Dallas-Fort Worth
University Park.
University Park is the slightly more accessible half of the Park Cities, wrapped around SMU with the same elite school district and a steady run of new luxury construction.
At a Glance
What it is like to live in University Park.
A plain-language look at the local character, the typical housing, the schools and the commute for this luxury suburb in the Dallas-Fort Worth market, from the Sharcom Realty Group team. School boundaries and district lines change, so always confirm the current zoning for a specific address with the district.
Local Character
Newer builds and transitional architecture mix with classic estate streets, and the town's position beside SMU, Turtle Creek and Uptown keeps it perpetually in demand.
Typical Home Styles
Updated traditional homes, teardown rebuilds and contemporary luxury construction on tidy lots, with prices among the highest in the region.
Schools
Highland Park ISD serves University Park, the same celebrated district as its neighboring town.
Commute Notes
SMU Boulevard, Hillcrest and the Dallas North Tollway place University Park minutes from downtown Dallas and Uptown.
The History
How University Park came to be.
The story behind this luxury suburb, in plain language, as the Sharcom Realty Group team tells it to buyers who are just starting their search. Dates and figures are approximate and drawn from public histories; verify specifics before you rely on them.
University Park grew up around Southern Methodist University, which opened in 1915 on a wooded hill north of downtown Dallas.
The community incorporated in 1924 to protect its identity, and it has co-governed with Highland Park through the Park Cities system ever since.
Today the Bush Center, SMU's campus and the town's tree-lined streets anchor one of Dallas' most desirable addresses.
Demographics
Who calls University Park home.
A general portrait of the people and households in the area. Population figures are from the 2020 U.S. Census and are approximate; the community mix changes as new areas build out.
University Park reported about 25,300 residents in the 2020 U.S. Census, making the Park Cities, with Highland Park next door, one of the most affluent combined areas in Texas.
The population is highly educated, family-focused and largely owner-occupied, served by the celebrated Highland Park ISD.
Homes range from original 1920s Tudors and Colonials to substantial modern rebuilds.
Things to Do
Weekend plans in and around University Park.
The outings residents and visitors actually take, from the parks and museums right outside the door to the regional draws within an easy drive.
- SMU's campus, museums and athletic events
- The George W. Bush Presidential Center
- Highland Park Village a short stroll away
- The Katy Trail and downtown Dallas bike access
- Dallas' Arts District museums minutes east
Restaurants
Where University Park likes to eat.
From family favorites to date-night rooms, these are the kinds of dining spots that give the area its everyday flavor and keep residents coming back.
Campus-adjacent cafes and bistros
- East Hampton Sandwich Co. : sandwich favorite steps from the SMU campus.
- Penne Pomodoro : Italian bistro on Snider Plaza.
- Zest Café : cafe and bakery on Snider Plaza.
Snider Plaza's longtime local favorite
- Kuby's Sausage House : German deli landmark on Snider Plaza.
- Food From Galilee : Mediterranean kitchen on Snider Plaza.
- Jack & Harry's : hangout spot on Snider Plaza.
Highland Park Village's upscale rooms nearby
- Bistro 31 : French bistro inside Highland Park Village.
- Sadelle's Dallas : brasserie favorite at Highland Park Village.
- Mi Cocina : Tex-Mex at Highland Park Village.
Knox-Henderson and Inwood Village dining
- XOXO Dining Room : high-end dining near Knox-Henderson.
- Highland Park Kitchen : American plates on Knox Street.
Why People Choose University Park
What keeps buyers coming here.
The honest reasons this area makes the short list, straight from the conversations Sharcom Realty Group has with buyers and sellers every week.
University Park offers the walkable academic-village life: SMU's green, the Bush Center and Highland Park ISD schools in one compact package.
Its deep architectural stock and prime proximity to both downtown and the Arts District keep it a top pick for Dallas' discerning buyers.
Nearby
Communities worth comparing.
Buyers rarely settle on one address without weighing its neighbors. These neighborhoods sit in the same conversation:
Talk to Sharon
Buying or selling in University Park?
Sharon Yeary, Associate Broker with eXp Realty, and the Sharcom Realty Group team know University Park and the surrounding area block by block. Reach out for honest, local answers about pricing, schools, timing and how to act when the right home appears.
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