Situated between Lake Conroe and the Sam Houston National Forest, Willis is a small city of around 7,000 people known for its acreage homes. It has grown over 20% in the last 15 years partly for its 20-mile distance from The Woodlands, an employment hub with Fortune 500 companies and renowned medical facilities. "The Woodlands has grown so much, and there are no places left to build around it, so people are moving out to the country," says seven-year Realtor Rachael Carter of Walzel Properties. The power plant in Conroe, 10 miles away, is another major area employer. Willis is mostly residential, but local Realtor Lori Ferris Witherspoon of Engel & Völkers Houston says that may change. "As we expand into New Waverly, we will need another shopping area between Conroe and Huntsville."
The beautiful sky, open waters and wooded peninsulas makes Bent Water a great place to live.
The plant contributes to the local economy by creating numerous jobs in Willis.
The local hospital is located off I-45 for easy access.
The city is an employment hub with many Fortune 500 companies.
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Lakeside living in Seven Coves
Realtor Cory Witherspoon, with Engel & Volkers Houston, says Willis’ diverse housing makes its median home price hard to decipher. "If I took a stab at it, I'd say $250,000 to $300,000.” This is between 26% to 12% less than the state average and 39% to 27% less than national average. Willis’ core is densely built, offering new homes, manufactured homes and established ranch styles. Willis becomes rural to the east, with an eclectic variety of residences on 20 acres or more. The city’s lakeside communities, including Seven Coves and French Quarter, are out west. Willis is growing in master-planned communities. Republic Grand Ranch is one of the newest, with homes on more than 2 acres. The Woodlands Hills was built by the same developers as The Woodlands. Chambers Creek is a 55-plus community with a golf course and vineyard.
Willis features stunning lakeside houses along Lake Conroe with serene water views.
This craftsman style home is one of the many styles found throughout the area of Bent Water.
A stately colonial style home sits on a well manicured property in the Bent Water area.
One of the many beautiful homes found surrounding the Lake Conroe in the Bent Water.
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Willis' is known for its outdoor adventures
Outdoor recreation abounds between Willis’ forested areas and Lake Conroe. "The Conroe/Willis area is where you go for boating, fishing, camping and hiking,” says Trisha M. Cranney, a Realtor since 2014 who works for Anne Vickery & Associates Realty, LLC. The Sam Houston National Forest’s vast acres provide hiking trails, trout streams and backcountry campsites around 15 miles northeast. Golf courses surround Willis and small recreational hubs and parks dot the city.
Summer temperatures here rise to the mid-90s, and winters are cooler than other Texas cities, like Houston. “It is more likely to see snow and colder temperatures in Conroe, Willis and New Waverly,” Cranney says. She notes it's only a light dusting every few years. Willis isn’t prone to weather extremes, but it has experienced windstorms called derechos.
The sun bathes the sails boats in its golden light at a Marina in Bent Water.
Fisherman can be found all around in the Bent Water area on Lake Conroe.
Panorama Golf Club offers 27 challenging holes surrounded by nature.
Families enjoy fishing while picnicking along the lake’s scenic shorelines.
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Worshipping and celebrating in Willis
Willis has over a dozen houses of worship but the oldest is Thomas Chapel United Methodist Church, established by formerly enslaved peoples in 1867. Willis’ only annual event is the Willis Christmas Parade.
Willis is home to numerous historic and modern churches serving a variety of denominations.
First Baptist Church of Willis has been a spiritual anchor in the community for decades.
Many churches in Willis emphasize family-friendly services and youth ministries.
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Waterside dining along Lake Conroe
“You have more big- box shopping and better dining opportunities than you do for some of the small towns around there," Cranney says. The city’s down-to-earth mix of chains and local restaurants are mostly between North Danville Street, Interstate 45 and Montgomery Street. For something fancy, including waterside restaurants, locals head south. “Between Conroe and The Woodlands, where they kind of merge together, you’ve got the hospital district, a mall out there and big, nice restaurants," Cranney says.
The city’s retail hub is located along I-45, drawing shoppers from nearby towns.
Willis boasts diverse retail spaces, ranging from local boutiques to major chains.
Agave Boots and Western Wear is the spot to pick a new pair of cowboy boots or hat.
Local residents enjoy a meal at the popular Pizza Shack in downtown Willis.
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Willis Independent School District gets a B rating
The Willis Independent School District scores a B grade on Niche. There are around 20 higher education institutions within 50 miles, including Sam Houston State University, University of Houston and Rice University. Forbes named Rice University among its Top 10 colleges for 2024-2025.
Elementary aged students from Bent Water will attend William Lloyd Meador Elementary School.
Middle Schoolers from Bent Water will attend Robert P. Brabham Middle School.
High school students in Bent Water will attend Willis High School.
CC Hardy Elementary foster young minds, nurturing a foundation for future success.
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It's 50 miles to downtown Houston
I-45 flows through Willis providing a direct route to Conroe in around 10 miles, The Woodlands in about 20 miles and downtown Houston in 50 miles. George Bush Intercontinental Airport is roughly 40 miles south with nonstop flights to over 180 domestic and international destinations. Locals rely on their cars for transit.
Willis Police Department is proactive about crime prevention
According to 2024 data from the Willis Police Department, there are 180.53 property crimes in Willis and 138.87 violent crimes per 100,000 people. The city's violent crime rate is 10% higher than the state average and around 15% higher than the national average. Willis Police Department crime prevention initiatives include a direct tip line for residents.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
Photography Contributed By
Aylin Reyna
Video By
Luke Basinger
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On average, homes in Willis, TX sell after 72 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Willis, TX over the last 12 months is $299,222, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Welcome home to your very own country estate in Emerald Lakes w/ additional acreage behind! This southern style home sitting high on a hill features 5 bedrooms & 4.5 baths, Gameroom & In-Ground pool! From the moment you step into the entryway, you'll see natural light throughout & spectacular views of the pool & backyard! The open concept kitchen & family room w/ gas fireplace is perfect for
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LAWNCARE, MOSQUITO MISTING SYSTEM, & PEST CONTROL ALL INCLUDED! OPEN WATERFRONT ON LAKE CONROE! Experience living like every day is a vacation! 4-Bedrooms and 3.5-Baths. Massive Covered Patio with an 11-PERSON SWIM SPA (Incl attachment & 2 jetted currents for swim exercise), Big Summer Kitchen, a huge Bar, Flatscreen TV, 6 Ceiling Fans, and built-in Speakers. 70' of bulkhead with a boat slip,
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