I have come to the realization that the best way to really get to know a neighborhood is to walk in it early every morning and observe it while it changes from sunrise to sunrise. Some days you see a real estate sign on a property that just came up for sale while some others you see public notice signs as a foreshadowing of a new development to come. I am pleased to say that I have come to know my neighborhood quite well during my morning walks.

For those that are not familiar, Westhaven Estates is a lovely community that consists of two principal streets (Nantucket and Potomac) that extends from Westheimer (south) to Woodway (north) located near the Galleria Area just outside of Houston's Inner Loop. The neighborhood's location is strategically placed between two of the oldest and most prestigious neighborhoods in Houston: Tanglewood and Briargrove. The homes in this gorgeous subdivision range from the low $200s to over $1M. The residents of the neighborhood joke that unless you live in Westhaven Estates you don't even know it's there even if you drive by it every day.

The architecture of homes in Westhaven Estates varies from contemporary to classic with a wide majority of homes being either single family luxury patio homes and attached townhouses. There are full fledged single family homes sitting on good size lots as well and they usually demand top dollar in this trendy neighborhood where land is so expensive. My personal favorite is a project by Allen Bianchi Architects near Woodway that features an outstanding contemporary design. None of these homes have been for sale through my time observing this neighborhood and I can understand why.

This community has been developed in several phases. The very first phase of development happened in the1950s when there was not much happening in the area. Several duplexes from that time still remain in good shape in the area. The primary substantial development of Westhaven Estates happened in the late 70s and early 80s when reputable developers began transforming this predominantly single family neighborhood into zero lot line large luxury homes that demand less maintenance. And such, a great neighborhood was born. It's proximity some of the highest rated schools like Briargrove Elementary and Grady Middle School make it a very desirable place to live. The second phase of development started in the mid 1990s with several developers replacing older homes with newer stucco, luxurious homes many of which featured personal size pools as well.

Now, in my morning walks I have started to notice a rebirth in this neighborhood with several construction projects that are ongoing at different stages. For instance, in the 2300 block of Nantucket, a project called Nantucket Manor by Urban Living and Morgan Residential Construction is well under way and will feature six luxury homes with Spanish tile roofs. According to the company's website, the prices are "to be determined" as of right now.

In addition, in the 1800 block of Nantucket there are two new construction projects across the street from each other. The first project features Spanish tile roofs, gated entrance, backyard pools and it is now been complete for about four months. Homes in this project demanded a price tag just shy of $1M. Across the street, a project called Nantucket Estates by Elron Construction is pretty much complete and the homes are currently available for sale from the mid $700s and $200/SF.

A little further north just past San Felipe a new construction project is underway in the 1600 block of Nantucket by Keith Malloy Construction featuring Lucian Hood designs. The project is currently in the framing stage but from signs posted on the property it will feature three large (approx. 4000 SF) homes with pools and carry a price tag just over $1M and $250/SF.

Further west, on Potomac, a new project by Prestige Builders is past framing and now the project is starting to show some of the old world finishes that can be seen in the architect renderings. This project features three large luxury homes (4600 SF) with exceptional accents like rooftop gardens with fireplace and ample balconies. The design mixes old world stone accents with a contemporary overall design. According to the developer two of the three homes are currently sold and the remaining one is asking a price of $1.45M and $311/SF.

In addition to these homes there are several lots that have either been cleared and prepared for construction or have "Notice of Public Hearing" signs on them.

This truly feels like another rebirth for this neighborhood that is trying to raise the bar through over the top finishes and matching prices. It will be up to the market to determine whether Westhaven Estates will begin this journey towards higher values by the way of developers' vision.

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Erion Shehaj | Real Estate Broker and Chief Investment Adviser with Signature Real Estate. Houston Real Estate Company providing residential real estate sales, houston bank foreclosures, Houston HUD Homes and other investment properties in the Greater Houston Area.