Seeking info on life in Willis (Houston, San Antonio: HOA, crime, mattresses)

[ZacharyDY4]

About a year ago I bought a house in Willis, in the subdivision of Walnut Cove off Calvary Rd. I'm in the process of renovating it and will eventually end up living there but I'd like some info on what to expect. How is life in Willis (if anybody's familiar with Walnut Cove...there especially), what's the weather like (how often does it rain, snow, etc...), and especially, what's the job market like in the Willis/Conroe area (for someone in their early 20s, 2yrs of college, and experience working at a vet clinic specifically)
I read a few posts here on Willis but they're not very detailed, which is what I'm looking for.

Any input will be appreciated

[Lake Conroe resident]

Have you seen this area??? As far as weather it's pretty much like the rest of Houston, lots of rain and humidity, no snow. Job market in Willis in next to nothing unless you want to sell folks their Marlboros/dip at the local gas station. You may find something in Conroe or The Woodlands though..

[texas7]

Willis isn't a heavily populated area right now but as the city grows and it will because our concentric rings expand out further and further - it will be in a busy area. There are veterinary clinics in almost all cities so I am sure you will able to find one in Willis or a nearby community. And you're close enough to busier parts of Houston to enjoy the city and live a bit away from it. Good luck with the renovations and job hunt.

[ZacharyDY4]

Yes I have seen it, it actually seems like the nice quiet kind of small town atmosphere that I really want to live in.
In all actuality I wasn't planning on working in Willis, probably in Conroe.

I know that the area where my house is at is kind of dumpy, my house is even somewhat shacky at the moment, but (call me crazy) I kind of like that atmosphere, at the moment I live in San Antonio in a somewhat prestigious neighborhood and I can't stand how perfect it all is, the hoa sends you letters if your grass gets to be more than 2" long....don't have to worry about that in Walnut Cove.



Lake Conroe resident, you seem to be the local expert on the area, are you specifically familiar with Walnut Cove? I haven't spent more than a weekend at a time there so I'd really appreciate some input as to how the neighborhood is

[Lake Conroe resident]

I'm quite familiar with Walnut Cove and it sounds like you already know what it's like also... If it doesn't bother you, and it sounds like it doesn't you can/did certainly save a bunch of $ on buying a house and you won't have to worry about anybody telling you to mow your lawn or what you can park on it either...

[ZacharyDY4]

A little further info on WC please, is crime a problem there? My house was abandoned for about 2 years before I bought it and nobody ever tried to break in so there's that, but then again it's clear that Walnut Cove is a lower class subdivision (with the exception of a few homes by the lake).
The street my house is on is actually fairly well kept, in fact, it seems that my house is the most run down one on the street (will change...)
As for saving some green by buying there, $15k...can't beat that

[hcm_hmm]

I've lived in Willis for almost 20 years now, and although the job market is not big, at least the way of life is laid back. However Willis IS growing. (I HATE that! lol) And as you said Walnut Cove is not the prettiest subdivision ever but at least the drive down Calvary road is! And I really don't think there's much crime down that way at all...just like in all cities there are bad parts of town (Long Street in Willis is pretty bad & the area surrounding the Kroger store on I45 is bad for sure!) But for the most part I enjoy Willis. Make sure you always wave when you pass someone who's mowing or on a tractor...

[ZacharyDY4]

Hi hcm_hmm, thanks for the info. Laid back way of life is what I want I just wanted to make sure Walnut Cove wasn't as bad as my neighbor there made it sound, I think he just said that because he wants to buy back my house (he built and at one time owned it), it seems perfectly safe but I don't live there so I didn't really know.
I do agree, Calvary Road is a beautiful drive, and while the homes (or trailers...) in Walnut Cove aren't so appealing, I love the scenery, surrounded by the Piney Woods on three sides and the lake on the fourth...the houses can be fixed up (and some are) but that kind of scenery is getting harder to find.
As for waving....always

[mariposa]

I've lived in Willis for 2 years and am happy with it. I like the smaller town and quieter lifestyle.

There are two vet clinics in Willis, one close to my home. There is another at the edge of Conroe, on I-75. Conroe also has several vet clinics, and is only 8 miles south of Willis. If you're interested in working with an avian/exotic vet, you'll have to go to Conroe, which has a very good one.

Conroe is really booming now, and has jobs. Huntsville is about 24 miles north, and The Woodlands/Spring is 22 miles south for more job opportunities.

I do most of my grocery shopping in Conroe, because they've got a larger variety of goods in the stores. Unless they're having a great sale, I use the Kroger in Willis more like a convenience store. The Kroger gas station in Willis also tends to price their gas a few cents per gallon higher than Conroe, so I usually fill up in Conroe.

As for the weather, it's usually 1-2 degrees cooler than Houston. Check out The Weather Channel and the Intellicast website to see forecasts and averages.

Willis is growing, but not as fast as Conroe. I like it that way. I think Willis will remain a bedroom community for Conroe.

[LoneReeer]

I have lived in Walnut Cove for almost 5 years. It is definitely a "One of a Kind" neighborhood.

1. There is "Low Tolerance" of crime here. People here think that criminals should be in Jail. We don't care if they ever get out. Crime here is mostly just vandalism.

2. Walnut Cove, home of the "No Trespassing Sign." Sure are lots of 'em. I think they are mostly about neighbor problems. We are packed closely here.

3. I like the sign on the guys trailer that reads "If you are close enough to read this sign, YOU ARE WITHIN RANGE!"

4. Winding, shaded roads, that start and end on the same street? Yup, how confusing.

5. If you like Golf Carts, you will love Walnut Cove.

6. Neighborly folks, always ready to conversate. Common site, a car stops on road to conversate with some locals. The car blocks one side of the road, and the pedestrians the other.

7. Walnut Cove, per capita, the largest number of front porches in Texas. You are being WATCHED!

8. Walnut Cove, home of the hottest chicks on Conroe. And they think a trip to Denny's is Fine Dining!

9. Why won't the Teens get outa the way on the road?

10. DON'T PUT MATTRESSES OR APPLIANCES IN THE COMMUNITY DUMPSTER! Biggest rule of the head honchos.


You will probably like Walnut Cove, most people stay till they die.

Good Luck
LoneReefer