How big is Lake Conroe, and who manages it?
Lake Conroe is a reservoir on the West Fork of the San Jacinto River in Montgomery and Walker counties, about 20,000 acres at its normal pool of 201 feet above mean sea level. The San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) maintains the lake and dam and sets the rules for docks, bulkheads and other shoreline structures.
SJRA lists roughly 150 miles of shoreline and an average depth of 20 feet, and the dam was completed in 1973. Surveyed surface area differs by source: SJRA lists 19,640 acres and a 2020 Texas Water Development Board survey measured 19,894 acres at normal pool.
Which communities are on Lake Conroe?
Well-known Lake Conroe communities include April Sound, Bentwater, Walden on Lake Conroe, Grand Harbor, Corinthian Point and Seven Coves. They differ in gates, marinas, golf and club amenities, and in the mix of waterfront, water-view and off-water homes, so the right fit depends on how you plan to use the lake.
Amenities, dues and community rules change over time. Before you write an offer, ask for the current rules, fees and any dock or boat-access policies for the specific community and street.
What affects the price of a Lake Conroe home?
Lake Conroe prices vary widely, so no single figure fits every home. Frontage type (waterfront, water-view or off-water), community, lot, water depth, elevation, bulkhead and dock condition, and the house itself all affect value. For a current picture, compare recent sales in the specific community instead of lakewide averages.
A Comparative Market Analysis built from comparable local sales is the usual starting point. You can browse active listings and estimate a monthly payment on your own, or ask us to pull comparable sales for the community you like.
Does buying waterfront property include the right to a dock or bulkhead?
No. SJRA states that the right to build, place, operate or maintain a private structure on Lake Conroe does not come with owning waterfront property. A permit or license is required, SJRA charges an annual fee for each structure, and the license can be revoked. Confirm the status of any existing dock or bulkhead before you buy.
To license a residential structure, the homeowner signs a license agreement and submits scale plans, and may need HOA, POA or architectural committee approval where the subdivision requires it. A bulkhead permit needs a survey by a registered professional land surveyor plus construction plans. SJRA also says it is not obligated to maintain a specific lake level to support a structure. Applications go through the SJRA Customer Portal, and SJRA Operations can be reached at 936-588-3111.
What should I inspect on a Lake Conroe waterfront home?
In addition to a standard home inspection, check the bulkhead, dock, boat lift, shoreline erosion, water depth at the dock and the electrical service that runs to the dock. Ask for SJRA permit or license records for every structure, and use an inspector who is comfortable evaluating the water side of the property.
Ask the seller about the age, materials and repair history of the bulkhead and dock, and whether any structure was added without a permit. Review the community's HOA or POA rules for docks and boathouses, and compare the lot's elevation on the survey with the flood information described below.
How much does the Lake Conroe water level change?
Lake Conroe's normal pool is 201 feet above mean sea level, but the level moves with rain and drought. SJRA records show a high of 206.24 feet in August 2017 and a low of 192.68 feet in December 2011. SJRA also says it is not obligated to hold a particular level for docks.
SJRA lists a flowage easement at 207 feet, the level the lake can rise to during a rainfall event, and an average bulkhead elevation of 203 feet. Ask for the property's elevation on its survey and ask how the dock and boat lift perform when the lake is lower than normal.
Do I need flood insurance for a home on Lake Conroe?
It depends on the property and the lender. Federally regulated lenders require flood insurance when a mortgaged home is in a FEMA high-risk zone (zones beginning with A or V), and some lenders require it elsewhere. Most homeowners policies do not cover flood damage, so get a flood quote before you commit.
FEMA says NFIP policies generally take effect 30 days after purchase, with no wait when the policy is bought in connection with a mortgage loan. FEMA also reports that almost one-third of NFIP claims from 2014 to 2024 came from outside high-risk areas. You can look up an address in FEMA's Flood Map Service Center and talk to an insurance agent about coverage.
Do Texas sellers have to disclose a home's flood history?
Sellers of most Texas residential resales must give the buyer a written Seller's Disclosure Notice. It asks about flooding, including past water entering the home from a natural flood, flood insurance claims, FEMA or SBA flood assistance and floodplain location. It reflects what the seller knows and does not replace an inspection.
The notice must be delivered on or before the contract's effective date. If it is not provided, the buyer may terminate within seven days after receiving it. Some transfers are exempt, such as a new home that has never been occupied. The Texas Real Estate Commission publishes the form (Form 55-1). Ask your agent or a real estate attorney how it applies to your purchase.
Do I need to apply for a homestead exemption in Montgomery County?
Generally yes. Texas has no state property tax, and exemptions are filed with the county appraisal district, here the Montgomery Central Appraisal District (MCAD). State law requires school districts to exempt $140,000 of a qualifying homestead's value, and applications are generally due by April 30 of the tax year.
Homeowners who are 65 or older or disabled may qualify for an additional $60,000 school exemption and a school tax limit. MCAD acts on applications within 90 days, and a pro-rated exemption may be available if the home becomes your residence mid-year. Your tax bill depends on each taxing unit's rate and your appraised value, so confirm details for your address with MCAD at 936-756-3354 or a tax professional. This is general information, not tax advice.
Could a Lake Conroe home be in a MUD, and why does it matter?
Some Texas homes sit inside a municipal utility district (MUD) or similar district that provides water, sewer or drainage and may levy its own taxes. If a home is in one, Texas law requires the seller to give the buyer a written Notice to Purchasers, identifying the district and possible taxes, before the contract is signed.
Under Texas Water Code Section 49.452, a buyer may terminate if the required notice was not provided before signing, and a separate current notice is signed and recorded at closing. Ask your agent whether a property is in a district, request the notice early, and confirm current district rates with the district itself.
