Westport is surrounded by the serene and inspiring Lake Norman
Westport branches out onto North Carolina's Lake Norman, giving residents opportunities for private docks and uninterrupted lake views. Karen Wight is the owner and head potter at Wight Pottery, a studio in the area. “I’ve had the studio since 2012, but I’ve lived in Denver since 2009,” Wight says. “I liked that it was slower than Cornelius, not so congested, but you still have proximity to the city. It’s more natural here. I wake up to coffee and sunrises on the water. Living so close to Lake Norman means I’m constantly surrounded by water, wildlife and beautiful sunsets that find their way into my work. I feel rooted here, both as an artist and as a resident, and couldn’t imagine a better place to call home.” There may be a few people who rent their homes out during peak vacation season, but most Lincoln County residents in this section of Denver live close to the lake all year long. Those without private docks, though, can launch boats or swim at Beatty’s Ford Park.
Luxury waterfront homes and smaller Craftsman-style homes
Westport is an area in Denver, so all homes here have Denver addresses. Luxury Colonial Revivals and grand waterfront estates with private beaches and docks range between $1 million and almost $7 million. Slightly smaller homes sell for $650,000 to $950,000. Craftsman-style homes away from the water can go for $430,000 to $650,000, while cottages and small craftsman homes land in the $240,000 to $430,000 range. The rare townhouse can sell for $300,000 to $355,000. Westport can feel like a private section of Denver, but not every home is managed by an HOA. Communities like the Sailview subdivision and Covington at Lake Norman charge less than $100 a month in HOA fees to access amenities like clubhouses and pools. Homes directly on the water may require flood insurance, but properties farther inland do not fall in flood zones.
Boating on Lake Norman or exploring Rescue Squad Park
Lake Norman is a major attraction, drawing boaters, anglers and vacationers, but Westport residents have access all year without having to travel far. “They added a swim beach at Beatty's Ford Park," Wight says. "I think people who aren't on the water would want that. There's also a playground, fishing pier and boat ramp.” Westport Golf Club has an 18-hole course that's open to the public. The Denver/Lake Norman Rotary Club established Rescue Squad Park, and the name honors the East Lincoln Rescue Squad, which donated its land in 2009 to be used as a park. Lincoln County manages the facility, where visitors can explore the small playground, use the dog park or walk along the paved trail that loops around the athletic fields.
Getting together for Music in the Park or Lincoln County Hog Fest
The Denver/Lake Norman Rotary Club hosts popular annual events at Rescue Squad Park. Music in the Park used to be called Denver Days, but the fun is the same. One Saturday every May through August, bands play live music while locals wait in line for food trucks or relax in the beer and wine garden. The Lincoln County Hog Fest is held every November, and anyone can enter for the chance to win the Whole Hog Cooking Contest and take the cash prize.
St. Peter By-The-Lake Episcopal has been a part of Westport since the ‘70s. In the summer, the church hosts the Westport Community Food Truck and Music Sundays. Congregation members and residents in the area gather at the church to hear live music and chat over dinner from a rotating lineup of food trucks.
Quick trips to Charlotte along Highway 16
Newer subdivisions near the golf club have sidewalks, but many residential streets are sidewalk-free, so residents drive when they want to hang out at Beatty’s Ford Park or dine out. “Denver offers the serenity of the countryside, but it’s just a short drive from Charlotte if you need the perks of a bigger city — be it for supplies, events or networking,” Wight says. “That balance has been crucial. I get to live in a peaceful place where I can focus on my art, while still being connected to a larger creative and business scene.” Westport is about 5 miles from downtown Denver, while Charlotte is a roughly 26-mile drive when using Highway 16. Anyone traveling 25 miles to Charlotte Douglas International Airport uses Highway 16 to connect to Interstate 485. There are primary care centers close to Westport, but the nearest hospital, CaroMont Regional Medical Center in Belmont, is about 20 miles away.
Lincoln County Public Schools or the occasional private school
Westport is in the Lincoln County Public School district and gets an A from Niche. Kids can attend St. James Elementary School before attending East Lincoln Middle School, both of which earn A-minus ratings. The B-rated East Lincoln High School has a strong football team that has won state championships, and the softball team won the state championship in 2023. While residents have access to public schools, the area also has private options, like Starboard Christian Academy and Denver Christian Academy, both currently unrated by Niche.
Diners in downtown Denver and Food Lion close to home
When locals want to dine out, there are options like Joey’s Fine Food & Pizza for lunch and Citrus the Diner for breakfast, but downtown Denver has locally owned spots. Giovanni's Pizza and Pasta is on Highway 16, where guests sit down for dinner or order pizzas to go. Stacy's Restaurant has a menu of homestyle dishes with Italian and Greek flair. The more upscale restaurants are on the other side of the lake, 30 minutes away. The Red Barn Marketplace is a family-owned shop near Westport that sells home decor, clothing and locally sourced gifts. Food Lion, the nearest grocery store, is on Fairfield Forest Road next to the Florence S. Shanklin Branch Library.
