Water Crest on Lake Conroe

Pros

• The neighborhood is a beautiful place for older people.
• The area is very nice and clean, with gardens that are well maintained.
• The neighborhood is nice and quiet.
• Residents love the neighborhood and feel at home.
• Buyers loved it so much they bought homes here.
• It is regarded as one of the best around, with tons of amenities and a capable builder.
• People love this neighborhood.

Cons

• The house was built so poorly with no quality craftsmanship.
• The amenities are not usable most of the time.
• The pool is always green and filthy and unusable.
• Inframark is impossible to reach and has no neighborhood presence.
• They fix problems with band-aids instead of proper solutions.
• HOA meetings are held during work hours, excluding most homeowners.
• HOA fees are raised yearly with no improvements to the community.
• DR Horton is accused of poor quality and trashy job sites with no attention to detail.
• They train sales reps to lie to homebuyers.
• They are crooks and prioritize quantity over quality.

Review

This neighborhood started with big promises and a rush of excitement. A brand-new house for the first owners, completed just a few years back, with all the amenities you'd expect to see in a modern master-planned community: a scenic lake, multiple pools, and a sense that life here would be easy and carefree. For families moving in, it felt like a fresh start, a place where the kids could grow up in a safe, well-kept environment while adults enjoyed the serenity of a clean, well-designed community. In those early days, many people believed they had found a paradise, and the sentiment was overwhelmingly positive as they settled into their new homes and began to imagine a bright future in this neighborhood.

But the tone quickly shifted once the warranty period expired and the reality of the build and ongoing maintenance revealed itself. The quality of construction was repeatedly called into question, with residents describing shoddy craftsmanship and gaps in attention to detail that were difficult to ignore. The disappointment wasn't limited to the walls and ceilings alone; it extended to the amenities that were supposed to enhance daily life. Playgrounds had broken equipment that posed safety concerns, and the community pool was frequently green and a health hazard rather than a place to cool off and enjoy a summer day. Pool furniture showed obvious wear, rips, and tears, and essential features like boat ramp gate entry devices and pool entry cards would malfunction, turning conveniences into ongoing frustrations rather than conveniences.

The HOA experience, managed by Inframark, amplified the sense of frustration. Many residents found it nearly impossible to get in touch, with the company ostensibly based in another city and lacking a visible neighborhood presence. Problems were often treated with quick fixes - "band-aids" rather than real solutions - and the process to address issues was slow and inefficient. Meetings were scheduled in the middle of workdays, effectively excluding a large portion of homeowners who needed to work to support their families. The HOA's approach to spending and vendor selection also drew sharp criticism: they were accused of choosing cheaper vendors, which translated into ongoing issues with amenities that never seemed to get the proper attention they deserved. Annual HOA fee increases were common without corresponding improvements, and some residents even questioned the integrity of financial reports, suggesting that expenses did not add up.

Criticism of the homebuilder, DR Horton, ran just as deep. The consensus among many residents was that the homes were built with low quality and poor craftsmanship, and that job sites were left in dirty, careless states. Attention to detail was seen as severely lacking, and some people felt misled by sales representations - claims that sales staff intentionally misrepresented what buyers could expect. The broader critique extended to the company's long-term strategy: DR Horton was perceived as continuing to build without investing in meaningful, lasting amenities for the community. The overarching sentiment framed them as prioritizing quantity over quality, which left many residents feeling disappointed and skeptical about the value of their investments.

Despite these widespread criticisms, the story isn't monolithic. There are voices within the community that still speak positively about the neighborhood. Some residents described it as a beautiful place for older people, noting peaceful surroundings, clean streets, and well-maintained gardens. A few expressed pride in the home they chose, with statements like "I loved it so much I bought a home here," and others calling the area "the greatest neighborhood around" with abundant amenities and a builder they found to be amazing in certain aspects. There are also softer, more personal affirmations of fondness - references to the neighborhood's quiet charm, its beauty, and moments of pleasure that make the hard realities sting a little less for some residents.

There are anecdotes that add an unusual texture to the overall narrative. One memorable line recounts a bizarre sight during the building process: a tiger that reportedly emerged from someone's backyard, a reminder that this community's character can be as wild and unpredictable as the landscape around it. Such stories underline that, for all the frustrations and the earnest hopes of residents, life in this neighborhood is anything but ordinary.

In summary, the reviews paint a complex picture: a new, aspirational community that drew families with promises of luxury amenities and a high-quality lifestyle, but which ultimately faced significant hurdles after warranties ended. Construction quality and ongoing maintenance issues bred ongoing discontent, and the HOA's management style amplified frustrations for many residents. DR Horton's role in shaping expectations also came under intense scrutiny, with accusations of shoddy workmanship and misrepresentation coloring the broader experience. Yet amid the criticisms, there are flashes of affection - expressions of beauty, quiet, and pride in choosing to live there. For potential buyers weighing the pros and cons, this blend of promise and problem highlights the importance of firsthand due diligence, clear expectations, and a careful look at how the HOA and builders address maintenance, governance, and long-term value.

Located in the vibrant city of Conroe, Texas, this particular area offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient lifestyle. With popular restaurants such as Vernon's Kuntry Katfish and Papa’s On The Lake nearby, residents can enjoy delicious meals in a welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, access to quality healthcare providers like Sadler Clinic and Houston Methodist Primary Care Group ensures that medical needs are well taken care of. Nearby pharmacies such as Village Pharmacy and Walgreens provide easy access to medications and healthcare products. For leisure activities, parks like McDade Park offer peaceful outdoor spaces for relaxation and recreation. Places of worship such as April Sound Church and Sacred Heart Catholic Church are also conveniently located for spiritual support. Overall, this area provides a blend of essential services, dining options, recreational opportunities, and healthcare facilities to support a fulfilling senior living experience in Conroe.

Restaurants

• Vernon's Kuntry Katfish (2.2 miles)
• Hacienda Mis Padres Mexican Grill (2.8 miles)
• Wings N More Express (2.8 miles)
• Papa’s On The Lake (2.9 miles)
• Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q (2.9 miles)
• Jack In The Box (3 miles)
• Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (3.1 miles)

Theaters

• The Grand 14 - Conroe Theatre (3 miles)

Physicians

• Sadler Clinic (3.1 miles)
• Perri Dermatology (3.1 miles)
• Houston Methodist Primary Care Group (3.1 miles)
• John Richards (3.4 miles)
• Today's Vision (4 miles)
• Willis Family Medicine- Ghdma (4.6 miles)
• Clarity Hearing (4.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Village Pharmacy (3.1 miles)
• Walgreens (3.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.1 miles)
• Walgreens (4.1 miles)
• Walgreens (4.6 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (3.6 miles)
• Panera Bread (3.9 miles)
• Starbucks (4.2 miles)
• Starbucks (4.4 miles)
• 105 Cafe (4.9 miles)
• Toasted Yolk Cafe (5.1 miles)

Parks

• McDade Park (3.9 miles)
• Gene Campbell Sports Complex (6.1 miles)
• Lions Park (6.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• April Sound Church (4.6 miles)
• Sacred Heart Catholic Church (6.4 miles)

Hospitals

• LORIA Associates (5.5 miles)
• Montgomery County Mental Health Treatment Facility (6.1 miles)
• TMC Clinic (6.2 miles)

Transportation

• Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport (CXO) (7.1 miles)