Fort Bend County has come a long way from its farming days. Now it's better known for growing jobs than for growing crops.
A favorable tax structure, strong school system and easy access to Houston make the county a triple threat when it comes to attracting -- and keeping businesses. Engineering firm Fluor Enterprises, a major employer, is buying new land for a facility that is expected to add 2,000 jobs when completed.
This is Texas, so energy is naturally a key sector. Oil services firm Schlumberger maintains a sprawling 240-acre campus, and CVR Energy is headquartered here. Team Industrial Services, which provides repair and inspection services to heavy industry, recently announced plans to relocate its headquarters -- and 100 jobs -- to the area.
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These terrific small cities offer strong job opportunities, great schools, low crime, quality health care, and a true sense of community.
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