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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Located in The Woodlands, Carlton Woods is actually made up of two neighborhoods: Carlton Woods and Carlton Woods Creekside.

Real estate agent Kelly Shearer lived in the first for nearly a decade and now calls the second home, and she has loved living in both communities.

"My favorite thing about both neighborhoods is when passing through the gates, you truly feel as if you have arrived on vacation in a beautiful resort, with meticulously maintained landscaping and seasonal flowers, rolling golf courses, and an abundance of natural beauty," Shearer says.

She was drawn to the area for the excellent schools and activities it offered for her three young children, its strong sense of community, and the peaceful quality of life and closeness to nature found in The Woodlands. Her two Goldendoodles, Teddy and Jake, especially love the abundance of green space and wildlife found in their neighborhood as well.

Carlton Woods is extra appealing to those who desire a country club lifestyle, Shearer notes, and she herself is a member of The Club at Carlton Woods. This grants her family access to two gorgeous clubhouses— one in each neighborhood — with dining, tennis, fitness, and social events. Golfers can enjoy access to world-class golf at both the Nicklaus Course, located in Carlton Woods, and the Fazio Course, located in Carlton Woods Creekside.

"Carlton Woods and Carlton Woods Creekside both feature similar lifestyles and amenities, however their locations provide each with their own unique personality and neighborhood events," Shearer explains. "Both are zoned to top-rated schools — Conroe ISD for Carlton Woods and Tomball ISD for Carlton Woods Creekside — while Carlton Woods is located in Montgomery County and Carlton Woods Creekside is located in Harris County."

Shearer specializes in The Woodlands and has been actively selling homes in Carlton Woods for the past several years, something she says happened organically after raising her family there.

"I love being able to introduce new families to all of the wonderful amenities available to residents of both Carlton Woods neighborhoods and help them settle in to their beautiful new life here in The Woodlands," she says.

Shearer offered up a few of her personal favorites about life in Carlton Woods. Here's her guide:

Where to eat & drink
Marcoza Trattoria (formerly Avanti Italian Kitchen) is Italian in a cozy atmosphere with an outdoor patio that often features live music, and is a favorite of the Shearer family.

Fielding's Local pairs its great patio with a locally sourced seasonal menu, lively atmosphere, and terrific brunch.

For special occasions and happy hour with the girls, she heads to Perry's Steakhouse for its lively atmosphere and consistently delicious menu options.

Via Emilia is pure old-school Italian with wonderful service and live music. For a fun and festive meal out, it's got to be Goode Company Cantina, which boasts terrific margaritas and Tex-Mex.

When a quaint breakfast or lunch is needed, Levure French Bakery fits the bill with its authentic French pastries, strong coffee, and locally grown organic menu.

Grocery stores in close proximity to each community include HEB and Trader Joe's.

Where to play
Within Carlton Woods there are extensive walking and biking paths that lead outside the gates and connect to miles of trails throughout The Woodlands.

Each neighborhood has its own park for residents to enjoy, both with a lovely pavilion that can be reserved for birthday or school parties. They also each feature a splash pad, playground, and basketball courts.

"In Carlton Woods, the park is situated next to a tranquil pond and has a large field for impromptu soccer or football games, and in Carlton Woods Creekside there are two tennis courts, a community clubhouse available for resident use, and a gorgeous green lawn, frequently used for bocce ball and the annual Halloween trick-or-treating event," Shearer says.

All residents are able to use the numerous tennis courts and new pickleball facility within The Woodlands Township as well.

Terramont Park is located right outside of Carlton Woods and has a huge playground, basketball court, and skate park for the children, as well as a popular disc golf course.

Riva Row Boathouse on the Woodlands Waterway offers kayak rentals for Lake Woodlands, and Northshore Park offers a canoe/paddleboarding/kayak launch as well as a fun playground.

Rob Fleming Park is located right outside of Carlton Woods Creekside and offers a huge pool and waterpark with slide and lazy river, a gorgeous pavilion lodge, playground, and fishing, and an awesome TreeVentures outdoor ropes course at the recreation center.

The George Mitchell Nature Preserve runs along Spring Creek, which is located in between both Carlton Woods neighborhoods and features hiking and biking trails throughout the preserve. Numerous dog parks are located in close proximity to both neighborhoods as well.

What to see
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion brings world-class performers to the beloved outdoor concert venue throughout the year.

"Public art is integral to The Woodlands, and numerous original sculptures and exhibits are found throughout the community," Shearer says. "The annual Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival is the largest in the nation and a can't-miss event each spring."

Where to live
"There is truly something for everyone, as residents can choose from a variety of enclaves within the gates, each with a different feel, from a larger estate home on several acres to more of a lock-and-leave residence, and everything in between," says Shearer. "Carlton Woods and Carlton Woods Creekside feature a variety of tasteful, custom-built homes, priced from the high $1 million to $13 million and up. Gorgeous estate homes line the golf courses in both neighborhoods, while numerous lakes and ponds offer tranquil water views for many residents as well."

A current listing of Shearer's, 27 Pronghorn Pl., is a six-bedroom home that's amazing for entertaining.

A manicured interior courtyard is centered around the saltwater pool and expansive outdoor kitchen. The property also features a media room, game room with full bar, and private guest suite with its own full kitchen and bathroom.

For previous significant sales, a four-bedroom home on Winslow Way in the Maymont section of Carlton Woods caught a buyer's eye, and Shearer helped them secure the desirable cul-de-sac property. Inside, custom finishes could be found throughout the airy and refined residence. Beautifully landscaped, the wooded lot enhanced the entertaining possibilities with a pool, outdoor kitchen, and fireplace.

“My husband and I had an amazing buying experience with Kelly," says the new owner. "She is a delight to work with and a highly knowledgeable and experienced real estate professional. ”

On the selling side, Shearer represented a five-bedroom located in the popular Provence section of Carlton Woods. Old World craftsmanship was combined with gorgeous curb appeal, while the huge open kitchen and family room overlooked a sparkling pool, spa, and outdoor kitchen.

“Kelly Is a top-notch professional with a caring heart," shares the seller. "She knows just how to prepare a home for selling, and made every effort to market our home. She provided constant communication and made us feel like we were her only client. We highly recommend Kelly!

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Kelly Shearer works and plays in Carlton Woods in The Woodlands. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email kelly.shearer@sothebys.realty, or call 713-397-5976.