What is Highland Park, Texas?
Highland Park is an independent municipality located within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, entirely surrounded by the city of Dallas. It is a small, affluent community known for its high-quality residential neighborhoods, mature tree-lined streets, and close-in location just north of downtown Dallas. Highland Park is often regarded as one of the most prestigious places to live in the region.

Where is Highland Park located?
Highland Park is located approximately 6 miles north of downtown Dallas. The town borders major corridors including the Dallas North Tollway and Central Expressway (US-75), offering convenient access to job centers, entertainment, and cultural amenities throughout the metro area.

What types of homes are in Highland Park?
Highland Park is predominantly a residential community featuring architect-designed homes, historic estates, and luxury properties. Housing styles range from classic early-20th-century architecture to modern, custom-built estates. The area is known for its high property values and some of the most expensive homes in Texas.

What are the best areas within Highland Park?
Highland Park functions as a cohesive, highly desirable residential area rather than split into distinct sub-neighborhoods. Homes along tree-lined parkways, near Highland Park Village, and adjacent to community parks and schools tend to be the most sought after due to location, lot size, and aesthetic appeal.

What school districts serve Highland Park?
Most of Highland Park is served by Highland Park Independent School District (HPISD), one of the highest-regarded public school districts in North Texas. HPISD operates elementary, middle, and high schools with strong academic and extracurricular programs. Notable schools include Armstrong Elementary School, Bradfield Elementary School, McCulloch Middle School/Highland Park Middle School, and Highland Park High School. A small western portion of Highland Park falls within Dallas Independent School District and may feed into Maple Lawn Elementary School, Rusk Middle School, and North Dallas High School, depending on precise address. School zoning should always be verified for individual properties.

How much are property taxes in Highland Park?
Highland Park’s combined property tax rate is relatively low compared with many other DFW communities, reflecting its independent status and local budgeting. The municipal tax rate (city) is approximately $0.199296 per $100 of assessed valuation. When combined with school district and county taxes, the overall rate tends to be lower than many surrounding suburbs, and effective tax rates average around 1.7% or less of assessed value after typical homestead exemptions are applied, with high home values resulting in significant total tax bills annually. Residents often benefit from strong property valuation and local governance, though actual amounts vary by address and exemptions claimed.

What amenities does Highland Park offer?
Highland Park offers high-end retail and dining (such as Highland Park Village), well-maintained parks, recreation facilities, and a strong sense of community identity. The town’s planning standards, architectural guidelines, and well-funded services contribute to neighborhood quality and walkability.

What is the commute like from Highland Park?
Highland Park’s central location near the Dallas North Tollway and Central Expressway (US-75) provides efficient commuting to major employment centers across Dallas and the wider metroplex. Typical commute times to downtown Dallas and surrounding job hubs often range from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Who typically buys homes in Highland Park?
Highland Park attracts affluent families, executives, relocation buyers, and those seeking luxury homes with prestigious schools, convenient location, and strong community identity. The area’s reputation for quality, stability, and property value retention draws long-term residents and investors alike.

What is Highland Park, Texas known for?
Highland Park, Texas, is an affluent residential town of approximately 8,500 residents. It is an independent municipality entirely surrounded by Dallas. The town is known for luxury homes, well-maintained parks, and top-ranked public schools, and is widely considered one of the most prestigious residential communities in the United States.

How did Highland Park develop?
Highland Park was intentionally planned rather than organically developed. In 1906, John S. Armstrong purchased more than 1,300 acres north of Dallas to create a high-end residential community, reserving roughly 20% of the land for parks. The town was designed by Wilbur David Cook, who also planned Beverly Hills, California, emphasizing tree-lined streets, green space, and long-term neighborhood preservation. Highland Park was incorporated in 1913.

Why is Highland Park Village significant?
In 1931, Highland Park opened Highland Park Village, now a National Historic Landmark and widely recognized as the first planned shopping center in the United States.

What are the Park Cities?
Highland Park and neighboring University Park are collectively known as the “Park Cities.” The two towns share the highly regarded Highland Park Independent School District (HPISD) and a reputation for affluence, strong schools, and long-term residential stability.