Highland Park and University Park are surrounded by the city of Dallas, and are separate, incorporated cities with their own government systems, police force and fire departments. Highland Park and University Park form the fabled “Park Cities” area, and those who live here include old money society leaders, corporate CEOs and arts patrons.
The Park Cities are bounded on the east by Central Expressway (US-75) and on the west by the Dallas North Tollway. Preston Road runs north and south down the middle of the two communities. Down- town Dallas is an easy 5-10 minute ride and with the road systems in place, it’s just as easy to go west to Las Colinas and the airport or north to Plano.
The top Highland Park Independent School District that serves both Highland Park and University Park is one of the best in the state. Three HPISD schools, Bradfield, Hyer and Highland Park Middle School, have all received awards in the “No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Schools”. Additionally, Upland Park also received this honor. Upland Park received the 2006 award The High- land Park Independent School District is also one of only two districts in the state to earn all 11 Gold Performance Acknowledgment awards from the Texas Education Agency.
Highland Park also has the reputation of having the highest per-square foot prices for real estate anywhere in the Metroplex. Highland Park Village shop- ping center was America’s first shopping center, and has since evolved into one of the most prestigious shopping destinations in the world, boasting such merchants as Chanel, Hermès, Ralph Lauren, Escada and Jimmy Choo.
The prestigious Dallas Country Club with its rolling hills and elite membership roster is across the street. University Park is home to eight lushly landscaped and well-equipped parks, in addition to Southern Methodist University (SMU), the college that gives the community its name. Real estate prices are slightly lower here than in Highland Park, and buyers will find a larger variety of housing options, including duplexes and townhomes, in addition to all sizes and ages of single-family homes.
