Finding Great Places to Retire Since 2006
Cornelius, North Carolina
Nestled on the Shores of Sparkling Lake Norman in Rolling Western North Carolina, Cornelius is a Pretty Town with an Attractive Downtown
Just outside of Charlotte in western North Carolina, Cornelius began as a cotton production center in the 1890s. It was, though, Duke Power's damming of the Catawba River in 1963 and creation of sprawling Lake Norman that began turning Cornelius into a waterfront resort.
The town really began to boom in the 1990s when developers discovered the area. Today, waterfront single family homes and condos dot the shoreline. Many properties are made of brick or are modern plantation-style with double decker porches. Residents enjoy 10 city-administered parks with nature trails and greenways, and the lake, which is often crowded, has eight boating access points. Fishermen spend time catching bluegill, yellow perch and striped largemouth bass. Downtown is attractive with red brick buildings, flower planters and street side parking. The Cornelius Art Center hosts art classes, and a Friday farmers' market sells fresh produce and meats.
The beautiful Peninsula Club boasts an 18-hole golf course, and the city is home to the North Carolina Sailing and Rowing Center, the Lake Norman Yacht Club and the Peninsula Marina and Yacht Club. Blythe Landing Park features floating piers, a cafe and a beach.
Cornelius has 36,000 people, with 35% of residents age 45 or better. The population has grown 30% during the last decade. Fifty-five pecent of locals hold a four-year college degree.
The cost of living is 18% above the national average, and the median home price is around $550,000. Real estate prices have increased 3% since last year.
Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures in the 80s and 90s, while winters are mild, ranging from the 40s to 60s. The area averages about 45 inches of rain annually.
Novant Health Medical Center in Huntersville, eight miles away, provides medical care.
Public transit is not available, although there is an express bus into Charlotte. A public library is here. The crime rate is below the national average. Politics lean to the left.
The region around Charlotte, North Carolina blends the energy of a growing metropolitan area with the charm of surrounding small towns and countryside. As the state’s largest city, Charlotte is a hub for banking, business, and culture, offering professional sports, museums, dining, and a vibrant arts scene.
Just outside the city, suburban communities like Concord, Huntersville, and Matthews provide quieter living with easy access to urban amenities. The area’s location in the Piedmont places it within a few hours’ drive of both the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Carolina coast, giving residents a wide range of recreational options.
With strong healthcare access, steady job growth, and North Carolina’s moderate cost of living, the Charlotte region has become a popular choice for families, professionals, and retirees looking for a balance of opportunity and lifestyle.
North Carolina is considered somewhat tax friendly for retirement.
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