Buying a Waterfront Home in Cornelius, NC

For many people, a relaxing life in a lakefront home with stunning views is the ultimate dream. Just imagine waking up to soothing sounds every morning, having instant access to fun water activities, savoring al fresco dinners at sunset, and taking in breathtaking views right from your backyard patio each day. It’s time to make your dream a reality, and the perfect spot to do so is right here in Cornelius, NC. This picturesque town is situated on the southeast shores of Lake Norman, the largest man-made lake in North Carolina with a surface area of approximately 50 square miles and more than 520 miles of scenic shoreline. Cornelius has all of the ingredients needed for enjoying a lakefront lifestyle unlike any other. Whether you’re after the beautiful scenery, the selection of waterfront real estate options, the lakeside attractions, the recreational opportunities, or all of these combined, this scenic suburban town is guaranteed to exceed expectations. If you’re searching for the finest selection of waterfront homes for sale in Cornelius, NC then you’ve come to the right place. On this page, you’ll get to know all about lakeside living in the area. We’ll give you an insider’s look at the town including some of its best activities and destinations, types of waterfront homes available, and offer several tips to help make your relocation as seamless as possible. Your dream lakefront lifestyle starts right here!  

Cornelius, NC at a glance

 

Location

Cornelius is nestled along the shores of Lake Norman in north Mecklenburg County, encompassing roughly 13 square miles. One of the main reasons why Cornelius is a town worth relocating to is its proximity to Charlotte. It’s about a 30-minute drive on Highway 77 to get to the Queen City. Many Cornelius residents work in Charlotte or head down often for a night out, catch a Charlotte Hornets or Carolina Panthers game, or check out its many vibrant attractions.

History

Founded in 1893, Cornelius is the second youngest of six incorporated towns in Mecklenburg County. It started out as a mill and farm community and was incorporated on March 4, 1905 Cornelius’ early beginnings can be traced back to the late 1800s after a disagreement brewed between two Davidson cotton firms over the appointment of an official town cotton weigher. Following a heated election, an official town cotton weigher was appointed. The firm which opposed this move then decided to relocate its operations south of Davidson. The road from Davidson and the area occupied by present-day Cornelius were eventually rendered impassable due to heavy rainfall over the years. The paths that led into Davidson became extremely muddy, leaving no other option for cotton farmers but to operate their business out of a small frame building south of Davidson town limits. The cotton business thrived in the area, and the owners of the building soon set forth plans to construct a cotton mill. The owners, however, lacked the resources needed to build the mill, but they knew someone who could be able to provide funding. It was Joseph Benjamin Cornelius who invested in Cornelius Cotton Mills, which opened in 1890. Although he was not a resident, the town of Cornelius recognized his role as the co-founder and president of the mill and named the town in his honor.  

Waterfront real estate in Cornelius

  A wide selection of exceptional waterfront homes for sale in Cornelius, NC are available for those planning to relocate to this lovely town. Since Cornelius is relatively small in terms of overall size, almost every waterfront home features easy access to shops, restaurants, and other amenities, offering a relaxing and convenient lifestyle for residents. Most of the waterfront homes for sale in Cornelius, NC consist of single-family homes, but there’s also a great selection of waterfront townhomes and condos available, giving buyers a wide range of options to choose from. The waterfront homes here are designed to take full advantage of the town’s picture-perfect scenery and access to Lake Norman. Some of the typical features of waterfront homes for sale in Cornelius, NC are:

• Heated waterside swimming pools
• Expansive screened porches with outdoor kitchens
• Spacious sundecks and outdoor living areas
• Private docks
• Breathtaking lake views from most rooms
• Waterfront boardwalks

 

Lakeside living in Cornelius

  Cornelius features a vast 54-mile shoreline along Lake Norman, making it a prime destination for visitors and anyone looking forward to a relaxing lifestyle by the water. A wide variety of fun water activities is available in Cornelius, including boating, fishing, wakeboarding, kayaking, jet skiing, and paddleboarding to exploring the vibrant array of lakeside parks, restaurants, breweries, shops, and other unique attractions.

Recreation

If you want to enjoy activities at Lake Norman, you can find many establishments that offer chartered cruises and rent out boats, jet skiis, and other equipment. Here’s a list of venues for you to check out:

• Carolina Boat Rentals – 18441 Nantz Rd Cornelius, NC 28031 Phone: 704.614.2118
• Crown Boat Rentals – 21660 Crown Lake Drive, Cornelius, NC 28031 Phone: 704.936.7173
• Sailboat Charters on Lake Norman – 17505 W Catawba Avenue, Cornelius, NC 28031 Phone: 704.301.1062
• Safe Harbor Kings Point – 18020 Kings Point Drive, Cornelius, NC 28031 Phone: 704.892.3223
• Cornelius Pontoon Rentals – 15901 NC Highway 73, Huntersville, NC 28078 Phone: 516.426.6036

Waterfront dining

Indulge in a delicious meal while soaking in panoramic views of Lake Norman by visiting these excellent waterfront restaurants in and around Cornelius:

Hello, Sailor

20210 Henderson Rd, Cornelius, NC, 28031

Enjoy fresh seafood in a warm and inviting retro atmosphere at Hello, Sailor. Owned and operated by Joe and Katy Kindred, this top-rated waterfront restaurant offers a modern twist on a fish camp with an emphasis on chef-driven dishes. Owner Joe Kindred and Hello, Sailor’s lead chef Craig Deihl are both James Beard Award semifinalists, so diners are in for an incredible culinary experience. Deihl also holds the distinction as a two-time regional best chef nominee.

Port City Club

18665 Harborside Drive, Cornelius, NC 28031

Port City Club is an elegant 13,500-square-foot waterfront restaurant with a casual yet sophisticated atmosphere. The restaurant delights diners by providing an incredible waterfront dining experience, with a heated covered deck highlighted by picture-perfect views of Lake Norman. Port City Club uses nothing but the finest, freshest ingredients, including choice cuts of certified angus beef, fresh line-caught Charleston seafood, local farm vegetables, organic chicken, dried meats from West Virginia, and more. While every dish on their menu is worth a try, be sure to order their bestsellers like their seared Atlantic salmon, angus beef ribeye steak, pan-seared grouper, and twin grilled chicken breast.

North Harbor Club

100-D North Harbor Place, Davidson, NC 28036

Located in nearby Davidson, North Harbor Club offers mouthwatering cuisine made with fresh ingredients and prepared masterfully by their skilled Executive Chef. Their elegant private dining room (called The Boat House) is the perfect venue for hosting any special occasion, including business meetings, rehearsal dinners, showers, or simple reunions with friends and family.

Parks

Cornelius is home to several parks for outdoor lovers and nature enthusiasts. If you’re looking forward to some fresh air and spending time outdoors, be sure to drop by these scenic havens:

• • Bailey Road Park – An expansive 66-acre park that features a track, a disc golf course, a playground, hiking trails, picnic areas, and plenty of open space for outdoor activities.

 

• • Jetton Park – This picturesque 104-acre lakefront park is home to top-quality amenities that include picnic areas, walking trails, lighted tennis courts, playgrounds, a sunning beach, a concession area, and a waterfront venue that can be reserved for private events.

 

• • Ramsey Creek Park – This 46-acre waterfront park is an ideal place if you’re looking forward to enjoying a fun day on the lake, as it features a swimming beach, boat launches and docks, and an ADA-compliant fishing pier. There’s also a playground, nature trails, and picnic shelters surrounded by panoramic views of Lake Norman.

 

• Robbins Park – This is a popular park for families with kids, as it features a unique nature-themed playground and a Gaga Ball pit. There’s also a variety of amenities for everyone to enjoy as well, including a sand volleyball court, tennis courts, walking trails, a disc golf course, a fishing area, and picnic areas.

 

Factors to consider when searching for waterfront homes for sale in Cornelius, NC

  Living right by the lake fits a particular lifestyle choice that is highly appealing for many people. Nothing compares to waking up to serene views in the morning, al fresco meals by the water, enjoying a variety of water-based recreational activities, and soaking in breathtaking views each day – all from the comforts of your very own home. While lakefront living is certainly a unique experience, so is the search for the perfect lakefront home. When you’re in the market for a lake home, you need to take into account additional factors that are unnecessary when buying a conventional residential property in a suburban area. Before you take that first step towards a relaxing lakefront lifestyle, it’s important to understand the differences between purchasing a lakefront property and a typical home. Here are some of the most important considerations to keep in mind:

The home’s current condition

While life on the lake is a lot of fun, it does come with a few disadvantages. Changing water levels, the moisture-filled air, and erratic weather patterns related to the lake can all impact the property’s condition. The home’s proximity to the lake can lead to significant damage over time, especially if proper repair and maintenance are neglected. Materials such as metal, stone, and wood are all susceptible to conditions created by the lake. Just like any other home, you want to take a close look at a lakefront property’s current state, going through every small detail with a fine-tooth comb. Make sure to work with a professional home inspector who will provide an in-depth look at the property and reveal any underlying issues that might go undetected.

Size

A good lakefront home should have enough space to accommodate not just your family, but any relatives and friends who might want to visit. Ideally, the home should be large enough to provide comfort while offering enough activities to keep your family and guests occupied.

Recreational activities

While recreational activities on the water are already a given, you may also want to look into other available activities nearby, such as hiking and biking, camping, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. If you’re planning to buy a home within a development, find out what type of amenities they offer, such as fitness centers, swimming pools, or clubhouses.

Lake association

One of the first things you should find out is whether there’s a homeowner’s association or organization presiding over the area where you plan to purchase. Gathering information on how an organization manages and operates is always a smart move, especially if you’re going to become part of one to enjoy a home and the lake it sits on. It’s important that you find out that you can, in fact, live the lifestyle you envision before you purchase a home in the area. As a buyer, the last thing you want to happen is completing your purchase, only to discover that some of the things you were looking forward to aren’t allowed in the first place. In general, an area governed by a lake association offers plenty of benefits. After all: they’re established to resolve issues concerning the lake’s health and are there to protect the lake’s future.

Primary residence or vacation home?

If you plan to buy a lake home as your primary residence, keep in mind that there could be different challenges than if you planned on using it as a vacation home. For example, the changing seasonal temperatures and weather patterns won’t be much as much of a factor if you plan to use it as a vacation home, since you can simply choose to visit the area during peak seasons. Living in a lakefront home year-round means you’ll need to take a closer look at the conditions created by the different seasons, especially for older buyers who might be less tolerant of harsh weather conditions.

Insurance fees and other expenses

When you’re buying a lakefront home, take note that there will be a number of unique costs associated with the home. For example, there are some homes that have specific requirements for flood insurance. There may also be organizations that require annual fees. Since lakefront properties are usually not found in dense urban areas, the utility expenses can also be much higher compared to a conventional home. In addition, insurance coverage is typically more expensive for lakefront properties because of the higher risk of injury to residents and the home itself. The type of coverage needed may be mandated by lenders or local laws.

Docks and boathouses

Many lakefront home buyers want a property that features a dock for their watercraft. In Lake Norman, the process for obtaining a permit for the construction of these features is handled by Duke Energy. If part of your plans is to build a dock after purchasing a home, do not assume that you’ll be able to do so in a property that does not already have this feature. Applying for a dock permit is only allowed for homeowners, so you might need to request the seller to submit an application to make sure it’s possible to construct a dock. Docks cannot cover more than 1,000 square feet on Lake Norman, and the property has to have at least 100 feet of shoreline to be approved for dock construction. Duke Energy prohibits the construction of new boathouses. However, some lakefront properties already have a boathouse, which new owners are allowed to repair – but not add onto or renovate. A boathouse may be an important feature to have, especially in properties closer to deeper portions of the lake, as these areas tend to have choppy waters.

Nearby amenities

Proximity to amenities is another factor to consider is if you’re planning to use your lakefront home as a primary residence. Living in a secluded location on the lake might seem appealing at first, but it could become a disadvantage if you’re planning on living there year-round. Consider factors like the location’s distance to major routes, and if getting around might be difficult during inclement weather.  

Find your dream waterfront home in Cornelius today!

  Ready to start your search for the best waterfront homes for sale in Cornelius, NC? The Christopher Lauren Group is here to help you find the perfect home that matches your lifestyle! As one of the top teams specializing in Lake Norman and Charlotte real estate, we bring an unparalleled level of service designed to get you the results you’re after. Our years of experience and expertise in the local market ensure a seamless process, so you can start your relaxing lakeside lifestyle in Cornelius right away! Get in touch with us today to discuss your real estate goals. You can reach us at 704.299.8296, or send us an email at christopherlaurengroup(at)gmail(dotted)com .