Searching apartments in Highland Park ? You should know is often grouped with University Park under the name Park Cities is one of the most exclusive and well-known residential communities in Texas. Known for its immaculate landscaping, architecturally stunning homes, top-ranked schools, and high walkability, Highland Park offers a polished lifestyle with quick access to Uptown, Knox Street, SMU, and the Dallas Arts District. For renters, this is a rare and highly desirable area with a limited number of luxury apartments and high-end condos.

The Lifestyle & Vibe

Highland Park is defined by:

• Quiet, tree-lined streets

• Luxury homes and premium multi-family communities

• A strong sense of privacy and safety

• One of the highest-rated public school systems in the nation

• Access to upscale dining, boutique shopping, and cultural events

It’s popular with families, professionals, and anyone looking for an upscale, stable community close to central Dallas.

Parks & Outdoor Recreation

Highland Park maintains 22 beautifully kept parks, all lush, clean, and highly walkable.

Lakeside Park

Turtle Creek runs through this scenic park, and it’s famous for its walking trails and the large teddy bear statues.
Website: hptx.org (search: Lakeside Park)

Exall Lake & Flippen Park

Classic fountains, landscaped gardens, and peaceful walking paths.
Website: hptx.org

Prather Park

Small, elegant park popular for picnics and photography.
Website: hptx.org

Katy Trail 

Dallas’s most popular running, biking, and walking trail.
Website: katytraildallas.org

Dining & Drinks in Park Cities

Highland Park has some of the most refined dining in Dallas. Many restaurants sit inside Highland Park Village, giving residents walkable luxury.

Highland Park Village Restaurants

Honor Bar – Famous for its Ding’s chicken sandwich and upscale American menu.
Website: honorbar.com

Café Pacific – Longtime Dallas fine-dining staple specializing in seafood and steaks.
Website: cafepacificdallas.com

Mi Cocina (Highland Park Village) – Trendy Tex-Mex and margaritas.
Website: micocina.com

Bistro 31 – High-end European-inspired dining.
Website: bistro31dallas.com

Nearby / Greater Park Cities

Carbone Vino – Luxury Italian dining near the Knox area.
Website: carbonedallas.com

The Honorary Room (HP Village) – Cocktail-focused upscale bar.
Website: honorroom.com

Fachini – Exclusive Italian fine dining by Julian Barsotti.
Website: fachinidallas.com

Cafés & Quick Eats

Bird Bakery – Cupcakes, pastries, and sandwiches; a local favorite.
Website: birdbakery.com

Royal Blue Grocery – Upscale neighborhood market + coffee.
Website: royalbluegrocery.com

Culture, Entertainment & Attractions

While Highland Park itself is mostly residential and shopping-focused, it borders high-value cultural destinations:

Highland Park Village

Designer shopping + dine-in movie theater
Website: hpvillage.com

George W. Bush Presidential Center

Located on the SMU campus nearby; museum, library, and policy center.
Website: bushcenter.org

Meadows Museum (SMU)

Art museum known for its Spanish art collection.
Website: meadowsmuseumdallas.org

Dallas Country Club (Private)

One of the oldest private clubs in Texas, located inside Highland Park.
Website: dccdallas.org

Shopping in and around Highland Park

Highland Park Village

Dallas’s iconic luxury outdoor shopping center with Chanel, Cartier, Dior, Hermes, and more.
Website: hpvillage.com

The Shops at Highland Park

Boutiques, salons, and specialty stores.
Website: shopsathighlandpark.com

The Plaza at Preston Center

Upscale shopping and dining near University Park.
Website: theplazaatprestoncenter.com

Schools – The Biggest Selling Point

Highland Park is served by Highland Park Independent School District (HPISD), consistently ranked among the top public school districts in the United States.

Website: hpisd.org

Public Schools (HPISD)

Bradfield Elementary School
Website: bradfield.hpisd.org

Hyer Elementary School
Website: hyer.hpisd.org

University Park Elementary School
Website: up.hpisd.org

Armstrong Elementary School
Website: armstrong.hpisd.org

McCulloch Intermediate School / Highland Park Middle School
Website: mcculloch.hpisd.org / hpms.hpisd.org

Highland Park High School
Website: hphs.hpisd.org

Nearby Private Schools

The Hockaday School – Top-rated girls’ preparatory school.
Website: hockaday.org

St. Mark’s School of Texas – Elite all-boys preparatory school.
Website: smtexas.org

Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas
Website: jesuitdallas.org

Transit, Access & Walkability

Highland Park is extremely convenient due to its central location:

• 5 minutes to Uptown

• 5–7 minutes to Knox/Henderson

• 10 minutes to the Dallas Arts District

• 10–15 minutes to Downtown Dallas

• 10 minutes to the Dallas North Tollway and Hwy 75

It is car-friendly but also highly walkable around HP Village, Bradfield/Highland Park High School areas, and local parks.

Apartment Living in Highland Park

Highland Park itself has very few apartment buildings, which increases demand. Most renters live in:

• Luxury mid-rise communities

• Boutique multi-family residences

• High-end condos and townhomes

• Select properties within Highland Park ISD boundaries (extremely popular with families)

Expect premium finishes, high safety ratings, and close proximity to shopping and parks.