The Park Cities -- made up of Highland Park and University Park -- are “island cities” that are actually surrounded by the much larger city of Dallas.
These two small towns’ reputations for quality housing is enhanced by their scenic settings among parks and creeks. Approximately 11,500 households, including some of America’s best-known and wealthiest families, live in the Park Cities. Local residents include Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys football franchise; and former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman.
Families, in particular, flock to the Park Cities because of the towns’ shared school district, which is known nationally for its high-quality public schools. Many people who grew up in the Park Cities later return there to raise their own families, thus perpetuating the small-town feel of the neighborhoods.
Currently available in this small slice of Americana are 298 properties priced at $1 million or more. Of those, 24 are priced at more than $5 million. In other words, now is truly an ideal time to purchase a residence in the Park Cities.
Historically, buying property in Highland Park and University Park has proven to be a sound investment. A friend mentioned to me recently at a cocktail party that had she put the same money into Park Cities real estate that she has put into the stock market in the last few years she would be much better off financially, and be sleeping much more soundly at night.
Photo caption: Among the notable properties currently available in the Park Cities is Dave Perry-Miller & Associates’ listing at 3500 Beverly Drive. The 18,841-square-foot mansion by Andrew Merrick Homes is offered for $17.9 million.
By: 
Dave Perry-Miller, a luxury real estate expert serving Dallas, TX
