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Despite its size, Houston is a livable city that caters to all its citizens. Newcomers are often pleasantly surprised by the region's quality of life and affordability. Houston ranks as one of the least expensive large metro areas in which to maintain a standard of living, according to the Cost of Living Index published by the American Chamber of Commerce Researchers Association. Houston's competitive advantage over other large metro areas is tied primarily to low housing costs.
Whether you choose to live in the established neighborhoods of River Oaks, University, Tanglewood, and Memorial or in one of the new communities that have sprung up in and around the city, you'll be able to find a home in your price range. One of the most distinctive neighborhoods to be built in the region is Waterford Harbor, a gated waterfront community tucked away on Clear Lake's southern shore. Homes here feature custom coastal architecture by such builders as Classic Builders, Dusenbury Custom Homes, and Masterpiece Homes. The beauty of the neighborhood is punctuated by the Clear Lake marina and the extensive trails for walking, cycling, and jogging. With custom homes at the water's edge priced from the low $300s to $3 million and garden homes from the $190s to mid $300s, Waterford Harbor offers a warm, neighborly environment to its residents.
A residential development that has generated a lot of excitement is the 27-story Villa d'Este, the first luxury residential high-rise built in Houston since 1984. The building will contain 100 units, with square footages ranging from 2,390 square feet to 4,035 square feet. They will include such appointments as granite-topped counters, marble baths, and large inviting kitchen areas. Prices for the units start at $470,000.
To complement the high-rise property, developer Interfin Corporation is also developing Uptown Park, a 149,000-square-foot retail complex designed by Brand plus Allen Architects. The European-style center will feature beautifully landscaped grounds with connecting pedestrian paths for convenient access to restaurants, boutiques, and other tenants who will provide services needed by the nearby high-rise homeowners and other Houstonians.
Houston is a great big city with so many attributes, so many things to do, and so many opportunities that even seasoned residents are constantly discovering new and interesting aspects of this go-to city, one of the world's most fascinating places.