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Home » Why You’ll Want to Buy a Waterfront Home in Cornelius, NC

Why You’ll Want to Buy a Waterfront Home in Cornelius, NC

Luxurious house interior in Cornelius

Waterfront homes for sale in Cornelius, NC are some of the most coveted properties in the Lake Norman area, and for good reason – from sweeping views of the water to direct lake access, these homes will enhance your lifestyle in more ways than one.

Cornelius: An in-demand lakeside community

Cornelius has been a lakeside destination since the creation of Lake Norman in 1963. The cabins and bungalows that once dotted the pristine shoreline eventually gave way to large waterfront estates with a host of amenities. Mecklenburg County planners estimate that the number of waterfront homes along Lake Norman increased from 600 to 1,600 between 1972 and 1977, which illustrates a strong desire for lakefront living among homebuyers. Today, waterfront homes for sale in Cornelius, NC come in a variety of architectural styles and designs, appealing to discerning buyers with an eye for quality craftsmanship.

The town offers over 54 miles of coastline with sandy beaches and waterfront parks. It is situated on the southern banks of the lake, along with the neighboring towns of Davidson and Mooresville. With gorgeous summers and partly cloudy weather year-round, the town lends itself well to a wide range of outdoor activities, including swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, camping, and golf.

Cornelius also has a long love affair with the NASCAR industry – its proximity to the Charlotte Motor Speedway makes it a popular choice among race car drivers and other NASCAR professionals. Championship auto racing team co-owner Joe Gibbs kept a residence in Cornelius while NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin owns a waterfront mansion and restaurant in town. Other notable race cars drivers such as Scot Walters and Stefan Parsons come from Cornelius.

High-profile residents also include ESPN reporter Marty Smith and NBA stars Michael Jordan and Robert Parish, who own large properties in the area.

Discover the joys of waterfront living

Waterfront homes for sale in Cornelius, NC are highly sought after for the following reasons:

  • Lifestyle – A waterfront home is more than just a trophy property. It’s a lifestyle enhancement that can dramatically improve your quality of life. From unobstructed views of the water and shoreline that calm the mind, to direct lake access that lets you enjoy boating in your own time, lakefront living opens up many possibilities. Each day becomes an adventure with a practically never-ending list of activities to enjoy.

    When you purchase a lakefront property, you’re investing in a desirable lifestyle that gives you countless opportunities for recreation. A waterfront property makes for an excellent vacation home for those times when you just feel like having a quick weekend getaway or an extended summer vacation.

  • Space and privacy – Many waterfront homes for sale in Cornelius, NC are situated on oversized lots with thousands of square feet of living space. This gives you and your family plenty of space to roam on private property. Practice morning yoga on the lawn, have the kids play in the yard or watch the sunset from the patio. You’ll have the freedom to move and enjoy a wide range of activities right at home.

    Having ample space also keeps the door open for decorating and renovation projects that you’ve always wanted to take on. Whether you want to turn the sunroom into a private office and grand library or create an indoor playground for the kids, you can finally bring your interior design dreams to life.

    The majority of these properties are located within gated communities with enhanced security and guarded entrances. This can give you peace of mind and lets you go about your day-to-day life away from prying eyes.

  • Events and gatherings – A waterfront property is perfect for entertaining. If you like hosting holiday parties, family celebrations, destination weddings, and spontaneous trips, having a waterfront property lets you entertain guests in style. Perhaps one of the main advantages of owning a waterfront home is having a picturesque venue readily available for private gatherings whether it’s peak season in Cornelius or not. No advance reservations are needed.

    Some of the larger waterfront homes for sale in Cornelius, NC have enough bedrooms and bathrooms to accommodate a big group. These properties also have spacious outdoor patios or observation decks where you can treat guests to dinner and drinks with breathtaking views of Lake Norman.

    A waterfront property is a wonderful place to build cherished memories with friends and family. You’ll treasure these recollections of lakefront parties and celebrations for many years to come.

  • Income potential – If you don’t plan to occupy your waterfront property year-round, consider renting it out when it’s not in use. This creates the potential for passive income. You can decide to rent out the property on a short or long-term basis depending on how often you intend to use it yourself.

    North Carolina charges state sales tax, local sales tax, and local occupancy taxfor short-term rental owners who collect payments from tenants for at least 15 days each year. Any property with reservations lasting fewer than 90 days is considered a short-term rental. You can register a rental property with the North Carolina Department of Revenue.

  • Wellness and relaxation – If you live a fast-paced and hyperconnected life, lakefront living can help you relax. Research has shown that living near bodies of water makes you happy. This phenomenon is aptly called “Blue Mind” and refers to the state of deep relaxation and meditation that one can experience when spending time near the water or being in it. It is known to lower stress and anxiety while creating a sense of well-being.

  • Location – Despite its beautiful scenery and laid-back vibe, Cornelius is easily accessible via Interstate 77. Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT / KCLT) is only about 19 miles away while Charlotte is just 20 miles from town. Its enviable location lets you live by the water without being too far from all the excitement and conveniences of a major city.

  • Personal satisfaction – There’s nothing like owning a beautiful home in a fantastic location. A waterfront property is a prized asset that creates a sense of pride and satisfaction in the owner, and rightly so. Waterfront homes for sale in Cornelius, NC are made with superior workmanship and upscale finishes for optimum comfort and enjoyment.

Why Cornelius is such a great place to live

From a vibrant downtown to world-class shopping and dining, there are many reasons to choose to live in Cornelius:

  • Downtown Cornelius – You’ll find an authentic downtown jam-packed with locally-owned shops, boutiques, cafes, breweries, and restaurants. Downtown Cornelius is a pedestrian-friendly commercial strip with red brick pathways and vintage-style street lamps for a fun day out.

  • Retail – Cornelius has several malls carrying major brands and retailers. These include Jetton Village Shoppes, Peninsula Village, Lake Shore Marketplace, and The Shops at Fresh Market.

  • Dining – From waterfront dining to traditional pub fare, Cornelius has it all. Dine at celebrity chef-owned pizza joints and award-winning restaurants that serve Thai, Indian, Tex-Mex, Italian, and New American fare, just to name a few.

  • Parks and recreation centers – Cornelius has 262 acres of developed parkland and about 120 acres of undeveloped greenway and open spaces for outdoor recreation. The town also offers seven miles of trails and greenways for walking, jogging, and cycling. You can also rent a shelter, field, or sports court for group activities.

  • Beaches – Jetton Park and Ramsey Creek Park have beaches as well as picnic sites and walking trails.

  • Marinas – Sailing and boating enthusiasts can enjoy the services and amenities at Crown Harbor and Blythe Landing.

  • Private clubsThe Peninsula Club offers a luxurious private club experience with an 18-hole championship golf course, 35,000-square foot clubhouse, and tennis court.

House facade in Cornelius

What are the best waterfront neighborhoods in Cornelius?

Some of the finest waterfront neighborhoods in Cornelius include:

  • Norman Shores
  • Country Club Shores
  • Connor Quay
  • Crown Harbor
  • Lake Norman Island
  • Knox Landing
  • Bahia Bay
  • Rockridge Shores
  • Captains Point
  • Blue Stone Harbor
  • Bethelwood Bay Estates
  • Island Forest
  • Biscayne Park
  • Jetton Cove
  • Shearwater Point
  • The Peninsula
  • Sterling Pointe
  • Point Largo

What do I need to know about buying a lake house?

Inquire about the covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) if you’re buying in a community governed by a homeowners association (HOA). The CC&Rs will state any limits or restrictions on renovations, rentals, or usage of waterfront property within the community. This will help you determine whether or not the community rules can potentially restrict or limit your enjoyment of the property.

Look into insurance coverage for waterfront properties. You’ll likely have to purchase a specialized insurance policy for waterfront property. This will help protect your investment and provide coverage against any wear or damage to the property as a result of its lakefront location.

Find the best waterfront homes for sale in Cornelius, NC

Make your lakefront dreams come true when you work with The Christopher Lauren Group. We are a husband and wife team who will be more than happy to help you find the best waterfront properties on Lake Norman. Contact us at 980.475.2754, send us an email, or message us here to get started.

Chris Sheridan is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS) and photographer-videographer while Lauren Sheridan is a Strategic Pricing Specialist with more than 11 years of experience in the NASCAR industry. Our team takes a fresh, friendly, and outgoing approach to real estate, making the experience fun and memorable for all our clients.