The Most Expensive Lakes in North Carolina to Buy a Second Home

Guntersville Lake in Scottsboro Alabama
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Written by Mitchelle Morgan

Updated: August 28, 2023

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Lakes in North Carolina are an excellent place for families and friends to visit and have a blast. They offer lots of activities and attractions. Lake houses, often used as second homes, are becoming more and more popular. In North Carolina, lake communities offer a wide range of homes, and some of them are incredibly expensive. In this article, we look at the five most expensive lakes in North Carolina to buy a second home.

An overview of the most expensive lakes in North Carolina to buy a second home on.

1. Lake Norman

Lake Norman in North Carolina.

Lake Norman homes have become quite expensive over the years as demand has increased.

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Lake Norman is home to the costliest lake houses. In fact, some folks live here all year round, making the lake houses their permanent homes. A huge attraction is the chance to own a beautiful waterfront property.

It’s important to note the many activities you can engage in around Lake Norman. Once you get a second home in the area, prepare for a charming lifestyle. There are loads of quaint boutiques, restaurants, cute shops, and local breweries to tour.

Lake Norman is a hit and one of the most ideal places in North Carolina. The population is on the rise, making the area less isolated. Plus, the friendly community creates an amazing atmosphere.

Lake Norman has become quite expensive over the years as demand has increased. Fewer listings are available as some folks opt to be permanent residents in the area. The average listing price for a Lake Norman house is $859,000 or more.

Inland homes away from the more expensive waterfront properties are more affordable. Those who want to be directly on the water should note a strip of land 50 feet wide borders the lake and must remain undeveloped. In addition, setting up a dock requires getting a permit from local authorities.

House for Sale

One newly remodeled waterfront home features three stories and a full basement of over 5,600 square feet. The house includes top-quality features such as new stainless appliances, quartz countertops, hardwood floors, an oversized garage, and three decks. It has three bedrooms in total. Price: $1,050,000

2. Lake Wylie

Lake Wylie North Carolina

Lake Wylie offers the best views in Charlotte.

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Are you searching for a second home in the Lake Wylie area? Get your wallet ready and check out the house listings. Lake Wylie offers homeowners some of the best views and experiences in the Charlotte area. This body of water is an artificial lake connecting both North Carolina and South Carolina.

Homes in the area are expensive, especially when you want waterfront property. But a home right on the water comes with so many advantages, one of which is the chance to take an early-morning dip! You won’t need to travel to access such magnificence.

Lake Wylie is an excellent choice for a luxurious second home. The lake’s surface area is 13,400 acres, with an extensive shoreline. There are public areas where visitors can enjoy time on the lake, but this won’t affect your home.

Summers in and around Lake Wylie are humid, while winters tend to be cool and dry. A home with proper heating and cooling is a necessity. There’s minimal risk of weather phenomena like tornadoes and fires.

Buying a home on serene Lake Wylie can be a sound investment and a wonderful escape during hot summers. The average listing price for this area starts at $580,000. You’ll have access to amenities, restaurants, and bars. Turn the home into a vacation house the whole family can enjoy!

House for Sale

Here’s a seven-bedroom home in a gated estate that spans 11.5 acres. It has a total of 11 baths and covers 15,000 square feet. The house has eight garages and three stories. There’s a gourmet kitchen with two islands and a professional bar. Price: $5,985,000

3. Falls Lake

Falls Lake North Carolina

Enjoy the best lake life by buying a second home near Falls Lake.

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Enjoy the best of lake life at Falls Lake. It’s one of the most expensive lake areas in North Carolina. Here, folks with a deep wallet can find the most exclusive lake houses to buy as second homes.

Falls Lake is a great place for relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Visitors to Falls Lake State Park can access the lake and enjoy different activities, like swimming, fishing, and boating.

When you own a home on this fresh-water lake, you can skip the hotels and rentals.

The lake covers 12,410 acres across Granville, Wake, and Durham Counties. There are over 170 miles of shoreline to explore. The water is held by a dam that was completed in 1981. Before that, the flooding of Neuse River had been a huge issue.

Owning a second home in the Falls Lake area comes with wonderful views and experiences. Away from the crowded streets, it brings you closer to nature. However, there are plenty of nearby towns for a day of shopping and lunch.

This area offers proper privacy and exclusion from the rest of the world, but you’ll pay for it. Homes on Falls Lake go for an average of $1.014 million.

House for Sale

One stunning four-bedroom home sits on 2.8 acres. It has a golf-short game area, a patio with a fishpond, and a garden. The house has two half baths and three full baths, a painted back deck, and a third floor with a vaulted ceiling. Price: $1,200,000

4. Lake Jeanette

Beautiful forest path in Greensboro North Carolina

Lake Jeanette is an artificial lake located in Greensboro, North Carolina (pictured above).

©Kevin Burnell/Shutterstock.com

Another exceptionally beautiful place to own a lake home is Lake Jeanette. Here, a selection of high-end homes suits a sizable budget. Plus, it’s the best place to seek tranquility and time away from a busy lifestyle.

Lake Jeanette is an artificial lake owned by Lenoir Warehouse Group, LLC. Here, homeowners can lease a tract of land from the Lake Jeanette Homeowners Association. The lake covers 270 acres and has a five-mile shoreline.

Additionally, the lake has a buffer zone that the city controls. It must remain natural and undeveloped at all times. There are 16 villages built around the lake, with a total of 1,165 lots. Of these lots, 231 are waterfront properties, while 934 don’t have lake views.

It’s an amazing place to own a second home, given the miles of natural trails that surround Lake Jeanette. There are also two pedestrian crossing bridges and sidewalks that span the villages in the community.

Check out the 11 T-docks where you can take your boat after a long day of fishing. Also, there are pavilions where you can set up a chair and fish. Homeowners also have access to a swimming and tennis club for a fee.

The amazing setup comes with a private marina for Lake Jeanette homeowners. At the marina, catch some fun activities and events annually.

House for Sale

One home built in 1994 contains four bedrooms. The house is on a 0.51-acre plot of land and is a perfect single-family property. There are three and a half baths and a two-car detached garage. It has a spacious kitchen with an SS gas range, granite countertops, a breakfast bar, and a pantry. Price: $574,900

5. Lake Lure

Lake Lure in North Carolina

Buy a second home near Lake Lure and enjoy its beautiful temperate climate.

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Lake Lure is a popular destination for lake lovers. It is in Rutherford County and covers 720 acres. It’s one of the artificial lakes in North Carolina, surrounded by greenery and magnificent views. Along the expansive shoreline, folks can enjoy picnics or spend time swimming.

The town of Lake Lure is the trustee of the lake. The vision of Lake Lure all began with Dr. Lucius B. Morse. His poor health brought him to the gorge in the 1900s. At the top of Chimney Rock, he designed Lake Lure alongside a resort.

Decades later, Lake Lure is one of the most popular destinations in the area. Plus, it’s an area where you can purchase an expensive second home with a lakefront view. The blue waters and the pristine beaches offer unmatched tranquility.

There’s a special temperate climate in this part of North Carolina. It lies in the Isothermal belt and has pristine landscapes with exotic flora. Folks who reside here enjoy shopping and spend time in the town of Lake Lure.

Owning a second lake home in this area is a worthwhile investment. You’ll have a blast engaging in an assortment of water-based activities with family and friends. Other activities include hiking, golf, and rock climbing.

House for Sale

Check out this three-bedroom house with both lake and mountain views. It has three and a half baths and offers excellent lakefront amenities. The house is at the Pierpoint Marina on a 0.70-acre plot. Price: $800,000

Summary of 5 Most Expensive Lakes in North Carolina to Buy a Second Home On

LakeAverage Listing Price
1Lake Norman$859,000
2Lake Wylie$580,000
3Falls Lake$1.014 million
4Lake Jeanette$424,500
5Lake Lure$507,500


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About the Author

Mitchelle is a content writer who loves nature. She loves writing about animals and plants. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and going for nature walks.

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