Lake James – Where Lake and Mountain Life Meet
Located in Western NC, Lake James is one of the most picturesque lakes around. Once people visit Lake James, many of them choose to make this place their forever home. Lake James straddles both Burke and McDowell counties and is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. No matter what season, residents can experience the best of lake life with the charming mountains in the background. Lake James proves to have some of the best real estate in North Carolina!
Lake James is conveniently located 15 minutes from Marion, NC – the closest town to Lake James. The delightful town of Morganton, NC also neighbors Lake James and uniquely offers an abundance of dining, shopping and recreational activities. Both Marion and Morganton have been designated as a “Main Street” cities by the North Carolina Department of Commerce. While Lake James is close to Marion and Morganton, it is also ideally located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, between larger cities like Asheville and Charlotte. Lake James is only 45 minutes from Asheville and 90 minutes from Charlotte.
Lake James was created by Duke Power between 1916-1923 as a hydro-electric project. It still generates power today and is the uppermost lake on the Catawba River system. The lake has an average depth of 65 ft and in some places can reach upwards of 120 ft. Lake James contains over 10 miles of surface area and more than 150 miles of shoreline.
Lake James is not just the deepest on the Catawba, it is also the clearest and cleanest. Being at the top of the Catawba River Basin, lake levels remain relatively constant year round so the water can be enjoyed without interruption. The lake is fully recreational and makes one of the best spots to enjoy the outdoors in the foothills of Western North Carolina. Lake James State Park is the largest waterfront state park in North Carolina. The park offers an abundance of activities such as hiking & biking trails, camping, swimming, fishing, boat rentals, picnicking and much more!
Lake James Real Estate
Lake James offers some of the most premier real estate options in North Carolina. Lake James is a peaceful retreat with endless opportunities to enjoy nature. Living at Lake James, residents are able to experience the elegance of upscale waterfront real estate in spectacular forested subdivisions. Lake James offers high end and residential homes of all styles, and many of the lakefront homes include private docks. To preserve the pristine quality of Lake James, county governments, along with citizens’ groups, have created regulations to protect the watershed and view shed areas in all new communities. The Lake James Protection Ordinance was adopted in 1998 and has recently been updated and revised. The ordinance restricts disturbance of natural vegetative buffers from 55 feet in older subdivisions to 125 feet in newer communities, with measurement starting from full pond, and including shoreline stabilization requirements and other regulations for the protection of the lake environment and property owners. The location and construction of docks is regulated and permitted by Duke Energy.
Featured Lake James Neighborhoods
The Arbor – Gated community with waterfront and interior homesites. Many of the interiors have community boat slips. Great views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Waterfront setbacks are 65 feet. Amenities include community pavilion, walking trails and boat storage lot. Located on the southwest site of Lake James in McDowell county. Conveniently located 10 minutes from Marion and I-40 and 25 minutes to Morganton.
1780 – Residential community with waterfront and interior homesites. Lots are wooded and homes are wood and stone with a rustic feel. Waterfront homesites allow private docks. Interior homesites have a deeded community slip. All owners are members of Camp Lake James which includes amenity area with swimming pool, fitness center, tennis courts, canteens, expedition center and outdoor amphitheater. Located on the north central side of Lake James. 25 minutes to Morganton and 15 minutes to I-40.
Bear Cliff – Mixed residential community with single family homes, waterfront and interior lots, as well as a townhome section. Adjacent to Bear Creek Marina, the restaurant and marina are open to the community and public. Lots are approximately 1 acre and waterfront lots all covered docks. There are a few community slips. Situated on the northwest side of Lake James. 10 minutes to Marion and 20 minutes to I-40.
Black Forest – With limited sites and over 600 acres, this community gives a very private and peaceful feel. Waterfront setbacks are 100ft. Interior lots include a community slip. Well and septic needed. Community amenities include a full-time caretaker, community building, river and lake camps with pavilions, a tree house, kayak launch and storage, and community docks. Located on the northwest side of Lake James and it located 10 minutes to Marion and 20 minutes to I-40.
Cottage Park – Gated community of cottage style homes. Wooded sites with some views of Lake James and South Mountain. Amenities include community pool and clubhouse and a children’s play area. Municipal water and septic. Located on the south central side of the lake acres from Mimosa Marina. 10 minutes to I-40 and 15 minutes to Morganton.
Dry Creek – Sister community to Southpointe. Dry Creek features 1.5 acre minimum wooded lots with 125 foot water setbacks. Interior homes have deeded community slips. Homes came be wood, stone or hardiplank exterior. Community walking trails and parks in addition to sharing community pool, club house and boat slips with Southpointe. City water and septic. Located on the northeast side of Lake James and just 15 minutes to I-40.
Enclave – The Enclave is one of the newest developments to be added in Lake James, and every property within this gated subdivision has access to over fifty acres of preserved land for endless hiking and biking adventures.
East Shores – Interior lots have community slips and waterfront lots are allowed covered docks. Community pool, clubhouse and tennis courts. City water and septic. Located on the southeast end of Lake James. 15 minutes to I-40 and Morganton.
Hawksbill – Just minutes from public access to Lake James. Community walking trails and gated entrance. City water and septic. Located on the east end of the lake. 15 minutes to I-40 and Morganton.
Heron Pointe – Gated neighborhood, located on the Northern shore of Lake James near the Linville River, just 20 minutes to downtown Morganton. Waterfront and interior homesites are available.
Holiday Shores – One of the original Lake James lakefront communities. Minimal restrictions. Setback from water is 50 feet or less. Covered docks are allowed. Municipal water and septic. Located on the south central side of the lake. 10 minutes to I-40 and 20 minutes to Morganton.
Marion Lake Club/Lakeview Pointe/Lake Club Heights/Lakeview Shores – Golf course communities located on/near Marion Lake Club. Semi-private club with several amenities and leased boat slips. Waterfront and interior homesites. Community water systems and septic. Located on south central side of Lake James. 15 minutes to I-40 and 15 minutes to Marion.
Lakeview Hills – Beautiful northern mountain and sunset views. Gated entry, mostly wooded property with 50 feet or less setbacks. Almost all waterfront lots. Covered and double decker docks allowed. Well and septic. Located on southwestern side of Lake James. 15 minutes to I-40 and 15 minutes to Marion.
Laurel Pointe – Smaller community with waterfront homes and interior homesites with deeded community boat slips. Waterfront lots allow covered docks. Municipal water and septic. Located on the southeast side of Lake James. 15 minutes to I-40 and 20. minutes to Morganton.
Mallard Cove – Quiet, small gated community. All lots are waterfront with a 65 foot setback from Lake James and allow covered docks. Municipal water and septic. Located on the south central side of the lake. 10 minutes to I-40 and 15 minutes to Morganton.
Mallard Pointe – Smaller community with homesites ranging from half to one acre. Waterfront lots have a 65 foot setback and allow covered docks. Interior lots have community slips. Municipal water and septic. Located on the south central side of Lake James. 15 minutes to I-40 and 20 minutes to Morganton.
Old Wildlife Club – Residential community with waterfront and interior homesites. Lots are wooded and homes are wood and stone with a rustic feel. Interior homesites have a deeded community slip. Municipal water and septic. All owners are members of Camp Lake James. Located on the south central side of Lake James. 20 minutes to Marion and 15 minutes to I-40.
Peninsula at Lake James – Gated residential community with waterfront and interior lots. Most waterfront lots allowed private docks. No deeded community slips. Day docks for owners. Clubhouse and community pool area. Community wells and septic. Located on north central side of Lake James. 25 minutes to Morganton or Marion.
Plantation Pointe – Small community of waterfront and interior homes with views of the mountains. Interior homes have community slips and waterfront lots are allowed covered docks. Well and septic. Located on the southwest end of Lake James. 15 minutes to I-40 and 10 minutes to Marion.
Southpointe – Large residential sister community to Dry Creek. Interior lots have easily accessible community boat slips and large parking area. Waterfront lots are allowed covered gazebo or dock. Waterfront setback is 65 feet. Shared amenities with Dry Creek. 20 minutes to I-40 and 15 minutes to Morganton.
Sunset Point – Gated community with views to the west. Waterfront and interior homesites. Interior lots have community slips and waterfront lots are allowed covered docks. Community well and septic. Located on the north central side of Lake James. 25 minutes to Morganton or Marion.
Waterglyn – Mid-sized residential community with waterfront and interior homesites. Interior lots have community boat slips and waterfront lots are allowed covered docks. Located on the southwest side of Lake James. 15 minutes to I-40 and Marion.
Waters Edge – Some waterfront sites are allowed private docks. No community slips. City water and septic. Community beach area. Located on northeast part of Lake James. 15 minutes to Morganton.
Explore the Lake James Community map. Click on a neighborhood to learn more about the area and view available properties. Contact us if you have any questions!
1780 Properties
Residential community with waterfont and interior homesites. Lots are wooded and homes are wood and stone with a rustic feel. Waterfront homesites allow private docks. Interior homesites have a deeded community slip. Well and septic. All owners are members of Camp Lake James amenity area with swimming pool, fitness center, tennis courts, canteen, expeditions center and outdoor amphitheater. Located on the north central side of the lake, 25 minutes to Morganton and 15 minutes to I-40.
Bear Cliff Properties
Bear Cliff is an established residential and gated community located on the Northwest end of the lake, just 10 minutes from the town of Marion, 45 minutes from the Asheville Regional Airport, and about an hour and a half from the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. This rural neighborhood features single-family waterfront and interior residential lots with a variety of terrain, 3 fishing ponds, Bear Creek Marina + General Store, leased boat slips, camping areas, and splendid long-range views. You’ll have a front row seat to stunning scenery and your pick of recreational activities within this private and heavily-wooded haven.
Cottage Park Properties
Gated community of cottage style homes. Wooded sites from 1-2.5 acres some with views of the lake and South Mountains. Amenities include community pool and clubhouse and a children’s play area. Municipal water and septic. Located on the south central side of the lake across from Mimosa Marina. 10 minutes to I-40 & 15 minutes to Morganton.
Dry Creek Properties
Sister community to Southpointe. Dry Creek features 1.5 acre minimum wooded lots with 125 foot water setbacks. Interior homes have deeded community slips. Homes can be wood, stone or hardiplank exterior. Community walking trails and parks in addition to sharing community pool, clubhouse and boat slips with Southpointe. City water and septic. Located on the northeastern end of the lake and just 15 minutes to I-40 and Morganton
East Shores Properties
Forest Lake Heights Properties
Established community on the southwestern side of the lake. Wooded interior and lakefront homes. Waterfront lots are allowed covered docks. Well and septic. Minimal restrictions and no HOA. Lake Ridge-Private, 10 waterfront homesite community located on the south central side of the lake. Beautiful lake and mountain views from all homes. Municipal water and septic. Homes are allowed covered docks. Reasonable restrictions and low HOA dues. Easy access to I-40 and 20 minutes to Morganton.
Heron Point Properties
This gorgeous, gated neighborhood is located on the Northern shore of Lake James near the Linville River, just 20 minutes to downtown Morganton where you can find a variety of local shops, restaurants, breweries, and entertainment. The ample shoreline and unparalleled views, make this community distinct. Surrounded by over 3000 acres of environmentally protected lands, Heron Point presents a unique opportunity to embrace all the natural wonders that Western North Carolina has to offer. Your home will overlook crystal clear lake water, layers of Blue Ridge mountains, and thick evergreen forests as far as the eye can see. As a neighbor to Lake James State Park and The Fonta Flora State Trail, you’ll have easy access to miles of hiking and mountain bike trails around the lake, and you’ll have the option to enjoy water-based activities, as all 4 lots are dockable and provide a private location off the main channel to boat and swim. Sensational views and total serenity await you as a homeowner within this charming waterfront nest.
Lakeview Hills Properties
Beautiful northern mountain and sunset views from this established community. Gated entry, mostly wooded property with 50 foot or less setbacks. Almost all waterfront lots. Covered and double decker docks allowed. Well and septic. Located on the south western side of the lake, 15 minutes to I-40 and 15 minutes to Marion.
Laurel Point Properties
Smaller established community with half to one acre wooded lots. Waterfront homes and interior home site with deeded community boat slips. Waterfront lots are allowed covered docks. Municipal water and septic. Located on the south central side of the lake, 10 minutes to I-40 and 20 minutes to Morganton. Laurel Ridge-Small 6 home gated community located on top of the ridge with awesome views of the lake and mountains. All lakefront lots approximately 1 acre with community boat slips for all lots due to slope. Municipal water and septic. Located on the south east side of the lake, 15 minutes to I-40, 20 minutes to Morganton.
Mallard Cove Properties
Plantation Pointe Properties
South Pointe Properties
Large residential sister community to Dry Creek. Home sites range from just under one acre to 2+ acres. Interior lots have easily accessible community boat slips and large parking area. Waterfront lots are allowed covered gazebo or dock. Waterfront setback is 65 feet. Amenities, shared with Dry Creek, include a community pool and clubhouse and walking trails. City sewer and water available. Located on the north east side of the lake, 20 minutes to I-40 and 15 minutes to Morganton.
Sunset Point Properties
Gated community with beautiful views to the west. Waterfont and interior homesites from half to 1+ acres. Interior lots have community slips and
waterfront lots are allowed covered docks. Amenities include community water system, covered picnic pavilion with grills and fireplace. Community well and septic. Located on the north central side of the lake, 30 minutes to I-40 and 30 minutes to Morganton/Marion.
The Peninsula at Lake James Properties
After passing through the stone pillar gate, you’ll find yourself in one of Lake James's newest communities. This expansive tract of land offers incredibly scenic views of Lake James, and the neighborhood offers an immaculate community pool and pool house. The Peninsula at Lake James is one of the few communities on the lake that allow owners to rent their homes out as a vacation rental, so you’re able to enjoy your beautiful home during the times of year that you choose while earning additional income when you’re away.
Waterglyn Properties
Mid sized residential community with approximately 60 homesites from half to 1+ acre. Community water and septic. Waterfront and interior home sites. Interior lots have community boat slips and waterfront lots are allowed covered docks. The waterfront setback is 50 feet. Located on the southwest side of the lake, 15 minutes to I-40 and Marion.
Waters Edge Properties
Old Wildlife Club Properties
Residential community with waterfront and interior homesites. Lots are wooded and homes are wood and stone with a rustic feel. Interior homesites have a deeded community slip. Municipal water and septic. All owners are members of Camp Lake James amenity area with swimming pool, fitness center, tennis courts, canteen, expeditions center and outdoor amphitheater. Located on the south central side of the lake, 20 minutes to Marion and 15 minutes to I-40.
The Arbor Properties
One of the largest and grandest subdivisions on Lake James, The Arbor at Lake James is a beautifully-maintained neighborhood that promises a safe, secure, and stress-free environment where residents can engage socially while supporting and serving their local community. Along with manicured common areas and open spaces, there is very little noise and pollution, and you’re surrounded by some of the tallest mountains on the East Coast, including Mount Mitchell, Dobson’s Knob, and Shortoff which contributes to the overall sense of tranquility.
The Arbor at Lake James is a covenant-protected community and offers a variety amenities including boat docks (with single and double boat slips available for slip owners and their guests that may be sold, rented, or exchanged with other landowners), gated community boat storage facility for boats and trailers, an electronic gated entrance, paved roads, nearby horse trails, and a lakefront pavilion used for community activities such as Happy Hours on Fridays, Chili Dinner each October and the Lake James Clean-up each Spring. This neighborhood truly has it all!
The Peninsula at Lake James Properties
Gated residential community with 1+ acre waterfront and interior lots. Most waterfront lots allowed private docks. No deeded community slips. Day docks for owners. Clubhouse and community pool area. Community wells and septic. Located on north central side of the lake, 25 minutes from Morganton or Marion and 30 minutes from I-40.
Black Forest Properties
Only 56 home sites on over 600 acres give this community a very private and peaceful feel. Lot sizes range from 3-20 acres with multiple buildings allowed on most sites. Waterfront setbacks are 100 feet. Interior lots include a community slip. Well and septic needed. Community amenities include a full time caretaker, community building, river and lake camps with pavilions, a tree house, kayak launch & storage, fire pit and community docks. Located on northwest side of the lake. 10 Minutes to Marion, 20 minutes to I-40.
Waters Edge Properties
Gated residential community of approx. one acre waterfront and interior homesites. Some waterfront sites are allowed private docks. No community slips. City water and septic. Community beach area and access to Fonta Flora State Trail. Located on the northeastern part of the lake, 15 minutes to Morganton and 20 minutes to I-40.
Beach Club at Lake James Properties
Small 6 lot all waterfront lot community. All lots allowed private docks. Minimal restrictions. No HOA. Municipal water and septics. Located on the southeast side of the lake, 20 minutes from Morganton and 10 minutes from I-40.
Lakeridge Properties
10 waterfront homesite community located on the southcentral side of the lake. Beautiful lake and mountain views from all homes. Municipal water and septic. Homes are allowed covered docks. Reasonable restrictions and low HOA dues. Easy access to I-40 and 20 minutes to Morganton.
Mallard Pointe Properties
Smaller community with approximately 40 homesites ranging from half to one acre. Waterfront lots have a 65 foot setback from the lake and are allowed covered docks. Interior lots have community slips. Municipal water and septic. Located on the south central side of the lake, 15 minutes to I-40 and 20 minutes to Morganton.
Holiday Shores Properties
One of the original Lake James lakefront communities. Established community of lakefront and interior home sites. A few of the interior homes have an offsite dock. Minimal restrictions. Setback from water is 50 feet or less. Covered docks are allowed. Municipal water and septic. Located on the south central side of the lake, 10 minutes to I-40 and 20 minutes to Morganton.
