|living in Lake Norman
DID YOU KNOW? Recent statistics show that more than 50 percent of homebuyers looking to buy in Lake Norman during the summer months come from out of state.
From luxury to rustic, Lake Norman has it all by Julie Cooper
EAT North Harbor Club This upscale restaurant in the Davidson Creek area offers the best “dock and dine” experience around with nine complimentary slips, a generous waterfront patio with inviting sunny yellow umbrellas and crave-worthy steaks and seafood.
northharborclub.com
PLAY My Aloha Paddle and Surf, Inc. Get your “Aloha Flow” on during a standup paddleboard (SUP) yoga class on Lake Norman at this Cornelius waterfront company offering lessons, rentals, fitness classes and more.
standuplkn.com
EXPLORE Jetton Park Located in Cornelius, this 104acre waterfront park is a great place to spend the day making castles in the sandy beach area, perusing the paved trails and enjoying a nice picnic while watching the boats pass by.
mecknc.gov
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harlotte’s laid-back northern suburbs beckon with a breathtaking waterfront magic all their own. Luring those from across town, out of state and even around the world with an almost magnetic pull from Lake Norman—the largest manmade body of fresh water in North Carolina—this highly sought after area provides the ultimate escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. “People are attracted to Lake Norman for the lifestyle,” says Julie Cash with J. Cash Real Estate, who relocated to Mooresville from Winston-Salem in 2012 and hasn’t looked back. “It’s like living a vacation at home with all of the year-round activities, vibrant towns and friendly people. I just love living here.” Unsurprisingly, that sentiment rings true for a lot of residents. “People love the lifestyle Lake Norman offers along with its great proximity to Charlotte and our international airport,” says Jessica Simpson with Ivester Jackson Distinctive Properties. “This area is attracting buyers from all over the country and even the world.” Spanning four counties and nearly a dozen townships along more than 500 miles of shoreline, even the most discerning buyers are sure to find their dream home in Lake Norman.
“There is absolutely an area for every type of buyer,” says Simpson. “From large planned country club communities such as The Point, to neighborhoods large and small and more rural areas—whatever you desire, Lake Norman has it.” For instance, according to Cash, Denver is the place to be for a “rustic, off-the-beaten-path setting,” Davidson is a hot area thanks to its charming, walkable downtown and Iredell County is a hit for those looking for a high-performing school system and lower taxes. But, if the buyer is a “9-to-5 in Charlotte,” she advises looking at Cornelius and Huntersville for an easier commute. However, if waterfront living is at the top of the list, choices range from condos to new developments, fixeruppers and teardowns. “I’m finding that a lot of my clients are looking to buy on the lake,” says Cash. “They’re exploring their options, whether teardowns or large-scale renovations, just to be on the water, and they’re not settling for outdated homes.” “Sisters Cove is a new lakefront neighborhood in Mooresville that’s doing well,” adds Reed Jackson with Ivester Jackson Distinctive Properties. “Homes can be built with private
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docks, there are lakeside walking paths and every home in the community has a water view.” Of course, one doesn’t have to live on the water to enjoy it. There are a number of ways to enjoy this beautiful lake, from waterfront parks to golf courses, boating to fishing and lakeside restaurants. “The Blue Parrot Grill is a great spot to unwind after a hectic week and then, Port City in Cornelius is always nice,” says Cash. “And we also have all kinds of fitness classes, paddleboard classes and even yoga on the lake—I’m very interested in trying that!” With its laid-back vibe, charming towns and picture-perfect setting, the numbers have it—life is better at the lake. “The real estate market has been strong all around the lake,” says Jackson. “We’ve recently had an uptick in homes going under contract for more than $2 million in The Point, the Cornelius area has been strong all year in all price segments and Davidson and the West Shore have both been very active in the $500,000 to nearly $1 million range. From being out on the lake, walking Jetton Park and Saturday mornings at the Davidson Farmers’ Market, the lifestyle here can’t be beat.”
homes.charlo+e.com