Lake Living in NC? (Charlotte, Greensboro: homeowners association, condo, hotel)

[wrightflyer]

First things first, my parents have giving up their dream of living on the ocean. It's just too expensive. To them, a two bedroom condo is just too close to the neighbors and too much concrete. They want something where grandkids and visitors have a place to sleep besides a nearby hotel.

So they arrived at this conclusion. Why not live on/near a lake? Thus, why I am here. Which lakes in North Carolina are decent? Where can they find a home (roughly 1700-2200 sp ft, 3bd, 2ba) for 200-350K? They realize they probably won't get waterfront, but if they can, they'll pounce. They've also been looking at buying/building a log home on a private lot and master-planned communities both so either one goes. Also, are basements big around the lakes? Any feedback would be greatful.

Also looking in South Carolina and Tennessee.

[superk]

Some lakes allow access and some, because they are also a municipal water supply, don't. Some allow power boats and some don't.

What are they looking for?

Also, 200-350K seems a bit low to be considering lakefront properties with.

[mm34b]

Couple of possibilities worth looking into that won't cost a fortune:

Badin Lake - Badin Lake - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Badin Lake, NC - Google Maps

Lake Tillery - Lake Tillery - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Lake Tillery, NC - Google Maps

[wrightflyer]

Originally Posted by superk

Some lakes allow access and some, because they are also a municipal water supply, don't. Some allow power boats and some don't.

What are they looking for?

Also, 200-350K seems a bit low to be considering lakefront properties with.

They will want boat access, but they will only be using small craft like jetskies or a small fishing boat. As far as the price, they know they more than likely (like 95% chance) won't be able to live lakefront. If that's the case as it most likely will be, then a nearby community or public boat dock would be essential.

[wrightflyer]

mm34b, are there any planned communities on either of those lakes? I noticed Lake Tillery is situated near Norwood. Is Norwood a nice community? Are the residents friendly or is it a close nit town with few outsiders?

[mm34b]

Originally Posted by wrightflyer

mm34b, are there any planned communities on either of those lakes? I noticed Lake Tillery is situated near Norwood. Is Norwood a nice community? Are the residents friendly or is it a close nit town with few outsiders?

Lake Tillery is pretty much the new kid in the area. The lake didn't exist prior to 1928, while the local towns of Norwood and Mt. Gilead are both antebellum, small farming communities with some light industry for the most part.

Many of the townsfolk can trace their local roots to over 150 years ago. Friendly, but not out-going toward the lake's newcomers, in my opinion. Different historical culture and traditions based on farming and rural southern folkways. Not necessarily bad, just different for many coming from metropolitan areas with all of their city's amenities. Both Greensboro and Charlotte are around a hour away for serious shopping or healthcare needs.

Planned residential communities on the lake are relatively new, beginning only about 50 years ago such as the Fairway Shores development on the Montgomery county side, but yes, there are several master-planned residential developments in operation now with homeowners associations. Some are gated with more to follow.

My knowledge of Badin Lake is too limited, but some other forum members can describe it when they see your post.