Sugar Land, TX
Why You’ll Love Living In Sugar Land, Texas
Sugar Land, Texas, might have you thinking about the country music duo, but that’s not where the city got its name. Sugar Land is known for being one of the more affluent and rapidly growing master-planned communities in the state. The population boomed between 1990 and 2000, perhaps because of its proximity to the job market in Houston. But Sugar Land offers plenty of quality amenities to locals, including family-friendly museums and attractions, plus numerous trails and parks. Foodies can enjoy everything from barbecue and burgers to Japanese and Korean.
Thinking of moving to Sugar Land, TX? Keep scrolling to find all the details about living in Sugar Land, including quick facts such as the population, median home value and property taxes. Plus, learn more about the cost of living and quality of life in Sugar Land, from the economy and job opportunities to weather, outdoor activities and things to do, including local restaurants and points of interest.
What Makes Sugar Land, TX, a Best Place to Live in 2024
Who wouldn’t want to live in a city called Sugar Land, TX? Life is undoubtedly sweet here, which is one of the reasons it’s one of the best places to live in the U.S. The city comes by its name naturally because it was once — you guessed it — a major sugar producer!
But what makes life here particularly appealing is a low cost of living, a highly educated workforce, a business-friendly environment and excellent medical care. Located just 20 minutes away from downtown Houston, Sugar Land offers residents several master-planned communities that attract families who want to put down roots in a safe and friendly community and either work here or commute to Houston. With some 100,000 people, the city has its own share of prosperous biotech, insurance and manufacturing companies.
Amenities include more than 50 miles of walking, running and biking trails, greenways, golf clubs, lakes, a lively town square with restaurants and shops, and copious festivals, concerts and markets. Families enjoy attractions like Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center, Kidtropolis — yes, a kid-run city — and more. Entertainment is within reach at places like the Smart Financial Center, a state-of-the-art performance venue that can host up to 6,400 people, and Constellation Field, where you can watch the Space Cowboys minor league baseball team round the bases.
Sugar Land, TX Quality of Life LivScore
Sugar Land, TX Top Categories
Health
Economy
Education
Sugar Land ranks highest for health, economy and education.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Sugar Land, TX
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).
The average annual snowfall in Sugar Land is so low that it is extremely rare for the area to receive any measurable snow.
The average annual rainfall in Sugar Land is around 50 inches per year. Rain is evenly distributed in Sugar Land but tends to be higher during spring and early fall.
Sugar Land averages 204 sunny days a year.
Walk or bike along the trails in Sugar Land Memorial Park, situated along the Brazos River.
Things To Do in Sugar Land, TX
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.
Monkey around on zip lines, jungle swings and obstacle courses at the Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park.
It might be a secret to some that Sugar Land has a diverse and lively culinary scene. There are a wide range of restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, including the area’s signature Tex-Mex, that reflect the melting pot makeup of the locals.
Sugar Land has over 30 distinct shopping areas, from established retailers to local shops. Sugar Land Town Square is a mixed-use development that is a specialty shopping center and home to half a dozen international dining choices within one block. First Colony Mall stands out as a popular shopping destination, providing visitors with a cheerful blend of national retailers and quirky boutiques.
Japaneiro’s menu includes sushi boats, large-format rolls ideal for sharing with your friends, plus many vegan options.
There are lots of choices for taking in shows and plays in Sugar Land, like Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land, Sugar Land Auditorium and Inspiration Stage. You can even find outdoor performances at Sugar Land Town Square and plenty of shows at local community theaters in the area.
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!
The Local and State Economy in Sugar Land, TX
Sugar Land’s largest industries 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.
In 2024, the sales tax rate in Sugar Land is 8.25%.
No, Texas does not have a state income tax.
Sugar Land is home to many health care providers, the largest of which are Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital.
While there are no significant colleges or universities in Sugar Land, there are several higher-ed institutions near the city, including the University of Houston.
Weather in Sugar Land, TX
Average Temperatures
80 high / 60 low
Average Annual Rainfall
50 in
Average Annual Snowfall
0 in
Quick Facts about Sugar Land, Texas
- Median Home Value
- $359,460
- Median Property Tax
- $4,660
- Total Population
- 113,429
- Average Commute
- 27 min
- Median Household Income
- $137,852
- Median Monthly Rent
- $1,488
Map of Sugar Land, TX
Sugar Land, TX: Where to Live Now
Best Places To Live in Texas
From bustling cities like Houston and San Antonio, to bucolic outliers like Flower Mound and Sugar Land, here's where you'll want to relocate in Texas.
Top 25 Best Places to Live in the Southwest
These 25 Southwestern cities each have something special to offer.
Sugar Land, TX: Love Where You Live
6 Reasons You Should Worry More About Local Politics Than National Politics
While national politics tend to get all the attention, elections at the local level actually impact daily life. Here's why we should turn our focus toward what's happening locally.