Fort Bend County envelops the southwestern part of Houston, and extends into some of the region’s most popular and affluent suburbs. Sugar Land is the standout community in Fort Bend, but there’s also Richmond, Rosenberg, Missouri City and Katy inside or near the county’s borders.
According to Forbes, Fort Bend County is ranked fifth in the entire U.S. in population growth. It’s also the wealthiest county in Texas, according to the U.S. Census, with an average household income of about $95,000. The county’s cities are safe, clean and filled with amenities for families.
Fort Bend County’s economy has been greatly diversified, so it isn’t overly reliant on the energy sector. Some of the major companies in the county include Minute Maid, Schlumberger and Sunoco. There are also major healthcare facilities in Sugar Land and Richmond, adding to the already thriving economy and community services.
Fort Bend County attracts a lot of new people each year, which means Houston area movers are always working in the area. That’s good news for those moving to the area, who often have more important things to do than pack, load, drive, unload and unpack. An expert mover can handle every aspect of the move for their clients, allowing them to spend their time getting to know the area.
History
Fort Bend County was an active spot for Texas colonists, including the legendary Stephen F. Austin. Austin’s group built a fort near a bend in the Brazos River, and the name “Fort Bend” arose naturally. Richmond was only one of 19 towns to be incorporated into the Texas Republic, and long after the state was annexed by the U.S., it continued to be an important agricultural community.
The county was in poor shape well into the 50s, but the turn of the decade brought a surge of development to the area. Throughout the 60s and 70s, Fort Bend County was transformed with a series of master-planned communities, including standout communities like First Colony and Quail Valley. This development mimicked much of the region’s growth, as the improving energy economy brought thousands of people to the area.
This growth has largely continued, even with the occasional downturn in the energy economy. During the 90s, Katy experienced its own population jump, and with desirable communities like Cinco Ranch now in the area, Fort Bend County is a desirable location for business professionals and families alike.
Shopping
Fort Bend County is a large area that has several spots for shopping. Sugar Land residents, in particular, have plenty of spots to shop, but there’s something for everyone in the area. A couple of those primary shopping destinations include:
- First Colony Mall – First Colony Mall is in Sugar Land and nestled amid a larger shopping center. First Colony has plenty of apparel stores, a bookstore, some toy stores, a stationary store and plenty of spots to grab a bite to eat.
- Katy Mills Mall – Katy Mills Mall is located in Katy, which sits at the north end of Fort Bend County. Katy Mills has always been a popular shopping destination, and it has an interesting mix of clothing and specialty stores, featuring everything from kitchenware to outdoor gear. Katy Mills also has several entertainment options, including a new indoor playground, a movie theatre, an arcade and a trampoline park.
Parks
Fort Bend County Parks and Recreation
301 Jackson St.
281-342-3411
www.fortbendcountytx.gov/government/departments/county-services/parks-and-recreation
Fort Bend County is outside of the densest parts of Houston, so there’s a lot of room for parks in the area. Fort Bend’s mix of green spaces is one of its most compelling features, and residents have access to some of Houston’s most popular parks, including:
- George Bush Park – George Bush Park is just outside the northeastern edge of Fort Bend County and is always active with sports and exercise enthusiasts, families and dog owners. The park is expansive, with nearly 8,000 acres of water storage, hiking and jogging trails, playgrounds, soccer and baseball fields, and a dog park. The park’s most unusual feature is its shooting range, which is open to the public.
- Cullinan Park – Cullinan Park is in the heart of Sugar Land and encompasses more than 750 acres. It’s a valuable nature reserve, with a large lake, an observation tower, spots for bird watching and several trails.
- Brazos Bend State Park – Brazos Bend State Park is well south of Houston, and at the southern edge of Fort Bend County. It’s a frequent destination for boy and girl scout groups, as there are ample camping grounds. Brazos Bend State Park is also home to the George Observatory, where there’s several telescopes for people to scope out the night sky.
Other Things to Do in Fort Bend County
Fort Bend County is within easy driving distance to a variety of things to do and experience, including restaurants, shopping centers and numerous entertainment options. With its convenient location, there’s never a dull day or night in Fort Bend County. Here are some of the things residents can enjoy:
- Getting out and active is something that Fort Bend residents take seriously. Golf is a popular pastime in the area, especially with Quail Valley, Meadowbrook and Shadow Hawk golf clubs nearby.
- The Houston Museum of Natural Science keeps several interactive exhibits in Sugar Land, and they’re perfect for a family looking for something interesting indoors.
- Fort Bend County may be far enough away from Houston to maintain its slower pace, but it’s also close enough to many of the city’s best attractions. Just up Highway 90 is NRG Stadium, where the Texans play. There’s also the Houston Zoo and the Museum District waiting to entertain families.
- People in Fort Bend have a variety of options when it comes to food, from all the standard favorites to all kinds of eclectic offerings, including Indian, Mediterranean and Asian options.
Helpful Information for New Residents
Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office
1840 Richmond Pkwy.
(281) 341-4665
www.fortbendcountytx.gov/government/departments/administration-of-justice/sheriff-s-office
Sugar Land Fire Department
10405 Corporate Dr.
(281)-275-2873
www.sugarlandtx.gov/107/Fire-EMS-Department
Katy Fire Department
1417 Ave. D
(281) 391-3500
www.cityofkaty.com/government/city-departments/fire-department
Rosenberg Fire Department
2110 4th St.
(832) 595-3300
rosenbergtx.gov/public-safety/fire-department-2/
Vehicle registration
www.txdmv.gov/motorists/register-your-vehicle
Driver license offices
www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense
Fort Bend County School Districts
Fort Bend Independent School District
16431 Lexington Blvd.
Sugar Land, TX 77479
(281) 634-1000
www.fortbendisd.com
Katy Independent School District
6301 S. Stadium Ln.
Katy, TX 77494
(281) 396-6000
www.katyisd.org/Pages/default.aspx
Brazos Independent School District
227 Educator Ln.
Wallis, TX 77485
(979) 478-6551
www.brazosisd.net
Lamar Consolidated Independent School District
3911 Ave. I
Rosenberg, TX 77471
(832) 223-0000
www.lcisd.org