Finding Your Home in the Houston Area
When Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine rated Houston earlier this year as the best city in which to live, work and play, a main criteria was reasonable living costs. Houston and the area don’t disappoint in this category, particularly regarding housing costs. According to the most recent ACCRA Cost-of-Living Index, the Houston area’s housing costs are 23 percent below the nationwide average and 41 percent below the average for the large metro areas. Find your neighborhood in this section that includes detailed descriptions of many communities along with a locator map.

Many newcomers appreciate the variety of housing options – in fact, there are more than 5,000 neighborhoods in the greater Houston area from which families can choose – from downtown lofts, to new spacious homes in surburban or rural communities, to convenient townhouses within easy access to downtown, it’s all available.

The Houston area is also known for its choice of master-planned communities, including The Woodlands, which is north of Houston in Montgomery County; Kingwood, which is situated east of the city; Cinco Ranch located to the west of Houston, Bridgeland in the northwest area and Shadow Creek Ranch, south of the city in Brazoria County.

In addition to the information in this section, you’ll be working with a real estate agent who will be your key resource throughout the home-buying process. Contact the Houston Association of Realtors® (www.har.com) for names of qualified agents. You can also ask your company’s relocation office for contacts as well as going online to research specific neighborhoods or master planned communities. Other local resources are the neighborhood newspapers, the Houston Chronicle, the region’s major daily paper as well as free real-estate resource guides usually found at grocery stores.

Inner Loop
Living inside Loop 610 is highly desirable because of the proximity to downtown Houston, sporting venues, cultural activities and the Texas Medical Center.

— Astrodome/South Loop
About 25,000 people live in the shadow of one of Houston’s world-class entertainment and convention center sites, Reliant Park. The complex is composed of four venues Reliant Stadium, a 69,500-seat indoor stadium that serves as the home of the National Football League Houston Texans; Reliant Center, a convention and exposition center covering 1.4 million square feet; Reliant Astrodome, the world famous indoor football and baseball stadium; and Reliant Arena, a venue for smaller events.

The Astrodome/South Loop area is mixed in terms of both ethnic make-up and income levels. About 1,180 businesses with 30,000 employees are located in the area. The Metropolitan Transit Authority’s (METRO) new 7.5-mile light rail system connects the Astrodome/South Loop area to downtown Houston, Midtown, the University of Houston-Downtown, Rice University, the medical center and the Museum District (gswhcc.org).

— Bellaire
Bellaire – the little city inside of Houston – has witnessed more and more older homes being replaced by large stately homes. There has been an overall increase of eight percent in property values over the previous year, and sales of homes are ranging from $200,000 to well over $1,000,000. The homes in Bellaire are a mixture of 1950s and 1960s two- and three-bedroom ranch styles and brand new Georgian brick and Mediterranean stucco mansions. (gswhcc.org). 

— Braeswood/Stella Link
Recent redevelopment and revitalization efforts in the Braeswood and Stella Link neighborhoods have made them ideal communities for growing families. Approximately 29,000 residents include a mix of senior citizens and young couples with families. A variety of home prices makes the area attractive for many homebuyers.

— Denver Harbor
With a population of about 19,000, the Denver Harbor area contains a mix of residential, commercial and industrial property. A predominantly Hispanic neighborhood, Denver Harbor lies just east of downtown Houston and is split by Interstate 10. Port Houston is a small residential community nearby.

— Downtown Houston
For many, living and working downtown is the perfect combination. More are selecting this lifestyle as new high rises are completed, including One Park Place, a 37-story property new downtown high-rise luxury apartment residences with 346 units and 28  typical residential levels with penthouses on the upper level. Levels 2 through 7 will be used for parking and over 20,000 square-feet of retail space will be on the pedestrian level. With a current residential population of approximately 3,000 +, experts believe that will more than triple by 2010. For those who enjoy the urban experience with close proximity to world-class dining, entertainment and sports, this is the perfect location. Another advantage – you can get to any place downtown by walking or transit and can comfortably leave your car in the garage (houstondowntown.com) (downtownhouston.com).

— Fifth Ward
Fifth Ward, with a population of approximately 18,000, is served by Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation (CRC), a nonprofit community developer striving to accelerate the rebirth of this historic community. Although most homes average 50 years of age or older, the Fifth Ward CRC has developed about 250 new homes in the past 10 years. Future developments in Fifth Ward include a retail shopping center and a technology center (www.fifthwardcrc.org).

— Greater Third Ward
Greater Third Ward is a predominantly African-American community immediately adjacent to the Main Street corridor. It is home to Texas Southern University and the University of Houston, both largely commuter campuses, which serve a student population totaling more than 44,000. The area boasts Alabama Garden, the largest and oldest community garden in Houston.

— Greenway Plaza
Greenway Plaza is Houston's premier master planned business development that offers an environment which is uniquely tailored to the needs of today's business community. The unique style of Greenway Plaza's campus combines a central "inside the Loop" location, efficient floor plans, professional management and many amenities. Working professionals and visitors to the campus have easy access to The Shops at Greenway which includes a unique selection of retail options and a full service food court. It’s located within an easy commute to the Galleria area, River Oaks, West University, Texas Medical Center and downtown Houston. (greenwayplaza.com)

— Harrisburg/Manchester
Harrisburg was founded at the convergence of Brays and Buffalo bayous preceding the Texas Revolution. Santa Anna’s army burned the community just before its defeat at San Jacinto in 1836. Later that year, Houston was established. By 1927, the area was part of Houston. Manchester lies to the east of Harrisburg. Its modest homes are surrounded by Port of Houston industries.

— The Heights
Originally this area was a master planned community and now has the largest concentration of Victorian and historic homes, some of which are now offices. The neighborhood is very diverse and has become a popular place for young families, thanks to its proximity to downtown. The Heights abounds with 1,000 sq.ft. bungalows; Victorians are usually larger but also more in price. New construction is mostly in Victorian or New Orleans style and both old and new are priced from about $150-$250 per sq.ft. with most modern conveniences included. (www.houstonheights.org).

— MacGregor/Riverside
Located near the medical center, the MacGregor/Riverside communities include stately homes, small apartment complexes and townhomes. The area, with a population of about 14,000, is undergoing change as older homes are refurbished and new homes are being built.

— Midtown
Midtown is Houston’s pedestrian-oriented urban community uniquely positioned in the heart of the city. Situated directly between downtown and the Texas Medical Center, Midtown Houston is a logical choice for a residential area to serve the two largest employment centers in the region with more than 200,000 jobs. There are also five colleges and universities nearby with combined enrollments of over 50,000. Midtown is a good location for faculty, staff, and student housing for these institutions. (houstonmidtown.com).

— Memorial Park/Washington Avenue
Memorial Park stretches from the west side of the northern edge of downtown to the West Loop. The area covers 5,081 acres with 7,944 properties and is served by the Houston Independent School District and three private schools. Memorial Park is considered one of the city’s primary environmental assets. Residential areas adjacent to Memorial Park are being redeveloped with high-end, single-family homes, high-rises, three-story condos and patio homes.

— Montrose
A popular neighborhood among artists and creatives is the Montrose area, which is bounded on the north by Buffalo Bayou. The area includes the Houston Museum District and many restaurants, eclectic boutiques and small galleries, which provides a unique flavor to the area. Two-bedroom, brick homes characterize the area.

— Near Northside
Immediately adjacent to downtown, Near Northside consists of wood-frame homes surrounding commercial properties along North Main and Fulton streets. This area is experiencing an influx of high-rises, townhomes and condos.

— Old Spanish Trail/South Union
With a population of about 17,719, this area has experienced approximately 37 percent growth since 1990. It’s located near the medical center and offers many rental properties, making it attractive to medical students. Many homes in the Old Spanish Trail/South Union area were built right after World War II.

— South Main
The area is home to the Texas Medical Center and Rice University. More than 75,000 people work in the area, and many of them live in the community. South Main neighborhoods include Boulevard Oaks, Old Braeswood, Southampton, Southgate, Shadyside and Devonshire Place. Townships include Bellaire, West University and Southside Place. Homes range from the $200s to more than$1 million. Located next to Hermann Park and the Museum District, the area is now linked to Reliant Park to the south and to downtown Houston to the north by the new METRORail light rail (gswhcc.org/ricevillage).

— Southside Place
Shaped like an “L” within the boundaries of West University Place, this tiny town has 440 homes, 1,400 residents and only nine streets. Homes may range from the$250s to $700s plus. (gswhcc.org/south side.asp)

— West University Place
Founded in 1917, the city of West University Place was named for its proximity to Rice University. With attractive homes that hold their value, the community underwent major redevelopment in the1980s. Neighborhoods are sprinkled with parks, and all streets are lined with scenic, aged trees. Located nearby is the Village, which has more than 360 stores, including 75 restaurants. The 16-block area has an eclectic mix of unique shops and designer boutiques. Homes range in cost from the $100s to $500s plus. (gswhcc.org/westuniversity.asp)

— River Oaks
River Oaks, one of Houston’s most exclusive residential areas, comprises some 1,100 acres replete with stately white-columned mansions dating to the 1920s. Just three miles west of downtown Houston, River Oaks also enjoys easy access to the Greenway Plaza business district, the Galleria area, Southwest Freeway, Loop 610, and the Museum District. Comprehensive deed restrictions ensure that the River Oaks area can never be invaded by commercial structures or multifamily housing. Many homes were designed by nationally recognized architects of the era. One such home, “Bayou Bend,” was owned by Ima Hogg daughter of the one-time Texas governor, James Stephen Hogg. She later donated the magnificent Greek revival property, along with its extensive collection of early American furniture and antiques, to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

— Second Ward/Magnolia Park
Second Ward is one of the first Hispanic neighborhoods in Houston and is the home of important Hispanic institutions, such as Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, Ripley House and Talento Bilingue. Most of the housing in the area was built before World War II. The area’s proximity to downtown has made it possible for a number of restaurants, especially along Navigation, to attract a citywide following. New development is taking place in the east end with loft apartments on the western boundary and the redevelopment of Gulfgate, Houston’s first shopping mall (greatereastend.com).

— Southside Place
Shaped like a backward “L” slipped into the boundaries of West University Place, Southside Place has 440 homes and 1,500 residents. Only nine streets long from one end to the other and only one block wide, Southside Place has street names in alphabetical order from Bellaire to Jardin (www.gswhcc.org).

North Houston
Areas north of the city core contain a mixture of cultural influences and new and older housing. North Houston residents can enjoy an easy commute, thanks to the Hardy Toll Road. The area offers restful suburban/rural living, as well as shopping and recreational opportunities. Greenspoint Mall anchors a large area of shopping centers and restaurants.

— Acres Homes
Acres Homes is situated between downtown Houston and Greenspoint. The area offers jobs for more than 3,000 people and has more than 7,600 acres. The community is noted for its many community development and services efforts. A variety of cultural, recreational and sports activities and facilities are located in the region. Numerous housing choices are available in the community, including new, resale and rental homes, as well as apartments. Resale homes range from the $30s to $200s.

— Aldine
Aldine is located near Beltway 8 and Interstate 45 (I-45) North, offers easy access to employment centers, especially in the Greenspoint area and downtown Houston via the Hardy Tollway. The Aldine ISD received a "recognized" rating from the Texas Education Agency and has more than 50,000 students. In the Aldine area, housing options are varied, and resale homes range from the $50s to $800s.

— Garden Oaks/Oak Forest
This quaint and architecturally unique neighborhood of approximately 1,400 homes offers a diverse array from cottages and bungalows to plantation, ranch and traditional style homes. Homes have larger than usual lot sizes (www.gardenoaks.org).

— Greater Greenspoint
The Greater Greenspoint District, which includes a 12-square-mile area, has more than 17 million square feet of office, retail and industrial properties. Fifty thousand people work in the area, and there are some 75,000 residents (www.greenspoint.org).

— Inwood Forest
This community offers some of the most affordable golf course housing in the Houston area, with many contemporary and Spanish-style homes. It features the Inwood Forest Country Club with 27 holes and a distinctively different design for each nine-hole course.

North of Houston
Areas further north of the city offer restful suburban/rural living as well as immense shopping and recreational opportunities. The forested beauty of the region, with its lakes, rivers and parks, is a major factor in the area’s popularity.

— Spring
Spring offers several housing options, including 1950s one-story, ranch-style homes; large, two-story colonials; and townhouse and
apartment communities. Old Town Spring – a shopping district with many early-century buildings – offers more than 150 antique, collectibles and specialty shops, as well as restaurants, galleries and museums. Also, the town is the site of many festivals. Nearby employment centers are Bush Intercontinental Airport, The Woodlands and businesses along I-45.

— Conroe/Willis/Montgomery County
Conroe, with a population of more than 52,516, is the largest city in Montgomery County. The county has a total population of more than 412,638. Conroe has a 58,000-square-foot convention center, and the downtown area is being completely renovated with brick pavers and new lighting. New neighborhoods are being developed. There are new schools, new parks, a new chamber of commerce building, a new fire station and a new police station. There also is a new terminal at Montgomery County
Airport.

Lake Conroe, a 22,000-acre lake just seven miles west of the City of Conroe, offers water sports, fishing, skiing, sailing, boating, pristine campgrounds and three resorts. Thirteen golf courses are located in the Lake Conroe area.

Some of the many master-planned communities in the area include The French Quarter on Lake Conroe and Grand Lake Estates, home to the first Gary Player Signature Golf Course in Texas. Nearby Sam Houston National Forest houses various wildlife species. Willis, a lumbering and agricultural market town on the Missouri Pacific Railroad eight miles north of Conroe, has a population of more than 4,000 (www.gcedc.org, www.lakeconroecvb.org).

— The Woodlands/South Montgomery County
Nestled in 28,000 acres of forest just north of Houston via I-45 or the Hardy Toll Road, The Woodlands is the best-selling community in Texas since 1990. The Woodlands includes seven villages with a wide variety of home styles and price ranges, including family homes, custom and estate homes, townhomes, urban lofts and brownstones, condos, apartments and homes designed for active adults over age 55. Prices range from the $100,000’s to $3 million plus.

The Woodlands is located on 27,000 acres of forestland, 27 miles north of Houston, Texas. The planned community, developed by The Woodlands Corporation (now The Woodlands Development Company), opened in October, 1974, and has grown steadily to become one of the region's most desired places to live and work. The projected population of 120,000 will enjoy a framework combining residency, industry, churches, schools, public facilities, shopping, recreation and the forest in a convenient and aesthetically-pleasing hometown environment. (thewoodlands.com).

Northeast
Northeast Houston is made up of a mix of communities. Located within about a 10-mile radius from where U.S. 59 and F.M. 1960 intersect, these seven communities share an abundance of natural beauty. Residents take advantage of the fishing and boating opportunities that Lake Houston and the San Jacinto River create. These amenities attract many buyers. Proximity to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) contributes to the area’s attractiveness.

— Atascocita
On the shores of Lake Houston, Atascocita encompasses more than 15 subdivisions and has become one of the fastest-growing residential communities in the nation. Formed by the damming of the San Jacinto River, Lake Houston offers excellent opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating and skiing. Atascocita offers athletic fields, state-of-the-art community center, parks, swimming pools and other recreational facilities. (humbleareachamber.org/atascocita.asp)

— Eagle Springs
A wooded master-planned community in the Humble Independent School District, Eagle Springs offers a wide variety of new homes priced from the $120,000s to $450,000s, including low-maintenance townhomes, cottage-style homes, traditional single-family homes, luxury estate homes and upscale low-maintenance patio homes. Tree preservation and reforestation are priorities for the 1,360-acre community, where amenities include the 15-acre Eagle Springs Athletic Club and Sports Complex, The Island Club at Lake Montage, sparkling lakes and miles of greenbelt trails (www.eaglespringsonline.com).

— Fall Creek
Located near major employment venues, including the east energy corridor, Greenspoint, the inner loop, the medical center and the Galleria, Fall Creek offers convenient, suburban living. Shopping, cultural, entertainment and dining adventures abound, with many downtown and suburban attractions less than 25 minutes away. Quiet streets and carefully planned villages complement an aquatic center, trails and greenbelts in a 1,261-acre community offering an abundance of recreational opportunities, including Redstone Golf Club, home to the Shell Houston Open PGA Tour Event (www.fallcreekhouston.com).

— Humble
The City of Humble offers a small-town feel just 20 miles from downtown Houston. Located in the northeast quadrant of the Houston metropolitan area, the Greater Humble area includes Atascocita, the city of Humble, Kingwood and Spring, all of which are currently experiencing population and economic growth. With the imminent completion of upgrading on U.S. 59, local growth has been facilitated by the reasonable commute to the huge job base in downtown Houston. Additionally, robust commercial growth in the area has created thousands of jobs locally. The highly acclaimed Humble Independent School District (ISD) serves the area (humblearea.com).

— Kingwood
Conveniently located near Houston area businesses and recreational destinations, Kingwood consists of 26 villages, with more than 63,000 residents. More than 75 miles of private greenbelt and hike-and-bike trails, 23 swimming pools, a private boat launch, equestrian centers and more than 55 acres of private parks enhance this 14,000-acre community. METRO’s Park & Ride service provides transportation to downtown Houston, Greenway Plaza and Greenspoint. Kingwood residents have easy access to IAH, and with the widening and completion of U.S. 59 to Humble, Kingwood Drive, Northpark Drive and the newly completed Lake Houston Parkway, commuting has become even faster (www.kingwoodonline.com).

— Summerwood
A wooded master-planned community at Beltway 8 and W. Lake Houston Parkway, Summerwood offers new homes priced from the $120,000s to $500,000s amid a natural environment that devotes over 200 acres to recreation and open natural space. Other amenities include 17 acres of lakes, miles of greenbelt trails, neighborhood pocket parks and 150 acres of nature preserves. Located in the highly acclaimed Humble Independent School District, Summerwood has an onsite elementary school, a future middle school campus and a private preschool (www.summerwoodonline.com).

— Walden on Lake Houston
Walden on Lake Houston is located on the shores of Lake Houston, just south of F.M. 1960. This growing 750-acre, master-planned community of 2,000 homes boasts 11 inland lakes, an 18-hole championship golf course, lighted tennis courts, Olympic-size swimming pool, racquetball courts and clubhouse.

Northwest
The Northwest section of Houston is a high-growth area. The completion of Beltway 8, the upgrading of Texas 6 and F.M. 1960, and improvements to U.S. 290 have enhanced accessibility to the region. Area neighborhoods are attractive to employees who work on the west side of Houston.

— Bear Creek/Texas 6
Bear Creek and the Texas 6 area have experienced significant residential development as well as major office and industrial activity. The area between the Katy Freeway and U.S. 290 is referred to as Bear Creek and is one of the three distinct areas that make up Houston’s northwest sector. Master-planned communities in Bear Creek include Fairfield and Deerfield Village. Other subdivisions include Glencairn, Bear Creek Plantation and Pine Forest.

— Bridgeland
The 11,400-acre Bridgeland community embraces a lifestyle packed with natural splendor. Over 3,000 acres are devoted to lakes, trails, parks and open space. Sixty miles of trails will connect neighborhoods, amenities and a future town center. An on-site activities director plans a wealth of outdoor fun, plus events at Lakeland Activity Center, which offers resort-worthy pools, a community center, fitness room, tennis, playgrounds and more. Located 2.5 miles south of U.S. 290 on Fry Road, Bridgeland is the future home of more than 65,000 residents (bridgeland.com).

— Coles Crossing
Located at U.S. 290 and Barker-Cypress, Coles Crossing is close to work, shopping and top-rated Cypress-Fairbanks (Cy-Fair) schools. The 1,200-acre master-planned community has 175 acres devoted to recreation (colescrossing.com).

— Cypress
Cypress is located northwest of Houston, 21 miles from Houston’s Central Business District. Jersey Village is an incorporated city located within the area. More than 200,000 people in 68,000 households have been attracted to the Cypress area, which includes approximately 186 square miles within the highly ranked Cy-Fair ISD. In addition to being within a reasonable commute of the huge job base in Houston, much of the land is reasonably priced. Willowbrook Mall is nearby (cyfairchamber.com).

— Champions/F.M. 1960
The Champions/F.M. 1960 area is close to The Woodlands, Willowbrook and Greenspoint malls, golf courses and country clubs such as Champions Golf Club, Sam Houston Race Park and the Aerodome Ice Skating Complex. IAH, Highway 249 and Beltway 8 have sparked growth in the area.

— Fairfield
Friendswood Development Company recently added another 1,000 acres to the 3,200-acre community of Fairfield. To be completed by 2011, Fairfield will be home to 6,500 families. The area’s 13,400-square-foot athletic club includes a full-size basketball court, fitness room, special events room, locker rooms and classroom areas. Outside the center are a competition-size swimming pool, tennis courts and a 20-acre sports park with baseball and soccer fields. Currently, Fairfield has six lakes, five neighborhood parks and five neighborhood pools plus numerous pocket parks and greenbelts winding through the community. Fairfield is located in the highly acclaimed Cy-Fair ISD (visitfairfield.com).

— Gleannloch Farms
Founded in the 1950s as a home for Egyptian Arabian horses, Gleannloch Farms today is known for paths, parks, ponds, a lakeside eight-acre recreation center, a 27-hole golf course and an equestrian center providing myriad family activities. The immediate area also boasts a burgeoning technology corridor, the F.M. 1960 shopping district, the large regional Willowbrook Mall only minutes away and important venues for the arts (gleannlochfarms.com).

— High Meadow Ranch
Located off Texas 249, High Meadow Ranch is a master-planned community offering a championship golf course, junior Olympic-size swimming pool, horseback riding, a fishing lake and nature trails. Homesites range from one to 10 acres (highmeadowranch.com).

— Magnolia
Magnolia is situated 20 miles southwest of Conroe in southwestern Montgomery County, at the junction of F.M. 1774 and F.M. 1488. The Greater Magnolia area, which is experiencing a high growth rate, spans roughly 12 miles in all directions, encompassing a population of more than 65,000 (http://ci.magnolia.tx.us).

— Northpointe
Located off Texas 249 outside F.M. 1960, Northpointe is a heavily wooded community with lakes, recreational facilities and fiber-optic capabilities. The Villages of Northpointe are close to Willowbrook Mall.

— Riata Ranch
Riata Ranch, located south of U.S. 290 on Barker-Cypress Road, is a family oriented community nestled in the countryside of northwest Houston. Residents enjoy 18-plus acres of parks, a recreation center with a swimming pool and children’s pool, lighted tennis courts and a unique, figure-eight tricycle park and playground for toddlers.

— Tomball
The Tomball area, just north of F.M. 1960, is known for its open rural territory as well as abundant forested land. The availability of ample scenic land at reasonable prices has been a strong factor in attracting homebuyers. Local growth also has been facilitated by the reasonable commute via Texas 249 to the job base in Houston (tomballtexas.com).

— WindRose
WindRose, a heavily forested 1,121-acre community southwest of Spring off Interstate 45 North, will have about 2,000 homes upon completion. The master plan includes a championship 18-hole golf course, green space and parks. Offered in a variety of price ranges, homes feature amenities, including a junior Olympic-size pool, tennis courts, meeting house, volleyball court, soccer field and parks (www.visitwindrose.com).

West Houston
Houston’s west side has experienced immense growth. The area offers high-quality living, good schools, excellent freeway access and a range of shopping and recreational activities. Demand has exceeded the supply of residences here because of proximity to freeways, the Galleria area and the appeal of wooded, established neighborhoods.

— Lakes of Bella Terra
Located minutes from the Westpark Tollway and 30 minutes from downtown Houston, Lakes of Bella Terra is a brand new resort-style community by Houston’s 2007 “Developer of the Year.” The community features acres of lakes and a recently opened recreation center with a Junior Olympic pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, water-playground, lighted tennis courts and more. Lakes of Bella Terra’s youngest residents are served by the Lamar Consolidated Independent School District and Westlake Preparatory Lutheran Academy. A wide variety of single-family homes, including custom waterfront homes in a gated enclave, are now selling. In addition, 10 decorated models are now open (lakesofbellaterra.com).

— Galleria/Uptown
The Galleria area’s high-rise offices and hotels, fine restaurants and shopping centers serve as host to 200,000 office workers, shoppers and out-of-town visitors daily. Houston’s Uptown district, the Galleria/Post Oak area, has been called Houston’s urban
village. The Galleria-area lifestyle appeals to active adults and families looking for suburban comfort and security in an energetic urban setting. Residential construction is still continuing, and in the past 10 years, more than 1,800 new single-family homes and townhomes have been built. Uptown is itself a growing neighborhood with continued construction of a wide variety of upscale homes and apartments. Almost 5,000 high-rise condominium and other multi-family units are located Uptown. Intimate patio homes constructed on limited-access courts offer a cozy and secure urban retreat, while luxury subdivisions feature in-town estates with some of Houston’s most prestigious addresses (uptown-houston.com).

— Memorial/Spring Branch
The Memorial area is synonymous with large, manicured lawns, huge oaks and some of the most expensive homes in Houston. Although Memorial Drive originates in downtown Houston, the Memorial area generally refers to neighborhoods that lie between Loop 610 on the east and Texas 6 on the west from Interstate 10 south to the natural boundary of Buffalo Bayou. The opening of Beltway 8 has provided Memorial residents quick access to many parts of the city. Both airports are within a 30-minute drive, and Interstate 10 and U.S. 59 are just a few minutes away. Most of the area is served by the award-winning Spring Branch ISD.

— Memorial Villages
Clustering near west Memorial Drive (a former Indian trail) are the “Villages.” This term refers to the incorporated municipalities of Bunker Hill, Hedwig, Hunter’s Creek and Piney Point, all located south of Interstate 10 West, and Spring Valley and Hilshire Village, north of the freeway. Many homes in this area fringe Buffalo Bayou. Older homes built in the 1960s as well as more modern homes can be found here.

— Briargrove Park
Old oak trees shadowing the streets, flickering gas-lit lamps and child swings hanging in the front yards describe this picturesque neighborhood of more than 1,400 homes. Located just inside Beltway 8 between Memorial Drive and Westheimer this family friendly neighborhood has a community pool, tennis courts, community playground and numerous neighborhood organizations.

— Walnut Bend
A beautiful neighborhood of more than 900 homes, Walnut Bend borders Beltway 8, to the east, and Westheimer Boulevard to the south. This tucked-away neighborhood offers its residents numerous amenities including neighborhood organizations, three pools, tennis courts, a playground and park, and volleyball courts (www.walnutbend.net).

— Royal Oaks
Offering a unique resort lifestyle, Royal Oaks is a gated comm­unity of luxury homes surrounding a private country club and the Fred Couples Signature Golf Course in the heart of Houston, just eight miles west of The Galleria on Westheimer Road. The 490-acre community features an 11,000-square-foot clubhouse, spa, gym, aquaticcenter and tennis complex with a stadium court and croquet lawn (www.royaloakscc.com).

— Tanglewood
Located just outside Loop 610 and on the border of Memorial, Tanglewood has remained one of Houston’s most exclusive and desirable neighborhoods during its 50-plus-year history. In recent years, two-story homes have replaced many of the older homes in the neighborhood. The Tanglewood area is home to former President George Bush and Barbara Bush.

— West Memorial
Farther west on Memorial past Wilcrest Drive is subdivision after subdivision of homes built in the late 1960s and early 1970s. These areas offer private, secluded, near-bayou living. Memorial Thicket, Fleetwood and Barker’s Landing are newer subdivisions built within the past 20 years. Home styles are typically New Orleans Colonial, Cape Cod, traditional and contemporary. Townhomes in the west Houston area are more often leased than purchased. Retirement communities include Tarrytowne, an assisted living complex at Briar Forest and Dairy Ashford. Recreational activities include the Westside Tennis Club, selected by World Tennis magazine and the U.S. Tennis Association as one of the top 20 tennis clubs in the nation.

West of Houston
During the past few years, Houston’s west side has experienced immense growth, due to the area’s high-quality living, good schools, excellent freeway access, and range of shopping and recreational activities.

— Cinco Ranch
Simply Cinco, an innovative new information center in the LaCenterra shopping mecca at Grand Parkway and Cinco Ranch Blvd., offers a stress-free introduction to this 7,600-acre master-planned community, where a new phase provides over 5,000 new homesites. A new Model Home Village, opening in May 2008, showcases over 30 decorated models from 13 leading homebuilders, at prices from the $170,000s to over $1 million. In addition to a 70-acre recreation complex overlooking a 36-acre lake, other amenities include a Beach Club, Water Park, wooded Bayou Trail and 18-hole championship golf course (www.cincoranch.com).

— Fulshear
Fulshear, at the junction of Farm Roads 359 and 1093 in northern Fort Bend County, is a small farming community with roots in agriculture. Fulshear is home to Riverwood Forest, a gated community just west of Houston’s Grand Parkway overlooking the Brazos River. The highly rated Lamar Consolidated School District serves the Riverwood Forest community.

— Firethorne
Firethorne is a 1,400-acre master-planned community being designed to carefully combine the vibrancy of West Houston with the small-town charm of Katy/Fulshear. Blending with the best nature has to offer, Katy/Fulshear’s newest community boasts 150 acres devoted to parks and recreational amenities and will be highlighted by a scenic 12-acre lake with surrounding greenbelt, hike and bike trails, parks and playgrounds, wildlife observation areas and more. Family amenities include a resort-style multi-level family swim center, sports fields, tennis courts, a competitive swim center, plus a neighborhood Community Center with a meeting room and fully equipped fitness facility. Firethorne’s strategic location near the 1-10 West corridor, the Westpark Tollway and the Grand Parkway offers its residents a variety of transportation options to areas around the city. Its residents, served by the acclaimed Katy Independent School District, will enjoy the vibrancy of one of the fastest-growing, most desirable areas in Texas, with special touches of days gone by, including a milkman who delivers milk to one’s very door step (firethorne.info).

— Grayson Lakes
Located five miles west of the Grand Parkway and south of Interstate 10, Grayson Lakes offers some of the largest average home sites in the area, including large waterfront lots. Grayson Lakes includes 30 acres of lakes and fountains, parks, hike-and-bike trails, a recreation center, tennis courts, a swimming pool and a children’s splash pool and playground. The new Westpark Tollway will provide another route for Grayson Lakes residents who commute to Houston (www.graysonlakes.com).

— Katy
The City of Katy offers the charm of a small town and the sophistication of suburbia. Housing options in Katy range from apartments and condominiums to large estate homes with acreage to enjoy and maintain horses. Some have championship golf courses as their backyard. The area also is home to Katy Mills Mall. Katy is accessible from the Interstate 10 West corridor, Grand Parkway and Beltway 8 (katytexas.com).

— Lakes on Eldridge
Offering lakeside living within minutes of Houston’s cultural, business and shopping centers, Lakes on Eldridge is a 456-acre community featuring a million-dollar recreation center. Located north of Interstate 10 West, Lakes on Eldridge is near major shopping centers, employers, medical facilities and recreational opportunities such as Bear Creek Park and Golf Course. Laguna Falls Estates offers custom-designed homes on oversized waterfront lots (TheLakesOnEldridge.com).

— Seven Meadows
Offering unique amenities, including a Greg Norman-designed Meadowbrook Farms Golf Club, a tennis center, miles of trails and area parks, Seven Meadows is located at the Grand Parkway and Fry Road. Each home features “structured wiring,” which gives the ability to connect to the Internet from every room. Residents of Seven Meadows are serviced by the Katy Independent School District, one of the finest school districts in Texas. Minutes away from the community are shopping centers, METRO Park & Ride and convenient highway access (www.sevenmeadows.com).

— Weston Lakes
Weston Lakes is a gated estate country club community with 24-hour manned security. Amenities include: large lots; stately homes; a private, 18-hole championship golf course; adult and family swimming pools; and lighted tennis courts. The golf course winds through the lakes and ancient pecan trees of Weston Lakes, where excellent fishing is available. More than 11 miles of lakes are stocked with trophy-size bass and other game fish (weston-lakes.com).

— Windsor Park Lakes
Private piers for boating and fishing and Mediterranean-style homes mark the Windsor Park Lakes community located south of Interstate 10 West outside Texas 6. Rock-landscaped waterfalls, lighted sprays, gated entrances, tennis courts, athletic fields and other amenities are offered in this all tiled-roof enclave (www.wplakes.com).

— WoodCreek Reserve
A 500-acre community at Interstate 10 West and F.M. 1463, features a wooded environment with more than 160 acres devoted to nature parks and other recreational amenities. The community’s centerpiece is The Reserve naturepark, which borders Buffalo Bayou and features nature trails, a fish-stocked lake, soccer fields and other amenities (woodcreekreserve.com).

Southwest
One of the most expansive areas in Houston is the southwest region – encompassing parts of Harris County and Fort Bend County.

— Fondren Southwest
With more than 41,000 residents, Fondren Southwest is a microcosm of the Greater Houston community – a mixture of multi-family dwellings and residential subdivisions. Its easy access to the medical center, downtown, the Beltway, Southwest Freeway and Braeswood has helped to contribute to the area’s steady growth during the past few years (gs-whcc.org).

— Gulfton
Many different nationalities live in the Gulfton area, north of Bellaire. Most of the 46,000 residents live in apartment homes, although the number of single-family homes is growing. Gulfton also is home to Benavidez Community Garden, the largest urban harvest garden in Houston. Westpark, bordering the Gulfton area, recently opened and is now a major east-west toll road that is attracting businesses (gswhcc.org).

— Meyerland/South Post Oak
Located just south of Bellaire, the combined Meyerland/South Post Oak community boasts excellent accessibility, beautiful parks and serious deed restrictions. While some of the homes are original 1950s bungalows, others are new construction. The southwest Houston neighborhood is served by three synagogues and the Jewish Community Center (gswhcc.org/meyerland.asp).

— Sharpstown
Sharpstown is a predominantly middle-class community with good freeway access, more than 7,000 homes and wide diversity. The area is noted for its winding streets, large yards and quiet neighborhoods (gswhcc.org/sharpstown.asp).

— Westbury
Westbury is a vibrant and active middle-class community with more than 39,000 residents. Accessibility is a big key to the success of Westbury. The medical center, downtown Houston and Reliant Park are within easy reach. At least another 7 percent growth in population is projected over the next few years (gswhcc.org/westbury.asp).

— Fort Bend County
Fort Bend County is home to more master-planned communities than any other county in the state. The total designed development population for these 32 planned communities is almost 370,000 residents. During the past few years, Fort Bend County has experienced a new home sales surge fueled by low mortgage rates and strong job growth. The population of Fort Bend County is expected to increase from 380,200 to 447,457 persons by 2007.

— Alief
A culturally diverse area in southwest Houston, Alief offers a variety of homes, restaurants and shopping opportunities. Alief ISD is one of the state’s fast-growth districts, serving more than 45,000 students who cumulatively speak 59 languages (alief.com).

— First Colony
A 9,700 acre community, First Colony boasts an array of recreational facilities. Amenities include numerous neighborhood pools as well as a 50-meter pool facility, a water-spray park, neighborhood playgrounds, lighted tennis and volleyball courts, miles of paved jogging trails, 89 acres of lakes for fishing and non-motorized boating, 23 athletic fields, and a private country club with a 36-hole golf course (firstcolony.org).
—Greatwood
Hundred-year-old trees flourish among more than 3,000 homes in a small-town atmosphere. Greatwood offers a championship golf course, more than 32 acres of lakes, a trail system, three recreation complexes and a four-acre nature park (www.greatwoodonline.com).

— Lake Olympia
Located off Texas 6 near Missouri City, Lake Olympia has miles of greenbelt trails, 130 acres of natural lakes, nature and wildlife reserves, parks and a marina. The Fort Bend ISD serves the community.

— Missouri City
Missouri City residents enjoy urban amenities in a small-town atmosphere. With a population of almost 59,000, Missouri City is home to several award-winning master-planned communities and the highly acclaimed Fort Bend ISD. Missouri City also boasts one of the largest and most extensive park systems in Fort Bend County (ci.mocity.tx.us).

— New Territory
New Territory is a 2,300-acre master-planned community of 4,600 homes in one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States. Opportunities for both indoor and outdoor activities abound for New Territory residents and their guests. These include parks and playgrounds, swimming pools, baseball and softball fields, tennis courts and soccer fields, indoor and outdoor volleyball and basketball courts, and an indoor fitness center (newterritory.org).

— Pecan Grove Plantation
This 1,400-acre country club community is built around a 27-hole golf course set in the natural beauty of huge oak and pecan trees. Pecan Grove offers its residents neighborhood parks, playing fields, jogging paths, swimming pools, tennis courts, a fitness center and a private country club (fortbendcounty.org/ plan.html).

— Richmond
Located on a bend in the Brazos River, Richmond is the oldest city in Fort Bend County, with a population of approximately 12,000 residents. Surrounded by many of Fort Bend County’s newest master-planned communities, Richmond often is the central meeting place for government business as well as a favorite site for the film industry to produce movies and commercials. Close to the state’s most visited park – Brazos Bend State Park and The George Observatory – the community supports its local parks and green belts for family recreation, bird watching and camping (roserichchamber.com).

— RiverPark
RiverPark, located near U.S. 59 and Grand Parkway, offers large homes on oversized lots. Consisting of 800 acres, this community has more than 160 acres of Brazos River frontage for parks.

— Riverstone
This 3,700-acre planned community will contain 6,000 single-family homes and include 250 acres of lakes and more than 500 acres devoted to open space, parklands and recreational facilities, plus an 18-hole golf course (riverstonecommunity.com).

— Rosenberg
The city of Rosenberg and its almost 26,500 residents are hosts to the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds and the Fort Bend Railroad Museum. Antique shops, museums and restaurants have become the center of downtown trade. Nearby community parks include Brazos, Travis and Seabourne Creek – adjacent to Rosenberg’s Convention and Civic Center. Rosenberg’s housing prices are lower than the Fort Bend County average (ci.rosenberg.tx.us).

— Sienna Plantation
A master-planned community near Missouri City, Sienna Plantation features the largest private, resort-style water park in the South. The pool covers more than an acre and includes an eight-lane competition pool, multiple diving areas with a three-board diving well, a water tower with more than 200 feet of slides, a zero-entry pool and Sienna “waterworks.” Club Sienna also includes a half-acre children’s playground, a tennis center with eight lighted courts and an outdoor amphitheater overlooking Waters Lake. There’s also a 7,500-square-foot southern plantation-style community center featuring two multipurpose meeting rooms, a fitness center and cabana (siennaplantation.com).

— Stafford
The city of Stafford made national headlines when it eliminated its property tax in 1995 for residents and businesses. More than 15,000 residents live in the city, and more than 50,000 people come to work in Stafford each day. Residents enjoy 35 acres of green space dedicated as parkland throughout the city and five city parks, with another on the way. The parks feature playground equipment, picnic benches, jogging trails and well-maintained fields for competitive sports (cityofstafford.com).

— Sugar Land
Sugar Land is an economically strong and culturally diverse city of about 71,000 residents. According to the 2000 Census, Sugar Land ranked first in growth both in the Houston metro area and among the state’s 45 largest cities. Recreational opportunities include numerous parks, athletic complexes, hike-and-bike trails, greenbelts, aquatic centers and three highly regarded golf courses
(ci.sugar-land.tx.us).

— Telfair
The last major master-planned community with a highly sought-after Sugar Land address, Telfair is located at U.S. 59 South and University Blvd. A model home village and two additional model parks showcase over 30 decorated models, at prices from the $250,000s to $750,000s. Twin arched suspension bridges are an iconic Telfair landmark, spanning a nearly 300 acres to recreation, with a major community center opening in Spring 2009. The Crossing at Telfair, a 112-acre mixed-use center, is now under development (telfair.com).

South of Houston 
Areas just south of Houston are among the fastest growing in the entire region, and newcomers can find a variety of lifestyle options.

— Alvin
The City of Alvin has more than 22,000 residents and is within easy access of Houston, the Johnson Space Center, Gulf Coast, petrochemical industries and Galveston. A city of trees, parks and Victorian homes, Alvin is known for its hometown atmosphere and economically diverse population. Alvin ISD has a “Recognized” rating from the state for academic achievement (for more information see chart on page XX). Attractions include Texas Thunder Speedway, Nolan Ryan Center Exhibit and Bayou Wildlife Park
(alvintexas.org).

—Galveston
Many newcomers are surprised to learn that Galveston, a barrier island on the Texas Gulf Coast, is less than an hour’s drive from Houston. Galveston is home to many commuters who work in Houston. In addition, many Houstonians maintain property along the Gulf of Mexico in Galveston for their weekend getaways. A diversity of housing options ranging from stately Victorian mansions and beachfront villas to bungalows and high-rises adds to the city’s charm. With hundreds of structures on the National Register of Historic Places and thousands of historic houses, Galveston is one of the country’s most important concentrations of late 19th- and early 20th-century architecture. From quaint cottages to the conversions of downtown buildings to residential lofts, Galveston’s older neighborhoods offer a wide range of housing options to fit any budget (galveston.com).

— Pearland
Located in northern Brazoria County and southern Harris County, Pearland shares a boundary with the City of Houston and is about 10 miles from Hobby Airport. Residents enjoy big-city amenities with a country atmosphere. Pearland ISD has more than 14,000 students and an “Exemplary” district rating – the highest rating given by the state. Many well-maintained, economical and conveniently located multi-family units serve the area as well as master-planned communities such as Shadow Creek Ranch, a 3,300-acre, lake-themed community (ci.pearland.tx.us).

— Silverlake
Silverlake, located at Texas 288 and F.M. 518, has a 29-acre lake with a surrounding park and eight recreational facilities, including four tennis courts, walking trails, junior Olympic-size swimming pool and community center. Served by Pearland ISD, the 1,700-acre community will have 4,000 homes upon completion and a championship golf course with clubhouse.

Bay Area Houston
Halfway between Houston and Galveston, Bay Area Houston is the third-largest boating center in the United States and home to NASA’s Johnson Space Center (JSC). The nearly 200,000 residents of 11 separate municipalities and unincorporated areas enjoy a highly diversified, balanced economic structure with a strong base of aerospace, high-tech, petrochemical, commercial fishing and marine/boating industries. Attractions such as Space Center Houston have promoted a tremendous growth in tourism in recent years.
Originally dependent on fishing and agriculture, the area’s primary industry today is aerospace, with a focus on JSC. Aerospace-related companies employ about 27 percent of the area’s residents. Boating, recreation and tourism industries employ an additional 25 percent. Neighborhoods and communities in Bay Area Houston include Clear Lake, Clear Lake Shores, El Lago, League City, Kemah, Naussau Bay, Seabrook, South Shore Harbor, Taylor Lake Village, Victory Lakes and Webster (clearlakearea.com).
Bay Area Houston entities include:

• Clear Lake, a unique master-planned community of about 57,100, has been annexed by the City of Houston. It is home to JSC and many JSC employees, including astronauts.
• Clear Lake Shores, a small island community, has about 1,200 residents.
• El Lago, located on Clear Lake, is home to about 3,100 residents.
• Kemah, a bayside community of about 2,400 residents, boasts the Kemah Boardwalk, which features amusement rides, waterfront dining and quaint shops.
• League City, the largest city in the bay area, with a population of about 52,000, is continuing to experience robust growth.
• Nassau Bay, located directly across from JSC, is home to about 4,100 residents. Many residents live along the Clear Lake waterfront.
• Seabrook, one of the larger residential communities with an estimated 10,500 residents, features parks, marinas, fresh seafood markets and restaurants along Clear Lake and Galveston Bay.
• South Shore Harbor, located on the south side of Clear Lake, features 800 single-family homes surrounding a 27-hole golf course, country club and marina.
• Taylor Lake Village, with a population of about 3,600, is a quiet community that accesses Clear Lake.
• Victory Lakes, a master-planned community, features seven lakes, walking trails, a golf course and a recreational center.
• Webster, the gateway to NASA and Bay Area Houston, has more than 9,100 residents.

— Deer Park
Deer Park, a quiet community of about 28,000 residents, is located about 20 miles southeast of Houston. The area has a solid job base with 14 major firms and several smaller light industrial companies. Quality schools, affordable houses and low taxes characterize the area, which also features golf courses, recreation centers, parks, sports fields and swimming pools (www.ci.deer-park.tx.us).

— Edgebrook
Edgebrook offers several single-family home subdivisions on both sides of Edgebrook Boulevard. Many of its subdivisions were developed in the 1950s. Large apartment complexes are found along Interstate 45 South and Edgebrook Boulevard.

— Friendswood
The City of Friendswood, halfway between Houston and Galveston, offers single-family residential housing in shaded, park-like settings tucked away from the busy stream of vehicular traffic. Choices abound with master-planned communities for new homes, resale homes in a variety of architectural styles and several communities offering seniors the finest in independent and assisted living in Texas (ci.friendswood.tx.us).

— La Marque
This Galveston County city of nearly 14,000 offers many quality-of-life and vacation activities. La Marque’s Highland Bayou Park, with more than 230 acres of lush recreational area, and Mahan Park offer picnic areas, ball fields, tennis courts, camping and playgrounds. La Marque is home to a bird sanctuary, Gulf Greyhound Park and Factory Stores of America, a discount outlet center
(ci.lamarque.tx.us).

— La Porte/Bayshore
Gateway to Galveston Bay, the La Porte/Bayshore area includes the cities of La Porte, Morgan’s Point and Shoreacres. History abounds in the area, as La Porte is home to the San Jacinto Monument and Battleship TEXAS. Shoreacres is home to the Houston Yacht Club, the state’s oldest yacht club. Other amenities include Sylvan Beach Park, a wave pool, a golf course and the La Porte-Bayshore Historical Trail (laportechamber.org).

— Pasadena
To house a population of more than 141,000, Pasadena offers new construction and a range of homes that are more than 40 years old. Pasadena is the center of the local petrochemical, manufacturing and shipping industries in an area southeast of Houston encompassing the Port of Houston. Recreational facilities abound, including fields for Little League and adult league baseball at Strawberry Park, Southmore Park and Ben Briar Park. Fishing is available at Crenshaw Park, where the pond is amply stocked with catfish, bass and, in the wintertime, rainbow trout. There also are numerous playgrounds and botanical parks and gardens located throughout the area (pasadenachamber.org).

— Texas City
Texas City, located on the upper Texas Gulf Coast in Galveston County, has a huge petrochemical complex and is a major hub for world energy supplies. The Port of Texas City—currently exceeding 78 million net tons of cargo – is the ninth-largest port in the United States and the third largest in Texas. The area’s approximately 42,000 residents enjoy many amenities, including a shopping mall with several major department stores, a wide variety of specialty shops and restaurants. Texas City also has many types of recreational opportunities, including 38 parks, four swimming pools, an 18-hole golf course and a shooting range (texas-city-tx.org).

East of Houston
Home to the Port of Houston and several petrochemical complexes, the area east of Houston is an important trade and industrial region.

— Baytown
The third largest city in Harris County, with a population exceeding 75,000, Baytown offers many opportunities for employment, housing and recreation. To house the many employees who work at several industrial complexes in the area, more than 20 subdivisions offering affordable housing have been planned in the past five years.
Amenities in the area include public boat ramps at a marina, two major parks, the Goose Creek Greenbelt Project with walking trails and picnic and playground facilities, stops on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, Houston Raceway Park and several golfing and dining facilities (baytown.org).

— Crosby/Huffman
Crosby and Huffman sit on the east side of Lake Houston on 150 square miles of piney forest and open grassland. This area, just 35 minutes outside downtown Houston, offers a relaxed, hometown atmosphere and many of the cultural, recreational and sports activities and facilities of a larger city. A variety of housing choices is available in the Crosby/Huffman area east of Lake Houston, including new custom homes, rural homes, farms, ranches, apartments and residential subdivision resales (www.crosbyhuffmancc.org).

— North Channel Area
The North Channel area, with a population of more than 190,000, includes all the unincorporated areas of Sheldon, Channelview and North Shore plus the cities of Galena Park and Jacinto City, part of the City of Humble and a small portion of the City of Houston. The North Channel area is unique in that it offers a suburban setting where major industry, commercial concerns, retail establishments and bedroom communities flourish. The newest community in the North Channel area is commonly known as North Shore. Composed of several smaller neighborhoods, North Shore has seen steady population growth during the past 30 years. Most new home construction in the North Channel area is focused here (nortchannelarea.com).