Developed as a clutch of homes surrounding Southern Methodist University in 1915, the community of University Park is now one of the more prestigious enclaves in Dallas. Despite its close proximity to the city, the broad tree-lined streets and early 20th-century architecture is distinctly different from the gleaming skyscrapers and office buildings downtown.
Boundaries
Considered an inner suburb of Dallas (recognized by a Dallas zip code), University Park is five miles north of the city’s downtown. It is bordered to the west by the Dallas North Tollway; the North Park Center Community to the north; U.S. Highway 75 to the east; and Mockingbird Lane and the community of Highland Park to the south.
Price range
Housing costs vary in this primarily residential area. "A home in University Park can range in price anywhere from $850,000 to $30 million. The average is somewhere around $1.4 million, or $375 per square foot," said Jonathan Rosen, an executive vice president at Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty.
Not all single-family homes, Mr. Rosen noted that condominiums in University Park are usually in the $450,000 to $850,000 range.
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Housing stock
The area is heavily influenced by the Georgian architecture of the Southern Methodist University campus, which opened in 1915, in what was once rural Dallas. "The area was first developed in the early 1920s," Mr. Rosen explained. "Even today, prominent styles include Georgian, Spanish Colonial, Mediterranean and Neoclassical-style homes, but we are seeing a lot of new, transitional-style architecture as well."
Architects in the area strike a balance between preserving the elegant original estates in the area, while placing a contemporary spin on custom renovations.
What makes it unique
University Park maintains a friendly, small-town feel despite being part of a larger cosmopolitan urban environment. Mr. Rosen noted. "What stands out the most is the strong sense of community that a lot of other places in Dallas don’t have. It’s definitely a multi-generational community, and the longevity of its residents is unique."
Proximity to downtown Dallas, excellent local shopping, a sense of security and a strong school district also add to the appeal of University Park, he said.
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Luxe amenities in the neighborhoodLocals can rather easily hop on one of the conveniently located highways that lead to downtown Dallas, but there’s no need to battle traffic with excellent shopping and area restaurants to choose from.
Charming Snider Plaza is a meticulously maintained three-block shopping area centered around a 1927-built plaza. Boutiques include the stylish Baby Bliss children’s store, the Cicada Collection, featuring a well-curated selection of chic women’s clothing, and upscale interior design shop curated by Kristin Mullen.
There are also several day spas, and hair and nail spas lining the plaza for proper primping. Locals can also be found dining at favorite spots such as Kuby’s Sausage House, a family-owned- and-run restaurant and butcher shop since 1961, the retro Bubba’s Cooks County and gussied-up gastropub Front Room Tavern.
Texans are partial to their malls, and nearby Preston Center ticks all those shopping and dining boxes. Bachendorf’s fine jewelers, Calypso St. Barth’s, Lucy active wear and Carla Martinengo shops are all found at this outdoor shopping center. Grab a table at Hillstone or the California-inspired R+D Kitchen following a power shopping session.
Not all retail-focused, the area is dotted with beautiful parks, such as Caruth Park, Gore Park, and Curtis Park with the Holmes Aquatic Center, a massive pool complex where locals go to cool off.
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University Park is part of the Independent School District, a high-performing public school district. Southern Methodist University is a draw for academics and culture, as the campus is home to the George W. Bush Presidential Center and the Meadows Museum, which holds one of the largest collections of Spanish art outside of Spain.
Who lives there?
"It runs the gamut of people in every affluent type of job. The median income is in the $400,000 range, so we see CEOs, entrepreneurs, and definitely people in the tech industry as that community continues to grow in Dallas," Mr. Rosen said.
University professors and coaches, including head football coach Chad Morris, also make up this community. Texas House of Representatives member Morgan Meyer is a resident and notable past residents include former president Gerald Ford and professional football player Colin Ridgeway.
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Outlook
University Park is a strong seller’s market. Demand for this affluent area is consistently high, and properties don’t spend much time on the market.
"Compared to the rest of the city, there are so few homes in University Park–only about 8,000 total—and they’re not building any more of them," said Mr. Rosen. "So there’s always going to be a high demand in this pocket, especially considering the school system, security, the proximity to downtown and all of the shopping and dining it has to offer."