Sugar Land is one of the most expansive areas in Houston's real estate market and the southwest region -- encompassing part of Harris County real estate and Fort Bend County real estate. The name Sugar Land was based on the state's oldest company, Imperial Sugar, which is located in Sugar Land. The sugar refinery still operates in the city's old business district. While its heritage is important, Sugar Land planners have their eye on the future. The far western part of the area is dotted with ranches and horse-boarding farms. Several high quality master-planned communities, combined with consistently top rated school districts, make this area popular with newcomers. A major part of Sugar Land real estate is First Colony, which has become one of Houston's premier real estate locations for living and working close to home. This beautifully large planned community in Southwest Houston comprises approximately 10,000 acres and offers residents a wide variety of homes from the $100's to over $3 million. Extensive greenbelts, parks, and lakes create a beautiful and livable environment. Students attend exemplary-rated Fort Bend ISD schools with strong parental and community involvement. The First Colony Mall, numerous retail services, a 24-screen movie theatre, and private country club with 36 holes of golf allow residents to work, shop, dine and play close to home.