Life Near the Lake

Just North of Charlotte, Four Towns Offer a Family-friendly Enclave

- Renee Roberson

There are many benefits to living in the northern suburbs of Charlotte, including access to Lake Norman, the largest man-made lake in North Carolina, and proximity to Charlotte’s sporting events, festivals, or a day of shopping in 20 minutes or less. Having lived in the Lake Norman area since 2003, I’ve watched the area expand, change and adapt around me. Parents who commute into Charlotte or work closer to home have access to top-rated schools, the arts, and towns that offer something exciting to do almost every weekend, plus a variety of year-round recreational activities.

Cornelius

There’s more lake to be found in the ever-evolving town of Cornelius, which was originally a mill town and farming community. Smaller ranch-style houses are available in neighborhoods near Main Street, while newly built townhomes and single-family home neighborhoods can be found on the edges of Highway 115 and Highway 21. Large lake homes line the shores along Lake Norman, as well as the Peninsula neighborhood that has access to The Peninsula Club, which includes a yacht club and golf course.

Residents enjoy lake-access neighborhoods, public parks and annual events like the All-American Dog Show and Symphony in the Park Fireworks. On any given weekend in the spring and summer, there are food trucks and street festivals, plus family-friendly breweries. Ten public parks make outside playtime easily accessible. Robbins Park has a treehouse-themed playground that’s popular for the little ones, and public art installations are featured among the paved walking trails.