Highland Park, Texas, is more than just a prestigious Dallas neighborhood—it’s a living testament to over a century of vision, luxury, and community. As local real estate experts who live, work, and intimately know Highland Park, we're thrilled to guide you through its rich history, iconic homes, and celebrated lifestyle. Whether you’re browsing Highland Park homes for sale or captivated by its charm, this guide—from agents who've made this neighborhood our life’s work—has everything you need.
Table of Contents
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The Birth of a Vision: Highland Park’s Early Years (Late 1800s–1900s)
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A Town Takes Shape: Incorporation and Prestige (1910s–1920s)
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Highland Park Village: America’s First Outdoor Shopping Center (1930s–1940s)
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Modern Highland Park: Luxury, Legacy, and Lifestyle (1990s–2025)
The Birth of a Vision: Highland Park’s Early Years (Late 1800s–1900s)
Philadelphia Investors and Henry Exall’s Dream
In 1889, visionary investors from Philadelphia purchased 1,326 acres north of Dallas, aiming to develop an upscale residential community inspired by Philadelphia’s lush suburbs. Henry Exall spearheaded this vision, laying roads and creating Exall Lake (now Lakeside Park). Economic setbacks turned the dream into a temporary horse-breeding farm.
John Armstrong Revives the Vision
In 1906, John S. Armstrong and his sons-in-law, Hugh Prather and Edgar Flippen, revitalized Highland Park’s development, employing planners Wilbur David Cook and George E. Kessler. Their first neighborhoods emerged in 1907, featuring Prairie-style bungalows and Craftsman homes—many still coveted today.
A Town Takes Shape: Incorporation and Prestige (1910s–1920s)
Establishing Independence
After Dallas rejected annexation attempts, residents voted to incorporate in 1913, officially establishing Highland Park in 1915. With autonomy came prestige, further boosted by the relocation of the exclusive Dallas Country Club in 1911.
Architectural Boom of the 1920s
The 1920s saw Highland Park flourish architecturally, with homes by celebrated architects like Hal Thomson. Beverly Drive and Armstrong Parkway became iconic streets, showcasing grand designs such as Tudor Revival and Spanish Mediterranean.
Highland Park Village: America’s First Outdoor Shopping Center (1930s–1940s)
From Community Hub to Luxury Destination
In 1931, developers Hugh Prather and Edgar Flippen opened Highland Park Village, the nation’s first planned outdoor shopping center. Designed with Spanish Colonial flair, it initially served practical community needs but evolved into a luxurious retail destination. Today, it blends local favorites with global luxury brands, remaining a beloved community centerpiece.
Interested in joining this prestigious community? Explore all homes for sale in Highland Park to discover your next dream home.
Mid-Century Refinement and Zoning Battles (1950s–1980s)
Growth, Education, and Architectural Innovation
With limited expansion space by the late 1950s, Highland Park turned inward, replacing older homes with larger mid-century modern residences designed by architects like O’Neil Ford. The highly acclaimed Highland Park Independent School District (HPISD) further solidified the town's allure for families.
Preserving the Past Through Zoning
The introduction of strict zoning in the 1990s ensured the preservation of Highland Park’s historic charm and cohesive community feel, protecting architectural integrity.
Modern Highland Park: Luxury, Legacy, and Lifestyle (1990s–2025)
The Real Estate Market Today
Today, Highland Park remains an epitome of luxury, with properties ranging from historic gems on Crescent Drive to contemporary masterpieces featuring sleek designs and amenities such as infinity pools. Homes here range from $2.5 million to over $35 million.
Reviving Highland Park Village
Under new ownership since 2009, Highland Park Village has been meticulously restored, preserving its heritage while elevating its luxury appeal. Upscale dining and designer boutiques now define this vibrant local landmark.
Lifestyle and Community Highlights
Highland Park residents enjoy unmatched quality of life, with lush parks, walkable streets, proximity to downtown Dallas, and top-notch safety. Iconic features such as the Ashley Priddy Fountain (1915) symbolize the neighborhood’s enduring elegance.
Why Highland Park, Texas, Captivates Us—and You
As real estate agents deeply immersed in Highland Park, we experience its magic daily. From historic architectural treasures to modern luxury homes, elite schools, community traditions, and walkability to iconic shopping at Highland Park Village—it’s a neighborhood that effortlessly blends history with modern sophistication.
Your Highland Park Home Awaits—Let Us Guide You
Ready to Discover Your Highland Park Dream Home?
Brandon & Tiffany Hawkins at the Hawkins Group specialize in Highland Park real estate, offering unparalleled local expertise to find your perfect property.
