Is there a reason why some homes are built this way?

I have a hunch and I was looking to see what others think

Driving around certain areas of Houston (such as Spring Branch, Oak Forest, Shady Acres and some parts of Southside), is there a reason why some of these houses are built where the front door is elevated?

I never really thought much about it until something someone told me recently. These front doors have some steps that you need to walk up and the garage is consequently taller (if it was built this way)

Someone who lived in Binglewood told me that if water got into your garage but not in front door, it’s not considered flooded and you don’t need to report it to insurance.

So are these houses with the elevated front doors in areas that may flood?

Im always looking at the flood maps but I’m looking for other visual cues since flood data isn’t available for some new developments