Sugar Land sets new standards for livability, says the town's official web site, and the truth is in the living. Homes here enjoy the benefits of a beautiful sub-tropic climate, one of the lowest crime rates in the state and an open, welcoming community. If you're considering relocating to the Houston area, it's more than worth your time to tour the wide range of available homes in Sugar Land.

Originally founded in the mid-1800s as a sugar plantation, this place was incorporated as a city in 1959. Just 20 miles southwest of Houston, the small municipality offers residents a wide range of municipal services with a small town, neighborhood feel. As of January 1, 2007, the population here was 76,228, making it the fastest growing city in all of Texas. There's little wonder that so many are finding their dream homes in Sugar Land. The city offers a little bit of everything to suit nearly any family.

High on the list of the most desired homes, are those located in one of the areas many master planned communities. The city has more master planned communities than any other city in the state. The benefits of living in a master planned community include having all the necessities and niceties of living within a short distance of your home.

Most planned community homes here are within a few blocks of parks, swimming pools, shopping areas and commercial districts, as well as community centers that offer everything from baseball and tennis courts to dance and yoga classes.

The real estate market here is among the best in the state, with many affordable housing options, from town house and condominiums to single family suburban style homes to luxury estates and villas. The variety of homes here makes it easy to find just the neighborhood and home that you dream of for your family.

From First Colony, the area's first master-planned community, to Telfair, the areas newest, the planned communities and family neighborhoods here make the city one of the most desired places to live in Texas, and indeed in the entire country.

In 2007, CNN Money magazine listed it third on its list of Hot Places to Live. The combination of affordable housing, strong economy and wonderful community spirit put the little city in third place on CNN Money magazine's 2006 Best Places to Live list. Among the reasons for the city's high ranking in the list:

- The median price for homes here is a low $214,330.

- The median home price gain for homes here is high at 9.50%

- The schools are exceptional, with average test scores ranking a full 15.4% above the state average.

- Job growth makes the economy strong and expected to grow stronger.

- The transportation infrastructure is solid and improving.

Living in here puts you twenty miles away from one of the nation's most cosmopolitan cities. Houston offers all the amenities of a world class city, with fine restaurants, world-recognized museums, opera, symphony and theater, and world class shopping.

Residents live within minutes of all the best culture, entertainment and night life without sacrificing the serenity and neighborliness of small town living. One needn't stray as far as Houston to find entertainment and recreation, though. It is home to over 3,000 restaurants, 51 public golf courses, 27 libraries and 5 accredited museums.

For those who enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and nature, It promises 90 clear days a year, with a high of about 90 degrees in summer and a low of 41 in the winter. The stellar climate offers plenty of opportunity to take advantage of the many parks, water features and public pools that are available to residents, both within and outside the many master planned communities.

The city boasts over 770 acres of recreational land distributed over neighborhood and community parks that offer picnic areas, swimming pools, volleyball and tennis courts and playing fields. The city is also developing another 400 acres of parkland according to a master plan to be effected over the next twenty years.

Despite its popularity, it still offers highly affordable housing for residents. The cost of homes here ranges from $70,000 to $1 million, with the majority of available homes here selling for less than $250,000. Whether your family life style is decidedly suburban, upscale urban or small town friendly, you'll find that it has something special to offer. Contact a local realtor to learn more about the many available homes in Sugar Land, the sweetest place in Texas.