Nocona is a small town with a thriving local culture
The town of Nocona began when a local rancher persuaded the Gainesville, Henrietta and Western Railway to extend the railroad across his land, which led to the incorporation of the town in 1891. The mid-1900s brought a population surge as businesses and oil wells opened in the area, and since then, Nocona has developed a strong sense of community. “It’s a very friendly, old-school kind of town,” says Realtor Cynthia Morgan, owner of Cowgirl Way Realty Group, who has over 7 years of experience in the area. “You go into the post office or a store, and everybody says hello, whether they know you or not. This place is like a throwback in time. We have good cell service, good internet, all the modernization, but the old-school way of life.” While its population has remained around 3,000 since its heyday, the families of Nocona have had ample opportunity to revamp and shape the town’s culture, ensuring that it stays vibrant and lively without losing its small-town charm.
Residents help Nocona to evolve through events and engagement
One of the ways residents have helped shape Nocona’s culture is through the establishment of an annual Mardi Gras parade. “On Clay Street, there was a building that looked very much like it belonged on New Orleans’ Bourbon Street. Then, a little while ago, a couple from New Orleans came in with some money and rebuilt a few more of the buildings to match,” Morgan says. “And that prompted the creation of our big Mardi Gras parade that we have every year.” Other events include the Chisholm Trail Rodeo and the Cruisin’ Nocona classic car parade, which both take place in the spring.
Western-style homes reflect Nocona’s cattle ranch heritage
Nocona’s history as a cattle town has had a significant impact on the housing styles available within the city. “We have a lot of old, wooden, classic ranch-style homes with porches, many of them built at the turn of the century or in the 1940s and ‘50s,” Morgan says. “People have bought and renovated since then, or may have even torn down some of those and replaced them with brick houses, but we were built in the era of cowboys and cattle drives, so houses are a lot more western.” Older homes in need of extensive repairs can cost as little as $20,000. Move-in ready homes can begin at $110,000 and cost as much as $300,000, depending on square footage, number of bedrooms and build year.
Fenoglio family influences business and culinary scenes in town
Chain eateries line Highway 82, as do local favorites like Fenoglio’s BBQ and Station. “Fenoglio’s is run by our mayor of the last 25 years, who’s 80 years old now,” Morgan says. “It’s open every day but Sunday, because Sunday is when you go to church.” The Fenoglio family has also had a significant impact on the town’s biggest export — cowboy boots. “Nocona for a while was known for Nocona Boots, but the owners of the company passed away,” Morgan explains. “The Fenoglio family wanted to keep that going, so they took it over. It’s now the Fenoglio Boot Company, and they’re sold all over the country.” Market Place is the town’s main supermarket, and residents can stop at Dollar General for daily household items. More extensive options, such as Brookshire’s and Walmart Supercenter, are available around 20 minutes south in Bowie.
Dual credit courses available at Nocona High
While parents can apply for limited out-of-district transfers, Nocona students are zoned to attend the Nocona Independent School District, which oversees three schools and earns an overall B from Niche. Nocona Elementary scores a B-plus. Nocona Middle and Nocona High each get B-minus grades. The high school partners with North Central Texas College to offer dual credit opportunities, allowing students to enroll in college classes while earning their diplomas.
City parks and Lake Nocona, the area’s hidden recreational gem
The local chapter of the Lions Club maintains Enid Justin City Park, a green space on the southwest side of town. It offers a playground, a volleyball court and a pair of tennis courts. Golfers come from as far away as Wichita Falls to play the 18-hole course at Indian Oaks Golf Club, which also has a driving range. Residents who wish to get out on the water can head just north of town. “Lake Nocona isn’t too well known, but it’s actually rated the fourth-best fishing lake in Texas,” Morgan says. “It’s well stocked with different kinds of fish, and it has two public access points for boats, although there isn’t a marina like you’d have on a bigger lake.”
Historic cattle trail town now sits along U.S. Highway 82
Nocona has always been defined by its convenience. It was once known as the last stop in Texas for wagons and cattle drivers before crossing the Red River. Today, the town sits along U.S. Highway 82, a major east-west route in northeast Texas. This road provides the most direct access east to Interstate 35 and the Dallas-Fort Worth area, about 100 miles away. Wichita Falls is about 50 miles west via Highway 82. Nocona General Hospital is on the west side of town.
