In an effort to live apart from the hustle of the Houston metropolis, corporate executives began settling in the outlying areas of the city. The lure of seclusion, privacy, and large parcels of land just ten miles outside of the crowded downtown streets served as the impetus for the Memorial Villages area.

Originally comprised of six villages including Hunters Creek, Piney Point, Bunker Hill, Hedwig, Spring Valley, and Hilshire, they covered approximately eleven square miles. The later construction of the Katy Freeway separated the Spring Valley and Hilshire villages, so that now when people refer to the Memorial Villages, it is accepted that they mean the four remaining villages south of the Interstate.

The founding residents created the villages in the 1950s, thus circumventing Houston from annexing the area. Memorial quickly became identified as an affluent residential community offering a country estate atmosphere. Memorial is well known for its independence. Its population boasts some of the highest median household income statistics in the country. Large acreage, strict adherence to deed restrictions, Village patrol services, as well as the nationally recognized Spring Branch Independent School District, enhance the appeal of Memorial living. Access to downtown, the Medical Center, and the Galleria is conveniently provided by Memorial Drive or the freeway system. Various private schools and well known academies are sprinkled throughout the Memorial Villages.

Unlike River Oaks, the architecture of the homes often appears less formal. Many houses are hidden from the street due to the long, winding, heavily treed driveways. The open land and large, heavily wooded lots and small lakes, in addition to the country atmosphere, enhance the desire for the Memorial lifestyle. Although commercialism and billboards are prohibited, strip shopping centers are available at the edges of the various neighborhoods. Large estate homes are found throughout the Villages. Home prices vary from the high $300,000s to several million.

Memorial has surfaced as the answer to living in the country while having immediate access to city amenities. Within moments, the towering pines give way to freeway overpasses. For a unique lifestyle, Memorial offers a fine residential community.