A large number of Houston's professionals call West Houston home. There is enough variety in architectural styles to please almost anyone. Prices tend to be on the upper end in Houston, topping out at well over $1 million, but it still is possible to find a home in the low hundreds, particularly in the Westheimer corridor and in far west Houston, where people have traded shortened drive times to downtown Houston and the Galleria area for more moderate prices.

Those wishing to live close-in often select the Galleria area. The convenience of nearby shopping and restaurants is a large draw for the area, as is the proximity of a number of multi-national corporations. "Uptown" as it is known overflows with 5-star restaurants which surround the Galleria Mall hosting hotels, posh boutiques, and an ice-skating rink. Night life abounds on the Richmond strip, with a variety of clubs ranging from hot night spots for swinging singles to quaint pubs and the often-controversial "gentleman's clubs." Housing in the area can accommodate the lifestyle needs and pockets of most professionals and the jet setters. Condominiums abound for those who prefer to spend less time with upkeep, single story older homes are available for those who want the convenience of the area without spending $500,000, and mansions are available to those of means in neighborhoods such as Tanglewood.

The close-in west side is another convenient location for those of means. Neighborhoods like Indian Trails and Sherwood Forest offer luxury housing, along with commute times to the Galleria of less than ten minutes, and to downtown via Memorial Drive in less than 15 minutes.

Families seeking a more rural feel often opt for the Memorial Villages. These six incorporated cities are clustered together along Interstate 10, the major east-west thoroughfare through Houston. Housing values vary, but tend to be on the upper end in Houston.

On the south side of Memorial, prices in The Villages begin in the $300,000 range and top out at well over $1,000,000. Because of the high price of lots in the area, older homes commonly are torn-down and replaced with massive 2-story structures, resulting in an eclectic mix of housing styles.

With its somewhat longer commute time, West Memorial tends to be somewhat less pricey than The Villages, but still offers an abundance of high-quality housing in very desirable neighborhoods.

Anyone who works downtown or on the west side of Houston and desires quality housing should consider settling in one of the many quality neighborhoods on Houston's west side.