By Salah Izzedin

Dallas is home to many affluent neighborhoods whose historic architecture, top schools, high end shopping, and access to outdoor activities make them some of the most desirable places to live in the state.

Today, let’s take a look at Highland Park and University Park, which are consistently ranked as two of the richest neighborhoods in Dallas. While each is recognized as its own municipality, they are often referred to together as the “Park Cities.”

Highland Park

Image courtesy of dmagazine.com

Highland Park is located in central Dallas, about four miles north of Downtown. It is one of the most expensive places to live in the city and, as of 2020, was ranked as the 7th richest neighborhood in the country. In 2019, the median home price in Highland Park was listed at $2,012,041.

It seems the neighborhood had lofty aspirations from the start. It was developed in the early 1900s, with Wilbur David Cook helming its design. Cook is, perhaps, best known for his other ritzy development: Beverly Hills. Cook partnered with George E. Kessler to complete the layout. Kessler had already designed much of downtown Dallas as well as the now-historic Fair Park. 

The partnership resulted in a stunning neighborhood filled with immense detached homes along tree-lined avenues. It is home to the famous Highland Park Shopping Village, the first self-contained shopping center ever built in America. It opened in 1931 and is renowned for its architecture, inspired by the moorish buildings and metalwork of Spain.

Today, shoppers flock to the plaza to visit high end stores like Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Tom Ford, and Texas’ only Christian Louboutin. 

Highland Park is also home to the world-famous Dallas Country Club, a private country club that is notoriously difficult to get into.  

Fun fact: Highland Park is noted as the childhood home of House of Cards antagonist, Claire Underwood. It was also the filming location for much of the TV show, Dallas. 

University Park

The fountain quad and facade of Southern Methodist University, for which University Park is named. Image courtesy of dallas.culturemap.com

Adjoining Highland Park on the north side is University Park, an area named after its most prominent landmark, Southern Methodist University. While similarly affluent (median home price in University Park is listed at $1,744,737), this area has a somewhat more bustling and less exclusive atmosphere, thanks to the larger and student-centered population. 

Primary attractions include the George W. Bush Presidential Center, Meadows Museum, and Goar Park, a beautifully kept green space with an open air gazebo used for weddings and concerts.

Snider Plaza is located nearby with boutique-style shopping and laid-back eateries. Locals will undoubtedly steer you toward Bubba’s, a favorite restaurant that serves up some of the best fried chicken and biscuits you will ever eat. 

About Salah Izzedin

Salah Izzedin has lived in Dallas for over two decades. He is a successful entrepreneur and enjoys exploring all his beautiful city has to offer.