u/CreekyFriday

Hey everyone—would really appreciate honest input from locals.
I’m a nurse in my late 20s trying to decide where to settle down for the next few years. I’ve been traveling for work, but due to licensing stuff I’m planning to go staff and stay put somewhere more long-term.
I’m torn between staying closer to family (Central/South Texas area) or moving to Fort Worth to be closer to some college friends that I have a blast with and start fresh.
What I’m looking for:
Strong sense of community / ability to make friends
Good work-life balance (I work in hospice, so emotional burnout is real)
Access to outdoor spaces (I prefer trees/greenery over flat/dry landscapes)
Social scene but not overly chaotic (I like volleyball, casual hangouts, etc.)
A place I could realistically settle (buy a home eventually, not just rent forever)
My hesitations about Fort Worth:
Tornadoes 😅 (be honest… how bad is it really?)
Lack of nearby nature/forests compared to what I like
Being farther from my parents, who are getting older
My positives:
I already have a few friends there
Seems more affordable and calmer than Austin
I’ve heard summers are slightly more tolerable than Houston?
If you were in my position, would Fort Worth feel like a good place to build a life? Or does it feel more temporary?
Would love real experiences, especially from people who moved there not knowing many people.