Want to Know More About University Park, Texas

University Park, Texas is an affluent and well-known suburb located within Dallas County. It is an enclave of Dallas, bordered by the city on the north, east, and west, and by the town of Highland Park to the south. Together with Highland Park, it is part of the “Park Cities” and is celebrated for its high quality of life, excellent schools, and beautiful homes.

History of University Park

University Park’s history is unique and is directly tied to the establishment of Southern Methodist University (SMU).

The Founding of SMU: The story begins in 1915, when Southern Methodist University was founded in what was then a rural area of Dallas County. A cluster of homes soon began to develop around the new campus.

A Need for Services: For several years, SMU provided essential utilities like water to the surrounding homes. However, as the population grew, the university could no longer support the community’s needs.

The Push for Incorporation: In 1924, facing a lack of municipal services, the residents of the area first sought annexation into the nearby town of Highland Park. Highland Park, however, refused due to the high cost of providing utilities and safety services to the growing population. A similar request to the city of Dallas was also denied for the same reasons.

A New City is Born: Determined to solve their own problems, the residents organized to incorporate their own city. On April 12, 1924, an election was held, and the measure to incorporate passed by a wide margin. The new city, named University Park, began the work of establishing a new government and services. A bond issue soon followed, funding a new water system, paved streets, and a city hall and fire station.

Growth and a Refused Annexation: When first incorporated, University Park had a population of 1,200 residents and covered 515 acres. It grew rapidly, reaching a population of over 20,000 by 1945 and becoming one of the most prestigious locations in the area. The city’s attractiveness and tax value had risen to such an extent that the City of Dallas later attempted to annex it, but in one of the city’s largest voter turnouts, the residents rejected the annexation.

University Park Today

Today, University Park is known for its strong community, wealth, and top-tier amenities.

Affluent Community: University Park is one of the most affluent communities in Texas. It consistently ranks as one of the best places to live, with a high median household income and high property values.Education: The city is home to Southern Methodist University, a major private research university. K-12 students are served by the highly-regarded Highland Park Independent School District (HPISD), which is a significant draw for families.Landmarks and Attractions: University Park offers a variety of cultural and recreational attractions. The George W. Bush Presidential Center is located on the SMU campus, and the Meadows Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of Spanish art outside of Spain, is also on campus. The city has numerous beautiful parks and a well-known aquatic center.
Shopping and Dining: The community has a vibrant retail and dining scene, with popular shopping centers like Snider Plaza and The Plaza at Preston Center offering a mix of upscale boutiques and restaurants.