Minecraft wiki entry for Best_biomes_for_homes, associated text: Consider building your first or permanent house here, with resources you've acquired from other biomes.
It is highly recommended not to kill villagers or leave them vulnerable to zombies by breaking their houses for wood. Eventually, iron golem farms and fully automatic crop farms will all become possible through villagers. They are also the only renewable source of enchanted diamond tools, weapons and armor.
Tall grass can be removed quickly by dumping water on the ground to wash it away, although this requires a bucket.
Build a more hidden house when on servers.