The town square in Sugar Land, TX, hosts events like festivals, concerts, markets and outdoor movies.
iStock/carrollmt

Sugar Land, TXBest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023

Located in the heart of Texas, Sugar Land is the perfect blend of Southern charm and big city amenities. From top-rated schools to a diverse culinary scene and a strong sense of community, Sugar Land offers the ideal balance of comfort and convenience.

Sugar Land, TX, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America

It’s true; life is just sweeter in Sugar Land, TX. Once a major producer of — you guessed it! — sugar, Sugar Land has made a name for itself with its safe neighborhoods, diverse residents, brilliantly designed master-planned communities, exceptional medical care and highly educated workforce. It’s easy to see why this Houston suburb is one of the best places to live in the U.S. 

Sugar Land’s business-friendly climate is attracting companies from a number of industries like biotech, insurance, manufacturing and more. But there are also many job opportunities and a close-knit community for entrepreneurs just 20 minutes away in Houston, one of the biggest U.S. cities.

Sugar Land’s well-planned communities are great for those looking to put down roots and raise families while working in the Houston metroplex. New residents have their pick of dozens of neighborhoods and communities, from Avalon, where you’ll find waterfront neighborhoods and 70 acres of lakes, to Italian-Renaissance-style townhomes with lake views in Lake Pointe Town Center, to Sugar Creek, which is known for its country clubs and golf courses.

While neighborhoods have tons of greenways and walking trails, there are also a couple dozen public parks, more than 50 miles of walking, running and biking trails, a town square with shops and restaurants, plus all kinds of events like fitness meetups, festivals, concerts, markets and outdoor “date night” movies.

Families have all kinds of fun things to do with kids in Sugar Land, too, like visiting the interactive Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center, where kids can do science experiments, explore Gullah history and cultural heritage, and play with one another in the tot spot or Kidtropolis, a kid-run city. 

Sugar Land residents can also catch concerts close to home at the Smart Financial Centre, a state-of-the-art performance venue with moveable walls that can expand and contract and host events for up to 6,400 people. In addition, baseball fans can cheer on the Space Cowboys minor league team at Constellation Field, which is an absolute blast. The ballpark has a simulated baseball experience called Moonshot Alley, which tracks your pitching and hitting metrics. Finally, at Karbach Cantina, baseball fans can enjoy a beer garden and rounds of cornhole.

Sugar Land, TX Quality of Life LivScore

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Sugar Land, TX Top Categories

  • Economy

  • Housing & Cost of Living

  • Education

Sugar Land ranks highest for economy, housing and education.

Weather and Outdoor Activities in Sugar Land, TX

What is the weather like in Sugar Land?

Summers are hot and humid, with days surpassing 90 degrees, while winters are mild, with temperatures in the 60s from December through February. The average highs and lows are 93°F and 74°F (summer) and 65°F and 44°F (winter).

Does Sugar Land get a lot of snow?

The average annual snowfall in Sugar Land is so low that it is extremely rare for the area to receive any measurable snow.

Does Sugar Land get a lot of rain? 

The average annual rainfall in Sugar Land is around 50 inches per year. Rain is evenly distributed in Sugar Land but tends to be more frequent during spring and early fall. 

How many sunny days does Sugar Land get?

Sugar Land averages 204 sunny days a year.

What are some things to do outside in Sugar Land?

Walk or bike along the trails in Sugar Land Memorial Park, situated on the Brazos River.

Things To Do in Sugar Land, TX

What is something you can do for free in Sugar Land?

Kick up your feet at The Lawn at First Colony Mall, a green open-space concept where families can relax, play games or watch a movie on the big screen. In addition to movie screenings, The Lawn offers a variety of free events throughout the year, including yoga and live music.  

What are some fun things to do with kids in Sugar Land? 

Monkey around on zip lines, jungle swings and obstacle courses at the Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park.

What is the best coffee shop in Sugar Land? 

Do yourself a favor and pair your cup of joe with a danish, lemon bar or other sweet treat from Decadent Coffee and Dessert Bar. They also make their own gelato and have treats you can bring home for your pup!

Where should you have dinner with friends in Sugar Land? 

Japaneiro’s menu includes sushi boats, large-format rolls ideal for sharing with your friends and many vegan options.

Families have all kinds of fun things to do with kids in Sugar Land, TX, from parks and museums to adventure parks.
iStock/galitskaya
Families have all kinds of fun things to do with kids in Sugar Land, TX, from parks and museums to adventure parks.

The Local and State Economy in Sugar Land, TX

What are the three largest industries in Sugar Land?

The largest industries in Sugar Land are health care, oil and gas, and advanced manufacturing. Minute Maid, Accredo Packaging, Inc. and Champion X’s Chemical Technologies branch are headquartered in Sugar Land. 

What is the sales tax rate in Sugar Land?

In 2023, the sales tax rate in Sugar Land is 8.25%. 

Does Texas have a state income tax?

No, Texas does not have a state income tax. 

Who are the major health care providers in Sugar Land?

Sugar Land is home to many health care providers, and the largest include Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital. 

What colleges and universities are in Sugar Land?

While there are no major colleges or universities in Sugar Land, there are several higher-ed institutions near the city, including the University of Houston. 

Quick Facts About Sugar Land, TX

Median Household Income
$120,978
iStock/galitskaya
Median Home Value
$361,907
iStock/galitskaya
Average State Property Tax
$3,520
iStock/galitskaya
Total Population
118,604
iStock/galitskaya
Median Rent/Mo.
$1,515
iStock/galitskaya
Average Commute
27.34 minutes
iStock/galitskaya

Sugar Land, TX, has earned a name as one of the best places to live in the U.S. with its safe neighborhoods, diverse residents and highly educated workforce. Read more about Sugar Land and what to expect living in Texas. Another moving resource: The Ultimate Guide To Finding Your Best Place To Live.

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