I have a unique perspective on Cane Island. About 10 years ago, I enjoyed the hospitality of a new developer moving to Houston area, Rise Communities. Dan Naef, the head of the company, promised a lighted entrance enrobed in nature, a club house, pool and gym worthy of a Las Vegas resort and extravagant events to engage homeowners. He even promised a Cane Island Big Rig with a retractable movie screen to promote Cane Island and show blockbusters on event nights.

As a realtor callused by the recent mortgage crisis, foreclosures, and communities retracting their earlier commitments, I vowed to myself to just enjoy the drinks and the overflowing shrimp cocktail bar. I assumed there was no way this new company could keep its promises.

After my tenth or twelfth trip to the shrimp bar (no one was counting, it was awesome), Dan asked his guests to step outside the event. The Cane Island Big Rig awaited, in all its glory. I felt the scales fall from my eyes, and I became a Cane Island believer.

Since then, my team has sold dozens of homes in this community. Every community’s journey features challenges. Still, Cane Island has performed in great economies and challenging ones. The community boasts incredible amenities, is zoned to sought-after schools and features a unique bent on what a neighborhood can do for their residents.

Sought After Schools

Cane Island is zoned to great Katy ISD schools. Robertson Elementary, the district’s newest school, opened last month and serves Cane Island. The incredible educators and strong volunteer base assure great learning opportunities for students. Additionally ties to Katy High School ensure exciting fall football for residents. According to Vickie Geiger, a top Perry Homes sales professional, the community’s fountains even change colors when the Katy Tigers win a game.

Home values

Homes range in size from about 2,000 square feet to over 6,000. Prices have risen based on a vibrant economy and the strength of the community. Still, homebuyers can purchase homes from about $400,000 to almost $1.5 million.

Cane Island features some of the country’s top home builders, including Perry, Highland, David Weekly, Chesmar, Coventry and Shea Homes. The community also features a custom section with William David and Cason Graye.

Is Cane Island for you?

Geiger said Cane Island features “small town charm with resort style amenities and all the conveniences of a large city only six minutes to I-10.” Residents rave about the Oaks Restaurant, where many can walk to the establishment and can dine in casual elegance without leaving the community.

Jason Leff, a Highland Homes sales consultant, said the Oaks is his daughter’s favorite restaurant because she meets other kids and plays outside in the lawn at Cane Quarter every time they go.

The sense of community is palpable throughout,” Leff said. “I’m 12 years in the industry, and I really don’t think I’ve seen a more tight-knit community.”

The community city architecture, the Conservatory, and master plan led the Greater Houston Builders Association to name Cane Island the community of the year a few years ago. I highly recommend potential buyers tour the community during the day and at night, to see Cane Island shine.

I started and will end this article in the same way. I am a believer in Cane Island, because from the beginning, and still today, the community keeps its promises.

Remember, you’re not just selecting a home, you 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 any questions.

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