Kennedale, TX
Kennedale is a small city wedged between Fort Worth, Arlington, and Mansfield, with its own school district and a population that has grown by about a quarter since 2020. It offers a quieter setting than the cities around it without giving up the short drive to any of them. I was born and raised in Fort Worth and work with buyers across Tarrant County. Here's what to know before you make the move.
Where Kennedale Fits in the DFW Picture
Kennedale sits in southeast Tarrant County, just south of I-20. Fort Worth is to the west, Arlington to the north and east, and Mansfield to the south. About 10,600 people live here. Typical drive times outside rush hour:
- About 20 minutes to downtown Fort Worth
- About 15-20 minutes to Arlington's stadiums and entertainment district
- About 10 minutes to Mansfield
- About 30 minutes to DFW International Airport
- About 35-40 minutes to downtown Dallas
Its Own School District
The #1 reason buyers choose Kennedale is Kennedale ISD, a small district with one high school and about 2,800 students.
Between Three Cities
Fort Worth, Arlington, and Mansfield are each a short drive away, with I-20 at the north edge of town.
Schools
Most of Kennedale is served by Kennedale ISD, a small district with two elementary schools, one middle school, and Kennedale High School. The district also reaches into parts of neighboring Arlington and Fort Worth.
A few things to know:
- Confirm the school district by address. City limits and district lines don't match exactly here.
- A small district means one high school for everyone, so there is no choosing between campuses.
- 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 Kennedale was about $423,000 from May through September 2026.
- Time on market averaged 56 days for homes sold in that period, so buyers have time to compare.
- Property taxes typically fall between 2.3% and 2.5% of assessed value. On a $423,000 home at 2.4%, that is about $10,150 a year, or $845 a month.
- The city tax rate is about $0.70 per $100 of value, one of the higher city rates in the area, so compare the full tax bill against nearby cities.
- HOA dues depend on the neighborhood. Newer subdivisions usually have an association, and many older streets do not.
- No state income tax, which matters if you're coming from a high-income-tax state.
See current Kennedale homes for sale →
Getting a Feel for the Community Before You Arrive
- The older neighborhoods. Ranch-style homes on larger lots with mature trees, close to the center of town.
- The newer subdivisions. Brick homes built over the last two decades, mostly with HOAs.
- TownCenter. City Hall, the library, a park, and community events in one place.
- Sonora Park. A city park with a splash pad and sports fields on South New Hope Road.
- Kennedale Parkway. The main road through town, with shops and restaurants along with industrial and auto-related businesses.
The trade-off is the parkway and the tax rate. The main road has an industrial stretch that looks nothing like the neighborhoods, and the city's tax rate runs higher than most of its neighbors.
Practical Relocation Steps
- Drive the streets around any home you like. Kennedale changes quickly from residential to industrial, so see what is nearby.
- Confirm the school district by address.
- Check the flood zone for homes near Village Creek.
- Compare the full tax bill against similar homes in Mansfield and Arlington.
- Inspect older homes thoroughly. Add a foundation evaluation and a sewer-line scope on homes from the 1960s through the 1980s.
- Get pre-approved early. With homes averaging about two months on the market, a pre-approval lets you negotiate from a stronger position.
Who Kennedale Fits
- Buyers who want a small school district with one high school
- Buyers who commute to Fort Worth, Arlington, or Mansfield
- Buyers who want a larger lot or a ranch-style home close to the city
- Buyers who prefer a small-city setting near I-20
Bottom Line
Kennedale gives you a small city and a small school district in the middle of southeast Tarrant County, a short drive from three larger cities. You trade that for a higher city tax rate and an industrial corridor through the middle of town. See the surrounding streets and run the tax numbers before you decide.
Relocating to Kennedale 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 Kennedale
What county is Kennedale in?
Tarrant County.
What school district serves Kennedale?
Kennedale ISD serves most of the city. Confirm by address, since district lines and city limits differ.
How much do homes cost in Kennedale?
The median sale price for single-family homes was about $423,000 from May through September 2026.
How far is Kennedale from Fort Worth and Arlington?
About 20 minutes to downtown Fort Worth and 15 to 20 minutes to Arlington's entertainment district, outside rush hour.
Is Kennedale growing?
Yes. The Census Bureau estimates the population grew by about 25% between 2020 and 2025.