Moving to University Park vs Highland Park

When it comes to prestigious Dallas addresses, few neighborhoods command the respect and recognition of Highland Park and University Park. Collectively known as the Park Cities, these two independent municipalities sit like jewels in the heart of Dallas, offering residents an extraordinary combination of top-tier schools, beautiful tree-lined streets, and convenient urban access.

But here’s the question that stops many prospective homebuyers in their tracks: Which one should you choose?

While Highland Park and University Park share many similarities—including the exceptional Highland Park Independent School District—each neighborhood has distinct characteristics that may align better with your family’s lifestyle, budget, and priorities. Whether you’re relocating from another state or moving within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, understanding the nuances between these two communities will help you make the right decision for your family.

Understanding the Park Cities: A Brief Overview

Before diving into the specifics, it’s worth understanding what makes these neighborhoods special. Both Highland Park and University Park are independent municipalities completely surrounded by the city of Dallas. This unique status gives residents access to all that Dallas offers while maintaining their own municipal services, police departments, and local governance.

Highland Park: Dallas’s Crown Jewel

Founded in 1913, Highland Park has earned its reputation as one of the most prestigious addresses in Texas. Often called “The Beverly Hills of Dallas,” this affluent community is characterized by grand estates, meticulously maintained properties, and an air of established elegance. The neighborhood features iconic landmarks like Highland Park Village—America’s first self-contained shopping center—and the exclusive Dallas Country Club.

Highland Park is home to approximately 8,900 residents across roughly 2.2 square miles. The architecture here tells a story of generational wealth and careful preservation, with stately Colonial Revivals, Tudor estates, and Mediterranean villas dating back to the early 1900s. While teardowns have become increasingly common as lot values have soared, many historically significant homes remain.

University Park: Academic Elegance with a Neighborly Feel

University Park, the larger of the two communities, encompasses about 3.7 square miles and houses approximately 24,000 residents. Established in 1924 when Southern Methodist University’s growing neighborhood could no longer be supported by the university’s utilities, University Park has evolved into a diverse, family-friendly community that maintains the same upscale standards as its southern neighbor.

The presence of SMU gives University Park a distinctive character—a blend of academic vitality and residential tranquility. The neighborhood feels slightly more relaxed than Highland Park, with Snider Plaza serving as a charming town square that recalls a bygone era of Main Street America. University Park attracts a mix of established families, young professionals, and academics who appreciate proximity to the university.

Side-by-Side Comparison: What Sets Them Apart

Schools and Education: The Great Equalizer

Here’s the good news: both neighborhoods are served by the Highland Park Independent School District (HPISD), which ranked #1 among all 5A/6A public school districts in Texas in the 2025 TEA ratings, scoring 96 out of 100. This means that regardless of which community you choose, your children will attend some of the best public schools in the state.

HPISD includes five elementary schools (Armstrong, Bradfield, Hyer, University Park, and Boone), McCulloch Intermediate School and Highland Park Middle School (which share a campus), and Highland Park High School. The district boasts impressive statistics: 97% of graduates pursue college degrees, with an average SAT score of 1300 and ACT score of 27.9.

However, there are subtle differences in how school attendance zones work:

• Highland Park residents may attend Armstrong Elementary or Bradfield Elementary, depending on their address, and some areas west of the Dallas North Tollway fall into Dallas ISD rather than HPISD.
• University Park residents have access to Hyer Elementary and University Park Elementary within city limits, plus Armstrong, Bradfield, and Boone depending on location.

The schools themselves are consistently excellent regardless of which elementary you attend, so this factor shouldn’t be your primary deciding factor—but it’s worth confirming which school your specific address would be zoned for before making an offer.

Real Estate and Housing Styles

This is where the distinctions become more pronounced. While both neighborhoods command premium prices, Highland Park consistently tops University Park in median home values and carries more prestige in the real estate market.

Highland Park represents the most expensive real estate in the Park Cities. As of late 2025, median home prices range from $2.5 million to over $3.3 million depending on the source and specific timeframe, with many estate properties exceeding $5-8 million. Homes here typically sit on larger lots (often .25 to .5 acres), and you’ll find more architecturally significant properties. The neighborhood is characterized by:

• Grand estates with substantial square footage (4,000-10,000+ sq ft)
• Historic homes from the 1910s-1930s, many meticulously preserved or renovated
• Newer custom builds on teardown lots, often pushing architectural boundaries
• Mediterranean villas, Tudor estates, and Colonial Revival mansions
• Mature landscaping with towering trees and manicured hedges

University Park offers slightly more accessible price points while still commanding luxury-level values. Median home prices typically range from $2.1 million to $2.7 million, with many desirable properties in the $1.5-3 million range. The housing stock includes:

• A broader range of home sizes and styles
• More homes built or substantially renovated from the 1970s onward
• Transitional and contemporary designs alongside traditional architecture
• Slightly smaller average lot sizes (.15 to .3 acres in many areas)
• A mix of established and newer construction

For families looking at the best neighborhoods in Dallas, both communities offer exceptional value, but University Park may provide more options for buyers seeking to enter the Park Cities market at a lower price point.

Location and Commute Considerations

Both neighborhoods offer exceptional access to Dallas’s major employment centers and highways, but there are meaningful differences in daily commute patterns.

Highland Park occupies the southern portion of the Park Cities, making it closer to downtown Dallas and the Uptown area. Residents benefit from:

• 5-10 minute drive to downtown Dallas
• Quick access to the Katy Trail for biking/running commutes
• Proximity to the Dallas North Tollway and US-75 (Central Expressway)
• Walkability to Highland Park Village for upscale shopping and dining
• Average commute time of approximately 19 minutes

University Park spans the northern section, making it slightly farther from downtown but offering excellent highway access:

• 15-20 minute drive to downtown Dallas (traffic dependent)
• Superior access to Northwest Highway and LBJ Freeway
• Proximity to SMU campus and associated amenities
• Average commute time of approximately 18 minutes
• Better positioned for commutes to North Dallas suburbs

According to Niche.com rankings, University Park actually scored higher than Highland Park on commute metrics (A vs. B rating), likely due to its central positioning relative to multiple employment hubs throughout the metroplex rather than just downtown Dallas.

Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment

Both neighborhoods punch well above their weight in terms of retail and dining options, but each has its own flavor.

Highland Park is home to Highland Park Village, a stunning Spanish Colonial Revival shopping center that opened in 1931 and has evolved into one of the most exclusive retail destinations in Texas. Here you’ll find luxury retailers like Hermès, Dior, and Chanel alongside local favorites and upscale restaurants. The Village represents old-money Dallas at its finest—a place where shopping is as much about the experience as the purchases.

For dining, Highland Park residents enjoy easy access to fine dining establishments and Dallas’s vibrant Uptown restaurant scene. The neighborhood itself maintains a relatively quiet residential character, with commercial activity concentrated in specific areas.

University Park offers a completely different vibe with Snider Plaza, a charming, walkable shopping district that feels like a throwback to small-town America. Rather than luxury chains, you’ll find unique local shops, a beloved independent bookstore, neighborhood restaurants, and service businesses. It’s less about luxury shopping and more about community—the kind of place where you run into neighbors at the coffee shop.

The SMU area adds another dimension, with restaurants and entertainment options catering to the university community. University Park residents also have excellent access to the restaurants and nightlife along Hillcrest Avenue and in the Knox-Henderson area.

Parks, Recreation, and Community Amenities

Green space and recreational opportunities abound in both communities, though they’re organized differently.

Highland Park maintains 22 parks throughout its 2.2 square miles, with Lakeside Park being the crown jewel. This 14-acre expanse along Turtle Creek features walking trails, fishing access, a playground, and spectacular azalea displays each spring (over 8,000 azalea plants burst into bloom in March and April). The town also operates eight tennis courts, a community swimming pool, and provides residents access to numerous civic programs.

The Dallas Country Club, while private and exclusive, occupies prime real estate within Highland Park’s boundaries. The Meadows Museum at SMU and the George W. Bush Presidential Center are also easily accessible.

University Park operates ten city parks including Burleson, Caruth, Curtis, and Williams Parks. The Holmes Aquatic Center at Curtis Park is particularly impressive, featuring a 50-meter pool, diving boards, a water slide, and a sprayground for younger children. The city maintains six tennis court locations available to residents.

The Moody Family YMCA, located in University Park, serves residents of both Park Cities. Additionally, University Park residents enjoy proximity to SMU’s campus, which offers cultural events, Boulevarding before football games, and access to the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

Community Culture and Lifestyle

While both neighborhoods attract affluent, educated families who prioritize education and community, the day-to-day feel differs subtly.

Highland Park skews toward established wealth and formal elegance. Median household income exceeds $217,000, and the community has a higher concentration of business executives and multi-generational Dallas families. The population is approximately 8,900 with a median age of 43.9 years. There’s a strong emphasis on tradition, from the annual Christmas tree lighting at Highland Park Village to the carefully maintained architectural character of the neighborhood.

Social life often revolves around country clubs, private events, and Highland Park Village. The community feels more private and exclusive, with residents valuing discretion and established social networks. This isn’t to say it’s unwelcoming—but it’s a community where connections often develop through schools, church, and long-term residency.

University Park has a slightly more diverse feel, with a population of approximately 24,000 and a median household income around $200,000. The median age is 38.5, reflecting more young families and professionals. The presence of SMU brings academic professionals, administrators, and faculty into the community, creating a slightly more intellectually diverse environment.

Social connections form more readily through neighborhood interactions, Snider Plaza encounters, and community events. The atmosphere feels slightly more accessible and less formal, though still decidedly upscale. University Park residents appreciate the balance of prestige and approachability—it’s a place where you might see a university professor walking their dog alongside a successful entrepreneur.

HOA Rules and Municipal Regulations

Neither Highland Park nor University Park have the kind of neighborhood-wide HOA structures you’d find in planned communities. Instead, each maintains its own municipal regulations, and some specific subdivisions or condo communities within each city may have their own HOA requirements.

Highland Park has implemented resident-only parking zones in various locations throughout the town. These zones require permits for on-street parking and help manage congestion. Construction permits are required for any building or remodeling work, and the town enforces strict zoning ordinances that prohibit accessory buildings from containing kitchens or being used as rental units. Construction is permitted Monday through Saturday, 7 AM to 6 PM, with no work allowed on Sundays or major holidays.

University Park also maintains resident parking districts, particularly near SMU, Highland Park High School, and the Park Cities YMCA. These zones operate during restricted hours (typically 7 AM-5 PM on school days or 8 AM-5 PM weekdays) and require special parking stickers for residents. Like Highland Park, University Park requires permits for construction and remodeling projects.

Both municipalities take code enforcement seriously, maintaining high standards for property upkeep, landscaping, and exterior modifications. If you’re used to less restrictive suburban HOAs where you can paint your house any color or make major exterior changes without approval, be prepared for a different level of oversight—these communities protect their character carefully.

Moving Considerations: What to Know Before Relocation Day

Planning a move to either Highland Park or University Park requires more logistical consideration than a typical residential move, particularly if you’re coming from a less urban environment.

Narrow Streets and Limited Parking

Both neighborhoods were designed in the early 20th century with narrower streets than modern subdivisions. This creates challenges for moving trucks:

• Many streets cannot accommodate two-way traffic when a large moving truck is present
• Parking restrictions mean you may need temporary permits for moving vehicles
• Some historic areas have low-hanging tree canopies that limit truck height
• Neighbors are generally understanding during moves, but communication is essential

Professional movers familiar with Highland Park and University Park will already know how to navigate these challenges, including obtaining necessary permits and planning the most efficient loading/unloading strategies.

Gated Communities and Access

While not all properties in these neighborhoods are gated, many luxury homes feature electronic gates, security systems, and specific access requirements. Coordinate with your moving company ahead of time to ensure:

• Gate codes are provided in advance
• Security systems are temporarily disabled or movers are added to approved access lists
• Proper identification is available for security checkpoints
• Any building or elevator reservations are made (for condos)

Luxury Item Handling

Homes in Highland Park and University Park often contain valuable art, antiques, pianos, and custom furniture that require specialized moving expertise. When hiring a luxury moving company, verify their experience with:

• Climate-controlled transportation for valuable items
• Custom crating for artwork and antiques
• Piano moving expertise (many Park Cities homes have grand pianos)
• White-glove service for delicate or irreplaceable items
• Adequate insurance coverage for high-value belongings

Best Timing for Your Move

Both neighborhoods experience heavy traffic during school drop-off and pick-up times (roughly 7:30-8:30 AM and 2:30-4:00 PM on school days). Schedule your move during mid-morning or early afternoon to avoid peak traffic. Summer moves can be challenging due to heat, but they avoid school-year traffic congestion.

Many families prefer to move during the summer months to minimize disruption to their children’s school year, which means moving companies book up quickly in June and July. Plan ahead and reserve your moving date at least 6-8 weeks in advance, particularly during peak season.

Who Should Choose University Park?

University Park tends to be the better fit for:

Families seeking Park Cities prestige at a more accessible price point. If you want HPISD schools and the Park Cities address without stretching your budget to Highland Park’s higher price ranges, University Park offers excellent value. You’ll still be in a prestigious community with outstanding schools, but with more housing options under $2.5 million.

Academics and intellectual professionals. The proximity to SMU creates a natural community for university faculty, researchers, and others who appreciate an academic atmosphere. The George W. Bush Presidential Center and Meadows Museum are essentially in your backyard.

Young families valuing community interaction. Snider Plaza’s walkable environment and neighborhood feel make it easy to build community connections. Parents appreciate running into other families at the coffee shop or having kids walk to get ice cream.

Commuters heading to North Dallas suburbs. If your job is in Plano, Frisco, or other North Dallas areas, University Park’s superior access to Northwest Highway and LBJ Freeway can save significant commute time compared to Highland Park’s more downtown-centric location.

Those preferring a less formal atmosphere. While still decidedly upscale, University Park feels slightly more relaxed and accessible than Highland Park’s more formal elegance.

Who Should Choose Highland Park?

Highland Park is ideal for:

Buyers seeking the most prestigious Dallas address. Highland Park simply carries more cachet in Dallas social and business circles. If image and prestige matter significantly to you, Highland Park delivers the most recognizable and exclusive address.

Families prioritizing larger lots and grand architecture. Highland Park offers more estate properties with substantial lots and architecturally significant homes. If you dream of a sprawling Mediterranean villa or stately Colonial Revival on half an acre, you’ll find more options in Highland Park.

Downtown Dallas professionals. The shorter commute to downtown and Uptown makes Highland Park especially attractive for attorneys, financial professionals, and others working in Dallas’s central business district.

Those valuing established luxury retail. If you appreciate walking to Hermès and Chanel or meeting friends for lunch at an upscale restaurant at Highland Park Village, Highland Park’s retail options are unmatched in the Park Cities.

Buyers seeking long-term investment. Highland Park has historically shown more stable appreciation and stronger resale values, particularly for exceptional properties. The neighborhood’s established reputation and limited inventory create strong market fundamentals.

Making Your Final Decision

Choosing between University Park and Highland Park ultimately comes down to personal priorities, budget, and lifestyle preferences. Both neighborhoods offer exceptional schools through HPISD, safe streets, beautiful homes, and the convenience of Dallas proximity while maintaining their own municipal independence.

We recommend visiting both communities multiple times at different times of day. Drive through neighborhoods you’re considering, stop for coffee at Snider Plaza, browse Highland Park Village, attend a community event, and talk to residents if possible. Each neighborhood has a distinct personality that you’ll only fully appreciate through direct experience.

Consider these final questions as you make your decision:

• What’s my realistic budget, and where can I get the most house for my money?
• Do I prioritize formal prestige or comfortable community?
• Where will I be commuting, and which location optimizes my daily travel?
• Do I prefer the village feel of Snider Plaza or the luxury retail of Highland Park Village?
• Are lot size and architectural grandeur essential to me?
• Do I want to be near SMU’s cultural offerings and academic atmosphere?

There’s no wrong answer—both neighborhoods represent the pinnacle of Dallas living. Moving to Dallas is an exciting transition, and either University Park or Highland Park will provide your family with an exceptional foundation for the next chapter of your life.

When you’re ready to make your move, working with experienced Highland Park movers who understand the unique logistics of these prestigious neighborhoods ensures a smooth transition into your new home. Whether you choose the stately elegance of Highland Park or the neighborly sophistication of University Park, you’re joining two of the most desirable communities in Texas.