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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New builds often sit next to classic ranch homes here.
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Just south of I-10, the Memorial Villages unfold in a sweep of quiet lanes, mature trees, and elegant homes. Residents enjoy the feel of a secluded neighborhood wrapped in greenery while still staying close to Houston’s cultural, dining, and business hubs.
Brittany Waterman knows the Villages well. A native Houstonian, seasoned Realtor, and leader of The Steel Door Group at Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty, she has spent 16 years guiding clients across the city and the last several years immersed in the Villages’ tight-knit community, where she now lives with her husband and three children.
Her background in property management, event planning, and community leadership gives her what clients often call the “Realtor for Life” touch: detail-oriented, calm, and deeply connected.
“The community, the landscape, the trees — that’s what drew me in,” Waterman says. “Driving through the Villages just makes me happy.”
Her affection for the neighborhood shines through in how she describes it: established yet evolving, lushly green, and full of architectural personality. “The homes aren’t cookie-cutter at all,” she adds. “You might see a traditional ranch next to a modern new build, a Colonial beside a Mediterranean. It all blends together, and the mix of cultures and styles is part of what makes the Villages special.”
Waterman offered up a few of her personal favorites about life in the Memorial Villages south of I-10. Here's her guide to the area:
Where to eat & drink
One of the perks of living in the Villages is easy access to beloved neighborhood staples, many of which are just minutes away.
Waterman often finds herself at Jonathan’s the Rub, a longtime favorite for casual comfort and community energy. She also loves The Original Carrabba’s for classic Houston Italian, Federal Grill for its warm and upscale atmosphere, Island Grill for family-friendly lunches, and Escalante’s when Tex-Mex cravings strike.
“These spots feel like extensions of the neighborhood,” she says. “They’re the places where you bump into neighbors, celebrate milestones, or grab dinner after a long day.”
Where to play
Between the Bayou views, walking paths, and pocket parks, the Villages offer an abundance of ways to unwind outdoors. Waterman especially loves the hidden walking trails that weave through each Village, often tucked behind rows of mature trees. “The trails are one of the true gems of this area,” she says. “They’re peaceful, shaded, and they connect the community in a really organic way.”
Residents enjoy tree-lined routes perfect for dog walks, stroller strolls, or morning jogs before heading into the city. And while the neighborhood feels serene, its location makes everyday life remarkably convenient. With close proximity to I-10, 610, and Beltway 8, locals can reach nearly any part of Houston quickly, whether for work, school, or entertainment.
“You don’t feel the hustle of the city,” Waterman notes, “yet you can be anywhere quickly.”
Where to live
Refined luxury and architectural diversity define the Villages. Spacious lots, mature trees, and carefully maintained streets create a distinctive sense of place, while the homes themselves bring character to every block. Buyers will find everything from single-story ranch homes to modern new construction and custom estates — often situated side by side. The effect is timeless, eclectic, and undeniably charming.
Waterman describes the area as “an upscale suburb with a welcoming, neighborly feel — a bubble in the middle of a big city.” Many properties offer Bayou views or sit beneath the neighborhood’s famous tree canopies, giving daily life a scenic, calming backdrop.
The Villages also stand apart thanks to their strong municipal identity. Each has its own city government and police force, creating a notable sense of safety, access, and community pride.
Zoned to Spring Branch ISD and surrounded by excellent private-school options, the Villages attract families seeking stability, beauty, and long-term roots. “It’s a neighborhood where people of all ages can enjoy life,” Waterman says. “The walkability, the landscape, the community ties — there’s nothing else like it in Houston.”
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Brittany Waterman lives, works, and plays in the Memorial Villages south of I-10. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email brittany.waterman@sothebys.realty, or call 713-823-4695.
