Built on land that once grew sugar cane, Sugar Land is a collection of neighborhoods that offers the suburban dream: yards to play in; community pools and water parks; active neighbor associations; and safe streets for bike riding, jogging and strolling.

A Sugar Land resident for six years, Barbara Krostag Moody of Coldwell Banker United, Realtors said her clients rate the Fort Bend Independent School District schools very highly and rave about the affordability of homes and lots.

Sugar Land communities include First Colony, Riverstone, Telfair, New Territory, Greatwood, Sugar Creek and RiverPark, among others.

"All of these are planned subdivisions and most have swimming pools, landscaped garden areas, water parks, jogging trails, lakes and fountains," Moody said. "Everything you need in terms of retail or professional services is going to be nearby, while maintaining the beauty of the neighborhoods. Homeowners association fees here are also reasonable, with most HOA dues well under $1,000 a year."

Sugar Land's location makes it highly desirable, too, especially for professionals in the energy industry, with several major headquarters in the area.

The traditional-style architecture of most of the neighborhoods appeals to buyers as well, Moody said.

"If you want to see a preview of the community, come out on a Saturday afternoon and you'll see neighbors playing at water parks, bicycling, playing soccer and interacting with their children and each other," Moody said.

Almost exclusively single-family homes, typical houses in Sugar Land range from 2,500 to 7,000 square feet, and cost from $150,000 to $7 million. Moody said First Colony is one of the older communities, but still a very hot market because of its proximity to Sugar Land Town Square, access to Houston and designated feeder schools. It also has some of the larger estate homes in the area.

Riverstone is still building, with a plan for 6,000 homes by 2018.

"Riverstone is on fire with growth," Moody said. "There is still quite a bit of land to develop."

Prices in Riverstone range from $280,000 to $1 million, Moody said, similar to another popular neighborhood, Telfair. Moody said the average price per square foot in Sugar Land is $100.

Because it's a hot real estate market, inventory is tight.

"We have under about six weeks of inventory, with some homes selling within days of going on the market," Moody said. "Many homes receive competitive offers. We are relying on our local builders to have homes ready for our buyers. As a result, home prices are climbing, but are still reasonably affordable. Resale is also very strong."