# Living in University Park, TX: Realust Score 97

> Source: Realust (realust.com), data as of October 2026. Cite: https://realust.com/city/university-park/

URL: https://realust.com/city/university-park/
County: Dallas
Realust Score: 97/100 (A+, Exceptional), #1 of 84. Base 82 + price-tier bonus 15.
Category scores: Prosperity 100, Schools 82, Safety 77, Lifestyle 89, Market 72, Affordability 30, Commute 82, Growth 69
Median home price: $2.47M
Population: 25,155
Market momentum: Strong growth (home prices +8.6% over 1 year, +59.2% over 5 years)

University Park, TX is an affluent, highly sought-after enclave inside Dallas, anchored by Southern Methodist University and the broader Park Cities vibe. It offers a polished, residential feel with manicured streets, strong local governance, and quick access to major job centers—Uptown, Downtown, and the north Dallas business corridors are typically a short drive. While it’s still largely car-oriented, certain areas feel more “strollable” than most suburbs, especially near campus and small retail nodes. Amenities skew upscale and well maintained: neighborhood parks, recreation facilities, and easy reach to shopping and dining in nearby districts like Snider Plaza and along key corridors. Housing is dominated by high-end single-family homes (from classic styles to new builds), with limited rentals and tighter inventory than surrounding areas, which tends to keep prices and competition elevated. Daily-life tradeoffs can include congestion near major roads and SMU activity, plus fewer “starter” options for buyers. It’s best for renters and buyers prioritizing schools, neighborhood polish, and central access over space-for-the-money or a quiet, low-traffic suburban layout.

Strengths:
- Excellent schools – Major draw for families prioritizing education
- High property values & prestige
- Safe, well-maintained neighborhoods – Low crime and pristine public spaces
- Cultural & recreational opportunities – SMU events, local arts, and nearby country clubs

Trade-offs:
- Extremely high cost of living – Among the priciest suburbs in DFW
- Mostly large single-family homes; few townhomes or apartments
- Competitive real estate market – Homes sell quickly, making purchasing challenging
- Traffic during peak hours – Adjacent major roads can be busy, especially near SMU

Data:
- Demographics / Population: Total Population 25,155; People per sq mile 6,819; 5-Year Growth +0.5%
- Demographics / Mobility & Migration: Moved Last Year 14.2%; Same Home 1+ Year 85.8%; From Out of State 2.9%; From Different County 2.7%
- Demographics / Age Distribution: Under 18 28.9%; 25-34 5.8%; 35-44 9.7%; 65+ 8.6%; Median Age 29.4 years
- Demographics / Households: Avg Household Size 3.1; Family Households 85.6%; Homeownership Rate 83.2%; With Kids 49.6%; Married 75.4%; Single Parent 6.1%; Living Alone 10.1%; Seniors Alone 4.9%
- Demographics / Education Level: High School+ 99.0%; Bachelor's+ 90.8%; Graduate Degree 44.0%
- Demographics / Connectivity & Remote Work: Broadband Access 99.1%; Have Computer 100.0%; Work From Home 21.4%
- Real Estate / Home Prices: Per Sq Ft $683; Starter Home $1,950,000; Median Price $2,472,652; Premium Home $7,495,000
- Real Estate / Home Price Trends: 1-Year Change +8.6%; 5-Year Change +59.2%
- Real Estate / Market Health: Active Listings 106; Median Days on Market 55; Under Contract 17.8%; Price Reduced 4.9%; Sale-to-List Ratio 93.9%
- Real Estate / Market Insights: Cheaper to Rent $8,821/mo; Balanced 4.6 mo; Rental Yield 2.4%; Income to Buy 9.9x; vs Region Avg +204%
- Real Estate / Fit Scores: Remote Work Fit 72; Family Fit 62; Investment 52
- Real Estate / Typical Home: Sq Ft 4,600; Beds 4.5; Baths 5.3; Lot Sq Ft 10,764; Year Built 1985; Garage 2.1-car
- Real Estate / Property Mix: Single Family 78%; Townhome 0%; Condo 9.8%
- Real Estate / Common Features: Pool 22%; Garage 80.5%; Single Story 7.3%; Fireplace 90.2%; Central Air 85.4%; Waterfront 2.4%
- Real Estate / Costs & Ownership: Est. Monthly Payment $13,696; Median Rent $4,875; Avg HOA Fee $372/mo; Have HOA 9.8%
- Real Estate / Investment Indicators: Rental Vacancy 0.5%; New Construction 19.5%; Per Bedroom $638,983
- Lifestyle / Lifestyle Scores: Area Feel Sparse Suburban; Family Friendly 8.7; Outdoor Activities 6; Nightlife 8.7; Health & Fitness 8.7; Diversity 4.7; Weather 6.7
- Lifestyle / Nearby Amenities (within 5 miles): Restaurants 60+; Parks 60+; Gyms 60+; Grocery 54; Coffee 60+; Bars 60+; Theaters 11; Daycares 60+; Hospitals 60+; Pharmacies 60+; Dentists 60+; Libraries 33; Dog Parks 60+; Museums 29
- Lifestyle / Getting Around: Walk Score 57; Bike Score 59; Transit Score 37
- Lifestyle / Seasonal Temperatures (high / low): January 57° / 39°; April 75° / 55°; July 95° / 77°; October 78° / 59°
- Lifestyle / Annual Conditions: Sunny Days/Year 217; Rainy Days/Year 148; Annual Rainfall 57.5"
- Crime & Safety / Safety Overview: Safety Grade B+; Violent crime (per 1,000) 0.44; Property crime (per 1,000) 14.87
- Crime & Safety / Violent Crime (per 100,000): Assault 47.54; Robbery 11.89; Murder 0; Rape 3.96
- Crime & Safety / Property Crime (per 100,000): Burglary 186.2; Theft 1065.73; Vehicle Theft 182.24
- Job Market / Income: Median Household $250,001; Average Household $407,253; Per Capita $113,291
- Job Market / Employment: Unemployment Rate 3.6%; Job Growth (1 yr) -0.2%; Poverty Rate 4.7%
- Job Market / Income Distribution: $150k+ 68.8%; $100k-$150k 11.2%; $75k-$100k 4.3%; $50k-$75k 4.0%; $25k-$50k 6.4%; Under $25k 5.4%
- Education / School District: Primary district Highland Park ISD; District Grade A-; State Ranking Top 33%
- Education / Schools: Elementary 1; Middle 1; High School 1
- Education / Academic Info: Student-Teacher Ratio 12.4:1
- Education / Graduation Rates (Class of 2024): Graduation Rate 99.1%; Dropout Rate 0.0%
- Education / College Readiness (Class of 2023): Took SAT/ACT 92%; College Ready 80.1%; TSI Ready 91.6%
- Transportation / Mobility Scores: Walk Score 57; Bike Score 59; Transit Score 37
- Transportation / Commute: Avg Minutes 17; Drive Alone 66.5%; Carpool 1.6%; Work from Home 21.4%
- Transportation / Distance To: Downtown Dallas 7.3 mi; DFW Airport 21.6 mi; Love Field 4 mi
- Transportation / EV Charging: Public Stations 141; DC Fast Ports 65; Level 2 Ports 352
- Cost of Living / Cost Index (100 = National Average): Overall 101; Housing 113; Utilities 97; Groceries 100; Transportation 102; Healthcare 100
- Cost of Living / Monthly Utilities: Electric $142; Water $52; Gas $44; Internet $72
- Cost of Living / Everyday Costs: Monthly Groceries (Family of 4) $823; Gas Price (per gallon) $2.82
- Cost of Living / Taxes: Sales Tax Rate 8.3%; Property Tax Rate 2.2%

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