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From Farm Life to Community Roots: My Journey in Ridglea North

By Adrianne Berry

In 2019, my daughter and her family made the leap from Austin to Fort Worth, and I was determined to follow suit. Convincing my husband to purchase a house nearby seemed like a no-brainer, especially since I wanted to lend a hand with my then-4-year-old grandson. Our home in Peaster, nestled in northwestern Parker County and lovingly referred to as “The Farm,” had been in my husband’s family for five generations. Although we didn’t cultivate crops and only had a few animals—an old longhorn cow and a miniature horse—we cherished our rural roots.

Eventually, my husband agreed to the house purchase, but with one condition: he would not be moving to the city. Despite this, he frequented Fort Worth several times a week for church, while I made my way back to the farm at least once a week. This arrangement worked surprisingly well for us.

A Perfect Home in a Thriving Neighborhood

We found a charming house on Mary’s Lane, conveniently located across from William Monnig Middle School and just a stone's throw from Mary Louise Phillips Elementary School in the Ridglea North neighborhood. The house had been a rental for quite some time and needed a bit of TLC, but it was exactly what I envisioned. Spanning just half a mile between Interstate 30 and Camp Bowie Boulevard, it was perfect.

• Five minutes from my daughter's house in Ridgmar.
• Close to a plethora of amenities: restaurants, shopping, healthcare.

This transition was a culture shock. Moving from the tranquil countryside to the city was a quick adjustment, and while I reveled in the convenience, I soon found myself yearning for the simplicity of my rural upbringing. That’s when I stumbled upon the Jubilee Garden at Ridglea Christian Church, just three blocks away.

Finding Community Through Gardening

I rented multiple garden plots and began to cultivate not only vegetables but also friendships with fellow gardening enthusiasts. This past year, I was invited to join the steering committee for the Ridglea Giving Garden, taking over a quarter-acre space previously managed by the Tarrant Area Food Bank. Our mission? To grow fresh produce to support our neighbors in need.

Since the start of this year, we’ve donated over 1,100 pounds of fresh food to the WestAid food pantry and LVT Rise, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of residents in the Las Vegas Trail area. Being involved in this community effort has given my life new meaning and purpose, deepening my love for this neighborhood.

Building Lasting Friendships

What truly makes Ridglea North special are the friendships I’ve formed over these past five years. Initially, I would merely wave at my neighbors, but as time passed, I started sharing homemade goodies during the holidays. I gradually got to know the people on my street, including a friendly beekeeper neighbor who even helped us manage a swarm of ground bees!

A memorable moment came during the power outage in February 2021. We were without power for about 36 hours, and it was bitterly cold. My husband couldn’t make it from Weatherford, leaving me alone with my pets. On the second day, my across-the-street neighbor checked on me, bringing bottled water and a generous bag of fruit and vegetables. That genuine concern solidified our friendship.

Since then, I’ve been invited to graduations, baby showers, and block parties. I share homegrown produce with a neighbor who loves to cook, and in return, we receive pumpkin pie every Thanksgiving. Even a small gesture like an anonymous Valentine’s Day candy basket turned out to be from a neighbor, highlighting the warmth of our community.

Embracing Change and Cherishing Memories

As summer evenings bring neighbors out to walk their dogs or enjoy track time at the middle school, I realize that this sense of community and caring is what makes Ridglea North unique. Ironically, I will soon be leaving this neighborhood; my daughter and family are moving again, and I’ll be joining them. While we’ll seek new connections, my experiences here have taught me the power of reaching out and embracing the beauty of everyday interactions.

Ultimately, fostering authentic friendships enriches our lives and creates a kinder, more loving world, no matter where we call home.

Adrianne Berry has lived in the Ridglea North neighborhood for five years.