We hate most of the townhomes gobbling up inner-Loop neighborhoods these days: Many of them are bland, poorly constructed cookie-cutter houses that destroy the character of the neighborhood they're built in. Which makes it all the better when we run across really good townhomes, like these on West Alabama in Montrose.

The 505, designed by Jim Evans of Collaborative Designworks, has won all kinds of awards since it was finished a couple of years ago, and with good reason: The four townhomes in the complex are carefully arranged to balance openness and privacy, and their striking modern design doesn't overwhelm the mix of architectural styles along that stretch of West Alabama. Inside, the houses feel much larger than they are, with a mix of indoor and outdoor living spaces (including a third-floor deck and the opportunity to add a roof deck overlooking downtown) and a huge, open living room/bar/kitchen/dining room area on the second floor. Bamboo, concrete and limestone interior surfaces add interest and richness.

If you're going to live in a house that shares walls and has no yard, we figure you might as well pick one that's architecturally stunning — and, of course, we strongly urge you to invite Houstonist over once you move in. Bedrooms: three. Bathrooms: three and a half. Square feet: 2,970. Price: $595,000.