Top 6 Reasons to Retire in the Lake Norman area

There are many great areas to consider when thinking about where you want to retire. If you’re looking for the relaxation of lake-front living options with convenience of an international airport and a major city center, the Lake Norman area, just north of Charlotte, NC might be the perfect fit.

Where is Lake Norman?

The Lake Norman area of North Carolina located 15 minutes North of Charlotte, is made up of several small and medium-sized towns along the shores of Lake Norman including Huntersville on the south end of the Lake, Mooresville on the North, Cornelius and Davidson on the East side of the lake and Denver on the West. The lake itself is the largest man-made lake in the country. It was formed by Duke Energy, has more than 520 miles of shoreline, and is part of the Catawba River Basin.

The top 6 reasons this is a popular location for people looking to retire are:

Residents Love the Proximity to Charlotte

Being so close to Charlotte you have all the benefits of Big City living including an International Airport, Uptown Night Life, Dining, shopping and Cultural Options, including Museums and Theaters, while still able to enjoy the feel of small town living. You essentially get the best of both worlds.

There are Several 55+ Community Options in Lake Norman

There are 25 Active Adult/55+ Communities in the area. With prices starting in the low $200’s to over $700,000 and sizes from 998 sq foot to almost 4000 sq foot there is something for almost everyone. Amenities vary widely. Some of these communities are age-restricted and others age-targeted.

Lake Norman is Convenient to Regional Travel Destinations

The Lake Norman area is ideally located for many day trips to the local wine country region as well as to Blowing Rock, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Asheville. While driving to these destinations you will enjoy spectacular natural surroundings including mountain views and foliage. . Overnight trips will get you to the Beach, Charleston, Atlanta, Savannah, Hilton Head, Nashville, and more all within a 3-5 hour drive.

Lake Norman has a Wide Variety of Entertainment Options

You do not need to drive to Charlotte to enjoy many shopping, dining, cultural options, and several Golf Courses. There are many medical facilities and hospitals, including a VA hospital, doctors, and specialists within the Lake Norman area.

Transplants love the Affordable Cost of Living that North Carolina Provides

The cost of living in North Carolina is some of the lowest in the country with reasonable property taxes, affordable home prices and lower insurance rates. The Lake Norman area in general does have higher real estate prices and homes on the lake are out of most people’s budget. At present there are no homes in Active Adult Communities with Lake Norman water views, though there are a couple with Lake access via a walking path for launching kayaks and paddleboards. One Lake Norman community offers Freedom Boat club membership as part of its HOA dues.

The Weather

Enjoy four mild seasons! It is never too hot or too cold for too long. Many northern transplants love the mild winters and the Lake Norman area offers tons of great seasonal activities to keep you looking forward to those southern summers.

Bonus: everyone; family and friends want to visit.

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