Location, Location, Location!
Lake Norman is just over 33 miles long, is bordered by four different counties, and is located just about 30-40 minutes north of Uptown Charlotte by way of I-77 and/or Highway 16. This proximity and convenient access to a major metropolitan area is one of the main reasons we decided to move here in the first place.
Looking at a map, the lake is split into four distinct "corners." The southeast, northeast, northwest, and southwest. Each of these corners primarily reside in a different county and offer different amenities, terrain, tax structures, and local politics. We’ve broken down some in-depth information on each of Lake Norman’s Four Corners here.
The southern half of the lake is geographically closer to the Charlotte Douglas International Airport and what is referred to as "Uptown Charlotte." (As an interesting side note, Charlotte is the only major city in the country that calls its entire downtown business district “Uptown.” Click here for the historical meaning behind it).
The northern half of the lake is geographically closer to Highway 150 and nearby I-40 which provides easy access to cities such as Asheville, Winston-Salem and Greensboro. Most communities around Lake Norman are within a 45-minute drive of Charlotte, thanks to I-77 and Hwy 16.
"Breaking" Down the Roads
Speaking of I-77, there is a crucial piece of knowledge here when it comes to “navigating” that part of Lake Norman. Most LKN east-side folk refer to where they live by their I-77 exit number rather than their town name. So we’ve got a cheat sheet here for you, so you can totally sound like a local when you visit.
LAKE NORMAN I-77 EXIT GUIDE:
Huntersville, NC. Main thoroughfare is Gilead Road.
Accesses Downtown Huntersville, Huntersville Medical Center (hospital), shopping, dining, quickest route to Historic Rural Hill.
Huntersville, NC. Main thoroughfare is Sam Furr Road (aka NC Highway 73) which runs east to west along the south side of Lake Norman and is the primary connector to Highway 16 on the western side of Lake Norman.
Accesses Birkdale Village and all major retailers, Blythe Landing (Boat Launch), and McGuire Nuclear Station.
Cornelius, NC. Main thoroughfare is Catawba Avenue.
Accesses Downtown Cornelius, Cain Center for the Arts, Ramsey Creek Park (Boat Launch), the Peninsula, Waterfront Jetton Park, and everything else Cornelius has to offer.
Davidson, NC. Main thoroughfare is Griffith Street.
Accesses Downtown Davidson, Davidson College, and North Harbor Club, Wine Cottage, and The Cabin.
Mooresville, NC. Main thoroughfare is LangTree Road.
Accesses LangTree Lake Norman, Lowe's Corporate Headquarters.
Mooresville, NC. Main thoroughfares are Highway 21 North & Williamson Road.
Accesses Downtown Mooresville, Lake Norman Regional Medical Center (hospital), Eddie’s on the Lake, and Dana’s favorite restaurant…Havana 33.
Mooresville, NC. Main thoroughfare is Brawley School Road.
Accesses major retailers, Downtown Mooresville, The Point, and Costco.
Mooresville, NC. Main thoroughfare is Highway 150 which runs east to west along the northern portion of Lake Norman and is the primary connector to Highway 16 on the northwestern side of Lake Norman.
Accesses major retailers, Queens Landing (Boat Launch), and waterfront dining options.
Troutman, NC. Main thoroughfare is Highway 21 North.
Accesses Downtown Troutman, Lake Norman State Park (Boat Launch), and Daveste Vineyards.
ALL ABOUT WATER
THE FOUR CORNERS
