A vibrant lakeside community tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Lakeside living draws residents to North Shore, an aptly named community resting on the northern banks of Smith Mountain Lake in the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. The lake carves out multiple coves throughout the leaf-like peninsula, which is peppered with grand waterfront residences and vacation rental properties. Access to outdoor recreation, restaurants and lake attractions like marinas and The Waterfront Country Club blends a retreat-like atmosphere with a connected feel. “Areas like North Shore and Penhook are more relaxed and lake-focused than others in the area,” says local Realtor Adam Lynch of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Smith Mountain Lake. “North Shore has a lot more going on, especially for lake recreation, vacation rentals and shopping.” Realtor Debbie Shelton says the North Shore area has grown to be a favored one along the lake. “This part of the lake is very popular and desirable because of how convenient it is to everything,” she says. “It’s still rural but you’re close to amenities. And while it’s growing, people like it here because they want a slower pace.” Stores in Westlake Corner are less than 3 miles outside North Shore, and residents are under an hour away from larger communities like Rocky Mount and Roanoke.
Quaint cabin cottages to grand waterfront properties
Homes in North Shore run the gamut in architectural styles and home sizes. “There is a mixture of waterfront properties and water access properties, depending on the neighborhood,” Shelton says, adding that architectural styles also vary. “You can have contemporary to older lakeside cottages, condos to townhouses. There’s a good mixture for lifestyle and price range.” Smaller, quaint cabin homes are usually split-level, bi-level or minimalistic ranch-styles, typically ranging in price between $350,000 and $600,000 and sitting more inland. Larger homes typically take on more extravagant styles. Lakefront lodge-styles feature wood and stone siding with expansive windows, and new construction often features New Traditional or neo-colonial influences. Larger residences, often nestled along the water, may range from $680,000 to $3 million for grander estates on spacious acreage. New construction starts at $420,000.
Smith Mountain Lake offers abundant outdoor recreation
Outdoor recreation on and along Smith Mountain Lake continues to be a main appeal for both seasonal and full-time residents of North Shore. “The lake is the draw for that whole area,” Shelton says. “Smith Mountain Lake is huge, with 2,000 acres of water. It has beautiful, deep clear water out of the Blue Ridge Mountains and every water recreation you can think of, from wakeboarding, boating and tubing to jet-skiing, kayaking and fishing.” While many properties boast private access with docks and boat ramps, public marinas include Crazy Horse Marina and Bayside Marina and Yacht Club. The oldest country club on the lake, The Waterfront Country Cub is a members-only establishment with top-of-the-line amenities, including a championship golf course, fitness facilities and a pool. North Shore is also home to Bernard’s Landing Resort, a vacation rental property that offers pools, boat rentals and docks. Residents on the north side of North Shore are also a quick boat trip away from Smith Mountain Lake State Park, a 1,248-acre preserve with access to swimming, beaches, trails and a playground. "You can be on the lake all year long," Shelton adds, "but the water is best in the summertime."
Education in the Franklin County Public School District
Franklin County Public Schools serves school-aged students here and earns a B-minus grade from Niche. Kindergartners to fifth graders may begin at Dudley Elementary School and can continue to Benjamin Franklin Middle School for sixth through eighth grade. Franklin County High School gets high marks for its teachers and staff and has a student-teacher ratio of 11 to 1. The high school offers a robust academic curriculum, with specific programs including a strong Career and Technical Education program. The district is working on plans to open a new Career and Vocational educational center for the high school. All schools in the district earn a B-minus rating from Niche, with strong scores for teachers and academics.
Local lakeside dining and shopping at nearby Rocky Mount
North Shore is home to a few local dining and shopping establishments, which imbue the community with character. In Bernard’s Landing Resort, Napoli By the Lake offers a relaxed lakeside atmosphere while serving upscale dishes such as steak and pasta, along with casual seafood bites like fried shrimp. The restaurant overlooks the lake and boating docks. The Blackwater Café is another community staple, offering a laidback vibe and known for its specials. Locals can stop into Lake Mart & Deli for a pitstop or pick up essentials at Dollar General. Scruggs Road leads into neighboring Westlake Corner, where residents can access fast-food chains, Kroger and a few local businesses and services at Westlake Towne Center. Rocky Mount, 20 miles away, offers more shopping and dining options.
Main Route to neighboring communities and Roanoke
Scruggs Road anchors North Shore, serving as the major thoroughfare that takes residents in and out of the community. Menota is just a few miles away, and the trip to Rocky Mount is less than 20 miles. "People like it here because it's rural, but you're only 15 to 20 minutes from everything, so it still feels very connected," Shelton says. For bigger retail and dining options and other city amenities, Roanoke is about 26 miles away. The Roanoke Blacksburg Regional Airport is located less than 30 miles from North Shore.
Written By
Christina von Claparede-Crola
