Best North Carolina Lake Communities
Are you interested in North Carolina lakefront living? If you are moving to North Carolina, here are the ten best lake communities.
North Carolina is an ideal destination for anyone looking to relocate to a place with a low cost of living, pleasant weather, a thriving job market, and stunning landscapes. From beaches to the mountains, this state has something to offer everyone.
As one of the top locations for young professionals, growing families, students, and retirees, North Carolina is home to fast-growing cities as more people call it home. With a population of over 11 million, this state is the ninth largest in the United States and continues growing.
North Carolina's abundant lakes offer some of the most desirable residential communities in the Southeast, particularly in the Research Triangle region.
From serene waterfront retreats to luxury developments with world-class amenities, these lake communities provide the perfect blend of natural beauty and modern convenience.
Here's your comprehensive guide to the top 10 lake communities for homebuyers, with a special focus on the Raleigh area.
Keep reading to learn more about the best lake communities in North Carolina.
1. Jordan Lake
Location: 30 minutes southwest of Raleigh
Lake Size: 13,940 acres with 110 feet maximum depth
Jordan Lake is one of North Carolina's premier lake destinations, offering multiple residential communities along its expansive shoreline.
Jordan Lake real estate is in the top twenty markets in the state for lake homes and lake lots, making it highly sought after by Triangle area residents.
An attractive option for homebuyers, Jordan Lake offers the perfect balance of recreational opportunities and commuter convenience. It has direct access to Chapel Hill's cultural amenities and downtown Raleigh's business district.
Living near Jordan Lake offers access to Research Triangle Park and many job opportunities. It also provides residents with hiking and biking trails, swimming areas, fishing spots, and boating.
The Legacy at Jordan Lake is a modern community with world-class amenities in Chapel Hill. It features homes from 2,137 to 5,986 square feet. Development began in 2007 and has continued growing. The homes for sale in The Legacy at Jordan Lake have a median list price of $820,000, with properties typically priced between $700,000 and $800,000.
The Governors Club, another Chapel Hill community, is a premium gated community offering golf course living near Jordan Lake. Real estate in the Governors Club features views of the fairways.
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2. Falls Lake
Location: 15 minutes North of downtown Raleigh
Lake Size: 12,410 acres
Falls Lake is the closest major lake community to Raleigh's city center, making it incredibly popular with professionals seeking lakefront living without sacrificing their city commute.
Located in Durham, Wake, and Granville Counties, Falls Lake is one of the largest recreational facilities and offers many activities for people to enjoy. The Falls Lake State Recreation Area has multiple marinas, boat launches, and an extensive trail system.
Falls Lake communities are ideal for executives and families because they are part of the Wake County Public School System, and top-rated golf courses are within minutes.
Bedford at Falls River is a 607-acre master-planned development between Raleigh and Wake Forest. With a current median home price of $613,289, this community is close to I-540 and offers the best lakefront living.
3. Lake Wheeler
Location: 10 minutes from downtown Raleigh
Lake Size: 650 acres
Lake Wheeler is located close to downtown Raleigh and provides an urban lake lifestyle that's increasingly rare in major metropolitan areas. While no homes are found directly around the lake, nearby communities feature convenient access to the lake and its many amenities.
The Village at Lake Wheeler is a charming subdivision with sought-after homes for sale. It is perfect for urban professionals who want lake and outdoor recreation access while maintaining a city lifestyle with short commutes to downtown offices.
The Sanctuary at Lake Wheeler is another gorgeous community that blends secluded living with convenience. With a median list price of $1,637,375, the homes in this community are large and custom-made.
4. Lake Johnson
Location: 8 minutes from downtown Raleigh
Lake Size: 185 acres
Lake Johnson represents Raleigh's most accessible lake community, offering true urban lakefront living with city amenities at your doorstep. Located close to NC State University, living near Lake Johnson is ideal for young professionals and families who want recreational opportunities without leaving the city, plus excellent walkability to restaurants and shopping.
Lake Johnson is the perfect destination, featuring a boathouse with paddleboard rentals, a 5.4-mile walking trail around the lake, and picnic areas.
Lake Johnson Harbour is a vibrant community adjacent to the lake that offers a diverse selection of homes. The properties within Lake Johnson Harbour provide picturesque views of Lake Johnson and access to urban amenities.
5. Lake Norman
Location: 45 minutes North of Charlotte, 2.5 hours from the Triangle
Lake Size: 32,475 acres
While not in the Triangle, Lake Norman is North Carolina's largest man-made lake and most developed lake community destination. This artificial freshwater lake is perfect for a weekend getaway and is a popular spot in the summer.
Buying a home near Lake Norman is ideal for executives willing to commute or work remotely, offering resort-style living with sophisticated amenities and strong property values.
Lake Norman has multiple championship golf courses, full-service marinas and yacht clubs, luxury shopping, and fine dining and entertainment venues.
The Peninsula Club is one of the most popular lakefront communities surrounding Lake Norman. Claiming 11 miles of Lake Norman's stunning shoreline, this luxury community features a mixture of custom-built and new-construction homes on and off the water.
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6. Lake Gaston
Location: 1 hour northeast of the Triangle area
Lake Size: 20,300 acres
Lake Gaston straddles the North Carolina-Virginia border, offering affordable lakefront real estate options and reasonable access to job opportunities and employment centers.
Many retirees, empty nesters, and remote workers seeking affordable lakefront living with recreational amenities choose to live in one of the many top-rated communities surrounding Lake Gaston.
The area is a growing retiree community with multiple golf courses and country clubs. Hubquarter Landing and Shearwater Point neighborhoods are among the best places to live along Lake Gaston.
7. Kerr Lake
Location: 1 hour North of the Triangle area
Lake Size: 50,000 acres
Kerr Lake is one of the largest lakes on the East Coast and offers extensive waterfront development opportunities. Located in Vance and Warren Counties, it is on the north-central Virginia border and has over 800 miles of shoreline.
Best known for its affordable property taxes and growing vacation rental market, this massive recreational lake with multiple state parks offers excellent fishing and boating opportunities.
Great for homebuyers seeking recreational opportunities, maximum water access, and affordable homes, Kerr Lake provides excellent value for lakefront properties.
Rose Hill at Kerr Lake is a popular lakefront community near Kerr Lake State Recreation Area. Providing scenic beauty with its water access and tree-lined shore, this one-of-a-kind community has large estate-style homes.
8. High Rock Lake
Location: 1.5 hours southwest of Triangle in Lexington, NC
Lake Size: 15,000 acres
High Rock Lake offers a more intimate lake community experience with excellent fishing and a growing residential base. As the second largest lake in North Carolina behind Lake Norman, High Rock Lake is a reservoir in central North Carolina.
Located in the northernmost part of the Uwharrie Lakes, this lake offers year-round water activities and hundreds of acres of natural beauty for visitors and residents.
Renowned as a bass fishing destination, High Rock Lake provides affordable lakefront living in a family-friendly area. Offering a wide range of lakefront properties surrounded by wooded acreage, living near High Rock Lake provides a peaceful way of life.
9. Lake Tillery
Location: 1.5 hours south of Triangle
Lake Size: 5,000 acres
Lake Tillery provides a quieter, more secluded lake living experience while offering modern amenities and recreational opportunities. Located in the North Carolina Uwharrie Lakes Region, Lake Tillery is a reservoir between Falls Reservoir and Blewett Falls Lake.
Ideal for buyers prioritizing tranquility and natural beauty over proximity to urban centers, homes for sale near Lake Tillery are great for retirees and those seeking peace and privacy.
With a lower population than other lake communities in North Carolina, Lake Tillery provides excellent fishing, swimming, and boating opportunities.
Edgewater on Lake Tillery is a premier gated lakefront community offering complete privacy. It features beautiful lakefront estates, and popular amenities provided to residents include a private clubhouse, an Olympic-sized pool, and an open pavilion used for community events and cookouts.
10. Lake Wylie
Location: 20 minutes south of Charlotte, 2 hours from the Triangle
Lake Size: 13,400 acres
Lake Wylie straddles the North Carolina-South Carolina border, offering lakefront living with easy access to Charlotte's amenities and job market. The lake provides an attractive alternative to Lake Norman with slightly more affordable pricing.
Perfect for Charlotte professionals, Lake Wylie has excellent schools and family-oriented communities. The small population, gorgeous setting, and proximity to Charlotte all mean that homes in Lake Wylie are typically in high demand.
The Sanctuary at Lake Wylie is a 1,350 private community that offers high-end homes on large, wooded lots with waterfront clubhouses and luxurious amenities. The Palisades is another sought-after Lake Wylie premium development with extensive lake access and upscale community amenities.
Methodology
The best lakefront communities in North Carolina were determined based on factors such as location, community amenities, recreational activities, and real estate availability.
FAQs
What is the cleanest lake to live on in North Carolina?
The community takes great pride in owning Lake Autman and its accompanying dam, which are considered precious resources. The lake boasts remarkable clarity, surpassing any other lake in NC, and it ranks second in cleanliness among neighboring states.
What is the loveliest lake in North Carolina?
Lake Gaston, located on the border of North Carolina and Virginia, is one of the most easily accessible lakes in the area. With over 250 miles of shoreline and 20,300 acres of water, it is one of the state's most popular destinations for visitors.
What are some disadvantages of lakefront property?
Some of the biggest cons of owning lakefront property include higher maintenance costs, lack of privacy, high insurance costs, land leasing, property restrictions, and dock and boat expenses/upkeep.
What are some advantages of lakefront property?
Living on a lake can provide many benefits. These include enhancing mental and physical well-being, reducing stress levels, offering access to recreational activities, improving air quality, and presenting investment opportunities.
Best North Carolina Lake Communities - The Bottom Line
North Carolina's lake communities offer diverse opportunities for homebuyers seeking waterfront living. Providing pristine waters and breathtaking views, the lake communities in North Carolina offer luxurious living not far from urban centers.
Whether seeking a primary residence with lake access, a weekend retreat, or an investment property, North Carolina's lake communities offer options across all price points and lifestyle preferences.
When exploring each lake community's unique characteristics, consider commute requirements, desired amenities, and recreational interests. Working with an experienced realtor is essential for serious homebuyers.
If you are moving to Raleigh and are interested in lakefront property, contact the experts at Raleigh Realty. We are ready to help you find your dream home in a top-rated lakefront community.
