Fishing is a popular pastime in Willis
Eight miles north of Conroe is the city of Willis. U.S. census estimates from 2018 put the number of residents here at 6,436.
With a population density of 1,314 per square mile – 1,225% higher than the rest of Texas and 1,350% higher than elsewhere in the United States – there’s always the high likelihood of you running into the neighbors and making small talk while running errands.
A close-knit community
Its people are Willis’ most precious resource, and you’ll never feel more welcome anywhere else. And it’s not just because of proximity or population density –there are special events that bring the community together throughout the year.
The most popular of these events is the Christmas Festival & Parade, which traditionally takes place on the first Saturday of December. During the festivities, a colorful convoy of marching bands, car clubs, equestrians, and civic groups make their way through the homecoming route, spreading cheer and merriment to bystanders.
Apart from watching the parade, residents and their guests can spend the whole afternoon enjoying live entertainment, kid-friendly activities, delicious food, arts and crafts booths, and having photo ops with none other than Santa himself.
Volunteer opportunities abound for those who want to share their time and skills with the community. Coreluv, also known as Defend the Orphan, is one of the best-known non-profits operating in the community. Other groups include the Mighty Fine Country Cookers BBQ Team and the Willis Wrestling Booster Club. Choose a group that is aligned with your interests and meet people who share your passion for volunteerism.
The local government also has several committees where residents can participate in and help improve the community. One of these is Keep Willis Beautiful, a sub-committee of the Willis Community Development Corporation. The sub-committee is tasked with the beautification of public spaces. One of its more recent projects includes work on Crawford Park.
With so many dedicated residents, the community’s emergency services are unsurprisingly top-notch. The police department is highly responsive while the city’s CodeRED Emergency Telephone Calling System is effective in situations within the community where immediate action is needed, such as child disappearances, evacuation notices, and so on.
Plenty of diversions
There are many ways to explore Willis and Lake Conroe. Southern Empress Cruises’ paddle-wheeler vessel will give you around three hours of leisurely sailing on the lake. Enjoy waterside dining at the main deck, bust out those moves on the dance floor, and come to the upper deck for stunning views of the lake and its breathtaking banks.
Speaking of water, fishing happens to be a popular pastime in Willis. Let Wethook Guide Services take you on the fishing adventure of a lifetime. Book a half-day or full-day trip with them and reel in some largemouth bass, flathead catfish, crappie, and other game. For a more laid-back experience, book a bird watching tour.
Food lovers will also have plenty to do – Willis is known for its wide variety of food trucks. One of the latest additions to the community’s vibrant food truck scene is Tacos in Low Places. Satisfy your craving for tacos and quesadillas!
For a full meal, visit any of the local restaurants like Fish Pond and Los Pericos.
If you think Willis should be your next home, let the Lady of the Lake Team help you navigate the housing market. Call 936-525-0095 or send an email to Katherine(at)LakeConroe(dotted)com.
