Texas Takes Center Stage: How Fort Worth, Austin, and DFW Are Becoming Hollywood’s New Home and What It Means for Real Estate in 2025
- CINDY GILES
- Apr 3
- 5 min read
Texas is becoming the new frontier for the entertainment industry, with cities like Fort Worth, Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), and Austin attracting major film and television projects. As the Lone Star State's influence in Hollywood grows, the Texas real estate market is booming with new opportunities, and it's reshaping how residents and investors view the state's future.
Fort Worth and DFW: A New Home for Filmmakers
Fort Worth, once overshadowed by Austin and Dallas, is now making waves as a key location for film and television productions. Its increasing prominence as a filming hub has been fueled by notable projects, including Taylor Sheridan’s highly successful Yellowstone spin-offs, 1883 and 1923, which brought a spotlight to the region. Sheridan, a Texas native, has publicly called for more state incentives to support the burgeoning film industry, arguing that without financial support, productions like his wouldn't have been possible. This isn't just a coincidence; Fort Worth is rapidly becoming a go-to location for filmmakers looking to capture the heart of Texas.
The DFW area as a whole is also benefitting from the growing entertainment industry. The region is becoming a magnet for job creation, particularly in sectors like film production, tech, and corporate expansion. With the real estate market becoming a key player in the economic ecosystem, Fort Worth’s property market is seeing increased demand, driven by new residents moving in for work opportunities, including those in the creative industries.
Austin: Texas’ New Hollywood
Austin has long been considered a vibrant cultural hub, and its growing reputation as a tech and entertainment powerhouse is only strengthening its ties to Hollywood. Austin’s South by Southwest (SXSW) festival has already drawn major stars, filmmakers, and industry insiders for years, and the city’s affordable cost of living (compared to California) continues to attract talent.
In addition to the growing number of film productions, Austin has become a hotspot for tech companies and startups—many of them tied to the entertainment industry. Hollywood executives, writers, and filmmakers are flocking to Austin, turning it into a breeding ground for new content, innovation, and collaboration. This growing cultural and economic environment is drawing more residents, creating a ripple effect in the housing market.
The Real Estate Boom: What to Expect in 2025
Texas’ rising popularity in the entertainment sector has already impacted the state’s real estate market, and by 2025, experts predict even further growth. According to recent reports, the DFW area, including Fort Worth, is expected to be one of the hottest real estate markets in the country, largely due to the combined influence of the entertainment boom, tech innovation, and a fast-growing population.
The state's affordable housing options compared to places like California are luring not just filmmakers, but also workers across industries, from tech to healthcare. These industries' growth is generating thousands of new jobs, which is directly impacting housing demand. As a result, expect to see increased interest in both rental properties and homes for sale across the DFW area and Austin.
In Fort Worth specifically, major infrastructure projects, such as the ongoing Panther Island development, are enhancing accessibility and boosting property values. This makes the city even more appealing for investors looking to capitalize on the area's continued growth.
Texas’ Response to Transplants: How the State is Adapting
One of the most noticeable effects of this influx of new residents is how Texas is adapting to accommodate a diverse and growing population. Cities like Austin, Dallas, and Fort Worth are seeing demographic shifts that are reshaping local economies and creating new cultural dynamics. While Texas has long been known for its conservative roots, the influx of people from places like California, New York, and even the Midwest is adding to the diversity of the state’s workforce, social scenes, and lifestyles.
As the Texas film industry gains momentum, many famous actors and industry professionals are making the move to the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area, drawn by the growing opportunities in entertainment. The region's burgeoning reputation as a new filmmaking hub is attracting talent from Hollywood, as more productions choose Texas for its diverse landscapes, tax incentives, and affordability compared to other major media centers. With the influx of high-profile actors and crew members, DFW is becoming a hotspot for the creative class, leading to an increased demand for local services, from housing to hospitality. As the industry grows, more jobs are becoming available not only in film production but in supporting sectors like marketing, real estate, and tech, creating a ripple effect throughout the local economy. The film industry's expansion is fueling a wave of job creation, making DFW an even more appealing destination for both professionals and residents seeking new opportunities.
The state government is responding with new policies that make relocation easier, from tax incentives for companies relocating to Texas to initiatives designed to improve infrastructure and housing affordability. The housing market’s growth is paired with a robust job market—Texas’ economy continues to diversify beyond oil and gas, with a strong focus on technology, media, and healthcare.
This also means more jobs in construction, real estate development, and hospitality, further fueling the demand for both residential and commercial properties.
More Jobs, More Houses
As Texas cities continue to attract new residents, the demand for housing is set to rise exponentially in the next few years. New film and media projects will drive up rental demand, as many people come to Texas looking for short- and long-term housing options. And as large companies in the tech and entertainment sectors open new offices or expand operations, job creation will only add to the demand for homes. From young professionals to entire families relocating for job opportunities, the real estate market is expected to remain competitive.
The key to the Texas real estate boom will be its ability to keep up with this rapid demand while maintaining the affordability that has drawn so many new residents to the state in the first place. As more people move in for work and lifestyle reasons, cities like Fort Worth, Austin, and Dallas will continue to reshape the real estate landscape with both luxury and affordable housing options for buyers and renters alike.
Is Texas the New Hollywood Hub?
As Fort Worth, DFW, and Austin continue to grow into key centers for the film industry, Texas’ real estate market is poised for significant expansion in 2025. The state's ability to attract talent from across industries—especially film, tech, and media—is transforming Texas into a new Hollywood. This influx of residents and workers is spurring economic growth, creating jobs, and driving up the demand for housing. For investors and homeowners alike, the next few years could offer substantial opportunities in a rapidly growing market. Whether you're moving to Texas for work or looking to invest in the booming real estate market, the Lone Star State is truly becoming the new home of the entertainment industry—and it’s shaping up to be a great place to live.
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