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10 Things To Consider Before Moving To Cornelius, NC

Nicole Leininger March 29, 2022

Deciding to move to Cornelius, NC has become a popular choice for a lot of people in the last couple decades. What was once a small town of about 9,000 people has grown to around 30,000 residents.

Many people want to know if Cornelius, NC is a good place to live. The answer to that question is a resounding yes. 

Before you decide to move to Cornelius, here are ten things to know.

Where Is Cornelius?

The town of Cornelius is a suburban town in Mecklenburg County located along Lake Norman.  Cornelius is one of the major suburbs of Charlotte and it gives you that suburban feel with a big city just minutes away.

Cornelius History

The town of Cornelius, the second youngest of Mecklenburg’s incorporated towns, was founded in 1893 and incorporated in 1905. Originally named Liverpool, it was changed to Cornelius after Joseph Benjamin Cornelius, who was the principal stockholder of the cotton mill that established the town.

 In the 1880s there were two thriving cotton farms in Davidson, NC but cotton farmers found it much safer and convenient to do business in Cornelius due to flooding concerns in Davidson. 

Today’s Cornelius has grown leaps and bounds and the latest census data shows that some 31,000 people call the area home. It has shown an increase of about 2% in annual population each year and has seen a jump of nearly 28% since the last official census.

Lake Norman

Living in Cornelius gives you a prime location to one of the best parts of living in the suburbs of Charlotte. With the most shoreline of any town on Lake Norman, Cornelius has a great location on the southeastern corner, making it easily accessible. 

 Lake Norman provides beautiful beaches, along with several opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, trails and much more. One of the largest man-made lakes in the United States, it boasts 520 miles of coastline.  

Proximity to Charlotte

Situated about 18 miles south of Mooresville, Cornelius sits just 20 miles from downtown Charlotte. Generally the commute to downtown to enjoy all the amenities the Queen City has to offer will only take about 25 minutes. From dining to entertainment, both Cornelius and Charlotte offer an immense amount of opportunities. 

Things to Do in Cornelius


There are many things to do in Cornelius, NC thanks to all the town and surrounding areas have to offer. From local restaurants, breweries, movie theaters, and recreational areas, there is always something fun for the whole family to enjoy. 

Best Parks in Cornelius

If you are looking for outdoor activities, parks in Cornelius can satisfy that need. Here are the four most popular park destinations:

Jetton Park


Jetton Park is one of the popular spots on Lake Norman. With 104-acres, you can go to the beach, tennis courts, trails, or picnic areas.

Ramsey Creek Park

Located on 43 acres of waterfront area, Ramsey Creek is one of Lake Norman’s prime beach areas. This one fills up quickly, so make sure to get there early as it’s usually busy by 10 a.m.  Ramsey Creek also has fishing, boating, and walking trails.

Bailey Road Park

Bailey Road Park is a 66-acre park with plenty of space and it features a disc golf course, hiking, and playgrounds for the young ones. 

Robbins Park

Robbins Park is a nature-based theme park that gives kids a fun place to play in a very cool playground area. The park also has disc golf, tennis courts, and trails.

Best Restaurants in Cornelius

 

Cornelius offers some of the best restaurants in the surrounding Charlotte area. Whether you’re looking for fine dining or bar fare, you can find it here in Cornelius.

Here are some of our favorite restaurants that we consider to be the best restaurants in Cornelius, NC. 

131 Main

Offering American cuisine, 131 Main has a distinctive Low Country Charleston feel. Whether you want to sit outside on the veranda or around the fire pit, 131 Main has something for everyone.  

Barrel & Fork

In a time when everyone is yearning for the future, Barrel & Fork takes us back to the glory days of the past. Claiming to have food that is “just what you are looking for,” Barrel & Fork offers affordable American fare.  The staff provides a true dining experience and the atmosphere is memorable.  

Choplin’s Restaurant

If it’s upscale you want, Choplin’s is the place to go. Choplin’s is a modern blend of steak and seafood in a relaxed atmosphere.

Harp and Crown Pub & Kitchen

Harp and Crown is a cozy Irish Pub offering traditional Irish dishes and modern adaptations to some old favorites. 

Fresh Chef Kitchen

Fresh Chef Kitchen is committed to using the freshest ingredients from salads to sandwiches, pasta and chicken.

Best Breweries in Cornelius

In addition to having some of the best restaurants in the area, Cornelius also has some great local breweries. 

D9 Brewing

This community-oriented taproom encourages fans to gather with friends and enjoy a tasty pint from one of the Charlotte region’s largest breweries.

Eleven Lakes Brewing

With a mission statement of providing quality craft beer and to bring together the community, Eleven Lakes hits the spot.

Lost World’s Brewing

Every meticulously crafted beer is created to take you on a journey and satisfy your taste for adventure.  

Carbonation Craft Beer and Wine

This brewery is a dog friendly neighborhood bar with a rotating selection of local and regional craft beer.

Jobs in Cornelius

The job market in Cornelius has been growing in the past decade. In the past 10 years, Cornelius has seen a job growth of about 27%. With its close proximity to Charlotte, many in the banking and technology industries are finding a job in the Queen City and a home in Cornelius. 

Schools in Cornelius

Situated within the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school district, Cornelius boasts several award-winning public schools and numerous charter schools that rank as some of the country’s best.


The affordability of Cornelius real estate is one of the main reasons people are making the move as the Charlotte real estate market becomes increasingly competitive. With the beauty of Lake Norman and great entertainment and schools at your disposal, if you are looking for a home in the Charlotte metro, then must check out the town of Cornelius.

Ready to Make the Next Step and Move to Cornelius?

Nicole Leininger is the perfect real estate agent to help you in your search for your own slice of Cornelius real estate. Contact Nicole today to start your search for home. 


Work With Nicole

Nicole prides herself on being prompt and efficient, keeping her customers informed during every step of the journey, and resolving problems quickly. Her customers often become her friends, and she treats everyone like family. Contact Nicole now!

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