10 Things To Know Before Moving To Lake Norman

Lake Norman is often rated as one of the best lakes in the United States and is well-loved by those who live the waterfront lifestyle. If you’re relocating for a job, looking for a retirement home, or just wanting a change of scenery and a laid-back way of life, you might be interested in Lake Norman real estate. 

Here are 10 things you should know before moving to Lake Norman.

1. Where is Lake Norman?

Located toward the center of North Carolina, Lake Norman spans four counties – Catawba, Iredell, Lincoln, and Mecklenburg. The towns around Lake Norman offer a small-town feel and sense of community, but residents are just a thirty-minute drive north from the big city amenities of Charlotte. 

2. All About the Lake

So, just how big is Lake Norman? At 33.3 miles in length and 9 miles in width, Lake Norman covers over 32,510 acres and boasts 520 miles of shoreline. The average depth is just over 33 feet, but in some places, the depth reaches as far as 110 feet. The Lake Norman water temp reaches its peak in July at just under 82 degrees, and the lowest temperatures come in January when the water can be as cold as 38 degrees. 

3. How’s the Weather?

Lake Norman has a four-season climate. Residents can enjoy warm springs with blooming flowers, while the hot and balmy summers bring temperatures into the mid-90s. Summer also means afternoon rain showers, though they usually pass quickly.

The fall season is temperate and enjoyable as the cooler air moves in and humidity dissipates. During the winter, temperatures can range from the 30s to 50s. While snow isn’t frequent, it does occasionally come, bringing a rare opportunity for sledding or tubing. 

4. Nearby Recreation

There is no shortage of things to do at Lake Norman. The lake is an obvious haven for those who love water sports and activities like wakeboarding, knee boarding and waterskiing. If you don’t own a boat, there are plenty of places along the lake where you can rent boats, jet skis, paddleboards, and fish equipment.

There are also options for activities off the water. There are loop trails off the lake for walking and jogging at Jetton Park and playgrounds for children. If you’re a golfer, the area is also home to several public golf courses, as well as elite private courses like The Peninsula Club and Trump National Golf Club. 

5. Shopping at Lake Norman

Lake Norman isn’t just home to the best lake living in NC, it is also home to some of the best shopping. The communities around the lake offer access to many national chain stores, but they also each have an assortment of boutiques, village shops, and upscale specialty stores. Huntersville has many high-end shops that often hold fashion shows and other fun events. 

6. Dining in Lake Norman

If you’re considering Lake Norman real estate, you may be wondering about the local food scene. From the many great local burger spots and pizza joints to formal dining on the waterfront, there is truly something for all tastes.

The Blue Parrot Grill in Mooresville is a fan-favorite spot for icy cocktails and live entertainment on the pet-friendly patio. If finer dining is more your style, check out Kindred in Davidson. This unique restaurant located in a restored pharmacy is a nationally recognized James Beard Award finalist. 

7. Brewing Scene

The best of Lake Norman might actually be the array of local breweries and craft beer scene. Beer-based social events have exploded in popularity, like the Laketoberfest Beer and Music Festival at Bailey Road Park. North Carolina is an affordable place for small businesses to bloom and grow, making it an attractive craft and small-batch brewers to open up shop. 

8. North Carolina Job Market

Because of Lake Norman’s proximity to Charlotte, potential residents shouldn’t worry about job opportunities. Just a short 20-mile drive away, residents from Lake Norman can find jobs with some of the country’s largest banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and BB&T. There is also a thriving healthcare job market in Charlotte and the surrounding area, and the tech sector is starting to grow. 

9. Education Opportunities

If you have school-aged children and are curious about the education system in and around Lake Norman, you’ll be happy to know that the schools in the area are some of the best in the state. The area is home to many nationally recognized private and public schools, and Mooresville City Schools have ranked tenth in the state for test scores and college data.

When your children are ready for higher education, there are several highly reputable institutions nearby. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is just half an hour away, and Duke University is two hours northeast of Lake Norman. 

10. Affordability

With a great quality of life and low cost of living, the Lake Norman area is very affordable. Though current market circumstances are challenging buyers with limited inventory, you might be able to find a starter home for around $200,000. Properties on the water are generally more expensive, but many lovely, affordable homes are just inside the shoreline.

Finding Your Piece of Lake Norman Real Estate

So, now that you know all there is to know, what do you think? Is Lake Norman a good place to live? We think so. If you’re ready to start looking for a home near the lake, you’ll find working with an experienced local real estate agent will make the relocation process easier.

An agent can show you around different neighborhoods, pull refined listing searches based on your needs, and walk you through the buying process. This is especially valuable if you are a first-time home buyer or relocating from far away.

Want to Know Even More About Lake Norman Real Estate?

Nicole Leininger is the perfect real estate agent to help you search the Lake Norman area to find a property that ticks all the boxes on your wishlist. Contact Nicole today to start your search for home.