Like small towns nestled within the bustling heart of Dallas, the prestigious Park Cities—the town of Highland Park and the city of University Park—offer a unique blend of idyllic suburban living and big-city access. Known for their tree-lined streets, beautifully maintained parks and strong sense of community, these affluent communities consistently rank among the top places in the nation for families.
Grand, architecturally significant homes with meticulously landscaped yards contribute to the area’s exclusive ambiance. Park Cities’ exceptional public school system coupled with an abundance of family-friendly amenities and a safe, welcoming atmosphere, create an environment where families can thrive and feel at home.
NEARBY:
Park Cities is an enclave, surrounded by the larger municipality, the city of Dallas. Highland Park and University Park share a border.
Highland Park Fast Facts
POPULATION
8,624
2023 U.S. Census
REAL ESTATE
$4.1 million
Median listing price, realtor.com
University Park Fast Facts
POPULATION
24,954
2023 U.S. Census
REAL ESTATE
$3 million
Median listing price, realtor.com
Neighborhood Gems
Armstrong-Bradfield Preschool Association: Open to families with children kindergarten-age or younger and zoned for Armstrong or Bradfield Elementary, this group connects parents of young children and provides playgroups, social activities and community service opportunities. armstrongbradfield.com
MomCo: Encouraging and equipping moms of young children to realize their potential, this faith-based group through Park Cities Baptist Church offers mentorship and great guest speakers. pcbc.org/momco
Preston Hollow Early Childhood Association: Guest speakers and playdate meet-ups are some of what this group for families with children ages 0–5 living nearby Preston Hollow offers. pheca.org
RELATED: Where to Find Mom Groups in DFW
Saint Michael’s Farmers Market: In North Dallas close to University Park, this non-profit, all-edible market features vendors that practice natural, sustainable or organic practices and whose products come from within 150 miles of Dallas County. Open Saturday mornings, mid-April through Labor Day. // 4344 Colgate Ave., Dallas; saintmichaelsmarket.com
RELATED: Farmers Markets Around DFW
Meadows Museum: Located at SMU, this museum boasts a remarkable collection of Spanish art, spanning from the Renaissance to the 20th century, including masterpieces by Goya, Velázquez and Picasso.
Beyond Spanish art, the museum also features a growing collection of modern and contemporary works. It’s a cultural gem on the SMU campus, inviting exploration and appreciation. // 5900 Bishop Blvd., Dallas; meadowsmuseumdallas.org
Caruth Park: The second largest in University Park, here you’ll find diverse recreation opportunities like tennis and basketball courts, soccer and T-ball fields and a whimsical new playground with nature-themed attractions.
Relax in picnic areas or try fishing in the serene pond. With its mature trees and open spaces, it’s a central hub for community activity. // 7801 Hillcrest Ave., Dallas; uptexas.org
Coffee Park: Located in University Park and recently revitalized, this park offers paved walking paths and a shaded playground along with generous lawn perfect for play. Adding a touch of local history, discover the charming historical dioramas that tell the story of University Park here. // 3400 Northwest Pkwy., Dallas; uptexas.org
Highland Park Village: Dallas’ Rodeo Drive, this upscale, open-air shopping and dining destination has more than 60 luxury retailers and a dozen restaurants. The renowned neighborhood—designated a National Historic Landmark—is also recognized for its architectural significance. // Highland Park Village, Dallas; hpvillage.com
Lakeside Park: Public art doesn’t get much cuter than the giant Teddy Bear statues here, but there’s more to enjoy too—14 acres of landscaped grounds along Turtle Creek, walking paths and scenic views. // 4601 Lakeside Dr., Highland Park; hptx.org
Snider Plaza: Charming boutiques and beloved eateries speckle this three-block shopping center near SMU with its famed centerpiece fountain. // Snider Plaza, Dallas; sniderplaza.net
George W. Bush Presidential Center: The nonpartisan institution, located on the SMU campus, is where you can visit a full-scale replica of the Oval Office and other interactive features like the Decision Points Theater and exhibits touching on the World Trade Center and No Child Left Behind Act. // 2943 SMU Blvd., Dallas; bushcenter.org
NorthPark Center: Sure, this shopping center is home to hundreds of retailers, but the real draw here for families are the ducks and turtles that take up residence in the Neiman Marcus Fountain, a beloved tradition that goes back decades. // 8687 N. Central Expy., Dallas; northparkcenter.com
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The Woods at Highland Park Presbyterian Church: Designed for littles 4 and under, here they can climb on larger-than-life animals, crawl through padded tunnels and play in the mini kitchen. Best part? It’s free. // 3821 University Blvd., Dallas; hppres.org/the-woods
RELATED: Indoor Play Places Around DFW
Property Tax Rate
(per $100 accessed value)
Highland Park / Highland Park ISD: 1.60%
University Park / Highland Park ISD: 1.62%
Property taxes may vary based on location and taxing entities.
Child Care Centers & Preschools in Park Cities
Park Cities Schools
Public School District
Highland Park Independent School District
• 6,500+ students
• 5 elementary schools, 1 intermediate school, 1 middle school, 1 high school
• TEA rating: A
Learn more about the Texas Education Agency’s accountability rating system at tea.texas.gov.
Mom-Approved Pediatricians in Park Cities
Find more DFWChild Mom-Approved Pediatricians near you.
Top Family Neighborhoods
Jamie Jackson, mom and realtor with Elite Realty Group DFW, and realtor Jamie Simpson, owner of Unlocking DFW, both share what makes these Park Cities areas great for families.
Highland Park
A gorgeous luxury community that offers not only beautiful homes, well-manicured lawns and tight-knit communities with small-town charm, Highland Park also has parks that feature playgrounds, walking trails and wide-open spaces that are perfect for family activities. There’s also easy access to upscale shopping in Highland Park Village, fine dining and cultural attractions.
It is also home to some of the best public schools in the state, which is a huge draw for many families. Learn more at realtor.com.
University Park
Home to to Southern Methodist University and numerous parks, such as Bachman Lake Park and Williams Park, University Park is another great option for families. Its family-focused amenities include tennis courts, basketball courts and public events throughout the year, also shares a school district with its neighbor Highland Park, and offers convenient access to Northwest Highway, the Dallas North Tollway, and U.S. Highway 75. Learn more at realtor.com.
Armstrong & Bradfield
The areas of Armstrong and Bradfield within Highland Park are known for their beautiful homes and proximity to top-rated schools. Residents here prioritize family-friendly living in a prestigious setting. The emphasis on excellent education and beautiful surroundings makes this area highly sought-after by families. Learn more at realtor.com.
Park Cities Mom Life
Why Whitney Harmon Calls Park Cities Home
Interior designer and mom of three Whitney Harmon, 42, moved to Highland Park in 2019 while pregnant with her youngest child and loves raising her kids here. “It feels very small town and safe even though we live in a big city,” she says. “We walk everywhere! We ride bikes, play outside and are usually in our front yard playing.”
Whitney’s Local Faves
Best Park
“Our favorite would be what my kids call the ‘getting married park,’ also known as Flippen Park. In the center of the park you can usually find someone taking portraits; it’s a very easy photo opp! And the fall pumpkin decorations are gorgeous. We like to have a picnic, bring our dog and throw a frisbee or football.”
Kid-Friendly Restaurant
“We walk to Highland Park Village often and go to Bird Bakery for cookies, Nutella sandwiches, and chicken salad.”
Me Time
“I love to stroll into St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange and see what’s new. They decorate seasonally and have the best gifts that are affordable. They will do the cutest gift wrapping, too. I also love going to Sadelle’s for tea and coffee. Their patio is a lovely spot to meet a friend or enjoy some peace and quiet.”
RELATED: DFWChild’s Best for Families winners
Family-Friendly Events In & Around Park Cities
Maker’s Movement Workshop: Screen Printing with Lasers
Dallas Museum of Art
Samurai to the Imperial Court: Japanese Metalwork
Dallas Museum of Art
Adult Workshop: Ikebana and Japanese Cultural Immersion Experience
Dallas Museum of Art
Easter in the Park
Turtle Creek Park
Dallas Art Fair
Fashion Industry Gallery
The Saint Michael Hallelujah Hootenanny Bluegrass Hymn Sing
Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church
Laurie Berkner Live
Majestic Theatre
Mother’s Day Brunch at the Museum
Dallas Museum of Art
Disney ’80s–’90s Celebration in Concert
Winspear Opera House
Ballet North Texas’ A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Moody Performance Hall
Find more family fun events every day of the week at dfwchild.com/calendar.