The 1990s were a decade of growth for the community in many ways. Sugar Land’s business community mirrors the growth of its residential communities. The city has attracted such major corporations as Schlumberger Companies, Aetna US Healthcare, Unocal Corporation, MCI Communications and Baker Petrolite. Retail in Sugar Land also experienced growth when the First Colony Mall opened in 1996, offering residents a new selection of retail stores and restaurants.

Sugar Land still retains a strong sense of community, despite its rapid growth. Events in Sugar Land focus on fun and the family. Concerts in the Park are on Sundays from April to June in Oyster Creek Park. The concerts are free and feature top entertainers. The city offers an old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration with the Annual Red, White and Bluefest. Autumn offers entertainment with the Fort Bend County Fair and Livestock Show, from September to October, and Boo Bash, a Halloween celebration featuring a costume contest and carnival games.

Everyday entertainments are also plentiful in Sugar Land. Residents and visitors can explore the Museum of Southern History, housing memorabilia from the Civil War and the antebellum era, or can take advantage of the proximity to George Observatory and George Ranch Historical Park. Part of this 23,000-acre working ranch is open to the public. The complex includes historical buildings and offers Living History demonstrations each weekend from April through December.

Sugar Land’s location could not be more ideal. The city is just 45 minutes from the excitement and allure of downtown Houston and is 50 minutes away from two major airports. Sugar Land has been the recipient of many awards, such as Excellence in Park Development, the City Livability Award from the US Conference of Mayors and the Environment Excellence Award from the Recycling Coalition of Texas. Not surprisingly, Sugar Land’s citizens expect and experience a high quality of life.