Lake James
Sharp Appreciation of Lake James Real Estate
By hrncgr8hms

“We are watching Lake James become the Lake Tahoe of the East,” says Ken Harris, owner of Harris Realty in Marion, North Carolina.  “We have seen investments here triple and quadruple in value in just a short time.”  Lake James is an impressive manmade waterway located in the foothills east of Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains resulting in fantastic Lake James real estate options.  With 150 miles of shoreline fed by three vibrant tributaries of the Catawba River, Crescent Communities, the primary developer, promotes preservation of the native flora, fauna and open space.  Lake James waterfront properties are opened for sale on a very limited basis.

Existing McDowell County and Burke County residents, governments, and forest service agencies near lake front Lake James have driven the strong stewardship stance.  Decisions to limit development juxtaposed with the discovery of Lake James real estate are creating a sharp appreciation curve for property directly on the Lake James shoreline.  Besides the beautiful Lake James lakefront neighborhoods, visiting boaters with an eye open for vacation property along a hidden alcove are pushing the demand.

Several other factors also come into play. 
1) Modern industry and technology have produced noticeable pollution in most of the nation’s cities.  As people are steeped in the fast-paced cities making a living, they are yearning for a more simple life with the sounds of birds singing and the creeks bubbling.
2) Excellent views of the Pisgah National Forest, Linville Wilderness Area, Grandfather Mountain, as well as peaceful lake views provide the best-of-the-best living movie 24/7.  That’s why box-office hits like “The Last of the Mohicans” are filmed here!
3) Clean water to play in is a very important commodity.  Water recreation from swimming to boating to scuba diving to fishing are available, not just in a round pond but in unique coves and around hundreds of peninsulas.
4) Lakefront properties offer not only lots of water but colorful woods to explore and rugged mountains to climb, and thundering waterfalls to humble the heart.
5) Families have put in years as professionals earning substantial salaries and can afford to pay more for a lakefront retreat.  Competitive buyers drive the prices up.
6) The lake is convenient to major airports in Asheville, Charlotte, Rutherford, and Atlanta as well as some charming towns.  Marion, recently selected as a “Main Street” city by the Department of Commerce, is part of a rich regional heritage and culture
7) Community.  Multigenerational experiences.  Quality family time. 

There’s something special about folks—big and little—out canoeing around the lake, experiencing an incomparable place in consciousness together.  Lake life allows people to enjoy wooded seclusion and camp-like activities—but they feel free to call upon one another for help and camaraderie.  Neighbors will readily help neighbors get that old boat started, watch the kids while a parent dives in deeper, and to huddle for a night of catching lightning bugs and roasting marshmallows.  . 

So, what are people willing to pay these days for a wise investment in lakefront property?
Lots in newer communities can range from the mid $300’s for waterfront lot to a million.  Estate lots for over $1,000,000, $439,000 for a 1.6-acre waterfront lot—it all depends on the community, accessibility, amenities, and those glorious views.  Add a home in a place like Nebo at the entrance to the State Park and you may find a 4/2 for $825,000 on the water or a 2/2 for $1,100,000 in a gated community with terrific views.  Upscale home sales are now approaching the $2,000,000 mark, even with no minimum home size requirements.  And there’s no end in sight.

As the American culture focuses more on nurturing the inner life, people will continue to seek water near natural preserves to still the mind and foster gratitude.  Invest in your family’s future as you invest in the lake.