Best Lake Communities in North Carolina
Few things can bring a community together like being on a lake. Whether boating, fishing, kayaking, strolling along the beach or boardwalk, or simply enjoying the waterfront sunset, lake communities offer plenty of activities—with equal parts peace and tranquility. North Carolina is home to many lakes, and better still, lake communities with amazing lakefront homes. Here we break down some of the best lakefront retirement communities in North Carolina.
Bear Lake Reserve- Tuckasegee, NC
With miles of frontage on Bear Creek Lake, this 2,100-acre lake community in North Carolina sits comfortably nestled in the state’s western Blue Ridge Mountains. The Lake Club includes restaurants, swimming pools, and a fitness center—along with a 9-hole Nicklaus Design golf course, tennis courts, miles of hiking trails, parks, and more. With some of the best lakefront homes in North Carolina, this is an escape from city life, where families make new memories and build lasting relationships in an inspiring natural setting.
A glistening lakefront community in North Carolina, Connestee Falls is home to an 18-hole golf course and other established lifestyle amenities that are fully owned and operated by the residents. The 3,800-acre development has nearly half the land set aside in conservation areas including lakes, waterfalls, woodlands and hiking trails. Perfect for peace-seeking nature lovers, other amenities include a full-service community clubhouse, tennis courts, swimming and fitness facilities, on-site dining, and more.
One of the best lakefront communities in North Carolina, Imagery was designed for artful living on the picturesque shoreline of Mountain Island Lake. The serene natural setting provides plenty of opportunity for outdoor enjoyment including boating, fishing, and sunbathing on the community lakeside pedestrian beach. Residents also enjoy miles of manicured walking/biking trails and waterfront pocket parks throughout the scenic island peninsula. If you’re looking for a North Carolina lake community with an artistic take on the active adult lifestyle, this is the place for you.
Lakefront homes in this North Carolina community are set against the backdrop of not only pristine Lake Lure, but resort-style amenities and award-winning golf. Along with two championship mountain golf courses rated four stars by Golf Digest, Rumbling Bald makes it easy to stay connected with nature. With 21 miles of lake shoreline, members enjoy boating, kayaking, fishing, and a white sand beach. There are also numerous hiking and biking trails to explore and experience the beauty of the lake and mountains.
Offering large lakefront homesites and an active lifestyle, this North Carolina Lake community encompasses 830 scenic acres with rolling hills, walking trails, creeks, and pastures. A variety of amenities that blend seamlessly with the preserved natural landscape—underscored by The Sportsman Community Cabin, the central gathering place where residents can relax, have a cookout on the barbecue grill, play games with the family, or converse with friends around the firepit. Horse-friendly with riding, biking, and hiking trails, residents can also indulge in Social & Golf memberships at the Pinehurst Country Club, providing access to renowned golf courses, tennis, pools, fitness facilities, and dining.
Designed to foster a coastal, wellness-centered environment, this North Carolina lakefront community provides the energy of a city amid miles of tranquil beauty. Set along the Cape Fear River, it’s a new kind of community that celebrates family, honors nature, and breathes new life into Southern heritage. Whether roaming free in the community’s many parks, kayaking in the 38-acre freshwater lake, enjoying a riverfront walk along the boardwalk, gathering with neighbors for an oyster roast, or watching the sunset on the waterfront, exploration happens here daily.
