An increase in jobs is always a good sign that the real estate market in a city if growing. Marvin over at Creiz blogged a couple of months ago about how the jobs in Houston have grown from January 2006-2007 than any other metropolitan area in the nation. He also continues to speculate about the increase in traffic, and how our city would be much nicer with "greenery" in and around town.

I've personally been seeing the prices in Downtown Houston increase in value over the recent years. Many of my clients are actually seeing six figure yearly appreciation rates at certain points in the inner 610 Loop market.

Downtown [Houston] real estate is going to continue to increase in value so where will the majority of people (in the low to mid income range) end up looking for houses? More often than not they will probably be looking for real estate in the suburbs as property gets more and more expensive closer to downtown. - Marvin

I surely agree, and this is the main reason why I chose to live in the Northwest part of Houston which is known for it's tall majestic trees and attention to preserving the natural appeal of nature.

What features tend to influence you to purchase homes in the city you live in?