Dreaming of lake life without the full cost and upkeep of a private waterfront? Water Crest on Lake Conroe gives you community lake access, resort-style amenities, and a range of home options that fit real-life budgets. If you want an easy launch into Lake Conroe weekends, a manageable commute, and a newer home feel, this guide is for you. You’ll learn what homes typically cost, how the HOA works, what to verify about docks and permits, and how to choose the right section for your lifestyle. Let’s dive in.
Why Water Crest stands out
Water Crest is a master-planned community developed by D.R. Horton with a large, multi-section layout that was engineered for lake adjacency and stability. Project materials describe about 330 acres, roughly 15 sections, around 860 single-family lots, and approximately 2,000 linear feet of lakeshore bulkhead to protect and frame views. That scale supports a full suite of amenities and a variety of lot sizes and price points. You get the feel of a purpose-built lake community with consistent standards and shared spaces that residents actually use. EHRA’s project overview details the development scope.
Location and access
You’ll find Water Crest south of League Line Road and west of Longmire Road, with primary access to I-45 via the League Line Road exit. Listings commonly cite a drive of about 3 to 4 miles from I-45 to the community entrance, so the I-45 corridor is your main route to Conroe, The Woodlands, and Houston. Always run a live map check at your usual commute times for accuracy. The same EHRA project notes highlight the community’s position near the I-45 axis.
Homes and pricing
Typical homes in Water Crest align with today’s practical, family-friendly plans. Recent market data shows a median living area near 2,124 square feet on a median lot size around 8,078 square feet. Most mainstream resales and specs fall in the upper $200Ks to high $400Ks, while direct lakefront and gated-section homes trade higher. Neighborhood pricing medians and tax components are summarized on HAR’s Water Crest price trends page.
Where premium pricing shows up
- Larger lots and gated enclaves, like Royal Cay, often command a premium.
- Direct waterfront or dedicated boat-pad properties have higher pricing due to access and scarcity.
- Lot position, cul-de-sac frontage, and views can drive value beyond square footage alone.
Amenities and lake access
Amenities are a major reason buyers choose Water Crest. The community features a clubhouse and recreation center, two resort-style pools, walking and nature trails, playgrounds and park space, a dog park, and several fishing ponds. Most importantly for lake lovers, Water Crest offers a private community boat ramp and maintained dock areas that provide resident lake access, even if your home is not on the water. Local reporting also notes at least one gated, higher-end enclave with larger lots and dedicated boat pads. You can see a concise amenity snapshot in Community Impact’s neighborhood overview.
Community launch vs. private docks
Many residents use the community boat launch and shared docks for easy access without the maintenance of a private shoreline. If you want your own dock or lift, focus on direct-waterfront or gated sections and verify permits. Lake Conroe is managed by the San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA), and dock, lift, or shoreline work typically requires SJRA permitting. Learn what to check in this practical dock-permit guide.
HOA essentials
Water Crest is governed by WATER CREST ON LAKE CONROE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC., with Inframark commonly listed as the management company. Before you write an offer, request official documents from the manager or board so you can confirm rules, fees, and any pending assessments. You can find the association reference and management contact through TX-HOA’s directory entry.
Dues and what they typically cover
Multiple listing snapshots commonly show HOA dues in the range of about 1,040 to 1,200 dollars per year. Amounts can vary by section and may change over time, so confirm the current number in writing. Dues generally support the maintenance of the clubhouse, two pools, trails, fishing ponds, landscaping of common areas, and the community’s lake-access infrastructure. If you are considering a gated or premium section, ask whether a supplemental POA or section-specific fee applies.
Documents to request
- CC&Rs, bylaws, rules, and architectural guidelines
- Current budget, year-to-date financials, and any reserve study
- Estoppel letter showing dues, delinquencies, and pending assessments
- Minutes from recent board meetings
Taxes, MUD, and monthly cost
Water Crest’s infrastructure was supported through a municipal utility district, shown in project materials as Montgomery County MUD No. 126. MUD assessments are part of your property tax bill and can be a meaningful portion of total carrying costs. Model your full tax picture by combining city, county, school district, and MUD components, then stress-test your budget for rate changes. You can reference neighborhood-level medians and tax components on HAR’s Water Crest trends page and note the MUD context in EHRA’s project notes.
Waterfront rules and inspections
If you are buying on or near the water, plan for extra due diligence. Confirm any SJRA permits for existing docks, lifts, or shoreline work and whether permits transfer with the sale. Add a dock, lift, and shoreline inspection to your standard home inspection so you understand condition, electrical safety, and potential repairs. For a helpful checklist of what to verify, review this Lake Conroe dock rule overview.
Flood risk and insurance
Lake adjacency can increase flood risk, even outside federally mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas. Check the FEMA flood maps for the specific parcel and consult your lender about any insurance requirements. Many owners choose a low-cost preferred-risk policy even if it is not required. Start with the FEMA map tools at FEMA Flood Map.
New construction vs. resale
New builds in Water Crest often come with builder warranties and efficient systems, which can ease long-term maintenance. You may also see builder incentives or quick-move-in specs. Resales offer mature landscaping, a lived-in streetscape, and immediate occupancy, plus a clear record of operating costs. Compare apples to apples by looking at recent sales of similar plans, then account for lot premiums tied to water proximity, cul-de-sacs, and gated sections.
Schools and local services
Many Water Crest addresses fall within Willis ISD attendance zones. Always confirm the exact assignment for a specific property with the district, since boundaries and feeder patterns can change. Use commute distances, after-school logistics, and campus resources as part of your decision. For contact details and campus listings, visit Willis ISD’s schools page.
How to choose your section
- Value with access: If you want reliable lake access without the maintenance, consider interior sections near the community ramp and docks.
- Gated or large-lot living: If you need more space or privacy, look at gated areas such as Royal Cay with larger lots and potential for dedicated boat pads. Confirm any supplemental fees.
- Waterfront ownership: If a private dock is essential, focus on direct-lake lots and verify SJRA permits, water depth, and shoreline condition.
- Commute first: If drive time is the priority, test run your route to I-45 at your actual hours before you lock in a section.
Your next steps
- Get pre-approved and set a price target that includes taxes, MUD, HOA, and a maintenance buffer for lake-adjacent living.
- Compare recent comps for the specific section you like and weigh lot premiums for water, views, and gating.
- Request the HOA estoppel, CC&Rs, rules, budget, and any reserve documentation from the manager.
- If waterfront is in the mix, confirm SJRA permits and schedule specialized dock and shoreline inspections.
- Verify school assignments with Willis ISD and run live drive-time checks from a few addresses across the community.
When you are ready to walk sections, evaluate lake access spots, and weigh tradeoffs, we are here to guide you. Reach out to the team at Reaves Realty Group for hands-on local insight and a smooth path from search to closing.
FAQs
What is Water Crest on Lake Conroe?
- A master-planned, multi-section community by D.R. Horton with lake access, resort-style amenities, and a range of homes and lot sizes.
Where is Water Crest and how do you reach I-45?
- It sits south of League Line Road and west of Longmire Road, with primary access to I-45 via the League Line Road exit a few miles away.
What amenities does Water Crest offer residents?
- A clubhouse, two pools, trails, playgrounds, park space, fishing ponds, a dog park, and resident lake access via a private boat ramp and community docks.
How much are HOA dues in Water Crest?
- Listings commonly show about 1,040 to 1,200 dollars per year, but you should confirm the current rate and any section-specific fees with the HOA.
Who manages the HOA at Water Crest?
- WATER CREST ON LAKE CONROE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC., with Inframark listed as the management company in public HOA directories.
What are typical home sizes and prices in Water Crest?
- Many homes fall near 2,124 square feet on roughly 0.18-acre lots, with mainstream pricing often in the upper $200Ks to high $400Ks and higher for gated or lakefront.
Does Water Crest allow private docks?
- Some lakefront and gated-section homes have private docks or boat pads, but you must verify SJRA permits and whether any permits transfer with the sale.
Do you need flood insurance to buy in Water Crest?
- Requirements depend on the FEMA flood zone and your lender, but many buyers choose coverage regardless; check your parcel using FEMA map tools.