University Park combines quiet residential streets with the energy of a major university. Game days, campus events, and Snider Plaza give it a different rhythm from its neighbor, Highland Park. Here is what to know about living here.
Living next to a university
Southern Methodist University sits in the heart of University Park, and the George W. Bush Presidential Center opened on its campus in 2013. Living near campus means access to lectures, performances, and athletics, along with busier streets and parking on event days. If quiet matters, visit a street at different times of week.
Homes and neighborhoods
Most of University Park is single-family housing, with established homes and newer homes built on redeveloped lots. Closer to SMU, there’s more rental housing. Because the city is fully developed, new construction usually means replacing an existing home, which is subject to city rules and permits.
Snider Plaza and everyday errands
Snider Plaza, next to SMU, is University Park’s main local shopping area, with boutiques, restaurants, and a grocery store. Highland Park Village and Mockingbird Station are each a short drive away for more shopping and dining.
Parks and recreation
University Park’s parks are neighborhood-scale. Curtis Park on Lovers Lane has tennis courts and a fishing pond. For longer runs or rides, many residents use trails in nearby Dallas, including the Katy Trail.
Getting around
US-75 and the Dallas North Tollway border the area, and Northwest Highway, Mockingbird Lane, and Lovers Lane carry east–west traffic. University Park voters chose to stay in DART in May 2026; the SMU/Mockingbird light rail station is just east of the city.
Schools
Highland Park ISD serves University Park. Confirm campus assignments for the exact address with the district.
University Park housing market: what the numbers say
Typical home value, August 2026: $2,472,652, up 8.6% from $2,276,187 in August 2025.
University Park’s typical value is among the highest in the region. With a limited number of sales each year, the annual change can move more than in larger cities. Lot size, location relative to SMU, and the age of the home are key factors in pricing.
Questions to ask before you buy, sell, or rent in University Park
- Is the home inside University Park’s city limits?
- How do SMU game days and events affect traffic and parking on this street?
- What city rules apply to renovations, rebuilds, or rentals?
- Which Highland Park ISD campuses serve this address?
- For sellers: which recent sales match your lot size and home age?
- For renters near campus: what are the parking rules and lease terms?
Keep exploring
See the University Park community page for a quick overview, or compare nearby Highland Park and Dallas. When you’re ready, our home buying guide, home selling guide, and rental guide walk through each step, or talk with a Clever Realtors agent.
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