
Cornelius
Home to the tranquility of lake homes for sale in Cornelius, NC. View details of this property here.
Ideally located on the southeastern shores of Lake Norman, Cornelius, North Carolina is considered one of the best lake towns in the United States. In recent years, Insider ranked this North Carolina suburb as the fourth best lake town in the country.
Homeowners seeking the thrill of water sports or the tranquility of lake living will agree with Insider’s description of Cornelius as “the perfect town to enjoy lake living without sacrificing big city amenities.” Along the shorelines of Cornelius, NC premium waterfront real estate options exist for people who want to live, work, and play at the lake.
Aside from enjoying beautiful views of Lake Norman, which is also the largest man-made lake in North Carolina, residents also have easy access to the mountains and the beaches – both are within a few hours’ driving distance.
Homes for sale in Cornelius, NC are perfect for anyone who wants to live in an area with a strong economy, excellent educational institutions, plenty of outdoor activities, and a great housing market. Cornelius is located less than 20 miles from Charlotte, which is considered the third fastest-growing major city in the United States.
Buying real estate in Cornelius, North Carolina can provide you with plenty of opportunities to explore Lake Norman. Here, you can go fishing or rent boats, paddleboards, and jet skis at one of the marinas. Visit unique attractions such as Jetton Park, consisting of 104 gorgeous acres with tennis courts, picnic areas, hiking trails, and a lakeside beach.
Table of Contents
- Living in Cornelius, one of the best suburbs in North Carolina
- How Cornelius, NC became a family-friendly destination
- Homes for sale in Cornelius, NC
- Featured homes for sale in Cornelius, NC
- Why it’s essential to enlist the help of real estate professionals
- Invest in lakefront homes for sale in Cornelius, NC

Living in Cornelius, one of the best suburbs in North Carolina
The affluent community of Cornelius, NC now has a population of 31,688 based on the latest US Census data. It covers a total area of 12.1 square miles in northern Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.
This charming, family-friendly town is famous for its numerous lake activities and waterfront amenities. Residents can ride a bike, have a picnic, or take their dog out for a walk in an area consisting of 262 acres of developed parks, 120 acres of undeveloped greenways, and 7 miles of trails.
At the heart of Cornelius is a pedestrian-friendly downtown with brick walkways and old-style street lamps. It offers plenty of shopping opportunities as well as upscale restaurants such as 131 Main and Port City Club. Ass Clown Brewing Company, D9 Brewing Company, and Eleven Lake Brewing are three local breweries that offer a unique, craft beer experience to locals and visitors alike.
Golfing enthusiasts will be glad to tee off in the 18-hole championship course found in The Peninsula Golf Club. The waterfront luxury homes in this golfing community provide scenic views along eleven miles of Lake Norman shoreline. Club members can actively take part in activities such as tennis, spinning and aerobics classes, and swimming. Afterwards, they can cool down by lounging in the massage room. Restaurants at The Peninsula Club offer outdoor lakeview terraces and patios that make the most of the stunning location.
Water sports lovers and sailing enthusiasts can take part in activities in The Peninsula Yacht Club, which is situated in a well-protected deep-water cove. Its idyllic location on Lake Norman makes for excellent lakefront dining amidst spectacular water vistas. During the summer, the Peninsula Yacht Club’s Kid’s Club organizes movie nights and sailing lessons, as well as excursions involving kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boating.
Families relocating to this town with school-aged children will be glad to know that Cornelius is known for its strong primary schools served by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District. For higher education, the University of North Carolina – Charlotte campus is less than 20 miles away, as are many other excellent colleges. Around 96.7% of the population graduated from high school or higher, based on census data.
All these factors and more have helped Cornelius emerge as the No. 11 Best Suburb to live in North Carolina, according to niche.com.

How Cornelius, NC became a family-friendly destination
Cornelius was originally founded in 1893, but it was only incorporated on March 4, 1905. Back then, it was known as a mill and farm community named Liverpool. A heated dispute over cotton weighing paved the way for the construction of a cotton mill, where raw cotton could be turned into cloth. The owners of the cotton firm did not have enough money to construct a cotton mill so they asked for financial help from Joseph Benjamin Cornelius in the late 1800s. The town was renamed to Cornelius in honor of Joseph Cornelius, the principal shareholder of the first cotton mill in the area.
Cornelius eventually became a lakeside destination because of the targeting damming of the Catawba River and subsequent area growth from it. This served as a powerful catalyst to the development and growth of the area. From 1959 and 1964, Duke Power constructed a man-made body of fresh water to create hydroelectric power. Today, Lake Norman is known for providing gorgeous lakeside property and recreational activities for residents in the Carolinas.
Families seeking lower cost of living and higher quality of life are now driving the exponential growth of Cornelius, NC.

Low-rise condos are among the many types of homes for sale in Cornelius, NC. View the details of this forthcoming development here.
Homes for sale in Cornelius, NC
Homes for sale in Cornelius, NC have a median listing home price of $480,000, based on data from realtor.com. In February 2022, Cornelius home prices were up 14.4% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $401,000.
Whether you are looking for affordable housing, multimillion dollar homes, senior communities, or condos and townhouses, you’ll find them all in Cornelius, NC.
Upscale single-family homes for sale in Cornelius, NC offer stunning views of Lake Norman. At 100 Norman Place, single-family homes with highly coveted features and amenities include breathtaking views of the lake. Residences in 100 Norman Place have traditional and contemporary designs and come in sizes ranging from 2900 to 4500 square feet. While most waterfront homes in Cornelius have private docks or piers, there are also many lake access communities, with perks such as deeded boat slips, boardwalks, kayak and canoe storage, along with fabulous sunset views.
You can also find condos and townhomes, such as the units available in Harborside Townhomes and condo community. These meticulously maintained properties offer various floorplans in a highly desirable neighborhood.
There’s also popular Bailey’s Glen, which offers plenty of amenities for residents aged 55 and above. Choose from gorgeous single family homes, with a range of square footage and bedroom options. Social events often take place in its 12,000-square-foot clubhouse, as well as its very own ballroom and amphitheater. Relax with a good book in the library or stay active in the community’s aerobic studio or five game and hobby rooms. This community also has a sprawling gardening area and a dog park.
Imagine starting the day with a relaxing view of Lake Norman and ending the day with a glorious sunset as reflected over the water. And with the Carolina blue sky welcoming you to the lake, it’s hard to imagine a better combination.
Owning a house on the water can bring thrills as well as serenity, which is why a lot of people dream about buying waterfront real estate.
By choosing to live beside a lake, you will have the chance to create wonderful memories for you and your family. Lake property owners can enjoy a carefree vacation feeling year round, while taking advantage of the premium placed on valuable lakefront real estate.
For the latest information regarding Cornelius, NC’s real estate market, click here.
Recently sold homes for sale in Cornelius, NC
Cottage Real Estate proudly represents some of the best homes for sale in Cornelius, NC and real estate in nearby communities. These properties are perfect for summer getaways or for year-round living. They also provide great investment opportunities as vacation rentals since lakefront homes have higher rental potential than homes without a scenic water view.
These waterfront properties provide easy access to the Lake Norman, as well as a network of trails that are perfect for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and other outdoor activities. From luxurious waterfront mansions, to lakefront single-family residential homes, these homes for sale in Cornelius, NC are all about living large in a calming and pristine environment.
Many of these lakefront homes have large, water-facing glass windows that allow residents and guests to fully appreciate the spectacular view and cooling breeze. Common features include large porches and balconies that offer seamless transitions from indoor to outdoor living.
These properties also come in a wide range of square footages and architectural styles. Find homes with beautiful landscapes, guesthouses, boat houses, private docks, and many more. They represent lakeside living at its best.
To give you a better picture of what you can expect, take a look at a couple of luxury homes that have recently sold in Cornelius, NC.

A stunning, all-brick, 4-bedroom single-family home on half an acre 18409 Dunblane Court, Cornelius, NC 28031
Covering 3,338 square feet, this private retreat is the ideal sanctuary. This beautifully secluded property offers a travertine pool made even more relaxing by lush landscaping. Get to appreciate the soothing ambient sound of water gushing over rocks while taking in the serene surroundings. The all-brick home with vaulted ceilings is a spacious abode with 4 bedrooms and 3 luxurious bathrooms. The master bedroom even comes with a beautiful private bath that will melt all your worries away.
After spending a full day of activities, take the time to recharge by soaking in your own outdoor pool. That’s just one of the perks of living in a single family residence situated on a half-an-acre lot.
This home in a highly coveted lake community was listed for $1.2 million in March 2022 and sold for $1.215 million in June.

This majestic waterfront home lets you have your own sandy beach along with a boat dock with lift and also a separate jet ski lift. Take in breathtaking sunsets and sunrises on the wooden lookout where deck chairs await you. Enjoy hearing the waters lapping on the shore while you stretch out in a deck chair with your favorite drink in hand.
Superior craftsmanship is the hallmark of this exquisitely designed home that is located steps away from the water’s edge. The 4,465-square-foot house offers several feet of private water frontage on one of North Carolina’s most desirable lakes.
The 5-bedroom, 3-1/2 bath lake home features glass windows and walls placed strategically throughout the home to maximize the spectacular views of the lake. A waterfront patio and 2 brick fireplaces add to the luxury but also coziness of the space. The kitchen is a chef’s dream with a large custom granite island and a five-burner gas range with hood. This luxury waterfront property was listed for $1.9 million in March 2022 and sold for $1.83 million in June.

To embrace its waterfront location, this unique compound has a saltwater pool with a private bath/changing room. Towering cypress trees provide privacy and cooling shade in the summertime.
The interiors boast natural woodwork and vaulted ceilings that give the 7,245-square-foot house a spacious and airy feeling. A brand-new private dock built in 2022 takes full advantage of unobstructed lakefront views and lets in plenty of sunlight. The all-white brick waterfront estate also features a large open floor plan with massive windows to maximize the priceless allure of Lake Norman.
Its close proximity to the water makes it the perfect location for enjoying water-based activities or for those who want to ease into the calming sounds of water. The 4-bedroom house boasts of 3 fireplaces and a high-end kitchen with WOLF/Subzero appliances. This premium Lake Norman waterfront property was listed for $4.5 million in March 2022.

Why it’s essential to enlist the help of real estate professionals
If you plan to buy real estate property, there are several factors that you need to consider. The right agent can help you make an informed decision about buying homes for sale in Cornelius, NC.
There are fewer waterfront properties than inland homes. Therefore, expect to pay a premium the closer you are to the lake. The views are another thing to consider – the more unobstructed, the better. Have your real estate agent evaluate whether the value of these features are worth the asking price.
Then, consider your motivations for owning a waterfront property. Do you want it as a permanent home, a vacation home, or are you more interested in its investment potential? Again, your real estate agent will help you make sense of what the property offers vis-à-vis your purpose or real estate goals.
That is why one of the best things you can do to make the home buying process go smoothly is to choose an experienced real estate agent who is familiar with the area, knows the details unique and crucial to waterfront homes, up to speed on local laws that pertain to waterfront ownership, and so on.
The expertise and knowledge provided by a waterfront property specialist will help you understand your options before purchasing a lakefront home, thereby avoiding buyer’s remorse. That’s why our team of local specialists at Cottage Real Estate is here to help.
Invest in lakefront homes for sale in Cornelius, NC
We will be happy to guide you to the lakefront property that’s perfect for you, whether you’re looking for your personal sanctuary or want to start a vacation rental business. We are proud locals and experts in Cornelius, North Carolina real estate, including the communities of Davidson, Huntersville, Mooresville and beyond.
Here’s what clients say about working with us:
“Amy did an excellent job in helping us find our new home and getting us through the entire process. She was on top of everything and was very proactive throughout the process. Also very helpful in providing contacts for various resources such as utilities and service providers. If you need a really good realtor I would highly recommend Amy.” – Buyer
“Amy and Marty were very knowledgeable and professional. They made an extremely stressful process (moving and selling a condo) seem so seamless. They explained everything thoroughly.” – Seller
If you are planning to visit or purchase homes for sale in Cornelius, NC, contact us at 704.842.1500 or email us at amy(at)cottagere(dotted)com
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