There are so many great places to live in Houston that it helps to have an expert on your side. The Neighborhood Guide presented by Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty gives you insider access from the agents who live and work there, providing in-the-know info about your possible new community

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“When you reside in Highland Village, you're centrally located and close to so many special places and activities in Houston,” says Jack Swonson, who has been living in the area for 17 years. “In addition to the incredible neighborhoods, there’s a mix of fabulous shopping and restaurants and easy access to the major arteries that connect you to the rest of the city.”

A self-described United States Air Force brat, Swonson also served 21 years in the USAF as an F-16 pilot.

Now he appreciates being able to use the critical skills he developed in the military to positively impact people's lives and help them find their dream home.

A longtime ski whiz who has raced, instructed, and skied all around the United States and Europe, Swonson also puts his experience on the slopes to work for his real estate clients, too.

Having established a dedicated team of knowledgeable, established agents from 18 of Sotheby’s resorts across the U.S. and Canada, he provides Houstonians with the best network of mountain resort expertise when they travel to their favorite vacation destinations.

Closer to home, Swonson shared a few of his personal favorites about life in Highland Village. Here's his guide:

Where to eat & drink
Swonson’s short list includes Escalante's for the best Tex-Mex and Ragin Cajun when you need your gumbo fix.

Bosscat Kitchen & Libations has a wonderful bar and atmosphere, and so does Liberty Kitchen & Oysterette, he advises.

For patio time, he heads to Toulouse Café & Bar, where they often bring in live music, too.

Elois Nichols Grill & Liquors is an American bistro with a great lunch and dinner, and their house cocktails are a food group in their own right.

And for delicious Southern food and old-school River Oaks charm, all you need is Ouisie's Table.

Where to play
“The Ivy Dog Park is a great place to chill and relax in a couple of Adirondack chairs under the trees,” says Swonson.

Where to live
Swonson mentions that Highland Village is turning into the contemporary/modern destination in the city, boasting neighborhoods that work for anyone who wants to be close to the culture of Houston and everything that's luxurious.

“Oak Estates and Afton Oaks, which are part of River Oaks, are in the middle of everything happening in Houston,” he adds.

Swonson recently sold the elegant home at 30 Lana Lane in West Lane Place to clients who were transferring from Chicago.

“This subdivision is known for a more quiet, professional mood, which was perfect for this empty-nester couple,” he says. “The home is luxurious and located in an area where they can walk to any amenities they desire.”

“Professional, knowledgeable, and honest, Jack is here to help — protecting you now and for your future real estate needs,” says the buyer.

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Jack Swonson works and plays in Highland Village. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email jack.swonson@sir.com, or call 713-456-9381.