Houston Community News >> Home Sweet Home in Sugar Land, Texas

6/16/2007 Sugar Land, TX-- The city of Sugar Land is located on the Gulf Coast of Texas. Home to the headquarters of Imperial Sugar, it is the fastest growing city in Texas, with growth of 158 percent in the last ten years. Real estate is at a premium here as the city continues to grow and develop at a record-setting rate.

Now part of the Houston metropolitan area, it was originally incorporated in 1959. It is the largest city in Fort Bend County, and is ranked as Money magazine's "hottest" place to live in Texas, which also rates it as the third "hottest" location to live in the entire United States. It also holds the title of "Fittest City in Texas" for a city of its size, and has held that title for four consecutive years.

So what is it that makes real estate here such a hot commodity? What brings people to the little city in such droves?

For one thing, Sugar Land has the largest number of master planned living communities in the entire state of Texas, which has the largest number of master planned communities in the country. Planned communities offer amenities to their residents within easy reach and commute. They are designed for comfortable living, and include recreational facilities, shopping and dining opportunities and nearly everything else one could desire in a residential area.

Real estate sales also get a boost from the strength of the local economy. Both Outlook Magazine and Texas Business cited it as one of the "Top Cities in Texas" on the strength of its diversified business interests and burgeoning economy. Sugar Land boasts an abundance of commercial growth, with major players in many industries choosing to locate in the city. Those industries include technology, communications, energy, electronics, construction and engineering.

Despite the growth, it is working to maintain its profile as a people city. Zoning ordinances restrict how many levels buildings may have, controlling the city's physical profile. Sugar Land Town Square is pedestrian-friendly, with retail stores, restaurants, sidewalk cafes and entertainment encouraging a busy, comfortable downtown area.

It also wins high marks for its public education. As part of the Fort Bend Independent School District, the ninth largest ISD in Texas, the schools here enjoy a reputation for excellence. Fort Bend ISD has been named one of the "Best Communities for Music Education" in the country for three consecutive years. The school system has received multiple awards and honors, both state and national, and enjoys the full support of the community in all of its efforts.

Residents here enjoy a wealth of natural resources. The area includes over 300 acres of lakes and 600 acres of land set aside as public parks and recreation areas. There are 12 golf courses within the master planned communities alone, as well as many other recreational facilities for the use of Sugar Land residents and visitors.

Despite the record economic growth, real estate prices in Sugar Land remain reasonable. The average selling price for a home in Sugar Land is $250,000, with home prices ranging from $100,000 to $2 million. The range of homes available encompass the full spectrum of residential options, from apartments and condominiums to single family homes to full estates and waterfront villas. In addition to residential real estate, you'll also find a great deal of commercial real estate available for development.

The most popular real estate offerings are homes in the thirteen master planned communities. These range from First Colony, the first master planned community in the area, to Avalon, still under development. Homes range in price from $100,000 to $2 million, with amenities offered varying from community to community. First Colony, for instance, offers a strong homeowners' association and community ties. It boasts excellent schools, and a wonderful atmosphere for growing young families. Many of the planned communities include country clubs and golf greens, as well as other recreational opportunities for residents.

Sugar Land offers the best of both worlds. With downtown Houston just twenty miles away, you can have the pleasure and benefits of living in a small, suburban town and the advantages of all the big city amenities of living within an easy drive of one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. If you're in the market for a new home in the Houston area, contact a Sugar Land real estate agent for information about living in one of the hottest spots to live in the entire country.

(Contributed by Karen Karapasha is a top Realtor and relocation specialist who assists home buyers and sellers. The Karapasha Team has ranked among the Top 25 Realtors in Houston since 2001. Visit http://www.karenkarapasha.com for homes in Katy, Houston and surrounding areas or call Karen at 281-578-4000)