THERE is an intangible quality of life we residents of Venetian Estates enjoy that is missing from most neighborhoods in today’s world. A fleeting glimpse from a passing motorist driving east or west on Highway 90-A through old Sugar Land gives the traveler no hint of the magic and serenity that lies just beyond their reach. This charm, though not a mystery to anyone who’s ever spent time on our streets, is difficult to describe. Our homes are mature, simple and modest in size. We have no sidewalks, no neighborhood pool, no communal building in which to gather, plan and socialize. Yes, we have the lakes -- Eldridge, Estates Lake and Venice -- poking their fingers in and out of almost every street; a haven for our fishermen and boatmen; a playground for our children; a tranquil scene to set our eyes on at any time of the day. But, the allure of Venetian Estates is more than just the lakes.

CROPPING up everywhere around us are new developments - master planned communities with interwoven waterways, artfully designed homes with ample-sized rooms, spacious closets, every modern amenity for kitchen and bath, a room for every whim, community pools and clubhouses, park areas, biking paths and stately entranceways. Yet, very few of us are lured by the temptation of these modern conveniences, and instead, we choose to spend the higher dollars to renovate, build additions, or simply stay as we are. And each day, as every one of us turns the corner off Highway 90-A into Venetian Estates, we know - no matter what our day was like in the outside world - we are truly coming home!

SO what is this allure that compels a visitor to call our neighborhood "an oasis outside of Houston?” Bordered by a busy highway, within earshot of the frequent rumbling of trains, Venetian Estates remains an anonymous treasure. Perhaps it takes us back in time to an era long gone. Simply driving through the quiet streets with aged homes and majestic gnarled trees, evokes an image of Friday night family gatherings and Sunday brunches, that we all too often don’t make time for anymore. The not-so-distant whistle of the passing trains and the wave of the conductor paint a picture of a more rural America. It reminds us of a simpler way of life, a safer time. We wave to our neighbors whether we’ve met them or not, as we parade around the perimeters of our community by foot, bicycle or boat. We have pick-up trucks and jeeps next to Mercedes and BMW’s. Each person is true to themselves. A team of hired gardeners mows one lawn while a ninety year-old woman edges and weeds her garden right next door. We have do-it-yourselfers next door to those who can barely change a lightbulb.

VENETIAN ESTATES is a unique blend of the old and the new, the young and the elderly, the plain and the sophisticated. the active and the sedentary. Mutual respect for each way of life is very evident. The residents of Venetian Estates come together to welcome neighbors, offer support and look out for one another during trying times, share one another’s joys and respect each other’s privacy. There’s a spirit of cooperation and excitement for our covered dish dinners, boat parades, Christmas lighting contests, water sports activities and numerous other celebrations. We unite to keep the quality of our lakes up to our high standards.

WHAT is this intangible quality of life that we residents of Venetian Estates are so privileged to enjoy? It’s the people, the setting and so much more. It’s an elusive feeling that overcomes you as you make that turn off the pounding pavement of Highway 90-A. You know you are coming home!