$839,331Average Value$417Average Price per Sq Ft43Homes For Sale
Lakeside neighborhood living in the Blue Ridge foothills
Lake James in Morganton, North Carolina stretches out at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where forested hills roll down to a calm, expansive lake. The neighborhood blends clusters of single-family homes, cozy cabins, and larger lots tucked into leaf-lined roads. Shorelines wind for miles, and the tree canopy shifts with the seasons—vivid green in summer, fiery in fall, and quiet in winter. Most days are marked by the gentle sounds of water, birds, and the occasional boat passing. Community life here tends to follow the pace of the outdoors, with many neighbors meeting at marinas, on state park trails, or around backyard fire pits as the sun sets. Groceries and everyday stops are about twenty minutes away in Morganton, but Lake James itself feels a world apart, offering room to breathe for those who look for quiet routines and a close connection to the natural landscape.
Distinctive mountain and lakeside homes in Lake James
Homes around Lake James range from rustic cabins and cottage-style builds to larger modern lake houses and mountain-view properties. Residences are often tucked among wooded areas and along waterfront stretches, with both gated communities and established streets present. Prices vary widely, with homes starting around $225,000 for smaller interiors and exceeding $2 million for spacious lakefront estates. The area offers a mix of permanent residents and seasonal owners, with many properties featuring private docks or deeded lake access.
Local schools and education options in Burke County
Most everyday shopping and dining options for Lake James residents are found in downtown Morganton, about 20 minutes away by car. The town includes grocery stores, pharmacies, hardware shops, and locally-owned boutiques. Dining ranges from casual grills, pizzerias, and coffee shops to more formal restaurants. Seasonal farmers markets and small food festivals regularly pop up in the area, adding variety to community offerings.
Outdoor trails, lake recreation and parks near Lake James
Lake James State Park is the center of outdoor activity, offering public swimming areas, extensive hiking trails, mountain biking paths, and campsites. The lake is popular for boating, fishing, paddle sports, and birding, with public boat ramps and several marinas available. Residents also use nearby Pisgah National Forest and South Mountains State Park for additional hiking, climbing, and exploration.
Groceries, dining and everyday shopping in Morganton
Most everyday shopping and dining options for Lake James residents are found in downtown Morganton, about 20 minutes away by car. The town includes grocery stores, pharmacies, hardware shops, and locally-owned boutiques. Dining ranges from casual grills, pizzerias, and coffee shops to more formal restaurants. Seasonal farmers markets and small food festivals regularly pop up in the area, adding variety to community offerings.
Commute options around Lake James
Personal vehicles are the primary mode of travel around Lake James, with regional highways providing direct routes to Morganton, Marion, and larger cities like Asheville and Hickory. The area does not have public transit, but residents can reach the Asheville Regional Airport in about an hour by car. Most amenities, stores, and medical offices are accessible within a short drive, keeping daily errands straightforward for those living near the lake. Residents can reach Asheville Regional Airport in about an hour by car, making regional and national flights straightforward for travelers. Charlotte Douglas International Airport is also accessible, about 90 minutes away for a wider range of destinations. For medical care, UNC Health Blue Ridge in Morganton is the closest full-service hospital, located around 20 minutes from Lake James, and provides emergency services and inpatient care for the community
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Lake James, Morganton sell after 88 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Lake James, Morganton over the last 12 months is $895,000, down 17% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Check out the drone virtual tour of the property neighborhood! Welcome to your perfect getaway or future dream home site! This lake lot offers breathtaking long-range mountain views and serene water views, creating a picture perfect backdrop for peaceful living or weekend escapes. With free lake entrance access, you'll enjoy swimming or kayaking, fishing and boat launch access. The lot features
PRICE IMPROVEMENT ALERT!!! Nestled at the end of a serene peninsula, this stunning lakefront log cabin offers the ultimate private retreat. Awash w/ natural light, the home boasts spacious, customized interiors that effortlessly blend rustic charm w/ modern comfort. Inside, you'll find two massive wood burning fireplaces perfect for cozy evenings after a day on the water or exploring the
Welcome to the gated community of The Enclave at Lake James. Nestled in a hidden cove is a 2.09 acre beautiful wooded lot. This lot #62, is level and gently sloping on a cul-de-sac waiting for you to build your dream home. Property does sit on a finger of Lake James. Imagine launching your kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and seadoos from your property. This is the perfect location for relaxation
Marilyn Varnes
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Blue Ridge REALTORS®
Tons of room in this 2,500 sqft home on Lake James. You'll love this spacious rental in Nebo, NC with access to beautiful Lake James by walking a private path to our little cove or accessing the neighborhood swim dock! The property is also only a 10-minute drive to downtown Marion, a 30-minute drive to Morganton or Black Mountain, and a 50-minute drive to Asheville.House
Enjoy this spacious fully furnished Lake James townhome featuring hardwood floors on the main level, an open great room with fireplace & breathtaking lake & mountain views, & a screened deck off the great room. The main level includes a private ensuite bedroom. The lower level offers two additional bedrooms, a bonus or 4th bedroom, 2 full bathrooms, laundry area, & easy access to the deck. The
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
