I don't know if you have seen the new Kato residential houses (not cheap - but what's new for Kato). They are excellent. You really need to see them in person. If you have space on your layout and in your wallet and model the contemporary scene, they are very good.
A few days ago, I received my Rural station kit from Kato. It looks very impressive except the booklet. The instruction booklet is complete in the Japanese language and that for sure is not my cup of thee. I'll have to study the pictures before I can build this kit. Paul
The houses look good in the ad. Would be really nice for a suburban setting. I'm more excited about the Denny's though.