When people think of Katy, they likely think of communities like Cane Island, Cinco Ranch, Firethorne and Grand Lakes. Each of these community’s successes have driven Katy’s steep growth curve. I will write about them in upcoming articles. These success stories come in part because of the previous success of Nottingham Country.

The history of Nottingham Country

A pioneering real estate company, Kickerillo, developed Nottingham County in the 1970s and 1980s. The community is north of Highland Knolls Drive, west of Fry Road and east of Westgreen Boulevard. Nottingham Country served as the first successful major community south of I-10. It is a favorite of oil executives, successful entrepreneurs and educators. Nottingham Country’s success led future developers to take chances in Katy. it led to many of the communities mentioned earlier.

Featuring over 2,400 homes, Nottingham County continues to flourish. This community offers easy access shopping, dining and parks. It is set to thrive for decades. Yet Nottingham Country offers Katy so much more.

Educational excellence

Nottingham Country is home to Taylor High School, Memorial Parkway and Garland McMeans junior high schools, and Nottingham Country and Hazel S. Pattinson elementary schools. These schools are among Katy's most sought-after schools, even decades after their construction. My real estate clients ask for these schools by name when we set up a search.

Home values

Most Katy home values have risen in the last decade. Yet new Katy residents seem intrigued by this community’s grand old homes, larger lots and easy access to the Energy Corridor. Also, the age of these homes means fixer-uppers can sometimes be acquired for less than $300,000. Sweat equity awaits the motivated. Still most homes sale above $350,000 and below $700,000 in premium condition.

Is Nottingham Country for you?

If you like homes with character, larger lots, mature trees and great schools, this community is for you. Most of the homes skew older. This means these homes are perfect if you do not mind spending time maintaining older masterpieces. Also, taxes run lower than most of the newer communities.

If you want the newest, slickest, open floor plans with every technological update, other communities may suit you better. Sometimes a master remodeler will fine-tune one of these homes, so you get the best of both worlds.

When you drive through south Katy, taking in the lakes, rivers and walking trails, thank Nottingham County for planting the seeds of success.

Remember, you’re not just selecting a home, you are selecting your children’s school, where you eat and accessibility to parks. Select carefully, and reach out to a real estate professional if you have questions

Timothy Sojka is the Broker of the See TIM Sell Team, at Keller Williams, his team has sold over 2,000 homes. Tim is also the author of the Amazon #1 Political Thrillers Payback Jack and Politikill.