Skip to main content
Waterfront home on Lake James

North Carolina waterfront

Lake James Homes For Sale

About an hour from both Asheville and Charlotte.

112
Active Homes
$495K
Median Price
14
Under Contract
1
New This Week
6,812 acres · 150 mi shoreline · 29 communities
Browse Listings Explore the Map
3645 Yancey Road, Marion — $6.3M

Lakefront Communities on Lake James

From gated golf communities to quiet cove neighborhoods, find the community that fits your lifestyle. Each offers its own character, amenities, and waterfront access.

Living on Lake James

Cleanest Water on the Catawba

Fed by the Linville and Catawba Rivers through protected mountain watersheds — consistently rated the most pristine of the 11 Catawba-Wateree impoundments.

Blue Ridge Mountain Backdrop

Nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge with dramatic mountain views, cool elevations, and proximity to Linville Gorge and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Lake James State Park

A nationally recognized state park with sandy beaches, hiking trails, and mountain-biking routes draws outdoor enthusiasts year-round.

Affordable Mountain Lakefront

Burke and McDowell County prices offer strong value compared to Asheville-area or Charlotte-area lake properties, with lower tax rates.

Between Two Cities

Roughly one hour to both Asheville and Charlotte, providing access to two distinct metros for employment, dining, healthcare, and air travel.

Protected Shoreline

Strict watershed protection ordinances with 125-foot vegetative buffers preserve natural beauty and limit overdevelopment along the shoreline.

All Active Listings on Lake James

112 waterfront and lake-access homes currently on the market.

All Communities on Lake James

29 neighborhoods across 3 cities.

Marion

Barefoot Landing $209K · 1 active Black Forest $670K · 6 active Lakewood $38K · 1 active Plantation Point $517K · 2 active The Arbor At Lake James $125K · 1 active The Reserve At Barefoot Landing $177K · 4 active

Morganton

Cottage Park $515K · 1 active Dry Creek $468K · 1 active East Shores $790K · 5 active Southpoint $380K · 1 active Southpointe $2.5M · 7 active Waters Edge $164K · 4 active

Nebo

1780 $1.9M · 6 active Bear Cliff $79K · 4 active Forest Lake Heights $399K · 1 active Forest Lake Preserve $200K · 1 active Holiday Shores $1.2M · 2 active Lake View $1.5M · 1 active Lake View Estates $1000K · 1 active Lakeview Pointe $1.9M · 2 active Mallard Cove $1.7M · 1 active Old Wildlife Club $1.1M · 11 active Pisgah Preserve $82K · 2 active Sunset Point $199K · 2 active The Arbor At Lake James $90K · 16 active The Enclave At Lake James $482K · 1 active The Peninsula At Lake James $102K · 13 active The Pointe On Lake James $2.2M · 1 active Waterglyn $299K · 1 active

Moving to Lake James?

Everything you need to know about relocating — from airport access to tax savings.

Airports & Access

  • AVL Asheville Regional 1 hr drive
  • CLT Charlotte Douglas Intl 1 hr 20 min drive
  • GSP Greenville-Spartanburg Intl 1 hr 45 min drive

Tax Advantages

  • Flat NC income tax of 4.25%, dropping to 3.99% in 2026
  • Social Security benefits fully exempt from NC income tax
  • No state estate or inheritance tax
  • Burke and McDowell County tax rates lower than Charlotte-area counties

Nearby Cities

  • Morganton 15 min
  • Marion 15 min
  • Hickory 30 min
  • Asheville 1 hr

How Does It Compare?

About an hour from both Asheville and Charlotte, with Lake James State Park on the shore.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lake James

How many homes are for sale on Lake James?
There are currently 112 active listings on Lake James.
What is the median home price on Lake James?
The median list price for homes on Lake James is $495,000.
What communities are on Lake James?
Popular communities include The Arbor At Lake James, The Peninsula At Lake James, Old Wildlife Club, Southpointe, 1780. There are 29 named communities on Lake James.
Is Lake James in South Carolina or North Carolina?
Lake James is located in North Carolina.
What are the tax benefits of living on Lake James?
Flat NC income tax of 4.25%, dropping to 3.99% in 2026. Social Security benefits fully exempt from NC income tax. No state estate or inheritance tax. Burke and McDowell County tax rates lower than Charlotte-area counties.

Ready to Find Your Lake Home?

Our agents know every cove, dock, and community on Lake James. Get personalized guidance from someone who lives and breathes lake real estate in North Carolina.

Contact Our Team Meet the Agents