A 250-acre master-planned community in the Houston suburbs is reimagining neighborhood living by prioritizing sidewalks over steering wheels, as developers respond to what they describe as a growing demand for walkable communities.
Indigo, located in Richmond near Texas 99 and U.S. 90 in Fort Bend County, replaces traditional front yards with shared, car-free green spaces known as mews. Homes face one another across these linear parks, designed to encourage interaction among neighbors and create space for children to play.
Nick Panzarella, director of Indigo Commons for Meristem Communities, said the layout allows homes to be built closer together, helping reduce costs while promoting walkability and connection.
The development is currently home to about 100 residents. Many live in cottages ranging from 950 to 1,400 square feet, built without garages. Residents without cars can reserve a shared electric vehicle and participate in a private carpool group.
Phase one, totaling 261 homes, is nearing completion. Once fully built, Indigo is expected to include approximately 700 homes, along with a 13-acre commercial district divided into 32 small parcels aimed at attracting locally owned businesses.
The site also features a four-acre farm, 30 acres of pasture and a 40-acre lake for fishing, swimming and kayaking.
