Old Money vs. New Luxury: University Park vs. Frisco Compared

Nitin Gupta, CRS, REALTOR
Jun 21
4 min read

University Park and Frisco both rank among the top luxury destinations in Dallas-Fort Worth—but they offer two very different versions of upscale living.This blog compares the tradition-rich charm of University Park with the fast-growing, high-tech, and family-centric vibe of Frisco.If you’re deciding between walkable prestige and modern master-planned luxury, here’s what every high-net-worth buyer needs to know.

In DFW’s luxury real estate market, University Park and Frisco stand out for completely different reasons.

University Park is known for its timeless elegance, tree-lined streets, and deep roots in Dallas society—think “old money” sophistication and central location.

Frisco, on the other hand, is DFW’s economic and suburban powerhouse—where new luxury meets high-growth potential, driven by top builders, Fortune 500 employers, and an influx of relocating families from California, New York, and Illinois.

Here’s a side-by-side look to help luxury buyers make the right move.

University Park: Tradition, Walkability, and Central Location

Luxury Price Range: $2M – $7M

School District: Highland Park ISD (rated among the top in Texas)V

ibe: Classic, elegant, and deeply rooted in Dallas’s legacy neighborhoods

Key Highlights:

Prime location just north of Downtown Dallas and adjacent to Highland Park
Home to Southern Methodist University (SMU) and the George W. Bush Presidential Center
Architecturally significant homes, both historic and new construction
Walkability to Snider Plaza, HP Village, restaurants, and boutique retail
Quiet streets with a neighborhood feel and legacy appeal

Ideal For:

Families valuing walkability, community, and access to top public schools
Professionals seeking prestige with proximity to arts, culture, and business
Buyers who want to live in one of Dallas’s most recognizable and established zip codes

Frisco: Master-Planned Growth and Modern Luxury

Luxury Price Range: $1M – $4M

School Districts: Frisco ISD (high-performing, nationally recognized)

Vibe: Energetic, future-focused, tech-savvy, and highly desirable for families

Key Highlights:

Headquarters to major corporations including PGA of America, Toyota NA, and Keurig Dr Pepper
Home to The Star (Dallas Cowboys HQ), PGA Frisco, and Legacy West nearby
New construction galore from builders like Toll Brothers, Southgate Homes, Shaddock, and Huntington Homes
Family-centric neighborhoods like Phillips Creek Ranch, The Grove, Edgestone, and Newman Village
Some of the best resale values and appreciation rates in the metroplex

Ideal For:

Families relocating from high-cost coastal markets seeking space, schools, and community
Buyers looking for smart homes, energy efficiency, and newer construction
Professionals who want easy access to DFW Airport, Legacy West, or the Tollway corridor

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	University Park	Frisco
Home Age	Historic to newly renovated	Mostly 2010+ new builds
Lot Size	0.15 – 0.3 acres	0.25 – 1 acre
School District	Highland Park ISD	Frisco ISD
Architecture	Colonial, Tudor, transitional custom	Modern, Mediterranean, transitional
Walkability	High	Moderate (varies by neighborhood)
Amenities	Boutique retail, SMU, parks	Master-planned communities, retail, PGA, sports venues
Average $/SqFt	$800 – $1,200+	$275 – $450
Commute to Downtown	10–15 minutes	30–40 minutes

Why Choose University Park

Central location minutes from Downtown Dallas, hospitals, and cultural districts
Elite school access via Highland Park ISD
Architecturally rich, pedestrian-friendly environment
Community pride and long-term investment stability
Walkable to fine dining, shops, and SMU events

Why Choose Frisco

Newer homes with luxury amenities and smart-home features
Top public and private school access with highly rated ISD
High potential for appreciation and lower $/sqft cost
Ideal for buyers seeking more home and land for the money
Perfect for families prioritizing sports, parks, and active lifestyles

Who Is University Park Best For?

Professionals working in central Dallas who want a short commute
Families prioritizing elite schools and a walkable, established neighborhood
Buyers who value classic architecture and close-knit community feel
Those looking for long-term legacy real estate

Who Is Frisco Best For?

Executives relocating to Legacy West, Plano, or North Dallas
Families who want a vibrant, growing suburb with resort-style communities
Buyers looking to customize or build a new luxury home
Anyone seeking space, value, and strong resale potential

Work With a Dallas Luxury Expert Who Understands Both Markets

Whether you're comparing the legacy of University Park or the growth of Frisco, navigating luxury home purchases in DFW demands local market knowledge.

Nitin Gupta, CRS, GRI, ABR® helps high-end buyers evaluate school districts, builders, communities, and long-term investment outlooks in both established and emerging markets.

➡ Learn more about Nitin’s real estate designations and luxury relocation experience:https://www.nitinguptadfw.com/dallas-realtor-designations

➡ See what other luxury buyers say about working with Nitin:https://www.nitinguptadfw.com/reviews

➡ Ready to explore both Frisco and University Park in person? Contact Nitin today:https://www.nitinguptadfw.com/contact

Interested in buying or selling in University Park? Let’s connect at 469-269-6541 and explore the best opportunities in this premier neighborhood!

About us: University Park Expert Real Estate Agent

As a Top Real Estate Professional in University Park, I understand the challenges that arise when buying a luxury home in University Park.

As a holder of top real estate industry certifications and designations like CRS, ABR & GRI, I can offer my clients experience as a Buyer's Agent and REALTOR®, top Industry Customer Service, in-depth, up-to-the-minute and comprehensive market knowledge; honesty, integrity, dedication, and professionalism in my business.

Whether you are a first time buyer in University Park looking to buy a home in University Park or whether you are relocating to University Park from California or moving your entire family from areas like San Francisco, Fremont, Palo Alto, Los Angeles, San Diego in California due to job transfer with your company, I can help you find a luxury home in University Park. Our relocation team eases the transition - whether you are moving across town or across the globe. We will work with you to find an area that best suits your professional, family and lifestyle needs. We have all the tools you need to help your home search. Whether it is video previews of homes, extended work hours, digital signatures for documents or more, we can make this process as comfortable as possible no matter where you are located.

What is most important to you in your new home in University Park? Send us an email at info@NitinGuptaDFW.com or give us a call at (469) 269-6541 to schedule a no obligation consultation. We’ll give you honest advice about University Park that you can use to help make your home buying decision.