Neighborhood Spotlight: Merriman Park/University Manor
Neighborhood Spotlight: Merriman Park/University Manor
Our profile of the neighborhood.
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“My neighbors are amazing people who look out for my home and my family. The fact that I’m 10 minutes away from just about anything doesn’t hurt either.”
-Chris Thurman, MP/UM resident
photography by Elizabeth Lavin |
Neighborhood Spotlight:
Merriman Park/University Manor
Established:
Around 1954 by McGraw Investment Corp.
Location:
Nestled against the forested upland of White Rock Lake Park, bordered by Northwest Highway, Skillman Street, and DART’s White Rock Station
Population/Size:
Approximately 700 homes
What You’ll Find:
Mostly traditional, but there’s also a large supply of hip mid-century moderns as well as tried-and-true ranch houses.
Average Home Price:
$150,000 to $350,000
Lot Value:
$130,000 to $268,000
Average Lot Size:
70 by 130 feet
Average Home Size:
Minimum of 1,250 square feet up to 2,233 square feet
Why Merriman Park/University Manor (MP/UM)
Tucked between Lake Highlands and Lakewood, MP/UM is self-contained and homey while still centrally located with access via Northwest Highway to every part of Dallas. This quiet, former pecan orchard boasts wide streets and generous setbacks, and if you stay awhile, the neighbors will tell you the location of the secret bike path. Plus, you can still buy re-dos for a song.
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photography by Elizabeth Lavin
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Local Haunts:
Red Llama Studio makes beautiful, colorful bespoke quilts. Have owner and MP/UM resident Shari Lidji create a contemporary wall hanging worthy of a museum in her home studio, or choose an heirloom-quality baby blanket in bright colors. Chris Thurman might run his 20th century home furnishings and accessories store Sputnik Modern online (see page 54 for his story), but he conducts his business out of a refurbished mid-century modern home in MP/UM. And you can’t enter the neighborhood without passing two of the best burger joints in town, Jake’s and Keller’s.
Who’s Buying?
Newcomers are usually newlyweds or singles, but longtime, 20-years-plus residents are quite common. Bonus: Senior citizens, or “window watchers,” report suspicious activity and help deter crime.
Schools:
DISD Hotchkiss Elementary
Phil Hobson, Prudential Texas Properties, H Group Dallas
www.hgroupdallas.com
(214) 659-3624