By CANDICE OLSON, HGTV

Franca and Pat both come from big Italian families that love to cook -- and eat! In fact, Pat turned his love of good food into his livelihood and opened a downtown Italian eatery that serves traditional fare cooked up by his mama.

Ken and Annette were longtime suburban dwellers, but their downtown jobs and long commutes left them longing to live in the heart of the city. They found the house of their dreams during one of their long city walks -- a charming, Victorian-heritage row house. And although it needed tons of work, they bought it with an eye to moving in slowly and retiring there for good.

Joanna and Al are hip, young professionals who live in an architecturally unique house with an open concept layout, several catwalks and open stairwells connecting different levels. The couple love to entertain, and the house has served as party central for their friends.

Brian is a former downhill skier who spent much of his life hitting the slopes, traveling around the globe and competing in four Olympics. But those days are behind him and his newest adventure is in full swing.

Gerry is a standup comedian with a schedule that is no laughing matter. He recently got married, moved into a new home and had a baby -- all while playing the comedy circuit and participating in the hit series "Last Comic Standing." Needless to say, his busy lifestyle didn't leave him much time to work on his new house, and his family room was in desperate need of help.

To shorten their extremely long commute, Barb and Evan moved out of the suburbs and into the city. But the economics meant they had to trade in their brand-new, spacious digs for a 100-year-old row house that needed lots of work.

Chantal and Jeff moved into their 1960s-era house four years ago with two kids, loads of energy and big plans to start renovating. But soon after settling in they found out they were expecting child number three. When little James came into the world with serious heart complications, renovations were put on hold and all energies went into supporting him.

Andrew and Rachel fell in love at first sight at a rock concert. Andrew was playing drums onstage and Rachel was in the front row. Fast forward 16 years and the two are happily married and living in a ranch-style house with their two beautiful daughters and Roxy the dog (named for one of their favorite songs).

Cal is an animation artist, director and teacher -- and a first-time homeowner. He moved into his home two years ago, a1920s semi-detached unit that was owned by an 80 year-old woman who hadn't changed it much in her 60 years of occupancy.

Ava and Dave are in the process of reinventing themselves. Ava is an IT consultant-turned-standup comic, and Dave is a real-estate agent who is trying his hand as a rapper. They have been married for five years, but have spent the last few years living apart.