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Last Updated on: 29th March 2023, 06:34 pm

If you’re thinking of living in University Park, TX, the first thing you should know is that it’s a city within a city. Dallas, TX borders University Park to the north, east, and west. To the south of University Park is Highland Park, and just a little further south is Dallas once again.

The cities are so intertwined that the United States Post Office prefers to use “Dallas” on mail that is headed to University Park residents. Together, University Park and Highland Park are known as the “Park Cities” in the Dallas area.

While the cities share borders, University Park and Dallas feel completely different. University Park, TX is a very affluent area with a suburban feel. It’s the home of the prestigious Southern Methodist University (SMU) and the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

University Park was originally a neighborhood within Dallas that consisted of the homes built around SMU. In 1924, the residents voted to allow University Park to become its own city. There were some efforts to reincorporate it into Dallas in the following decades. Today, it is a thriving, independent city known for its large homes, expansive churches, luscious parks, and excellent schools.

University Park Population & Demographics

University Park’s population is 25,036 people who live across 3.7 square miles. The average age is 35.1 years, which is about the same as the demographics in the broader Dallas-Fort Worth Area. However, that is the only similarity between University Park’s demographics and the surrounding metroplex.

About 84 percent of University Park’s residents are white, followed by 7 percent Asian American, 6 percent Hispanic, 2 percent Black, and 2 percent of people identifying as more than one race. 52 percent of the population is female. The city is very conservative politically.

The median household income in University Park, TX is $224,485 per year. In Texas, this number is $61,874, meaning that University Park residents make significantly more money than their fellow Texans on average.

While 83.7 percent of Texas adults have a High School diploma, the number jumps up to 99.6 percent in University Park. Similarly, just 29.9 percent of Texas adults have a Bachelor’s degree or higher, but 87.8 percent of adults in University Park have attained that level of education.

The city sees about 195 crimes each year, and almost every one of them is against someone’s property. Very little violent crime occurs in University Park. The most recent FBI crime statistics show no murders or manslaughter in the city. University Park employs 56 law enforcement officers to protect the residents and their property. In fact, the total crime rate is many times lower than that of the whole state. Meaning that University Park is a very safe place to live and its residents are much safer than many other Texans.

Cost of Living in University Park

Living in University Park doesn’t come cheap. The cost of living in University Park, TX is generally much higher than in other areas of the state. This is in large part due to its high housing prices.

In the whole Dallas-Fort Worth area, the median home price is $215,700. The median home price in University Park, TX is more than $1.4 million, compared to just $215,700 in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Home prices in the prestigious city rose about 32 percent in the past year.

Just 16 percent of the dwelling units in the city are apartments. According to Rent Cafe, apartments in University Park, TX rent for an average of $2,738 per month and have an average size of 1,106 square feet.

The cost of living in University Park is above average in other ways as well. Residents pay more for transportation, groceries, and shopping as well. However, utilities and health care costs fall below the national average.

University Park, TX Weather & Climate

They say that if you don’t like the weather in Texas, just wait a few minutes and it’ll change. That’s as true in University Park as it is throughout the Lone Star State, but there are a few things you can expect from the weather in University Park, TX.

If you love to swim and play on a hot summer day, you’ll love living in University Park, TX. July tends to be the hottest month in the area with an average high temperature of 97 degrees. Be sure to pack your swimsuit and sunglasses!

Winters are typically mild in University Park. January is the coldest month of the year, but the average low temperature is just above freezing. Bring a jacket, but don’t expect too much snow.

Things to do in University Park, TX

Whether you’re living in University Park, TX or just visiting, you can find plenty of fun things to do. Because it is a city within Dallas, you’ll have to leave the city limits to see some of the area’s major attractions. However, if you want to stay within the city limits, check out these things to do in University Park:

George W. Bush Presidential Center

 

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After the end of a President’s time in office, an educational center is built in their name. The George W. Bush Presidental Center is located on the SMU campus and is one of the biggest places to visit in University Park, TX. Browse the museum to see memorabilia from 9/11 and a full-scale replica of the Oval Office.

2943 SMU Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75205, (214) 200-4300

Meadows Museum

This museum on the SMU campus is dedicated to the arts and culture of Spain. Exhibitions are routinely changed, so there’s always something to learn. The Meadows Museum also hosts some of the most exciting events in University Park, TX. Learn to draw from famous artists, enjoy screenings of important films, and more.

5900 Bishop Blvd, Dallas, TX 75205, (214) 768-2516

University Park – Parks & Recreation

Are you looking for things to do with kids in University Park, TX? The city offers several parks that are primed for playing. Elena’s Children’s Park is perfect for holiday pictures. Caruth Park features ponds for fishing, playgrounds, and ball fields. Check out Goar Park for plenty of outdoor space to run free.

University Park’s location makes it great for enjoying all the other amazing offerings in Dallas.

More things to do near University Park:

University Park, TX also offers convenient shopping. Check out these nearby centers:

Where to Eat in University Park

Don’t miss these delicious eateries in University Park, TX.

Bubba’s Cooks Country

This University Park, TX eatery is known for its fried chicken and other southern staples. All of the food is made fresh in small batches, so you know you’re getting fresh home cooking. Known simply as “Bubba’s,” this restaurant in University Park has been serving Dallas for more than 41 years.

6617 Hillcrest Ave, Dallas, TX 75205, (214) 373-6527

Original Chop Shop

Original Chop Shop serves up healthy, delicious food in University Park. Patrons who are avoiding gluten, dairy, lactose, soy, or animal products find plenty of options here. Grab a protein bowl made with your choice of vegetables and protein, or opt for a superfruit bowl with acai, granola, and more.

6401 Hillcrest Ave #100, Dallas, TX 75205, (972) 546-0418

Front Room Tavern

This University Park eatery promises “upscale food with a down-to earth feel,” and it delivers on that promise. The Front Room Tavern offers breakfast and dinner every day of the week, or you can stop by for brunch on the weekends. The dinner menu includes options like blackened chicken alfredo and brown butter steak.

6101 Hillcrest Ave, Dallas, TX 75205, (214) 219-8282

Jobs in University Park, TX

SMU is one of the largest employers in University Park, TX. However, many people live in University Park and work in Dallas or surrounding areas. Dallas’ thriving economy includes job opportunities in high-demand sectors like healthcare, oil, and technology. Due to the high home prices in University Park, many residents are highly paid professionals or have generational wealth.

University Park, TX Schools

Public schools in University Park are part of the Highland Park Independent School District (HPISD). The small and prestigious district is home to about 7,000 learners and 440 teachers. Great Schools ranks all of the schools at least an 8 out of 10, with some getting the highest rankings possible. The school system boasts encouraging statistics, including:

  • 63 percent of educators have Master’s degrees
  • 97 percent of HPISD graduates go on to college
  • HPISD students score an average of 27.3 on the ACT, which is significantly higher than the state average

Young learners also enjoy the University Park Public Library, which hosts many educational events.

More Statistics on University Park, TX

  • Zip codes: 75205 and 75225
  • Area codes: 214, 469, 945, and 972
  • County: Dallas
  • Time zone: Central Standard Time (CST)
  • Elevation: 548 feet
  • Total area: 3.7 square miles

University Park, TX Map

Find your own fun things to do in University Park with this interactive map.

Tips for Living in University Park, TX

University Park is a well-to-do area within Dallas. If you’re thinking of living in University Park, TX, there are a few important factors to consider:

  • Families enjoy top-of-the-line public schools.
  • Be prepared to pay a pretty penny for a home.
  • University Park is one of the safest cities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
  • Residents are short driving distances from major attractions and events.

Are you ready to make the leap? If you’re moving to University Park, TX, make sure you get the best movers in town. Brothers Moving and Storage is proud to provide high-quality service for local or long-distance movers. Hire the best movers in University Park, TX by calling (469) 949-2601.