7 Best North Carolina Lake Communities

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Ryan Fitzgerald Ryan Fitzgerald
Oct 23, 2023 10 min read
7 Best North Carolina Lake Communities
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Best North Carolina Lake Communities

If you're considering moving to North Carolina and love the idea of living near some of the best lake communities, we've got you covered with some great insights! Let's take a closer look together.

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. This state has something to offer everyone, from beaches and lakes to the mountains.

North Carolina has become one of the top locations for young professionals, growing families, students, and retirees. With a population of over 10 million, this state is the ninth largest in the United States and is continuing to grow. 

North Carolina is split into three geographic regions: the coastal plains to the East, the Piedmont region in the central area, and the Appalachian Mountains to the West. No matter where you go, this state has its own charm and gives off a small-town community feel with a unique personality that you won't want to miss out on. 

If you're interested in moving to North Carolina, check out the available real estate here, as well as the beautiful lake communities that this state has to offer. 

Keep reading to learn more about the best lake communities in North Carolina. 

1. Bear Lake Reserve

Address: 503 Harbor Ridge Dr, Tuckasegee, NC 28736

Nestled in the heart of Mother Nature, Bear Lake Reserve is a premier community that offers one of the best mountain-lake living experiences. Located near Asheville, this property is an ideal destination for those who want to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the world.

Bear Lake Reserve is a hidden gem in western North Carolina, boasting a rugged connection to wilderness perfectly blended with a refined luxury offered by the mountain-lake village lifestyle. With stunning mountains and pristine waters, this secluded community provides an abundance of amenities that will keep you entertained, as well as plenty of opportunities for fishing

Mountain lake view with trees and pretty sky

Whether you are interested in building your dream home or staying at the 2,100-acre resort, this community offers the kind of rustic elegance that anyone can dream of.

The 2,100-acre lake community includes restaurants, swimming pools, fitness centers, recreational courts, trails, parks, and much more. With some of the most beautiful lakefront homes in North Carolina, Bear Lake Reserve is an escape from city life where families and retirees can make new memories and enjoy the beautiful, everlasting nature surrounding them.

If you are seeking a serene and picturesque location away from the chaos of the city, this community is the perfect fit for you. Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience the natural beauty and tranquility this place has to offer. Check out the available real estate options provided here and take the first step towards making your dream a reality.

2. Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure

Address: 112 Mountains Blvd, Lake Lure, NC 28746

Rumbling Bald is a beautiful community spread across 2,900 acres, overlooking Lake Lure. The community offers a luxurious lifestyle, with the lake, mountains, and clear skies being a part of everyday life. You can enjoy all of this from the comfort of your home with access to all the amenities that the community has to offer. 

Rumbling Bald has grown from a solitary boathouse to a thriving mountain golf community. The lakefront houses offer a beautiful view of the pristine Lake Lure, resort-style amenities, and an award-winning golf course. 

With over 21 miles of lake shoreline, members of this community can enjoy activities such as boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and more. The beautiful lake and mountains offer the perfect backdrop for a forever home or a place to visit. 

Many people call this community their forever home, as the gated community offers many resorts throughout where you can enjoy the tranquility of the mountain lake and breathtaking views.

If you happen to be considering a move to a lake community, we would like to suggest this private and gated community as a possible destination for you. This community boasts a high quality of life, along with a wide range of award-winning activities and amenities. We believe it is an excellent option for those seeking a thriving and enjoyable lifestyle.

Lake community with boat in the water NC

3. Pinehurst Country Club

This is a private, 200-acre freshwater lake that includes a white, sandy beach. It's the perfect destination to enjoy the sand and is most famous for its picturesque golf courses, outdoor activities, and southern charm. Whether you're looking to raise a family or relax during retirement, this area is an ideal destination.

Pinehurst Lake boasts an active and involved homeowners association that hosts many events, which is one of the reasons why people love this community. Known for its golf courses, today, the lake is home to many beautiful homes, villas, and unique "tree houses" for all.

This gem has something for everyone, and if you're looking to move somewhere where you can enjoy the beautiful views of the lake, golf course, and nature, Pinehurst is the location for you. The small-town feel adds to the warm, welcoming community, making it an excellent place to call home.

If you're interested in moving to Pinehurst, be sure to check out the homes available here so you don't miss out on the beauty of living in this area. Whether you want to live by the water or in a vibrant neighborhood, we'll help you find the perfect property. Get ready to take the first step towards your new home. 

Pristine golf course with beautiful views in NC

4. Riverlights 

Riverlights is a community designed to celebrate the beauty of the coast. This lakefront community offers the perfect balance of urban energy and natural serenity. Whether you prefer to explore the community's 38-acre freshwater lake or take a stroll along the riverfront boardwalk, this waterfront community has something to offer everyone.

The breathtakingly beautiful waterfront community is located in the Wilmington area, encompassing over 1,400 acres along the Cape Fear River. The community is designed to cater to families, active lifestyles, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Riverlights is a community that revolves around water, providing its residents with both stunning views and a central location. It's one of North Carolina's fastest-growing regions and offers a unique opportunity for residents to live, work, and play all in one place.

If you're looking for a community that combines lake living with coastal charm, then Riverlights is the perfect place to start your search for a new home. This community boasts a high quality of living and a welcoming atmosphere that is sure to make you feel right at home.

5. Mountaintop Golf and Lake Club

Address: 1638 N High Mountain Dr, Cashiers, NC 28717

Mountaintop Golf and Lake Club is a private mountain retreat located at the heart of the historic Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. It offers stunning natural beauty and unique amenities. The real estate at Mountaintop consists of over 240 estate lots and 75 luxurious cabins that are spread across 730 acres of the Blue Ridge Mountain landscape.

Mountaintop is situated at an elevation of 3,100 feet, where you can enjoy crystal clear lakes with five flowing waterfalls, as well as the beauty of the mountains. The community features a golf course, clubhouse, fitness center, and many other facilities.

Known as one of the best lake communities in North Carolina, Mountaintop offers a range of activities and amenities for its residents. There is so much to enjoy Whether you enjoy the pristine waters or playing golf. Rustic mountain homes start at $2 million, while you can customize your own home on a lot ranging from $320,000 to $500,000.

Canoeing in lake with views in mountains of NC

If you are searching for a private area that has the natural beauty of the lake, mountains, and golf course, Mountaintop Golf and Lake Club may be the best place for you to search for homes for sale so you can jumpstart the process of buying a forever home.

6. Rivers Edge Golf Club and Plantation

Address: 2000 Arnold Palmer Dr, Shallotte, NC 28470

Rivers Edge Golf Club and Plantation is a beautiful location that offers mild weather, unspoiled beaches, abundant wildlife, natural landscapes, and a quintessential southern coastal lifestyle. The premier master-planned gated community on the coast is located just a couple of minutes away from the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, with a 27-acre freshwater lake surrounding it.

Located in Shallotte, this community is perfectly situated, with plenty of local amenities and activities to enjoy. The location provides easy access to art, history, culture, colleges, entertainment, and more, making it a desirable destination for second homes or permanent residents.

The gated lake community boasts luxurious amenities such as the lake itself, pools, a private beach club, a golf course, restaurants, and much more. The freshwater lake also offers canoeing, kayaking, and fishing opportunities.

If you are interested in moving to a pristine community that has it all, from a beautiful lake to pristine beaches, this gated community may be the perfect destination for you. With so much to offer, you don't want to miss out!

7. Connestee Falls

Connestee Falls is a glistening lakefront community that is home to an 18-hole golf course and other lifestyle amenities, which are wholly owned and operated by the residents of this welcoming community.

This thriving community has a small-town feel, as well as a one-of-a-kind community within the Blue Ridge Mountains of the Western part of the state. Spectacular views and the welcoming community, with over 60 residential clubs, make this area a very engaging and active lifestyle.

The 3,800-acre development has over half of the land set aside for lakes, waterfalls, trails, and woodlands. If you are searching for a place to live that is full of natural beauty and offers an active community with various amenities, then this lake community may be the perfect choice for you.

FAQS

What is the cleanest lake to live on in North Carolina?

The community takes great pride in the ownership of Lake Autman and its accompanying dam, which are considered precious resources. It is worth noting that the lake boasts remarkable clarity, surpassing that of any other lake in NC and ranking 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 most popular destinations for visitors in the state.

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, leasing waterfront land, property restrictions, and expenses/upkeep for docks and boats.

What are some advantages of lakefront property?

Living on a lake can provide a multitude of benefits. These include potentially enhancing mental and physical well-being, reducing stress levels, offering access to recreational activities, improving air quality, and presenting investment opportunities, among others.

Lakehouse view with sunset in the back and boats

Best North Carolina Lake Communities - The Bottom Line

North Carolina is an excellent destination to consider if you are searching for a location that offers a low cost of living, enjoyable weather, a prosperous job market, and breathtaking scenery. The state provides something for everyone, from beautiful beaches and lakes to majestic mountains.

The lake communities in North Carolina are located in different places, but they all offer a luxurious waterfront living experience. People love these lakefront communities for the pristine waters and breathtaking views they provide.

North Carolina is a highly sought-after destination for a diverse range of individuals, including young professionals, growing families, students, and retirees. With a population of over 10 million, it is the ninth-largest state in the U.S. and continues to attract new residents. No matter if you are looking to relocate or buy a vacation home, you can't go wrong with a lake community in NC.

If you are interested in moving to a lake community in North Carolina, please feel free to contact us here or visit our website, and we will connect you with one of our local agents at Raleigh Realty to help you with the homebuying process. 

Ryan Fitzgerald
Written by
Ryan Fitzgerald
Realtor

Hi there! Nice to 'meet' you and thanks for visiting our Raleigh Real Estate Blog! My name is Ryan Fitzgerald, and I'm a REALTOR® in Raleigh-Durham, NC, the owner of Raleigh Realty. I work alongside some of the best Realtors in Raleigh. You can find more of my real estate content on Forbes, Wall Street Journal, U.S. News and more. Realtor Magazine named me a top 30 under 30 Realtor in the country (it was a long time ago haha). Any way, that's enough about me. I'd love to learn more about you if you'd like to connect with me on Facebook and Instagram or connect with our team at Raleigh Realty. Looking forward to connecting!

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