Pearland

Proximity to the railroad brought settlement to the city of Pearland in 1892. First known as Mark Belt, the town was platted and renamed in 1894 to reflect the abundance of pear orchards in the vicinity. The first Europeans came to the Pearland area in 1528. Early explorers included Cabeza de Vaca, René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, and, during Texas’ fight for independence and the days of the Republic of Texas, Stephen F. Austin.

The story of the area's founding families speaks of a hearty and determined group of people drawn to the areas by glowing advertisements of land that had “perfect climate,…is fertile, and easily cultivated.” The Great Hurricane of 1900 spared the lives of the town’s residents but destroyed businesses, homes and farms. The railroad offered a free trip out of town and many families, left destitute by the storm, left. The few who remained dug in and turned the town around after years of struggle.

Although Pearland was impacted by Hurricane Ike in 2008, the city has rebounded rapidly and continues to grow. Today, Pearland is a successful community with low crime and a small-town town atmosphere just 15 minutes away from world-renowned entertainment (Houston Symphony, Ballet, and Grand Opera) and world-class health care (Texas Medical Center). Forbes Magazine has ranked Pearland as one of the fastest growing suburbs in the nation. Home prices range from well below $100,000 for lots in some areas to more than $700,000 for completed homes, and there are an increasing number of $1 million-plus sales as well.

Pearland Independent School District covers 43.3 square miles and has a student enrollment of 14,236 with 917 teachers. Campuses include two high schools, one ninth- grade campus, three junior high schools, three middle schools, nine elementary schools, the PACE Institute and the Alternative Learning Academy. All schools are fully accredited by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The University of Houston-Clear Lake offers undergraduate and graduate classes at Pearland College Center.