Communities

There’s nothing quite like the peace and serenity offered by lakefront living.The very idea of being so close to nature with lovely scenic views and just the relaxing sound of water quietly flowing nearby is enough to calm one’s mind, and brings about other benefits as well.

Lake Conroe Real Estate

Lake Conroe in Montgomery County is a 21,000-acre reservoir that was built in 1970 to serve as an alternate water supply for the city of Houston. The northernmost portion of the lake extends into the Sam Houston National Forest, while residential communities have been developed around the perimeter of the lake’s lower two thirds.

Higher-end single-family residences, estate properties, villas, golf course homes, townhouses, and condos can be found here, in exclusive neighborhoods and private gated communities such as April Sound, Bentwater, Cape Conroe, Del Lago Estates, Diamondhead, Harbor Point, Riverstone Pointe, Seven Coves, Waterford Estates, and more. Most of these communities provide quality amenities like swimming pools, clubhouses, marinas, fitness centers and golf courses for their residents.

Lake Houston Real Estate

Built in 1953, Lake Houston is another reservoir and currently serves as the secondary municipal water supply for the city of Houston, located 15 miles away. The lake is bounded by the communities of Crosby and Huffman to the east, Sheldon to the south, and Kingwood, Atascocita and Humble to the west, while the northern tip forks into two as it flows around Lake Houston Wilderness Park.

Real estate options around the Lake Houston area include many waterfront homes like single-family residences, golf course homes, townhouses, condos, and estate properties with world-class amenities like golf courses, clubhouses, fitness centers, swimming pools, and private boat docks found in upscale communities such as Indian Shores, Kingwood, Spanish Cove, The Commons of Lake Houston, Walden on Lake Houston, and more.

Clear Lake Real Estate

Clear Lake is a natural lake located in Galveston County and Harris County; it’s mostly fed by Clear Creek from the west and empties into Galveston Bay to the east. The area surrounding the lake is occupied by a diverse number of affluent communities within cities like Clear Lake City, Kemah, Clear Lake Shores, Houston, Taylor Lake Village,El Lago, League City,Seabrook, Nassau Bay,Webster, and Pasadena.

The Clear Lake area includes some high-profile structures and attractions like NASA’s Johnson Space Center and its visitor area, Space Center Houston; the Armand Bayou Nature Center, regarded as one of the largest urban wilderness preserves in the country; and the Kemah Boardwalk, with its rides and entertainment venues. Premier real estate can be found around Clear Lake, with luxury estates, townhouses, and condos in exclusive neighborhoods that also offer their share of world-class amenities.

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Considered as the first and oldest incorporated city in Brazoria County, the city of Alvin was incorporated in 1893, and got its name from one of its first residents, Alvin Morgan. The city was actually first named Morgan, but it was changed to its final name of Alvin when it was discovered that Morgan was already the name of another Texas city. While Alvin has steadily grown throughout the years and has become accessible to larger metropolitan centers like nearby Houston through major highways that pass through the area, the city still has that warm and family-friendly hometown feel, making it a welcome respite from the hectic pace of city life.

Things to Do

Legendary Major League Baseball player Nolan Ryan is Alvin’s most famous resident, so it’s no surprise that a museum dedicated to him is one of the city’s top attractions. Opened in 1999, the Nolan Ryan Exhibit is housed in the $1.2 million Nolan Ryan Center located in the campus of Alvin Community College. The exhibit features photos, videos, interactive displays and a hall of records depicting Ryan’s baseball career.

Bayou Wildlife Park provides a 45-minute mini safari tour from the comfort of a tram, over 80 acres of prairie and woods, where you’ll get to see more than 500 animals and birds from 60 different species. The park also offers a petting zoo and pony rides.

Alvin Homes for Sale, Rentals and Houston Real Estate

Alvin’s real estate options comprise a good selection of homes that will appeal to every type of homebuyer. Single-family residences dominate the market in this city, with many older homes located on mostly wooded lots, including ranch-style housing, mobile homes, and estate properties. Newer homes and the occasional townhouses can be found in more recent developments like Forest Heights, Hamilton Square, Kendall Lakes, Midtown Park, Mustang Crossing, North Pointe Trails, and Stonegate at Alvin, while those who prefer to build their house from scratch can purchase vacant land and lots ideal for new construction.

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Located on the western shores of Galveston Bay where Clear Lake empties into the bay, the city of Kemah is regarded as one of the region’s major tourist draws. Established around 1898, the town went through several name changes, from Evergreen to Shell Siding, until it was finally renamed as Kemah, which was taken from the Karankawa Indian word that means “the wind in my face.” Originally a fishing community, Kemah evolved through the years, surviving many natural disasters, rebuilding itself and growing stronger all the time. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction, and was ranked as the number one tourist destination within the Greater Houston-Galveston Area in 2012.

Things to Do

The Kemah Boardwalk is undoubtedly the most well-known attraction in the city, and is considered as one of the country’s premier boardwalks. Starting along the mouth of Clear Lake, the boardwalk winds its way towards Galveston Bay, and is home to numerous shops, restaurants, a 56-room boutique hotel, and a 400-slip marina. In addition, there are amusement park rides and attractions, which include the Boardwalk Bullet, a 96-foot tall roller coaster that has the most number of track crossovers ever designed into a wooden coaster – 42 in all – and is currently only one of two wooden roller coasters in the state of Texas; and the Boardwalk Beast, a 25-minute speedboat ride that cruises across Galveston Bay at more than 40 mph.

Kemah Homes for Sale, Rentals and Houston Real Estate

Kemah offers a modest selection of real estate options, which are mostly single-family residences, beach cottages, waterfront homes and estate properties with boat facilities on private and secluded wooded lots along tree-lined streets in older neighborhoods. More contemporary homes such as townhouses and condos on landscaped streets and cul-de-sacs can be found in newer developments and communities like Kemah Village and Kemah Oaks. Vacant land and lots for those who’d prefer to build their dream home are somewhat limited.

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Amaster-planned community composed of several neighborhoods and subdivisions, Clear Lake City is located about 20 miles to the southeast of Houston along the main portion of Clear Lake, after which it was named. Clear Lake City is considered the second largest master-planned community in the Houston area after Kingwood. Founded in 1963, the city has grown and evolved well with time, populated mostly by NASA employees during the early years. Today, homes in the Clear Lake City communities are still highly sought after properties even after more than 50 years, mainly in part because of its excellent location, outstanding schools, quality amenities, and easy accessibility to larger metropolitan centers in the Greater Houston area.

Things to Do

NASA’s Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center is the premier attraction to the south of Clear Lake City. Over a hundred buildings and structures have been built on its 1,620 acres, which include facilities, laboratories, and mission control centers for NASA’s various space programs, as well as Space Center Houston, the official visitor center that draws in more than 700,000 visitors each year. Space Center Houston features exhibits, artifacts and vehicles from NASA space missions, as well as educational videos, interactive displays, and immersive environments about everything there is to know about outer space.

The Bay Oaks Country Club is a private club that features a challenging 18-hole golf course designed by Arthur Hills, along with a Bermuda plantation-style clubhouse. Other amenities include a swimming pool, tennis courts, dining facilities, fitness center, and a camp program for kids.

Clear Lake TX Homes for Sale, Rentals and Houston Real Estate

Clear Lake City is made up of several diverse neighborhoods that includePinebrook, Bay Glen, Clear Lake Forest,Meadowgreen, Bay Knoll, Northfork,Bay Oaks, Brookwood,Bay Pointe, Middlebrook,Brook Forest, Oakbrook West,Camino South, Oakbrook, andBay Forest. Housing options include single-family homes, townhouses, condominiums and luxury estate properties, all located on beautifully landscaped, tree-lined streets and cul-de-sacs. Vacant land and lots for new construction are limited, but new developments are expected to be built in the northern and western portions soon.

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Often ranked as the fastest growing city in the Houston Metropolitan Statistical Area, Pearland has managed to retain its small town charm despite the onset of progressive urbanization. Originally established in 1894 as an agricultural community, the city was named after the numerous pear trees whose fruit was being harvested by the residents. Pearland today continues to evolve, and its close proximity to Houston as well as its outstanding schools, medical facilities, and ongoing suburban development has attracted many homebuyers through the years.

Things to Do

The Pearland Town Center is a lifestyle center that provides retail, residential, office and hotel spaces within its 1,100,000 sq. ft. area. The shopping center has four anchor stores: Barnes & Noble, Dillard’s, Macy’s, and Sports Authority, with 80 fashion retailers and specialty boutiques that include well-known international brands like Aéropostale, American Eagle Outfitters, Charlotte Russe, Forever 21, Fossil, Hollister Co., LOFT, and Victoria’s Secret. There are also dining establishments like Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen, la Madeleine, Mongo, Red Lobster, ShoGun Japanese Grill & Sushi Bar, and more. In addition, there’s a 110-room, four-story Courtyard by Marriott hotel that’s located above the shopping areas, and even a 25-acre lake outside the mall.

Pearland Homes for Sale, Rentals and Houston Real Estate

Single-family residences dominate the real estate options in Pearland, which also include townhomes, low-rise condos, mobile homes, and ranch-style housing. There’s a good mix of older neighborhoods, master planned communities, and newer developments, including Autumn Lakes, Green Tee Terrace, Hickory Creek, Pine Hollow, Ravenwood Estates, Shadow Creek Ranch, Sunrise Lakes, The Lakes at Highland Glen, Towne Lake Estates, West Oaks Village, and more. Higher-end properties like golf course villas and sprawling estates are also available, along with large amounts of acreage that are ideal for farmland or equestrian properties. Should you also prefer to build your own custom dream home from scratch, there’s plenty of vacant land and lots that are perfect for new construction.

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27 miles to the north of Houston,you’ll find the unincorporated community of Porter in Montgomery County. Located at the intersection of Interstate 69 and Farm to Market Road 1314, Porter is roughly bounded by Kingwood to the south, Spring and Porter Heights to the west, New Caney to the north, and Lake Houston Wilderness Park to the east. Porter was originally established in the late 1800s and was actually the county seat of Montgomery County from 1896 to 1915. Present day Porter has managed to retain its small-town charm despite a gradual rise in suburban development.

Things to Do

The Oakhurst Golf Club located along Mills Branch Drive is Porter’s premier country club.It originally opened as Bentwood Country Club in 1994, but underwent a name change when the facility was entirely renovated in 2004. Featuring an 18-holeDave Marr and Jay Riviere-designed course, golfers will find the championship tees that lie amidstands of pine and mature hardwoods rather daunting but enormously enjoyable nonetheless. The Oakhurst Golf Club also hosts the Chamber Golf Tournament of East Montgomery County every year.

Porter TX Homes for Sale, Rentals and Houston Real Estate

Real estate options in Porter include a good selection of homes, which are mostly single-family residences with some bungalows, ranch-style housing, and mobile homes. In addition, there are country club homes in the Oakhurst Golf Club area that provide lovely views of the fairway and higher-end estate properties located in newer developments such as Cumberland Crossing and Valley Ranch, which is a 1,500-acre master-planned community with amenities for its residents that include a swimming pool and recreation center. But if you’re the type of homeowner that wants to build your very own custom dream home according to your specifications instead of moving into a ready-made home, there’s always plenty of available vacant land and lots that are just perfect for new construction. Whatever your preference, there’s a home that’s right for your needs in Porter.

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Considered as the largest master-planned community in Harris County, Kingwood encompasses 14,000 acres, with a small portion actually located in nearby Montgomery County. About 75 miles of lush greenbelts give the area its nickname of “The Livable Forest,” with trees beautifully integrated with its villages, schools, and retail centers. With its close proximity to Houston and major access routes, outstanding schools, recreational opportunities, and stunning natural beauty, it’s easy to see why homes in Kingwood are highly sought after properties.

Things to Do

Nature enthusiasts and environmentalists will truly enjoy living in Kingwood; its many forested areas provide ample green open spaces, and it has more than 500 acres of parkland. Among the notable parks in Kingwood are Deer Ridge Park, a 63-acre park with a duck pond, gazebo, picnic areas, playground, tennis courts, and basketball court; River Grove Park, with a boardwalk that provides scenic views of the San Jacinto River as well as excellent spots for fishing; Creekwood, with its natural hiking trails; and East End Park, an urban nature preserve teeming with biodiversity.

Golfers can tee off at Kingwood’s several world-class golf courses, including the challenging Kingwood and Deerwood courses at The Clubs of Kingwood, which was ranked as one of the Top 100 Golf Courses in Texas in 2012. The 18-hole course at Kingwood Cove Golf Club is ideal for the intermediate player, with pine trees lining every fairway, and water hazards coming into play on eleven holes.

Kingwood TX Homes for Sale, Rentals and Houston Real Estate

Housing options in Kingwood are mostly single-family residences and sprawling estate properties on heavily wooded lots that are located on quiet, tree-lined streets and cul-de-sacs in neighborhoods often referred to as “villages.” The lush greenery also makes for some lovely, picturesque views that provide much needed solace away from the hectic pace of city life. In addition, there are also newer and more contemporary types of homes like townhouses and condominiums, as well as high-end country club homes and waterfront real estate offering spectacular views of Lake Houston. Those who want to build their own custom homes can also avail of vacant land and lots that are ideal for new construction.

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Blending small-town appeal with progressive suburban sensibilities, the city of Friendswood is a charming bedroom community that was originally established in 1895 by English Quakers. Primarily a residential community, the area is dotted with lovely parks as well as miles of trails and lush greenery, providing a serene, picturesque setting for its residents. Known for its family-friendly neighborhoods, excellent school system, and convenient proximity to Houston, Friendswood has often been cited as one of America’s best places to live.

Things to Do

The Friendswood Historical Society offers tours of several museums and historical structures in the city, including the Frank J. Brown Heritage Museum and Barn, which is housed in a replica of the very first house built in Friendswood in 1895. The museum occupies the second floor of the house, with displays of artifacts and photos, while the barn was built with lumber that’s over 100 years old.

The Perry House, built in 1902, was the home of Nathan and Mary Perry, and is the oldest house in Friendswood. The house has since fallen into a state of disrepair, but the Friendswood Historical Society undertook the task of completely restoring the structure, which now stands as a historic site that’s open for tours by appointment.

The Friendswood Veterans Memorial adjacent to the Friendswood City Hall was dedicated in 2010. The memorial occupies 3,500 sq. ft. of open space, with an arched entry and two 7-foot granite columns on either side with a stainless steel globe and bronze eagle on top. A large stainless steel waving American flag dominates the memorial, along with an inscription on its base explaining its purpose.

Friendswood TX Homes for Sale, Rentals and Houston Real Estate

Real estate options in Friendswood provide homeowners with much-needed privacy away from big city bustle and traffic.Neighborhoods here are a mix of new developments and master-planned communities in lovely park-like settings, complete with tree-lined streets, landscaped yards and cul-de-sacs. You’ll find many single-family residences here, as well as townhouses, low-rise condos, and sprawling estate properties. There’s also ample vacant land and lots available that are perfect for new construction, for those who’d prefer to build their own custom home.

Check out the aptly named The Forest of Friendswood, a thickly wooded subdivision boasting beautiful neo-traditional single-family homes on large, tree-shaded lots that are set far back from the road. Edged by Melody Lane, Timber Creek and Randolph Park, the homes here were built in the period between 1998 and 2005.

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Named for its founder, Pleasant S. Humble, who later served as Justice of the Peace, the city of Humble began as a crossroads community for settlers during the late 1800s. Humble became a boomtown with the discovery of oil, and was the largest producing field in Texas by 1905, giving rise to the Humble Oil & Refining Company, which later became known as Exxon Corporation. In later years, oil production declined and many residents returned to their agricultural roots, but Humble has continued to grow and evolve, and is now considered as the commercial, economic, and social hub of northeast Harris County.

Things to Do

Shoppers will find everything they need at Deerbrook Mall, which is classified as a super-regional mall. Located along the bustling retail and commercial corridor along US 59, the mall has four anchor stores: Dillard’s, JCPenney, Macy’s, and Sears, as well as more than 130 shops and dining establishments that include well-known brands like Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle Outfitters, Barnes & Noble, Chipotle, Forever 21, GameStop, Gap, Palais Royal, Toys R Us, Vans, and more. In addition, Deerbrook Mall also has 24 movie screens managed by AMC Theatres.

The Humble Civic Center & Arena Complex houses a 40,000 sq. ft. covered expo building, an arena that seats about 5,000, a ballroom, and multipurpose rooms for venues and special events. The Humble ISD Rodeo, car andtruck shows, concerts, festivals, tournaments, fundraisers and banquets are usually held here.

Humble TX Homes for Sale, Rentals and Houston Real Estate

An abundance of single-family detached residences can be found in Humble, with townhouses and low-rise condominiums also offered in newer developments and high-density areas. Homes are located on tree-lined streets with landscaped yards and the occasional cul-de-sac, with mobile homes and sprawling estate properties in some areas. Those who want to build their very own custom home from scratch can do so, as there is plenty of vacant land and lots that are ideal for new construction. No matter your preference, there’s bound to be the right type of home waiting for you in Humble.

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Missouri City was established during the late 1800s as a railroad town, on land that was along the route of the Buffalo Bayou, Brazos, and Colorado Railway (BBB&C), the first railway in Texas. Early investors heavily advertised the town in St. Louis, Missouri, eventually naming it after the state in order to promote it more. Today, the city is an established bedroom community near Houston, and its beautiful natural setting, access to major transportation hubs, and tremendous economic growth have ranked it as among the best places to live in America.

Things to Do

The city’s rolling terrain and lush greenery has provided it with an abundance of parkland, and it has 20 developed parks maintained by the Missouri City Parks and Recreation Department. Community Park is among the biggest of the parks with 107 acres of prime land, and features numerous family-friendly facilities such as picnic tables, playground equipment, jogging trail, a basketball court, softball fields, covered pavilions, a central gazebo, and an open-air amphitheater. In addition, Community Park also has a lake that’s stocked with catfish, and fishing is allowed for those with valid fishing licenses.

Other notable parks in Missouri City include American Legion Park, known for its large lake with excellent fishing; Buffalo Run Park, with its four lakes and 1.9 miles of hiking and biking trails; Freedom Tree Park, which is adjacent to the site with a historic live oak planted during the mid-1800s; Hunters Glen Park, with its unique sprayground; Independence Park, with its main lake for fishing and boating; and Sta-Mo Sports Complex, with its five lighted baseball fields and four lighted softball fields.

Missouri City Homes for Sale, Rentals and Houston Real Estate

Missouri City has an excellent selection of housing options for everyone. Choices include single-family residences and there’sa very limited range of apartments, townhouses and condominiums in gated neighborhoods and master-planned communities like Lake Olympia, Lakes of Brightwater, Riverstone, Sienna Plantation, and Waterbrook, to name a few. Homes are generally affordable, with higher-end real estate like waterfront properties, luxury homes, and sprawling country estates available for those who prefer the utmost in upscale living. Some vacant land and lots that are perfect for new construction can also be purchased for those who prefer to build their own custom homes according to their specifications.

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