues, insurance and any special district fees add up. The cost of living page covers the framework.

  • Insurance. Get a quote for the specific address before you go under contract.

Nearby places to compare

Compare Burleson with Benbrook, Aledo and the south side of Fort Worth such as Near Southside. If you are weighing the bigger picture, read Fort Worth vs. Dallas.

Burleson FAQ

Is Burleson part of Fort Worth?

No. Burleson is its own city, fourteen miles south of Fort Worth in northern Johnson and southern Tarrant counties, according to the Texas State Historical Association.

What county is Burleson in?

According to TSHA, Burleson sits in both Johnson and Tarrant counties. Confirm the county for any specific address.

How did Burleson get its name?

TSHA says the railroad depot was named Burleson in honor of Dr. Rufus C. Burleson.

Is Burleson a good place to live?

That depends on your commute, budget, school priorities and the home itself. Drive it and compare it with a couple of other options.

Want to look south of Fort Worth?

Let's go drive around. We can compare Burleson with a couple of closer-in south-side options so you can see what the extra distance does and does not get you. Tell me what you are looking for and we will figure out whether Burleson belongs on your list. If you are still early in the process, the Fort Worth relocation guide is a good starting point.

Sources: Texas State Historical Association. Confirm school zoning, taxes, HOA terms and insurance for any specific address.