Godley, TX
Godley was a town of about 1,450 people in 2020. It has more than tripled since then, as new subdivisions have gone up on the farmland around it. Buyers come for newer homes, larger lots, and a small school district, about 30 miles southwest of Fort Worth. I was born and raised in Fort Worth, and I work with new-construction buyers across this side of the metro. Here's what to know before you make the move.
Where Godley Fits in the DFW Picture
Godley sits in northwestern Johnson County on Highway 171, between Cresson and Cleburne. The Chisholm Trail Parkway toll road is a short drive east and is the fast way into Fort Worth. About 5,100 people live here. Typical drive times outside rush hour:
- About 35-40 minutes to downtown Fort Worth
- About 15 minutes to Cleburne
- About 20-25 minutes to Granbury
- About 25-30 minutes to Burleson
- About 55-60 minutes to DFW International Airport
More Home for the Money
The #1 reason buyers choose Godley is value: new homes that start in the $290,000s, with larger lots available than in the closer-in suburbs.
A Small School District
Godley ISD is a small, fast-growing district with one high school.
Schools
Godley is served by Godley ISD, a small district that covers the town and a wide rural area around it.
A few things to know:
- Confirm school zoning by address. The district reaches well beyond the city limits, including some homes with other cities' mailing addresses.
- The district is growing quickly and opening new campuses, so check the current attendance map.
- Check current campus ratings at txschools.gov, the state's accountability site.
What to Expect Cost-Wise
- Median sale price for single-family homes in Godley has recently run about $437,000.
- Time on market has been long, a median of 85 days for homes that sold. New construction is a large share of sales here, and builders often list homes before they are finished.
- New construction starts in the $290,000s in Star Ranch, and homes on larger lots sell for considerably more.
- Property taxes run about 2.26% of assessed value in the new communities that publish their rate. On a $437,000 home, that is about $9,900 a year, or $825 a month.
- Tolls are a real monthly cost if you take the Chisholm Trail Parkway to Fort Worth every day.
- No state income tax, which matters if you're coming from a high-income-tax state.
See current Godley homes for sale →
Getting a Feel for the Community Before You Arrive
- Star Ranch. A new-home community with greenbelts and parks, across from Godley Elementary.
- Wildcat Ridge. A gated community with larger homesites.
- Still Water Lake and Godley Ranch. More of the subdivisions built since 2020.
- The older town and the land around it. Homes in the original town, plus ranch properties and acreage outside it.
- Shopping and services. Godley has the basics, and most larger shopping is in Cleburne, Burleson, or Granbury.
The trade-off is distance and growth. Fort Worth is a toll road away, and the roads, schools, and services are still catching up with the new rooftops.
Practical Relocation Steps
- Call me before you visit a model home. Builders usually require your agent to be registered on your first visit.
- Price the tolls. Add up a month of parkway trips and treat it like part of your housing cost.
- Get the tax rate and any district assessments in writing for the specific community.
- Ask who provides water and sewer, especially on acreage, where a well and septic system are common.
- Compare the monthly payment, not just the price. Builder incentives can outweigh a difference in price.
- Drive the commute at rush hour before you commit.
Who Godley Fits
- Buyers who want a new home with more space for the money
- Buyers who want a small school district
- Buyers who work in southwest Fort Worth, Cleburne, or Granbury
- Buyers who are comfortable with a longer drive and tolls
Bottom Line
Godley offers new homes, larger lots, and a small school district at prices below the closer-in suburbs. You trade that for distance, tolls, and a town that is still building out its roads and services. Run the full monthly cost, including taxes and tolls, before you decide.
Relocating to Godley or anywhere in the greater DFW area? I help out-of-state and out-of-market buyers from wherever they're starting, including remote showings, school zone research, and introductions to local lenders, inspectors, and movers. Reach out anytime, no pressure.
Brent Reiter
Brent Sells DFW
brentsellsdfw.com
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Godley
What county is Godley in?
Johnson County.
What school district serves Godley?
Godley ISD. Confirm by address, since the district extends well beyond the city.
How much do homes cost in Godley?
The median sale price for single-family homes has recently run about $437,000, and new construction starts in the $290,000s.
How far is Godley from Fort Worth?
About 35 to 40 minutes to downtown outside rush hour, using the Chisholm Trail Parkway.
Is Godley growing?
Yes. The Census Bureau estimates the population grew from 1,450 in 2020 to about 5,100 in 2025.