Daughter leads mom to Astoria's Independence

Many times, daughters follow in the footsteps of their mothers. But in Gloria Hobbs' case, she is following in her daughter's. After "falling in love" with her daughter's house at Astoria Homes' Silverado Place neighborhood, Hobbs purchased a home at the builder's Independence neighborhood in the southwestern valley.

"I was there the minute they opened their doors ... I had it planned this year that I was going to sell my condo and buy a house in the southwest part of the valley. Independence was the perfect place for me," Hobbs said.

She bought a three-bedroom, two bath home with a sunken living room and dining room. The home is under construction and will be completed later this month.

Hobbs' daughter, Deanna Leslie, lives in an "upside down" house, which features the kitchen and main living quarters upstairs.

Hobbs, an assistant manager at a gift shop, chose her home for several reasons, including its Energy Star rating, which certifies the house is at least 30 percent more energy efficient than standard homes.

"My daughter and I were comparing our gas and electric bills. The Energy Star program makes a difference..." she said.

Independence offers five two-story designs measuring between 1,246 and 1,421 square feet. Homes are priced from the low $130,000s to the mid-$140,000s.

To visit, take Interstate 215 to Durango Drive, go south to Warm Springs Road and go west. The sales office and models are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Friday, when they open at noon.

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