Why Forney?
Forney sits in Kaufman County, about 20 miles east of downtown Dallas along U.S. Highway 80 — close enough for a Dallas commute or a Mavs game, far enough to feel like its own town.
- The "Antique Capital of Texas." An official state-recognized nickname, and downtown still leans into it with antique shops and storefronts along Main Street.
- Small-town feel, big-city access. Historic downtown charm and friendly neighbors, with Dallas, DFW Airport, and the whole Metroplex a short drive away.
- One of the fastest-growing towns in the region. New master-planned communities keep welcoming newcomers, with a wave of retail, dining, and healthcare arriving alongside.
Getting set up: your first-week checklist
Water, sewer & trash
Your provider depends on where in Forney you live — the City of Forney serves much of the area, but some newer neighborhoods use a separate water district (for example, Talty Special Utility District). Always confirm by your service address.
- City of Forney Utility Billing handles water, sewer, and trash for City customers — set up, transfer, or pay at forneytx.gov (search "Utility Billing"). New service usually needs an application and a deposit.
- Not sure who serves you? The city's Water Service Application page lets you enter your address to confirm — helpful for brand-new builds.
- Talty SUD customers apply directly through Talty SUD.
Electricity
Texas has a deregulated electricity market, so in most of the area you choose your own retail provider. Compare plans at the state's official marketplace, PowerToChoose.org, before you pick.
Handy city contacts
- City of Forney: forneytx.gov · main phone 972-552-6675
- Parks & events calendar: forneytx.gov (search "Parks & Events")
County stuff: voting, vehicles & taxes
Forney is in Kaufman County, so several "official adult" errands run through the county, not the city.
- Register to vote through the Kaufman County Elections Department (469-376-4595) — start at kaufmancounty.net.
- Driver's license & ID are handled by Texas DPS — find your nearest office and book at dps.texas.gov.
- Vehicle title & registration go through the Kaufman County Tax Office; new to Texas means an inspection and registering within the state's window. See TxDMV.gov.
- Property taxes are handled by the Kaufman County Tax Assessor-Collector (kaufmancounty.net).
Schools: Forney ISD
Most of Forney is served by Forney Independent School District — one of the larger, faster-growing districts in the region, with 20,000+ students across two dozen-plus campuses and still building.
- District hub: forneyisd.net — calendars, campus info, news, and enrollment.
- Enrollment: students must live within district boundaries and meet state requirements (kindergarten generally age 5 by September 1). Start at forneyisd.net → Student Enrollment.
Where people live
Forney's growth is driven by master-planned communities, each with its own personality. A quick, neutral lay of the land:
- Devonshire — a signature community just north of downtown, known for resort-style amenities and homes from multiple national builders. Popular with families.
- Gateway Parks — a large community between U.S. 80 and I-20 with parks, trails, and amenity centers, close to the new Village at Gateway retail.
- Travis Ranch — one of Forney's most established communities, with neighborhood parks, splash/play areas, and sports courts.
- And more opening across the area — amenities, builders, and HOA details vary by community and phase, so tour a few and compare.
See the full neighborhoods guide →
Groceries & retail: what's here (and coming)
Forney's retail scene is expanding fast, anchored by the new Village at Gateway along U.S. Highway 80.
- H-E-B Forney — open. The Texas favorite opened at Village at Gateway in early 2026: ~139,000 sq ft, 6 a.m.–11 p.m. daily, with gas, car wash, pharmacy, curbside, and a two-story True Texas BBQ.
- The Home Depot and BJ's Wholesale Club — open.
- Coming later in 2026: Target, EVO Entertainment, Burlington, and more at Village at Gateway.
- Healthcare: a new Texas Health Resources hospital is under construction nearby, expected fall 2027.
Local eats: a starter list
Half the fun of a new town is finding your spots. A starter list of Forney favorites — then go find your own:
- Nina's Brunch — beloved local breakfast/brunch spot.
- Eno's Pizza Tavern — a downtown-area pizza and tavern favorite.
- Latham Bakery — fresh baked goods, sandwiches, and salads.
- Mama's Daughters' Diner — classic Texas diner comfort food on E Main St.
- True Texas BBQ — easy, kid-friendly, inside the new H-E-B.
Browse all Forney restaurants →
Things to do
- Wander historic Downtown Forney — antique shops and storefronts along Main Street, fitting for the "Antique Capital of Texas."
- Spellman Museum of Forney History — a community museum and a nice intro to your new town's story.
- Forney Community Park — playgrounds, trails, sports, and city gatherings.
- Lake Ray Hubbard (nearby) — boating, fishing, lakeside dining, and sunsets, just to the northwest.
See all things to do → · What's happening this week →
Getting involved & staying in the know
The fastest way to feel at home is to plug into what's happening — city events at forneytx.gov, school news at forneyisd.net, and your neighborhood's community groups. And the easiest one of all: let us bring the local scoop to your inbox.
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Subscribe free →This guide is for general information and was compiled from public sources. Details like hours, fees, dates, addresses, and openings change frequently — please confirm specifics with the official source before relying on them.