Dallas Neighborhood Guide

University Park

Photo By Kristi and Scot Redman

Though Southern Methodist University’s buildings dominate the eastern portion, most of the rest of this independent suburb looks like a movie-set version of Everytown, U.S.A. University Park boasts the same upscale advantages as its slightly older, wealthier sibling directly to the south, Highland Park. Here as there, HPISD schools forge the primary bond among the community’s residents.

What the Locals Say About University Park

Locals Love

That with convenient access to Northwest Highway, the Dallas North Tollway, and U.S. Highway 75 all the rest of Dallas is easily within reach. But, by the same token, getting to downtown without having to get on one of those often-clogged highways isn’t necessary.

Locals Complain

Snider Plaza, the city’s de facto town square, is a tremendous community asset populated by unique shops and restaurants. But finding parking there is often a nightmare.

Known For

Being the home of “Boulevarding” before SMU football games, as well as playing host to the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

Other Neighborhoods in Park Cities

Devonshire, Bluffview, Greenway Parks, Highland Park

Explore University Park

Snider Plaza: Where Small Town Still Lives

The short strip running parallel to Hillcrest Road, near SMU, anchors the enchanting illusion that University Park doesn’t sit surrounded by one of the largest cities in the United States.

Snider Plaza devotes much of its space to unique local shops rather than national chains.

Walk into Snider Plaza Hair Styling and be soothed by the hum of hair dryers and the sight of women in rollers half-drowsing under the old-fashioned beehive helmets.

After 54 years, Miss Ann (Etgen) and Mr. Bill (Atkinson) closed their dance studio.

It’s hard to get family-friendlier than University Park.

As much a gallery as a fashion store, Studio Sebastian carries the fashion other Dallas boutiques don’t dare to—edgy, forward-looking, unconventional but very elegant.

Snider Plaza is like an idyllic version of Main Street from a bygone era.

Around Town in University Park

Restaurants in University Park Bars and Clubs in University Park Shops in University Park Attractions in University Park

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GreatSchools Rating out of 10

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Why I Love the Park Cities

By Christine Allison

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University Park News

Population

21,755

Median Owner-Occupied Home Value

$1,365,910

University Park Demographics

Population

The 2023 population of University Park is estimated to be 21,755.

47.8% of residents are male, 52.2% are female. The median age is 38.5.

87.3% of the University Park population are White, 1.3% are Black, 4.9% are Asian, and 0.5% identify as some other race. 6.5% are of Hispanic heritage.

Among adult residents, 20.4% have earned a master's degree, 18.1% have a professional school degree, 3.8% have a doctorate, and 46.1% have a bachelor’s degree.

The number of households is 6941. The average household size is 2.89.

Income & Employment

The median household income is $199,968.

96% of residents are employed and 4% are unemployed. 6869 are not in the labor force.

The average commute time for workers who live in this area is 18 minutes.

Housing

68.9% of University Park homes are detached, single-family houses. The median owner-occupied home value is $1,365,910

76% of the homes are owner-occupied. The average length of residence among residents in owner-occupied homes is 15.1 years. The average renter has been in the same home 6.2 years.

The median year the area’s housing units were built is 1986.

Crime

Aggravated Assaults (non-family violence)	1
Aggravated Assaults (family violence)	2
Business Burglaries	4
Home Burglaries	1
Motor-Vehicle Burglaries	18
Auto Thefts	4
Business Robberies	4
Robberies of Individuals	0
Shoplifting Incidents	3
Murders	0

University Park Real Estate Snapshot

% Owner-Occupied Housing

76%

Avg. Household Size

2.89

Number of Households

6941

Avg. Length of Residency by Owner

15.1 years

Dallas Neighborhoods

Sources: Demographic data pulled from Nielsen SiteReports and represents sampling based on most recent U.S. Census estimates. Crime data provided by local police departments.