Lake Norman -Lake Living North Of Charlotte
Real Estate on Lake Norman- Homes and Condos
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The desire for lake living on Lake Norman, the demand for waterfront real estate on Lake Norman, plus the slower lifestyle of the south, has lured 1000’s of Northerners and created the demand that’s fueled the growth along the eastern and now western side of Lake Norman… making it a Charlotte favorite since the early 1990’s.
The lower lake (Cornelius, Davidson and Huntersville)
allows 30-45 minutes commutes to Uptown Charlotte, the Upper lake (Mooresville, Sherrils Ford, Troutma) is better for folks working north of Charlotte, or in Statesville, and some commute to the Triad and Charlotte- a little over an hour from Mooresville.
Lake Norman is perfect for a 2nd home or condo as a weekend getaway- it is real estate with a purpose!
Here are the Lake Norman Home searches, I can customize specific waterfront searches easily for you.
Lake Norman is the largest man-made lake in North Carolina at over 34 miles long and as wide as 8 miles across. With over 500 miles of coast line Lake Norman sports more waterfront property than the North Carolina and South Carolina coast combined. I-77 connected the lake to Charlotte in the 1970’s, and the development began in the 80’s picking up speed int eh 1990’s-The availability of waterfront property and Lake Norman’s proximity to Charlotte drive the increased demand for real estate on Lake Norman.
There are 4 towns that run along the east coast of Lake Norman. They are Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson (I call Lower Lake) and Mooresville. (Upper Lake) The Lower Lake towns are all in Mecklenburg County, while Mooresville is in Iredell County. Each has an “old side” typically east of I-77, and a “new side” west of I-77 and closer to the lake. Each offers a unique take on Lake Norman living and each town is discussed below.
Mooresville
At the top of Lake Norman, Mooresville is known for its wonderful lake communities, terrific waterfront homes, high quality schools, and until recently a quieter, more easy going lifestyle. As its popularity increased so did rush hour congestion, but relief is coming to Brawley School Road in a road expansion (moving telephone lines now). Improvements to Rt 16 to the west are also already well under way. The most famous Mooresville community- the Point, remains by most measures the finest waterfront-golf community in the Carolinas, with homes starting at around $900,000, quality waterfront homes from around $1.5M. There is lots to love about Moooresville and the surrounding communities. Like to see more posts about Mooresville? Use the Search window above for easy access…
The photos are thumbnails and links below for more information about Moorresville. Any questions? Give me, Terry, a call at 704-351-1519.
Search All Mooresville Homes
Mooresville Homes for Sale Report
Davidson
A university town 5 minutes to Lake Norman, Davidson is undergoing a transformation with two new hotels right at Exit 3o. Long known for its hi-quality liberal arts education, and basketball tradition, Davidson grows and gets better with age being named to a list of “New Ivy League School” by Newsweek in 2007 along with the University Of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Davidson found its way to the national headlines during the 2008 NCAA tournament as the Wildcats engineered a deep run into the tournament with the quality guard play of Stephen Curry. Please take a look at the photos and links below for more information on the Davidson area. Any questions? Give me, Terry, a call at 704-351-1519.
Davidson- A college town with great real estate appriciation
Search Homes for Sale in Davidson
Cornelius
Cornelius, until recently, was a farming community near Lake Norman. Real estate development in Cornelius has taken on a life of its own as some of the best waterfront communities in the state have found a home in Cornelius. Communities like The Peninsula and Antiquity are redefining Cornelius as one of the best areas in Lake Norman to find new and custom homes. The large picture at the very top of this post is of a waterfront home in Cornelius. Cornelius is located just south of Davidson, only 20 miles from uptown Charlotte. Please see the photos and links below or Search Cornelius in the search window above for more posts… Any questions? Give me, Terry, a call at 704-351-1519.
Search for Cornelius Homes for Sale
Introduction video to the Charlotte area
Huntersville
Huntersville consisted of farms just 20 years ago; When I move here in the early 1990’s, Exit 25 had a service station- the area has developed briskly along Exit 23 and Exit 25 off of Interstate 77. It has consistently been named to “Money Magazines Best Places to Live” since 2000 because of its good values, schools and lifestyle. It’s proximity to Charlotte and Lake Norman has made it an ideal place for many families who work in Charlotte but want to play at the Lake. Presbyterian Hospital at Exit 23 was a wonderful addition to the growing area and beautiful Birkdale Village at Exit 25 opened in the early 2000’s with great fan fare and is still some of the best shopping in the greater Charlotte area. (Every new shopping center seems to be “just like Birkdale.”) The new Northlake Mall is just an exit below. Please see the photos and posts below. Any questions? Give me, Terry, a call at 704-351-1519.
Birkdale Village- Amazing Shopping and Living in Huntersville
Search Huntersville Homes for Sale
Huntersville Homes for Sale Report
Charlotte NC: The Healthiest Housing Markets for 2009 Charlotte 13th
February 19th, 2009 categories: About Charlotte, Buy A Charlotte Home, Charlotte Homes for Sale, Lake Norman Real Estate, South Charlotte, Union County, University City, mortgages
from Builder Magazine, about Charlotte NC. Things are tough here too, but we are buying and selling homes! It is of course a strong buyers market.
Builder, in conjunction with Hanley Wood Market Intelligence, debuts its metric for determining markets with the best and least potential.
by
Boyce Thompson
With most economists and builders expecting a national market decline this year, this may not seem like the best time to be selecting the “healthiest” markets in the country. Virtually every market was down last year. But a close look at the numbers reveals that some markets have way outperformed others during the last four years and are likely to continue to do so this year.
13. Charlotte, N.C.
2008 total building permits: 12,231
People and businesses must love Charlotte, because they are moving there at a high rate. The metro area of 1.74 million has grown its residents by 4 percent annually over the last five years, one of the highest rates in the country. They are drawn by relatively affordable housing for the east coast—median home prices are only $210,900, and they’ve only “corrected” downward by only 4.2 percent in the last year. A strong fourth quarter helped Charlotte record 12,231 permits last year, only a 44 percent decline since 2005. Charlotte’s strength relative to other markets led the investment banking firm UBS to predict last year that it would be one of the first markets to recover from the housing downturn. Charlotte is still a single-family market, with 62 percent of the residential activity in stand-alone homes. The job market in this banking hub contracted last year, after growing 3 to 5 percent annually the previous three years
When the housing market stages its official recovery, the markets listed on the following pages are likely to lead the parade. …The healthiest markets have many things in common. Most of them are great places to live… Most of them didn’t have a huge run-up in prices during the boom and aren’t experiencing rampant deflation during the bust.
To compile these lists, we analyzed the top 75 housing markets in the country. We ranked them based on population trends and job growth, perennial drivers of housing demand. We also examined what’s happened with home prices; many of the healthiest markets have managed to hold the line on home values. And finally, we considered the rate building permits, which may be the single best ongoing indicator of builder confidence in a market.
Builder Magazine,the full story
Most of the cities in the top ten are in Texas, and other similar markets that didn’t have th high run up in pricres found in Flordia, California, Nevada and Arizona. My 2009 Charlotte Real Estate Market forecast
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Moving to the Charlotte Area? South Charlotte, Waxhaw, Lake Norman, Fort Mill Perhaps? Your first Charlotte home?
I am a Charlotte real estate broker specializing in relocations, 2nd homes and first time home buyers–buying and selling
real estate of all kinds- and will represent only you. My team works with Buyers and Sellers every day from Ballantyne to Lake Norman -and Fort Mill SC too. We work with all relocation companies. My team and I know the homes, the communities, and the new home builders. We know what’s hot, what’s not, and where the deals are. I represented Buyers in the largest foreclosure sale in Charlotte in 2008. And I helped a handful of first time home buyers. I was the Top Agent in 2008 in our 800 + Agent firm, and won an award for customer satisfaction in 2008. We are flexible and at your service.
We are working to help you “buy smart” in Charlotte, and to make your relocation easier and less stressful.
If it’s between the hours of 8 AM to 8 PM, EDT, please don’ t hesitate to call me direct at 704-351-1519. Terry
Charlotte NC Charlotte Relocation Guide Charlotte Real Estate Charlotte Luxury Homes
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Huntersville Homes For Sale Relocation to Huntersville NC Lower Lake Norman
December 16th, 2008 categories: Buy A Charlotte Home, Huntersville
A Deep Market Huntersville Homes Report for First Time Home Buyers to Luxury Home Buyers.
Market Direction- Strong Buyers Market in Huntersville*
Huntersville is a popular town 10 miles north of Charlotte NC, and at the bottom of Lake Norman… where the “lake area” begins, Huntersville changed from a small farming community to one of the Charlotte area’s fastest growing suburbs. Huntersville a became known for its high quality of life-winning Best Place To Live in Money Magazine a few years ago, convenience to north Charlotte and Uptown, and great communities like Birkdale, Wynfield and McAulay, and many others.
Huntersville Real Estate Market Report
There are 120 Huntersville Homes Under $200,000,
more than $100K, median is $176,000, median sf about 1800
Of these, 87 come with 2 car garages
There are 54 Huntersville Condos or Townhouses for sale for under $200,000,
but more than 100K, median is $159K on about 1600sf
All 54 were 2 bedrooms, 53 were 2 bath
There are 198 Huntersville Homes For Sale Under $300,000,
but more than $200K, median $251,000 on about 2300 sf
142 properties were in communities with pools, 1 was on a golf course, 3 with water view
There are 10 Condos or Townhouses under $300,000,
but more than $200k, median is $235,000 on about 2400 sf
All 10 are 3 bedroom, 1is 3 bedroom and 3 bath
There are 147 Huntersville homes for under $400,000,
but more than $300k, median is $350,900 on about 3000sf
117 properties in communities with pools
26 in communities with pools, playground, and clubhouse
17 are ranch homes or 1.5 story homes
There are 3 Huntersville Condos or Townhouses for under $400,000,
but more than $300K, median is $373,000 on about 3000sf.
One “live-work”- townhome is included – live work is a mixed use retail space on the ground level, condo above, popular in Huntersville…
There are only 19 properties in Huntersville for more than $400,000. The median in this group is over $800K, and 8 are on the water, on the southern edge of Lake Norman.
When examined closely, this report tells a lot about Huntersville NC and the people who live there. Thumbnails below.
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Moving to the Charlotte Area? Huntersville, South Charlotte,Waxhaw Perhaps? Your first Charlotte home?
I am a Charlotte real estate broker specializing in relocations, 2nd homes and first time home buyers–buying and selling real estate of all kinds- and will represent only you. We work with Buyers and Sellers every day from Ballantyne to Lake Norman -and Fort Mill SC too. My team and I know the homes, the communities, and the new home builders. We know what’s hot, what’s not, and where the deals are. I think as you read my posts you’ll see that we understand home buyer needs, from a first time home owner to a luxury home purchaser. We are working to make your relocation to the Charlotte area easier, less stressful and help you “buy smart.”
If it’s between the hours of 8 AM to 8 PM, EDT, please don’ t hesitate to call me direct at 704-351-1519. Terry
Related Links
Charlotte Homes For Sale- Map & Community Based, over 20,000 properties for sale!
Fix Housing First-a Housing Stimulus plan of the NAHB
Housing Stimulus by The NAR Proposal for the 2009 housing stimulus by the National Assocaiton of Realtors
Fort Mill- First Time Home Buyer Report (maps included!)
Charlotte NC Homes Best Value Under 500K
NC Lake Best Waterfront in Charlotte Under $2M
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Birkdale in Huntersville NC- A Bluechip in the North
November 11th, 2008 categories: Buy A Charlotte Home, Huntersville
“How good is the real estate market in Birkdale?” or asked another way, “Am I safe investing in Birkdale?”
Huntersville, NC This is the question a client asked me last week. Birkdale has been a consistently strong real estate performer over the years, and it isn’t a surprise since Birkdale is the centerpiece of modern Huntersville, a city named to Money Magazines “Best Places to Live in America” twice this decade.
My client’s offer was accepted on the Birkdale home last week, and while I told her Birkdale was one of the strongest subdivisions in Huntersville, I came back thinking I should do the numbers…
Here is the answer to her question in objective numbers.
Huntersville Homes for Sale
I compared the home sales for the last 90 days- 8/1-10/31/08 to the same period over the last 4 years, and Birkdale’s price/value strength shows through. There aren’t as many people moving to Huntersville as there were a few years ago (residents say thank you!) but the home prices? Have a look for yourself.
| Sold | |||||
| Year | Homes Sold | Median price | Median SF | Cost Per SF | % +/- |
| 2008 | 9 | 369522 | 2847 | $129 | Up 3% |
| 2007 | 12 | 330770 | 2643 | $125 | up |
| 2006 | 19 | 333231 | 2679 | $124 | Up 5% |
| 2005 | 36 | 340002 | 2882 | $118 | |
| all numbers | from the mls | (not created by | CMLS) | ||
So while home sales have slowed dramatically in the last 4 years, the median price has increased 8.7% and the actual Cost per Square foot of the sold properties has risen 9.3%. Is this a guarantee of price rise in the future? No. Is it a testament to the real value in this crazy rel estate market we are living through? Absolutely.
Huntersville has done well for the same reasons Charlotte has done well. It is “objectively affordable”, (Radar Logic and PMI) we create jobs and employment here (in this down year about 2% increase projected) and people still want to move here, just for the quality of life.
As for my client from last week? We got her a smaller home in very good condition, with a few appliances, at about $112/sf, or 13% under the last 90 days market prices, not too bad at all.
more pictures of Birkdale and Huntersville
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Moving to Charlotte? Your first Charlotte home?
Have a home buying or home selling questions? I am a Charlotte real estate broker specializing in relocations, 2nd homes–buying and selling real estate of all kinds- and will represent only you. We work with Buyers and Sellers every day in Myers Park, Southpark, Matthews and Huntersville, Lake Norman, Waxhaw and Lake Wylie too. My team and I know the homes, the communities, and the new home builders. We know what’s hot, what’s not and where the deals are. I think as you read my posts you’ll see that we understand home buyer needs, from a first time home owner to a luxury home purchaser.
If you still haven’t figured out where you might want to live in Charlotte, you may compare area Charlotte home prices and communities, from our MLS based home search below. If you haven’t already, try my my fact-filled and well received Introduction to Charlotte NC Video (over 9000 You Tube views) and don’t miss the FAQ videos-answering the Big Question- Where to live in Charlote, or where to look for a luxury home in Charlotte? (in the right column just under the Introduction to Charlotte Video Screen)
If it’s between the hours of 8 AM to 8 PM, EDT, please don’ t hesitate to call me direct at 704-351-1519. Terry
Related Links
Huntersville NC Homes For Sale- Map & Community Based, over 20,000 properties for sale!
Townhome Charlotte, NC To Live or To Invest, 4b 3.5ba 159k in University area
Charlotte NC Homes Best Value Under 500K
NC Lake Best Waterfront in Charlotte Under $2M
Charlotte North Carolina Real Estate- More Good Years Ahead
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Charlotte Buyer Agency- New Homes, Rebates, Real Estate the Way You Like It…
October 18th, 2008 categories: Buy A Charlotte Home, Lake Norman Real Estate, South Charlotte, Union County
That’s right, home price are at a low point, interest rates are low, and now we (TerryMcDonaldRealEstate.com) are offering new home rebates on most new Inventory homes.
You’ll feel Like Celebrating!
Why? In the downturn as we approach the end of the year, Charlotte New Home Builders are paying us more, and we are passing on those increases to our Buyers.
Here’s how it works. A typical builder in more normal times paid us a 2.5% Buyer Agent Commission- adequate to be sure. Now almost all builders are paying 3%, many 4% and 5%, and some are paying 3% plus a cash bonus. Since November of 2007, we have rebated the bonus portion, now we are adding that portion above our 2.5%. As Buyer Agents, we represent the interests of the buyer and can not reconcile a larger commission-because times are slow at the subdivision. Let’s look at some examples:
A $300,000 home with a 3% commission, and $2000 bonus. Your Buyer Rebate? 1/2% of $300K, plus 2000 = $3500.
A $400,000 home with a 4% Commission equals a 1.5% Rebate to the Buyer or $6000. A 5% Commission? $10,000 Rebate. The larger the home the bigger the numbers.
Now lets look at some actual new Home Inventory from 2 builders, one regional and one national that is already selling at a discount, often below Replacement Cost- home prices are from $76/sf, and all are under $120/sf, and also pay the Buyer Rebate through TMRE.
| Community | Lot | Plan | Original Price | Your Price | Bonus | Rebate= Bonus +over2.5% | |
| Some homes (2/3) below are ready now, the rest are ready in early spring. | +Comm over2.5% | ||||||
| Southwest Charlotte | |||||||
| Laurel Valley Singles | 136 | Mitchell II-C2 | $173,565.00 | $159,990.00 | $1,000 | $1,000 | |
| 137 | Mitchell II-A2 | $171,925.00 | $157,990.00 | $1,000 | $1,000 | ||
| Laurel Valley Towns | $0 | ||||||
| 273 | Morganton-E0 | $168,850.00 | $151,990.00 | $500 | $500 | ||
| Union County | $0 | ||||||
| Shannon Vista | 5 | Alexander C3 | $309,015.00 | $289,990.00 | $5,800 | $5,800 | |
| 169 | Lexington C3 | $318,074.00 | $298,990.00 | $5,980 | $5,980 | ||
| 154 | Fairfield P3 | $314,712.00 | $296,990.00 | $5,940 | $5,940 | ||
| 115 | Guilford II – C3 | $285,470.00 | $259,990.00 | $5,200 | $5,200 | ||
| 174 | Hamilton-B3 | $318,280.00 | $298,990.00 | $5,980 | $5,980 | ||
| University | $0 | ||||||
| Belmar Place | 11 | Madison A2 | $163,365.00 | $159,990.00 | $1,000 | $1,000 | |
| 12 | Mitchell II – A2 | $148,270.00 | $146,990.00 | $1,000 | $1,000 | ||
| 105 | Henderson-A2 | $129,990.00 | $129,990.00 | $500 | $500 | ||
| 17 | Mitchell II -A2 | $150,490.00 | $146,990.00 | $1,000 | $1,000 | ||
| Kingstree | $0 | ||||||
| 267 | Hawthorne-E2 | $205,015.00 | $184,990.00 | $1,000 | $1,000 | ||
| 184 | Wilmington-B2 | $230,715.00 | $199,990.00 | $1,000 | $1,000 | ||
| Mt. Holly/Huntersville Rd. | $0 | ||||||
| Hawk Ridge | 3 | Mitchell-D2 | $163,360.00 | $148,990.00 | $1,000 | $1,000 | |
| Gastonia | $0 | ||||||
| Spencer Mountain | 100 | Mitchell II – F2 | $160,810.00 | $149,990.00 | $1,000 | $1,000 | |
| Community | Lot | Plan | Original Price | Your Price | Bonus | Rebate= Bonus +over2.5% | |
| Some homes (2/3) below are ready now, the rest are ready in early spring. | +Comm over2.5% | ||||||
| CANNON CROSSING ‘70 | 24 | ASPEN B | $254,092.00 | $249,092.00 | $5,000 | $6,245.46 | |
| CANNON CROSSING ‘70 | 27 | PORTLAND C | $269,914.00 | $264,914.00 | $5,000 | $6,324.57 | |
| CANNON CROSSING ‘90 | 151 | BENNETT A | $402,327.00 | $387,327.00 | $5,000 | $6,936.64 | |
| CANNON CROSSING ‘ 90 | 160 | KINSLEY A | $401,654.00 | $396,654.00 | $5,000 | $6,983.27 | |
| EDENMOOR | 21 | TURNER C | $258,071.00 | $243,071.00 | $1,000 | $2,215.36 | |
| LAWSON | 351 | STONEHURST C | $419,918.00 | $354,500.00 | $5,000 | $6,772.50 | |
| MASSEY | 114 | BLOOMFIELD C | $338,422.00 | $328,422.00 | $5,000 | $6,642.11 | |
| MASSEY | 115 | MARLETTE C | $369,092.00 | $360,491.00 | $5,000 | $6,802.46 | |
| PALISADES – RUSTY CREEK | 48 | BRANTWOOD D | $335,888.00 | $325,888.00 | $2,000 | $3,629.44 | |
| PALISADES – RUSTY CREEK | 76 | ELMCROFT C II | $342,684.00 | $342,684.00 | $2,000 | $3,713.42 | |
| PALISADES – WHISPERING PINES | 140 | ALLENBROOK C | $308,269.00 | $298,269.00 | $2,000 | $3,491.35 | |
| PROVIDENCE GROVE | 37 | VIRGINIAN D | $333,113.00 | $318,908.00 | $5,000 | $6,594.54 | |
| STONEWOOD | 74 | INGELTON D | $244,267.00 | $229,267.00 | $2,000 | $3,146.34 | |
| SKYBROOK 60’s | 736 | ARMADA C | $296,304.00 | $286,304.00 | $5,000 | $6,431.52 | |
| SKYBROOK 60’s | 737 | Hastings A | $326,497.00 | $316,497.00 | $5,000 | $6,582.49 | |
| SKYBROOK 42’s | 767 | SCOTTSDALE C | $274,012.00 | $262,012.00 | $5,000 | $6,310.06 | |
| SKYBROOK 42’s | 768 | PRESCOTT F | $273,014.00 | $261,014.00 | $5,000 | $6,305.07 | |
| SKYBROOK 42’s | 798 | HOLBROOK A | $252,427.00 | $242,427.00 | $5,000 | $6,212.14 | |
| SKYBROOK 42’s | 799 | PRESCOTT F | $271,074.00 | $261,074.00 | $5,000 | $6,305.37 | |
| WESTLAND FARM | 30 | INGLETON D | $250,348.00 | $224,348.00 | $5,000 | $6,121.74 | |
Now these offers change all the time, so this is not an offer… you’ll want to confirm any offer with your TMRE Buyer Agent prior to purchase– but the deals are real, and could help with all those expenses after you move in. Unfortunately you may Not use these rebates to help with closing or other settlement charges, NC law prohibits that, and all Rebates Must appear on the HUD 1 at closing.
Each week, I’ll post what we get from local and national builders, passing every deal on to our Buyers. Are you looking at new homes this weekend? If yes, you’ll want to give me a call, and we’ll get you an Agent. If you are already out looking, they’ll ask if you have a Buyer Agent, or representation, and you simply say “Yes, the McDonald Team.” There is always a 1/2% Rebate, and often more on Inventory Homes in Charlotte!
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It is a strong buyers market here in the greater Charlotte area, Lake Wylie, Lake Norman, the whole area for new homes and re-sales.
Moving to Charlotte?
Have Questions? I am a Charlotte broker specializing in relocations, 2nd homes–buying and selling real estate of all kinds- and will represent only you. We work with Buyers and Sellers every day. You can quickly compare area prices with the map-based Charlotte home search below. Another good place to start is my fact-filled and well received Introduction to Charlotte Video (nearly 8000 You Tube views, 22 reviews) and don’t miss the FAQ videos in the right column (just under the Introduction to Charlotte Video Screen)
If it’s between the hours of 8 AM to 8 PM, EDT, please don’ t hesitate to call me direct at 704-351-1519. Terry
Related Links
Charlotte Real Estate Home Search- Map & Community Based
Where to Look for Luxury Homes in Charlotte- Video
Hows the Charlotte Market?- Video
Charlotte Real Estate- More Good Years Ahead
| Discussion: 1 Comment »
Davidson NC- College Town Living Minutes from Lake Norman
August 13th, 2008 categories: Lake Norman Real Estate
by Kelli Robinson
I’ve always enjoyed college towns. The mix of people, places, and things creates a cultural hub that’s fun to explore. Davidson, NC, located off of Interstate 77 exit #30, is no exception. The town gets its name and personality from Davidson College, a small liberal arts college in the heart of downtown. What’s neat about the Town of Davidson is the fun it offers everyone.
The kids and I visited the town last week and again today. I had read about a cool sandbox park that I thought they would enjoy, and they definitely did. Caldwell Green Tot Lot is an enclosed grassy area with a huge sandbox that is partially covered with a canopy. Despite the heat, my son and daughter dug tunnels and built castles for almost an hour.
After a picnic in the shade, I treated them to milkshakes at The Soda Shop on Main Street. Every small town Main Street has its resident diner; and Davidson is no exception. Opening in 1951, the restauant’s claim to fame is the variety of milkshakes and real fountain sodas. The burgers, sandwiches, and homemade sweet potato chips aren’t too bad either!
This week the Davidson Public Library hosted an event, Northern Folktales on the Green, to kick off its summer reading program. Stories, crafts, and songs were the main attractions, as well as people dressed in 16th century European attire. My daughter enjoyed the stage performers, and my son enjoyed making a medieval wishing wand. By the way, the Village Green is literally a greenspace located at the center of town along Main Street. It plays host to events throughout the year, including Concerts on the Green and Art on the Green.
This summer the Town of Davidson has organized a Farmer’s Market that operates from May until October. The Davidson community has an earthy, grassroots feel to it, likely a reflection of the liberal arts college. It was only a matter of time before a Farmer’s Market found it’s way here.
Speaking of the college, don’t overlook the opportunity for wonderful – and inexpensive! – entertainment a college campus can offer. If you don’t follow college basketball, you missed this year’s Cinderella story of the Davidson Wildcats, who made an impressive appearance at the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in March. My husband and I took the kids to a game this past winter and had a blast. If art or the performing arts is your passion, the college offers music, plays, and art exhibits for the public at reasonable prices.
If you’re in the mood to explore new territory on a summer-fall Saturday, try the Town of Davidson. Check out the Farmer’s Market. Lounge on the Green in the Adirondack chairs provided. Browse the unique shops, and enjoy lunch at one of the Main Street eateries. If you still have room for dessert, a Soda Shop milk shake or Ben & Jerry’s sundae hits the spot. Then take a walk around the picturesque campus. Sounds like a nice outing to me!
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Davidson, NC- A College Town with Style
July 5th, 2008 categories: Lake Norman Real Estate
Almost everyone knows the Davidson Wildcats, but not everyone know how well home real estate is appreciating…
in Davidson. I’ll write more about Davidson appreciation in my next post, but first why not have a look at why you might want to live here. Davidson sits astride popular Lake Norman, and is part of what I call the Lower Lake Norman area–Lower because it is closer to Charltote, and still a possible commute to uptown for work. Enjoy this post by Kelli Robinson
I’ve always enjoyed college towns. The mix of people, places, and things creates a cultural hub that’s fun to explore.  Davidson, NC, located off of Interstate 77 exit #30, is no exception. The town gets its name and personality from Davidson College, a small liberal arts college in the heart of downtown. What’s neat about the Town of Davidson is the fun it offers everyone.
The kids and I visited the town last week and again today. I had read about a cool sandbox park that I thought they would enjoy, and they definitely did.  Caldwell Green Tot Lot  is an enclosed grassy area with a huge sandbox that is partially covered with a canopy. Despite the heat, my son and daughter dug tunnels and built castles for almost an hour.Â
After a picnic in the shade, I treated them to milkshakes at The Soda Shop on Main Street.  Every small town Main Street has its resident diner; and Davidson is no exception. Opening in 1951, the restauant’s claim to fame is the variety of milkshakes and real fountain sodas. The burgers, sandwiches, and homemade sweet potato chips aren’t too bad either!
This week the Davidson Public Library hosted an event, Northern Folktales on the Green, to kick off its summer reading program. Stories, crafts, and songs were the main attractions, as well as people dressed in 16th century European attire. My daughter enjoyed the stage performers, and my son enjoyed making a medieval wishing wand. By the way, the Village Green is literally a greenspace located at the center of town along Main Street. It plays host to events throughout the year, including Concerts on the Green and Art on the Green.
This summer the Town of Davidson has organized a Farmer’s Market that operates from May until October. The Davidson community has an earthy, grassroots feel to it, likely a reflection of the liberal arts college. It was only a matter of time before a Farmer’s Market found it’s way here.
Speaking of the college, don’t overlook the opportunity for wonderful – and inexpensive! – entertainment a college campus can offer. If you don’t follow college basketball, you missed this year’s Cinderella story of the Davidson Wildcats, who made an impressive appearance at the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in March. My husband and I took the kids to a game this past winter and had a blast. If art or the performing arts is your passion, the college offers music, plays, and art exhibits for the public at reasonable prices.
If you’re in the mood to explore new territory on a summer Saturday, try the Town of Davidson. Check out the Farmer’s Market. Lounge on the Green in the Adirondack chairs provided. Browse the unique shops, and enjoy lunch at one of the Main Street eateries. If you still have room for dessert, a Soda Shop milk shake or Ben & Jerry’s sundae hits the spot. Then take a walk around the picturesque campus. Sounds like a nice outing to me!
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Interested in Moving to Davidson? The Lake Norman area? Charlotte? Please don’t hesitate to call me, Terry McDonald, direct at 704-351-1519 .
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Charlotte NC| Birkdale Village in Huntersville NC- The Heart of Huntersville?
June 22nd, 2008 categories: Lake Norman Real Estate, Things To Do Charlotte
Popular Birkdale Village- The perfect community mix of shopping, eatery and easy living homes
By Kelli Robinson
When the kids and I first visited the Lake Norman area, my husband had already been here two months, having started his job living in corporate housing in Huntersville. We were visiting a month prior to our permanent move here,it was a warm June day; thus, we discovered the water fountain at Birkdale Village. A huge fountain in the center of a bustling shopping and dining community. Kids sprinted through the fountain, some in bathing suits, others – like mine – fully clothed, fully wet, and fully loving it. As I sat on the shaded park bench watching my kids dash through the spray, I took a peek around and knew it was an area I wanted to visit again, and we have. Sometimes with the kids, and sometimes without.
Bir
kdale Village is a shopping, dining, entertainment, living, and working- mixed use in the real estate world, a complex located in Huntersville just off of Exit 25 of Interstate 77, in the area I call Lower Lake Norman. .
The shopping and dining venues offer a mix of chain establishments and unique boutiques and eateries. If you want to spend an afternoon browsing books, Barnes and Noble Booksellers in Birkdale Village is the closest Lake Norman bookstore to do so. On fall and winter Sunday afternoons you can catch the Carolina Panthers football games – or your hometown team’s games – on the big screens at the Fox & Hound Restaurant. When my mother came to visit, we had fun browsing the one-of-a-kind shops like Maddi’s Gallery and One Neighborhood. A few months ago my husband and I actually went on a date (parentspeak for an evening without the kids) in Birkdale. We had a wonderful dinner at Red Rocks Cafe, and enjoyed an after-dinner drink at Corkscrew Wine Shop & Bar.
What makes Birkdale Village fun is the community feel. This isn’t just a block of shops and restaurants, but rather a gathering place. During the summer months you can enjoy outdoor concerts every Friday and Saturday evening. Each December, the fountain shuts down and is replaced by a plush, velvet chair in anticipation of Santa’s arrival. In between there are fall festivals.
You know I’m always looking for summer outings with the kids, and Birkdale offers the opportunity any day, but especially on Wednesdays. We start by browsing the children’s department at Barnes and Noble, then head to the movie theater, Movies @ Birkdale. Every Wednesday throughout the summer months the theater shows free kids’ movies at 10:00 a.m. The movie is usually done by 11:30. Either that or my kids’ attention span is! We grab some lunch and, weather permitting, the kids splash in the fountain for awhile. That’s a full day, so they’re exhausted and in bed early, which always makes this mom happy!
Next time you’re in Huntersville, check out Birkdale Village. With or without the kids, you’ll find something to enjoy.
For more things to do in Charlotte, try these posts by Kelli: her visit to the Raptor Center or her visit to Jetton Park in Cornelius
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