Bridgeland is an 11,400-acre community located in northwest Houston near U.S. 290 and the much-anticipated new section of the Grand Parkway, a 180-mile mobility enhancement project for the greater Houston area.

Named 2008 Master-Planned Community of the Year by the National Association of Home Builders and Developer of the Year in 2010 by the Greater Houston Builders Association and in 2011 by the Texas Association of Builders, Bridgeland carefully balances residential life with the surrounding Cypress Creek Corridor and Katy Prairie, environmental gems that have provided refuge and foraging areas to hundreds of species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Bridgeland’s multi-faceted amenity mix incorporates concerted efforts to preserve the natural landscape, resulting in vast open spaces and true nature trails where residents can hike through woods and enjoy wildlife observation areas. Residents benefit from uniquely planned park areas no more than a quarter of a mile from any homesite, as well as lakes, a concert pavilion and a resort-style recreation complex with swimming, tennis, fitness and more — one of four that will be built in the development. An on-site activities director maintains a full calendar of large- and small-scale resident events and classes.

Bridgeland’s master plan also includes space for on-site schools, places of worship and retail pocketed near residential areas. At the heart of the development will be the Bridgeland Town Center, offering residents shopping, entertainment and work opportunities. While development of the town center is several years away, planners expect the area could offer hospitals, schools, retail, restaurants and more, creating a live-work-play hub for the entire region.

Just past its five-year anniversary, Bridgeland is ranked 12th on Metrostudy’s list of the nation’s 20 top-selling master-planned communities.