Progressive Pearland embraces ‘diversity, growth and change’
Just miles of rice fields not long ago, Pearland has become a suburban city on the move, rapidly expanding with no end yet in sight.
“As a city, Pearland has always embraced diversity, growth and change,” said Paul Silverman of Martha Turner Properties. “The best thing about Pearland is the very affordable housing in close proximity to downtown Houston and to the Texas Medical Center.”
With a current population of just more than 100,000, Pearland began to take off in the 1990s when many of the neighborhoods were first developed. Silverman moved to the area in the 2000s, attracted to the affordability, peacefulness and proximity to Houston.
At the time, the commuter traffic was significantly lighter, and he admits it has increased. On the positive side, retail and dining have also increased, now offering Pearland residents many options.
“With the building of Pearland Town Center, we have most everything we could possibly need, from shopping malls to nice restaurants,” Silverman said.
Pearland has Shadow Creek Ranch Town Center, near the master-planned Shadow Creek Ranch development, a 3,500-acre, lake-themed community.
Silverman described Pearland as quiet, safe, laid-back and diverse. The city has its own local government, fire and police force.
“Police response time is amazing,” Silverman said. “As a community, Pearland is very friendly, with kids playing in the street and with neighbors who know each other.”
Though most area children attend school within Pearland Independent School District, there are three school districts in Pearland. Some areas of the city are routed to Alvin ISD and Fort Bend ISD. Silverman said it is important for Pearland buyers to know there are multiple school districts and to verify the school district when house shopping.
Though Pearland’s housing market is robust, with a two-month inventory, it’s not as overly heated as many Houston communities. “The market in Pearland is really strong, but not the complete feeding frenzies we are seeing in some areas,” Silverman said. “We’re not getting multiple offers within hours of going on the market. I like my buyers to have time to make a very educated decision, and here they can have a little time to think.”
Most of Pearland’s neighborhoods are dominated by single-family homes, typically traditional style with brick or Hardiplank exteriors. Silverman said lots range from 6,500 to 10,500 square feet. The majority of homes range from 1,700 to 3,500 square feet. Silverman said the median sold price was $214,000.
“Pearland prices are up 34 percent from the fourth quarter of 2010 to the fourth quarter of 2013,” he said. “The price range of $150,000 to $350,000 is going to encompass the majority of what’s out there.”
However, Pearland does have larger custom homes and special communities, such as The Lakes at Country Place, a gated, (age) 55-plus community.
Pearland has public parks that include baseball and soccer fields, basketball and volleyball courts, splash pads and nature trails. The Recreation Center and Natatorium opened a few years ago and offers group fitness classes, circuit training, swimming classes and among others activities.