The top five upscale neighborhoods in Dallas, Texas are not really debatable. Everyone knows, where the hoighty toighty dwell: Highland Park, University Park, Preston Hollow, Turtle Creek and Kessler Park. These areas are hard to get into, and filled to brim with politics, politics, politics. So, if you're game for playing with the rich and sometimes famous of Big "D," put on designer duds, squash your big hair (that's so--yesterday), and don your fake smile for life in the pristine communities of Dallas, where old money rules.

Highland Park - Officially part of the Park Cities, which encompasses Highland Park and University Park. Highland Park is the center of Dallas socialite activities. Good luck finding a home in Highland Park for under $1 Million. The homes, while crammed next to each other like sardines, are opulent in acutriments and historical architecture. Much new construction is underway as new folks move in and refurbish old homes that can be purchased for a meager $656 per square foot as opposed to luxury homes in other upscale Dallas neighborhoods going for $143 per square foot.

University Park - A sister city to Highland Park, University Park has all of the social pomp, without the high price. This area surrounds Southern Methodist University (SMU) and Highland Park Village on Mockingbird Lane. In University Park, you can rub elbows with the attorneys, investment bankers and real estate moguls of DFW.

Preston Hollow - Nestled between Preston Road and Forest, Preston Hollow is another sought-after Dallas socialite community. This area has been heavily rebuilt. Old houses are being demolished and new homes are cropping up, faster than you can say "humongous lots." The wealthy inhabitants of this area enjoy the world famous Cooper Aerobics Center and the kiddos attend St. Marks Academy, Hockaday and Ursuline Acadamy.

Turtle Creek - Highrises abound along the picturesque landscape of Turtle Creek Boulevard, located on the edge of Highland Park and Downtown Dallas. This area is ripe with retirees disinterested in tending to huge yards, young executives ready to party at newly hip Dallas hotspots.

Kessler Park - This neighborhood is tough to get into as the old guard still reigns supreme. It might not matter to you anyway, as the old mansion-style homes are old as methuselah and are sure to have issues.

So, if you're looking for prestige, you know where to go in Dallas, Texas. Highland Park, University Park, Preston Hollow, Turtle Creek and Kessler Park offer all you need in shopping, socializing and soirees. If this type of life doesn't tilt your hat, you can always join the rest of us to north, south, east or west of Big "D."