The Northwest section of Houston is also a high growth area-homes ranging in price from the mid-$70s to $450,000 are being built to accommodate those pursuing the value and quality of life offered by master-planning. The completion of the Sam Houston Tollroad, the upgrading of Hwy. 6 and Farm Road 1960 and improvements to Hwy. 290 have opened up accessibility to the region. This area is attractive to employees of local energy and chemical companies located on the west side.

BEAR CREEK/HIGHWAY 6
In the last two decades, as Houston became increasingly more urban, many residents sought a country living environment. One place they found it is in the expanse of land northwest of Houston.  As a result, the region has experienced a significant residential development as well as major office and industrial activity.  The area between the Katy Freeway and Highway 290 is referred to as Bear Creek and is one of the three distinct areas that make up Houston's northwest sector. Master-planned communities in Bear Creek include Fairfield and Deerfield Village.  Neighborhood homes are priced from the $60s to the $160s. Other subdivisions include Glen Cairn, Bear Creek Plantation and Pine Forest.

Copperfield, a second master-planned community north of the Bear Creek area, is composed of villages that span 1,800 acres. Each village has its own recreational facilities. Home prices range from the $80s to the $400s. Both Copperfield and Fairfield are products of Friendswood Development Co., which has developed other such master-planned communities throughout Houston. Copperfield and Fairfield are popular among young professionals.

CYPRESS-FAIRBANKS
The second major area of the northwest is Cypress-Fairbanks (Cy-Fair), demarcated by Highways 249 and 290. Here sits Lakewood Forest, a bedroom community of mainly singlefamily homes. It sprouted up around Compaq Computer Corp., which was founded in 1982 and is now one of the world's leading manufacturers of personal computers. 

Living in Lakewood Forest are many young families who are part of Compaq's 9,000 member work force. The community expects continued growth as Compaq expands.  Lakewood Forest home prices range from the low $100s to $350s and more. Many two-story brick homes sit on wooded lots that offer quiet havens. Multi-family housing is limited.

THE CHAMPIONS/1960 AREA
Making up the third area of the northwest is the land between Highways 249 and 1-45. The "Champions" was the northwest's first subdivision 25 years ago and the area retains the name.

Giving impetus to growth were Houston Intercontinental Airport, the Champions Golf Club and the Beltway 8 Sam Houston Toll Way. Other subdivisions followed, including Olde Oaks and Champion Forest with homes priced from the $100s to $1 million or more. Also is Northgate Forest, a neighborhood of custom estate homes starting in the $400s. Country clubs and golf courses abound in the Champions area, and the shopping is excellent, with Willowbrook Mall and the Greenspoint Mall just minutes away. Much of the new home building in the area is attributable to the nearby location of Houston-based Compaq Computer Corp.

Northwest residents appreciate the present and future freeway improvements aimed at facilitating travel in this high-growth region. U.S. Highway 290 has been extended from Little York to Highway 6.  But as much as these amenities, residents enjoy a safe, serene environment that contributes to their relaxed style of living.