Telfair Sugar Land, TX

The railroad has played a significant part in the development of the area. Established in the late 1800s, it became an integral part of the transferring of goods and people. It was one of the first railroads in the Houston area. Sugar has also been very important to the development of Sugarland. It started as a plantation that was passed through generations and eventually expanded.

The area has undergone a few cultural shifts. Initially, Missouri City was the center for trade, but that changed. While Sugarland was once a sugar hub, the sugar mill did not survive.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science has a Sugarland location, a smaller alternative to the main establishment. This museum only opens four days a week. The George Observatory, another branch of the museum, hosts space exhibits and Earth artifacts. Festivals include the Cultural Kite Festival and the Sugarland Wine and Food Affair.

From fine dining restaurants like Perry's Steakhouse & Grille to casual diners and large chains, you'll find a wide variety of choices in the Sugarland/Missouri City area. Choose from Chinese, Thai, or Jamaican restaurants, or enjoy American classics at Cafe Express. With so many options, even the pickiest of eaters can find something to satisfy their taste buds.

Conveniently located on Highway 6, Crawfish Heaven has way more than just crawfish. The menu consists of a variety of Cajun dishes, such as gumbo, fried shrimp, and fish. Most people visit for the boiled crawfish, shrimp, and crab, however. The variety of seasonings separate Crawfish Heaven from its competitors. Patrons choose from different seasonings and butters to accompany their boiled seafood, which comes with corn and sausage.

Hoggs N' Chicks, which dubbed itself a fine food shack, boasts a variety of menu selections, including tacos, burgers, and salads. Try the Southern fried chicken or a tender pulled pork sandwich with a side of home-cut fries. Grab a smoothie, shake, or frozen lemonade to accompany your meal. Hoggs N' Chicks offers specials throughout the week and serves brunch on the weekends.

Hip and trendy describes the nightlife in this area. People can be found enjoying the clubs and bars in the Sugar Land Town Center. BLU Restaurant and Lounge doubles as a restaurant during the day and nightclub during weekend evenings. Located in the Town Center, this establishment has blue lights that fill the club, triggering a tranquil and serene feeling.

Club Blaunsch, located on Lexington, has a lively atmosphere, perfect for someone looking to dance all night. This dance club has two dance floors and a great DJ.

As an alternative to clubs and bars, residents can enjoy dinner and a movie at Star Cinema Grill. This establishment shows the latest films, and patrons can order a meal versus the traditional popcorn and candy.

Highway 90, Highway 6 and Highway 59 service these areas. Depending on where you may be in the neighborhood, these highways are easily accessible. Most residents get around in a vehicle, as public transportation does not serve this area. Metro bus route 163 does run through Missouri City but only a very small part of the area. This route offers service to key destinations, such as downtown and the Medical Center. It takes about 45 minutes to get to downtown Houston. Metro also has a park and ride location in Missouri City, near Beltway 8. This hub serves as a point of pick up for commuters traveling to downtown or the Medical Center. Route 170 comes to this location and to the park and ride on Highway 6. The centrality of the Highway 6 park and ride makes it a viable option for Sugarland residents.

Cabs and Ubers have to be scheduled. Hailing a cab can be difficult. Most public parking spots have no fees associated, but in areas such as the town center, metered parking is available. The neighborhoods are walkable. Biking lanes are more common in residential areas. Sidewalks are conveniently located along the streets. A pedestrian and bicycle master plan was implemented in an effort to make the area safer for those walking or using bicycles and to improve the bikability of the area.

This area has more than 20 parks. None of the parks have fees.

Buffalo Run Park in Missouri City has a mile-long hiking and biking trail and a sand volleyball court. The three covered pavilions and playground make it a great location for hosting an event with kids. The city's Fourth of July celebration is held at this park.

The Lexington Village Park has covered gazebos, a playground and picnic equipment. This park covers over 3 acres of land.

City Park in Sugarland has a vast amount of amenities. Visitors enjoy a bike and walking trail, basketball and tennis courts, and a baseball and football field. There are picnic areas and a pavilion. The playground and skate park would be a great place for the kids to play.

Both Sugarland and Missouri City have a higher cost of living than Houston. While Missouri City averages about 2 percent more than Houston, Sugarland exceeds it by 10 percent.

To get to the city via Metro from Missouri City costs no more than $2. Sugarland residents would have to travel via car.

The median rent for a one bedroom apartment in the area is about $1,400, exceeding the Houston average by more than 40 percent.

The cost of gas surpasses the national average by 20 percent. Beer at a pub averages $3 and can cost even less during happy hours.

First Colony Mall and The SugarLand Town Center serve as the major areas of commerce. This shopping center hosts several stores and restaurants that thousands of people visit every weekend. Shoppers can browse through several boutiques and shops offering goods and services for any occasion.

Anything Bling Boutique has women's clothing and accessories for reasonable prices. This boutique hosts unique pieces for any fashion-forward woman. Shoppers can find cute skirts and dresses, but quantities are limited, so buyers should act quickly.

Em & Lee and Willa, two other women's boutiques, both offer women's clothing as well. These trendy and affordable stores happen to have the same owners, but the two stores have unique appeals. One offers comfortable, everyday clothing, whereas the other has more fashion-forward pieces perfect for a night out on the town.

Local grocers include HEB, Whole Foods, Kroger and Fiesta Mart.The Imperial Sugarland Farmers Market occurs every Saturday morning. Vendors selling fresh produce and homemade goods service the market.