The phrase "relocating to Dallas" is deceptive. The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is the 12th largest metro economy in the world with the fourth largest work force. The 2008 census measured the population at just under 2.5 million. "Relocating to Dallas" actually means, in most cases, choosing to buy or lease a home in one of the many suburbs inside or around the city. Of those, University Park clearly stands out.

** "Best Suburb" Near Southern Methodist University **

The small, upscale University Park enclave began as a cluster of homes around Southern Methodist University in 1915. Dallas borders the 3.72 sq. mi. area on three sides with Highland Park directly to the south. Although some would argue that University Park is clearly subsumed by the larger urban area, it has been named "Best Suburb" by D Magazine three times (2002, 2004, and 2008.)

** High Property Values, Community Policing **

The area has an outstanding reputation for maintaining an ambiance and character distinct from the surrounding city with and is known for its hometown policing policy. Pair that with high property values that have withstood the effects of the recession and a relatively low tax rate, and buying a home in University Park begins to look even more attractive.

** Superb Access to Downtown Dallas **

There are approximately 7,213 residential parcels in University Park of which 75.98% are single family homes. The residents are just five miles from downtown Dallas. That alone is is a draw for "commuting" businessmen, but it also provides easy access to downtown cultural venues.

** Major Cultural Venues and Strong Educational Base **

The Morton H. Myerson Center is the home of the Dallas Opera and Symphony and both the museums of Natural History and Art as well as the Nasher Sculpture Center are located downtown. All told, the Dallas urban arts district includes nine museums and the city boasts some 115 public works of art.

The University Park neighborhoods themselves, which are adjacent to SMU, provide a natural link to on-campus offerings in the arts and humanities. Additional institutions of higher learning in the Metroplex include Texas Christian University, the University of Texas (with campuses in both Arlington and Dallas), the University of Dallas, and Dallas Baptist University.

The Highland Park Independent School District serves the University Park area, with seven campuses in the district carrying an "Exemplary" rating from the Texas Education Agency. Students from HPISD consistently rank among the highest in Texas with more than 97% of the graduating class seeking a college degree.

The University Park community is primarily residential, with approximately 23,000 residents. Of those individuals age 25 or older, 72% have attended college or hold advanced degrees. Consequently, University Park is one of the most highly-educated cities in the United States.

** Neighborhood Character Paired with Community Values **

Much of the architecture takes its cue from the state's Spanish origins and many residences qualify as luxury homes. Although small geographically, University Park is filled with shopping centers like Snider Plaza, NorthPark Center, and Highland Park Village and offers numerous fine restaurants and art galleries.

There are seven large churches in the area including Highland Park Presbyterian, Highland Park United Methodist, University Park United Methodist, Park Cities Baptist, Christ Lutheran, the Preston Road Church of Christ, and First Unitarian.

** Professional Sports, Solid Base for Travel **

A great deal of the community enthusiasm in North Texas is directed toward the region's professional sports teams including the Mavericks and Stars (basketball and hockey) and of course, the Dallas Cowboys. The 2011 Super Bowl will be hosted in Cowboys Stadium in Arlington and the Texas Motor Speedway continues to bring quality racing events to area fans.

Much of the expected influx of tourists for the Super Bowl will be channeled through DFW International Airport located mid-way between Dallas and Fort Worth. As the third largest airport in the world in terms of operations, it is more than adequate for the travel needs of North Texans.

All of the suburbs around Dallas are optimal locations for relocation to North Texas. University Park stands out, however, as an especially good location for young professions and families looking to buy a home or lease property. The suburb is optimal for ease of access to downtown Dallas and the University Park neighborhoods are exceptionally safe with a sound economic base.

Factor in attractive, upscale homes that have held their value, unusually high community spirit, and outstanding educational opportunities and it's not difficult to figure out why families relocating to Dallas and the surrounding area settle quickly on University Park as their new home of choice.