Park Cities – Highland Park & University Park Living

Welcome to the Park Cities—Highland Park and University Park—two of Dallas’ most iconic and prestigious neighborhoods. Known for timeless architecture, tree-lined streets, and an unmatched sense of community, these towns offer a one-of-a-kind lifestyle just minutes from Downtown Dallas, Uptown, and the Dallas North Tollway.

Who Lives in Park Cities?

• Affluent families prioritizing education and location
• Retirees and legacy locals rooted in the community
• Professionals and entrepreneurs drawn to a refined yet welcoming lifestyle
• Multi-generational households passing homes down through generations

Living in Highland Park, TX – Timeless Prestige Meets Everyday Convenience

Ask any Dallasite where the city’s most prestigious neighborhood is—and chances are, they’ll say Highland Park. Known for its elegant homes, manicured parks, and deep-rooted pride, Highland Park offers a rare blend of luxury, tradition, and neighborhood warmth.

Highland Park maintains its own city services—police, fire, and public works—ensuring top-tier safety and service. Residents enjoy walkable access to Highland Park Village, excellent schools, and close proximity to SMU and Downtown Dallas.

What Sets Highland Park Apart:

• Private city services and strong civic infrastructure
• Architecturally significant homes, from historic estates to modern masterpieces
• Consistently high property values and enduring demand
• Tree-lighting ceremonies, 4th of July parades, and neighborhood traditions

Highland Park Village – The Heart of Highland Park

No mention of Highland Park is complete without highlighting Highland Park Village—America’s first planned shopping center and a Dallas icon. This open-air center offers a mix of designer labels, refined restaurants, and local favorites, all wrapped in Mediterranean-style architecture and charm.

• Bistro 31– Elegant brunch, lunch, or dinner with European flair
• Monkey Bar– Stylish cocktails and cozy lounge vibes
• Park House– A private rooftop social club with curated events and city views (membership required)
• Honor Bar– Upscale yet intimate bar offering refined cocktails, crave-worthy bites, and timeless ambiance in Dallas

Everyday Favorites & Local Gems:

• Lakeside Park – Peaceful trails and turtle sightings
• Drip Coffee – Neighborhood hangout with solid caffeine
• Shug’s Bagels – Iconic bagel stop for SMU students and locals
• Howdy Homemade Ice Cream – Beloved for flavor and mission
• Flower Child – Go-to for fresh, healthy meals
• SMU Meadows Museum – One of the finest collections of Spanish art in the U.S.
• R&D Kitchen—Relaxed yet polished dining destination

University Park Highlights

University Park blends family life with a collegiate vibe, thanks to its adjacency to Southern Methodist University (SMU). The community is filled with local parks, top-rated schools, and a walkable feel that’s hard to beat in the heart of the city.

• Goar Park – A serene outdoor space offering a variety of recreational activities for visitors of all ages
• Armstrong Elementary – Top-rated campus in Highland Park ISD
• Snider Plaza – Local shops, salons, dining, and convenience in one walkable location

Snider Plaza – University Park’s Historic Shopping District

Located just blocks from SMU, Snider Plaza is a charming outdoor retail destination beloved by residents for its walkability and mix of longtime institutions and modern favorites. Here are four can’t-miss spots:

• Ramble Room – Casual eats, cold beer, and a popular patio gathering spot
• Keller’s Drive-In – No-frills burgers served with old-school charm
• East Hampton Sandwich Co. – Casual, stylish venue offering salads & refined sandwiches, plus beer & wine.
• DL Mack's – Chicago-inspired neighborhood tavern serving cracker crust pizza and American classics

Top Public & Private Schools

• Armstrong Elementary School — Whole-child focus: strong literacy foundations, hands-on science, and very active PTA/community events.
• Bradfield Elementary School — Arts-forward enrichment: robust fine arts integration, reading/writing workshops, and leadership habits.
• Boone Elementary School — STEM + innovation: maker-style learning, project-based units, and community service traditions.
• University Park Elementary School — Tradition + academics: accelerated literacy/math pathways, rich electives, and a strong neighborhood culture.
• McCulloch Intermediate / Highland Park Middle School — Advanced coursework: pre-AP readiness, competitive fine arts/athletics, and extensive clubs/UIL programs.
• Highland Park High School — College-prep depth: wide AP selection, nationally competitive academics/arts/athletics, and exceptional counseling.

Private Schools Nearby:

• The Hockaday School – All-girls, Pre-K–12
• St. Mark’s School of Texas – All-boys, Grades 1–12
• The Episcopal School of Dallas – Co-ed, Pre-K–12
• Ursuline Academy – All-girls, Independent Catholic college preparatory school for young women in grades 9-12
• Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas – All-boys, Grades 9–12

Is Park Cities Right for You?

If you’re looking for timeless architecture, top schools, tight-knit community, and luxury with history—Highland Park and University Park offer all that and more. This is where Dallas’ past and future meet, in a place residents are proud to call home for generations.

Let’s find the perfect home in Park Cities for your next chapter.