Business Week magazine has named Friendswood the Best Affordable Suburb in Texas for 2009.

Cities taken into consideration had to be within 25 miles of the most populated city in their state and have populations of 5,000 to 60,000 people, low crime rates and median family incomes of $51,000 to $120,000.

Other factors included commutes, education (test scores), crime, economy (job growth and income), green living and overall affordability.

City Manager Roger Roecker said that when people factor in the 20 percent homestead exemption and compare tax rates, they will understand why Friendswood is more affordable than other areas. He also said that tax rates remain low, the police department is one of the finest and the Friendswood citizenry is well educated.

In the heart of the city of Friendswood is the new Friendswood Development Company community of West Ranch, where new homes by top Houston builders are priced from the $300,000s.

Click to view Business Week's Friendswood feature.