VOLUME IV: NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHTSugar Land, TexasCompiled by Azeezah Ayodolapo AlausaIf you’re looking to live in one of the best places in Texas, Sugar Land makes the cut, according to Stacker. With a 2020 population of more than 117K, Sugar Land is the 33rd largest city in Texas and the 249th largest city in the United States.

The affluent town is on the rise with new construction and a boost in residents, along with an increasing job market (pre-COVID-19). Tourist attractions come aplenty, including tours like the “Sweet: A Tasty Journey” at the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land in 2017.Located in eastern Fort Bend County, Sugar Land is approximately 20 miles from downtown Houston in the southwestern part. Founded in the mid-1800s as a sugar plantation and then incorporated in 1959, this city is a full-service municipality.Jobs in Sugar LandThe robust workforce in Sugar Land is composed of residents with specialized skills and a high population of academic degrees (63.5%). The average resident is just over 41 years of age. With a typical salary of $51,205 annually, the job market is largely in biotechnology, engineering, finance, manufacturing, medical and technology fields.Quality of Life in Sugar Land, TexasSafety is key in Sugar Land. The crime rate reportedly decreased by 26% from 2019 to 2020, is 60% lower than the state average and is 57% lower than the national average. The Department of Public Safety ranks this town as the fourth safest city in Texas.Education in Sugar Land, TexasSugar Land has 82 schools in total whereby the Fort Bend Independent School District serves all students across the neighborhood. Almost half (45%) of the schools are top-rated elementary schools, middle schools and high schools within the city's boundary. Sugar Land is also home to the famous Wharton County Junior College, which is located on the University of Houston Sugar Land campus. WCJH provides students the option to complete their first two years there, and then continue on to complete a bachelor’s degree with University of Houston at Sugar Land on the same campus.Cost of Living in Sugar LandAccording to the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2SR), the cost of living in Sugar Land is estimated to be 90.3% of the national average (192 of 273). On average, homeowners pay $301K with a median price of $144 per square foot. However, depending on whether you stay in a metro or suburban neighborhood, this price may go up or down.Shopping, Dining and Entertainment in Sugar LandWhen it comes to outdoor activities, Sugar Land is a good place to be, especially with a total of 27 parks. There are also spots for fishing, an Ice & Sports Center, a skate park, 20 miles of walking and biking trails, a dog park, a BMX track, kayaking and canoeing, and more.The famous Sugar Land Town Square remains the primary entertainment center in Sugar Land and Fort Bend County. Apart from its restaurants and shopping venues, the Sugar Land Town Square also offers a full-service Marriott Hotel with a conference center, a public plaza, mid-rise offices and the Sugar Land City Hall.Other Notable Facts About Sugar Land, Texas Include:
  • Sugar Land has been named “A Community of Respect” by the Anti-Defamation League.