Lake Wylie is both the name of the oldest reservoir established on the Catawba River and a census-designated place on the border of the two Carolinas. Life at the country club and the recreational opportunities that the namesake lake provides are a huge part of Lake Wylie’s appeal, though this prosperous community has much more to offer. “People love the award-winning schools; the lower South Carolina taxes; the easy commute back into Charlotte, North Carolina; and the laid-back, relaxed lifestyle,” says lifelong resident Andy Reynolds, a Realtor with Keller Williams who has been selling homes in the area for 18 years. “When you cross over the bridge coming back from your busy workday and see the big lake, your blood pressure lowers, and you can relax a little bit. It’s like coming home to a nature preserve.”
Fun on Lake Wylie – and on land, too
Kayaking, paddleboarding and motorboating are common pastimes among Lake Wylie residents. Many launch their vessels from the Buster Boyd Boat Ramp, while others dock their boats at River Hills Marina Club. Also in the area is River Hills Country Club, which offers an 18-hole golf course, racquet courts, a competition lap pool and more. Athletes visit Field Day Park for its pickleball courts, baseball diamonds and astroturf soccer fields, while children enjoy the park’s modern playground, a rubber floor allowing for safe play. Swimmers don’t just cool off at the YMCA Aquatics Center during the summer, the heated indoor pools allow them to take a dip year-round.
Many residents of Lake Wylie enjoy fishing all year round.
Kayaking is a popular past time on Lake Wylie.
The Buster Boyd Boat Ramp is free and conveniently located in Lake Wylie.
1/3
Lakefront homes, townhouses and condos
Much of Lake Wylie is still covered by mature trees, with streets and occasional sidewalks rolling through the shade. The houses of River Hills, a gated community, primarily date from the 1970s to the ‘90s. New, 21st century constructions are sprouting up in River Hills and other subdivisions, too. Architectural styles vary widely, from ranch-style and French country homes to Colonial Revival and New Traditional builds. Single-family homes start at $300,000 and usually get up to $2,000,000, or higher. “It’s difficult to find anything lakefront under $1 million,” says Mary Webster, Realtor with Keller Williams who has sold homes in the Charlotte metro area for 10 years. Subdivisions such as Harpers Mill have townhouses, with prices ranging from $250,000 to $400,000. Condos run from $150,000 to $350,000.
Condominiums are also an option in the Lake Wylie neighborhood.
Many of the older homes in Lake Wylie are large elongated brick ranches.
Locals can also find large millennium mansions in Lake Wylie.
1/3
Fourth of July fireworks on the lake
Residents are in a prime position to enjoy the many Fourth of July fireworks shows that take place in Lake Wylie. Many spectators watch the rockets' red glare from Buster Boyd Bridge Boat Landing, Papa Doc’s patio and other lakefront spots.
Lakeside dining and nearby stores
Mounted on stilts in Lake Wylie’s reservoir, Papa Doc’s takes being a waterfront restaurant to a whole new level. “It’s a local legend place where you can drive your boat up and dock it,” says Webster. “There’s a large indoor and outdoor dining area, they have food trucks and music — it’s very much a lake party atmosphere.” For a more high-end waterfront dining experience, Reynolds recommends Drift on Lake Wylie, which serves up lobster bisque, shrimp cocktails and other seafood staples. Though Lake Wylie is predominantly residential, the community does have a shopping area with a Lowe’s, Walmart Supercenter, Publix and other stores.
Locals can grab a beverage with friends at Papa Doc's Shore Club on Lake Wylie.
For all home improvement supplies, head to Lowe's in Lake Wylie.
There is a Walmart for all shopping needs in Lake Wylie.
1/3
The highly rated Clover School District
Students can attend schools within the Clover School District. “The district is well-run and well-funded,” Reynolds says. “Lake Wylie kids don’t have to ‘pay-to-play’ like others in the area.” Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade students in River Hills can attend Crowders Creek Elementary, while children north of the highway can attend Oakridge Elementary. Students can move up to Oakridge Middle and Clover High. The high school allows students to engage in work-based learning and dually enroll in courses at York Technical College. The school’s Clover Choraliers vocal group regularly wins state championships. All these schools receive A ratings from Niche. By 2026, the Clover School District plans on building an additional high school closer to Lake Wylie.
The Oakridge Elementary School in Clover, SC serves just over 800 students.
The Oakridge Middle School in Clover, SC has a 16 to 1 student teacher ratio.
The Clover High School is ranked 29th in high schools in South Carolina.
1/3
Charlotte’s just across Buster Boyd Bridge
South Carolina Highway 49, also known as Charlotte Highway, is Lake Wylie’s primary thoroughfare. The road’s Buster Boyd Bridge crosses into North Carolina. “Buster Boyd Bridge offers easy access to the Steele Creek shopping area in Charlotte, where you have a Target, medical facilities and things like that,” Webster says. Commuters can expect a 20-mile drive to Uptown Charlotte, and traffic can delay the ride significantly.
LaRay Hampton | NC, SC, CA Realtor, Broker-Associate | Licensed Since 2002 | Your Trusted Carolinas Connection
When many home sellers are seeking an agent, they often start with, “What is your commission rate?” asked Hampton. “This would be fine as long as every real estate professional provided the same service and results, which they do not.” Selecting the wrong person to represent you can cost you thousands of dollars and valuable time. Realtors® are not commodities, and each brings a differing level of experience, knowledge, customer service, connections, resources, and tools to the transaction.
Hampton’s service proposition is exceptional, delivering 20+ years of experience, certifications, and education beyond expectation, a concierge service built for the needs of each client at every price level, and digital marketing tools to expose your home to the most amount people from the beginning of the transaction through contract.
Her services include providing a customized strategy, decluttering, organizing, staging, home cleaning, window cleaning, connecting clients with tradespersons and vendors, advanced digital marketing, print marketing, events, negotiations, move management and more.
Many clients purchased their homes during a time when sales were faster and easier than in today’s market. They go into the transaction expecting their home to sell in a day because that was their experience when purchasing the home or a neighbor sold their home quickly. During February 2025, the average number of days on the market was 55 in the Greater Charlotte Region. The strategy to sell a home must be defined and applied from the start.
Some agents say they will provide a multitude of services but often avoid implementing them until the home has been on the market for a period. It is essential to start with the best tools at the onset so each homeowner is confident their home has the best opportunity for exposure before lowering the sales price.
LaRay's commitment to her clients and unparalleled expertise is a beacon for those seeking to buy or sell property in the vibrant communities in the Greater Charlotte Region. “If I do not sell homes in a particular area, I will contact and interview agents on your behalf to give you the best chance at successful service. Hampton said, “Although I specialize in lakefront homes, I am here to help everyone.”
Journey to Carolina LaRay's story is one of transformation and dedication. In 2015, she made the courageous move from the sun-soaked streets of California to embrace the welcoming charm of the Carolinas. This relocation experience uniquely positions her to understand the challenges associated with leaving behind cherished family, friends, neighbors, rituals, routines, and favorite restaurants to embark on a new chapter in life.
LaRay Hampton doesn't just help clients find houses; she helps them find their place within a community. Her commitment to delivering a concierge-style service is unrivaled. She goes above and beyond to ensure her clients have a seamless transition, offering support for everything from the logistics of a move to finding caregivers for both people and pets. LaRay also takes pride in providing neighborhood tours tailored to each client's desires and preferences. LaRay will connect you with your new community, making your transition to the Carolinas a smooth.
Green Certified, Luxury Marketing Institute Guild Certification, Relocation & Military Relocation Certified, Institutional Investor Certified
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
