Make a Living and a Life: Sugar Land, Texas
“I often say that if you can’t make a living here, you can’t make a living anywhere,” said broker owner Joe Benes of ERA Benes Realty in Sugar Land, Texas. “We are seeing a surge in people relocating to our area driven by the city’s strong focus on economic development and job opportunities in nearby Houston. We even experienced growth in housing sales during the economic downturn – proof of a promising economy here.”
A city in Fort Bend County and the Houston metropolitan area, Sugar Land experienced a 7.2 percent population increase from 2010 to 2012, according to the U.S. Census. Additionally Benes reported that residents enjoy a low cost of living enhanced by many choices when looking for leisure.
“The average sale price of a home in Sugar Land year-to-date is $315,000,” said Benes. “Improved infrastructure, thanks to the Texas Department of Transportation, creates attractive mobility to work and recreation. It only takes 25 minutes to get from Sugar Land to downtown Houston, where you can enjoy cultural offerings and professional sports teams. Also, we are 50 miles from the Gulf Coast where people can visit the beaches. There is plenty to offer in ways of both employment opportunity and personal fulfillment.”
An A+ in Work, Culture and Education: Statesboro, Ga.
“More and more people are moving to Statesboro for many reasons,” said broker owner Pat Hirsch of ERA Landmark Realty in Statesboro, Ga. “First and foremost, our taxes are really low. And, we are home to Georgia Southern University, which creates jobs and offers sporting, cultural and performing arts events.”
Bulloch County’s population grew 3.5 percent from 2010 to 2012, according to the U.S. Census. “We have a very progressive hospital providing job opportunities and luring the medical community to Statesboro,” said Hirsch. “A great scope of public schools, strong university system and ongoing industry relocation to the region – are further complemented by affordable housing. In fact, the average sale price of a home is $151,330,and in some cases, you can purchase a 3,000-square-foot home for around $240,000.”
When a weekend break from work and schools calls, residents can travel just 50 miles to famed Savannah or drive two hours to Jacksonville, Fla., to stroll the beaches. In essence, people can enjoy those coastal regions with less worry regarding storms, hurricanes, etc. And when sticking close to home, a downtown arts center provides entertainment.
