University Terrace is a neighborhood in East Dallas, TX located along the south side of Northwest Highway northwest of White Rock Lake.  It is often referred to as part of the greater Lakewood area.  The neighborhood boundaries form somewhat of a pie-shape and are bordered by Northwest Highway to the north, Bucknell Drive to the west, and Middleberry Drive to the south and east. The neighborhood consists of approximately 416 homes and is roughly 0.2 square miles in area.

History of University Terrace

Real estate development began in University Terrace in the early 1950s.  The majority of homes were originally built between 1955 and 1960, although the neighborhood is in the process of undergoing a wave of tear-downs and new construction.  University Terrace was developed around the same time as many other neighborhoods in the greater Lakewood and White Rock Lake area of East Dallas after the lake established itself as the recreational focal point of the Dallas area.

University Terrace Homes and Neighborhood

Homes in the University Terrace neighborhood have changed quite a bit over the last few years as many of the original homes have been torn down and new, mostly larger homes have been built in their place.  As a result, most older homes that have not been updated are essentially selling for lot value.  Although University Terrace has a neighborhood stabilization overlay, this has not resulted in a slow-down of new construction as the overlay only regulates building setbacks and height.

• Home Styles – Many of the original homes are smaller cottages and Mid-Century modern-style.  Many of the newer homes have a more contemporary look of older styles, such as Prairie.
• Floor Plans – Mostly three bedroom homes with two full baths, although some two bedroom and four bedroom homes exist in the neighborhood.  A few of the larger newly-constructed homes have five bedrooms.
• Home Sizes – Original homes range in size from just over 1,200 s/f to more than 3,000 s/f with a median square footage of roughly 1,600 s/f.  Homes that have been built more recently average more than 3,000 s/f with some of the largest measuring over 4,000 s/f.
• Garages – Most homes have at least a one car garage, and the majority have two car garages.  A few homes only have carports, mostly Mid-century modern-style homes.
• Lot Sizes – Lots range from around .15 acres (about 6,500 square feet) up to .29 acres (about 12,600 square feet). The average lot size is roughly .18 – .20 acres.
• Swimming Pools – Pools are very rare in University Terrace.  Fewer than 10 homes with swimming pools have sold in University Terrace in the last 10 years.
• Building Restrictions – Must conform to building height and setback standards as required by the University Terrace Neighborhood Stabilization Overlay and city zoning requirements.
• Home Sales Per Month – University Terrace is a small neighborhood that only averages between two to five home sales per month (see charts at bottom of page).

The University Terrace neighborhood has a quaint and charming appeal that is common of neighborhoods of this era in East Dallas.  The neighborhood is adorned with many mature trees, and many home owners have ornate landscaping and lush lawns. The neighborhood has relatively wide streets and sidewalks on most streets.  University Terrace is located very close to Northwest Highway – a major east-west thoroughfare – and the White Rock DART train station, which can connect residents with downtown and many other areas of Dallas, including many suburbs.  The station offers free parking for riders, and bicycles can fit on many of the train cars.

Life in University Terrace

University Terrace is a great location for home buyers looking for a good blend of recreational, entertainment and shopping opportunities.  The neighborhood lies just a short distance from White Rock Lake and Lakewood proper.

Recreation in and around University Terrace

• Ridgewood Park – located just west of University Terrace on Trammel Drive, this park is walking distance for many residents of University Terrace and one of the finest parks in the city of Dallas. The park features a large children’s playground and splash park, a tennis court, a basketball court, walking trails, and rec center.
• The Ridgewood-Belcher Recreation Center – located at Ridgewood Park, this rec center features a fitness center, gymnasium, kitchen, and both a large and small meeting room.  Memberships are available online and discounts are available for senior citizens.
• White Rock Lake – known as the recreational focal point of East Dallas, this 1,015 acre lake has biking and jogging trails, picnic tables, kayak rentals, sailboats, and a host of venues including the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.  White Rock Lake is a short distance to the south and east of University Terrace.

Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment near University Terrace

• Lakewood Shopping Center – located just a short drive south of University Terrace, this shopping area features many specialty restaurants, bars, and retail stores.
• Lower Greenville – One of Dallas’ most premiere dining and entertainment districts, you’ll find a plethora of bars, unique restaurants, live music venues and specialty stores along this avenue that stretches for several miles.
• Northwest Highway – One of the major east-west thoroughfares in Dallas proper is just north of the University Terrace neighborhood and has a variety of big-box retailers, restaurants and other retail outlets.
• Specialty Grocers – such as Whole Foods, Central Market, Fresh Market, Green Grocer, and Trader Joe’s are located within just a few miles of University Terrace.

University Terrace Neighborhood Association

University Terrace has a neighborhood association comprised of a number of residents that serves to maintain the beauty and quality of life in the neighborhood, and promote safety and crime prevention.

Activities and services of the University Terrace Neighborhood Association:

• Neighbors can subscribe to the email list for updates about upcoming events and happenings around University Terrace.
• Volunteers in Patrol crime watch program where neighbors patrol regularly to help prevent crime.
• Block Captains – Each street has a block captain that coordinates events for their street.

University Terrace Schools

University Terrace lies within the boundary of the Dallas Independent School District.

Elementary School (K-5th) –  University Terrace lies in the attendance zone for the highly-revered Lakewood Elementary School.  Lakewood Elementary is located at 3000 Hillbrook in the nearby neighborhood of Lakewood proper.

• Lakewood Elementary comments and rating on Greatschools.com
• Lakewood Elementary PTA website
• Lakewood Elementary Main Website

Middle School (6-8th Grades) – J.L. Long Middle School, located at 6116 Reiger Avenue in Dallas, is a few miles south of University Terrace.  J.L. Long was recently accepted into the International Baccalaureate program of which all students participate.

• J.L. Long Middle School Rating and Comments on Greatschools.org
• J.L. Long PTA
• J.L. Long info about the International Baccalaureate program

High School (9-12th Grades) – Woodrow Wilson High school is located at 100 S Glasgow Street a few miles south of University Terrace. Wilson was the first high school in DISD to be accredited as International Baccalaureate World School. Student participation in the I.B. program is optional.

• Woodrow Wilson Rating and Comments on Greatshools.org
• Woodrow Wilson website

DISCLAIMER: It is the home buyer’s responsibility to verify school attendance zones and boundaries by using either the DISD address finder tool or viewing DISD attendance zone boundary maps.

DISD Magnet Schools

DISD also offers specialized courses of study in their magnet schools and magnet programs.  Students must apply and be accepted into these programs in order to attend.  Specialized magnet schools and programs include:

• Math and Science
• Humanities and Communications
• Law
• Male and Female Leadership Academies
• Business
• Health
• Science and Engineering
• Gifted and Talented
• Performing and Visual Arts
• Education and Social Services

For more information about DISD Magnet Schools, check out the Magnet Program F.A.Q. and Magnet Program Application Process.

Private Schools close to University Terrace

There are many private schools located close to University Terrace in East Dallas:

• Bishop Lynch High School – A Catholic, co-educational high school with over 1,000 students serving grades 9-12.  Noted for its superb academic and athletic programs, their students have won several state championships in various sports.
• St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School – Founded in 1947, this Catholic school serves grades PK3 through 8th and was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2012.  St. Thomas has two campuses close to University Terrace: one located on Mockingbird Lane and the other on Abrams Road.
• White Rock Montessori School – Founded in 1975, this innovative school serves ages three through 8th grade and is located east of White Rock Lake less than five miles from most of University Terrace.
• Lakehill Preparatory School – Established in 1971, this fully accredited co-ed school serves K-12th grade and offers a rigorous college-prep curriculum along with impressive athletic programs.

University Terrace Real Estate Market Data and Charts

Median Sales Price (12 Month Moving Average)

Median Price per Square Foot (12 Month Moving Average)

Average Days on Market (12 Month Moving Average)

Average Percentage of Original List Price Received (12 Month Moving Average)

Months’ Supply of Home Inventory (Monthly)

Homes for Sale (Monthly)

New Listings (Monthly)

Pending Sales (Monthly)

Closed Sales (Monthly)

• All data provided by NTREIS and is deemed reliable but not 100% accurate.  Charts powered by 10K Research.