Richmond's Innovative Suburb Designed To Resemble A Historic European Village Is A Walkable Texas Haven

Just 28 miles southwest of Houston, Texas, a new kind of suburb is taking shape in Richmond — one that reimagines American community living with a European twist. Indigo Commons, a 230-acre development in Fort Bend County, is positioning itself as a pedestrian-first, car-optional neighborhood focused on sustainability, accessibility, and human connection. Given that its neighboring city, Houston, is notoriously car-dependent — with few sidewalks and limited pedestrian options — Indigo offers a striking alternative. 

Designed for walkability, the award-winning development centers around a bustling town square lined with local retail spaces and a general store, making daily errands manageable without ever needing to hop in your car. The layout is especially appealing to people who don't drive, including children, seniors, and people with disabilities. Of course, cars are allowed, with sharable charging stations for electric vehicles available onsite. But Indigo isn't just about convenience — it's about creating a lifestyle. Inspired by 17th-century European "mews" (former horse stables converted into terrace houses), the development forgoes traditional front yards in favor of shared garden spaces and neighborly interactions, but also serve as functional passageways throughout the community. 

The innovative design of this suburb reflects a broader mission: to build an inclusive, eco-conscious neighborhood. In an era where many Americans are searching for affordable housing, community-orientated living, and greener alternatives to urban landscapes, Indigo Commons offers a thoughtful model of what the future of suburban development could look like.

At the heart of Indigo Commons is a vibrant town center, designed to be explored on foot. Retail buildings are for sale on the lot with plans for boutique shops, a gym, bakery, and brewery in the works to foster ties between residents and small business owners. Indigo's local general store and café , The Filling Station, is styled like a 1930s gas station and will serve as a thriving community meet-up spot.

The landscape of this suburb is designed to encourage neighbors to meet and mingle, replacing fences with communal courtyards and gardens. One such space, Block Party Mews, will host regular neighborhood events like outdoor block parties and communal meals featuring multicultural dishes from local food vendors. Indigo Farm, a 42-acre working urban farm within the community, further enhances the suburb's commitment to sustainability and local produce. The farm will produce organic fruits and vegetables, and live stock, while also offering agricultural classes. 

Green space is a major priority for Indigo's developers. Over 60% of the suburb's footprint is dedicated to outdoor areas, including a lake spanning 25 acres, nature trails, and dedicated zones for recreation. Somersault Mews includes a dog park, bocce ball court, and open lawn, while IndiGolf golf course is available to all Fort Bend County residents. These amenities are designed to get people outside, connecting not just with the environment, but with each other. "Our tagline is: 'What if places were designed for people, not cars, corporations, and capital?'" Scott Snodgrass, founding partner of Meristem Communities behind Indigo's development, told Streetsblog USA. "And so we wanted to find a way to develop a community that kind of shifted the emphasis back to people."

Indigo Commons is ideally situated between bustling urban life and tranquil nature scenes, making it an attractive investment for people in the market for real estate. Only 30 minutes away is Houston's impressive underground tunnel system, and an hour-and-a-half drive will get you to the family-friendly Lake State Park. Moreover, non-stop flights from Houston to the Caribbean gives residence options when vacationing. But how attractive is the cost of living at Indigo?

As housing prices continue to climb across the United States, Indigo aims to turn the dream of being a homeowner into an actual reality. At the center of Scott Snodgrass' mission is a commitment to breaking down long-standing barriers to homeownership. The developer acknowledges that many low-income families and people of color have historically faced systemic discriminations when applying for mortgages and buying a home. To address these inequalities, Indigo offers a variety of housing types that are strategically designed to maximize function even with smaller square footage — reducing the home's price tag. The developers also work with DEI-trained real estate professionals and provide educational resources like buyer-seller guides. The homes in Indigo feature a range of styles, such as townhomes, cottages, multi-story houses, duets, alley-load homes, and bungalows, with homes reaching 40 to 50 feet high. Prices range from $299,999 for townhomes to $756,895 for a four-bed, three-bath house. 

Located just off the Grand Parkway (State Highway 99) Indigo offers a prime location for families, with several schools in the Fort Bend Independent School District nearby. Additionally, Indigo plans to eventually include its own daycare and preschool. Modeled after the charm and design of historical European villages, Indigo combines intentional urban planning with modern sensibilities. The result is a walkable, inclusive haven in suburban Texas.