lake_wylie_banner

What it’s Like to Live at Lake Wylie, NC

Charlotte workers who like to get away from the bustle of in-town life after a long day at work might want to consider the resort-like lifestyle found in the Lake Wylie area, which starts in the southwest corner of Mecklenburg County and extends across the South Carolina stateline into York County and northward into Gaston County.

Dozens of new developments are popping up around the lake, and as growth continues and Lake Wylie neighborhoods expand, waterfront property is becoming more and more scarce, driving up property values. The community of Lake Wylie, on S.C. 49 just across the Buster Boyd Bridge, is not an incorporated city, but a collection of neighborhoods and businesses.

On the Mecklenburg County side of Lake Wylie is McDowell Park, located on N.C. 49 just as you approach the bridge. The park offers a sweeping view of some of the most scenic areas of Lake Wylie accessible by car. The 1,108-acre, county-operated nature preserve offers hiking, camping and a nature center with educational programs for kids and adults.

When it comes to neighborhoods in this area of Charlotte, Lake Wylie’s neighborhoods, activities, scenic views and unique amenities like the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden are just a few reasons why living in Lake Wylie is a great option for those relocating to Charlotte.

Lake Wylie History

The lake was created in 1904 and named for Dr. W. Gill Wylie, who helped persuade his patient, J.B. “Buck” Duke, to dam the Catawba River to generate hydroelectric power. The move sparked a wave of textile manufacturing in Mecklenburg, Gaston and York counties.

Today, the residents of this area have come together in lieu of a city government to preserve and improve the vacation-like atmosphere that comes with living on the lake. The Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce has been a strong force in this unincorporated area, rallying to bring businesses to the area, regulate growth and acquire government dollars for infrastructure improvements.

Lake Life on Lake Wylie

When it comes to life on Lake Wylie, there isn’t a shortage of things to do. Camp Thunderbird, a YMCA-operated summer environmental camp, attracts hundreds of school-age children for fun and learning.

Seasonally speaking, on the Fourth of July, Lake Wylie is a popular place to see a beautiful, patriotic display of fireworks for boaters and landlubbers alike. During the Christmas season, boaters decorate their rigs with lights and wreaths for the annual Christmas boat parade to get everyone into the holiday season.

If you plan to go boating or skiing, check the safety regulations imposed by the Lake Wylie Marine Commission. Among other things, the rules require a third person aboard each boat pulling a skier (the third person serves as an observer) and set restrictions on blood-alcohol content for water skiers.

The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

The crown jewel on Lake Wylie, the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is located on 450 acres on South New Hope Road in Gaston County. The property is the former home of Daniel Stowe, a textile businessman who gave the property, along with $14 million, to establish an endowment to develop the garden.

The garden features a grand, 13,500-square-foot visitors’ pavilion and themed gardens filled with plants that thrive in Piedmont soil and weather, accented with a dozen sparkling fountains and canals. A trip to the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden with friends or family isn’t only a Charlottean staple, but a classically fun thing to do on Lake Wylie.

There are many activities for kids at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden as well. In late 2007, the garden opened the children’s Willow Maze, designed to teach children how the different parts of the plant work. Then, in January 2008, the garden opened the Orchid Conservatory, an 8,000-square-foot house that is exclusive to the Carolinas.

Adjacent to Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, a 750-acre plot of farmland formerly owned by the Stowe family will be transformed into a retail and residential development called Seven Oaks Farm.

Lake Wylie Neighborhoods and Developments

The Mecklenburg side of the lake is seeing major growth through the development of The Palisades, The Sanctuary and Berewick, all prominent Lake Wylie neighborhoods full of single-family homes for sale. Learn more about some of the most common Lake Wylie neighborhoods below.

Tega Cay

Tega Cay, another established upscale Lake Wylie neighborhood, is off I-77 and Gold Hill Road on a peninsula of Lake Wylie in South Carolina. The neighborhood began in the 1970s and was originally modeled after a Polynesian resort. It includes a 27-hole golf course and marina.

The Sanctuary

Endorsed by Audubon International for maintaining the natural beauty of the land, The Sanctuary is spread out over 1,300 acres near McDowell Park. The development features lots ranging from two to more than 13 acres. Twenty miles of nature trails traverse through the community, which also offers 200 acres of natural areas. The Camp is The Sanctuary’s 17-acre lakefront community center with swimming pools, tennis courts, a fitness center, kids’ room, playgrounds, picnic areas and a boating center. Homesites at The Sanctuary range from $300,000 to two-million-dollar homes.

River Hills, Berewick and The Palisades

With nearly 1,100 homes, River Hills on S.C. 49 is one of the most established Lake Wylie neighborhoods in the area, with homes ranging from condominiums to mansions worth well over $2 million. The neighborhood of cedar- and cypress-framed homes include a gated entry, tree-lined streets, an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts and a covered-slip marina. Berewick covers 1,050 acres in southwest Charlotte and is a mixed development of offices, shops and multi-family housing in its town center, with single-family homes in nine different communities ranging from the $180s to the $450s. South of N.C. 49, The Palisades is a 1,600-acre development with a Nicklaus Design championship golf course, private country club, equestrian center, soccer complex and trails. Homes at The Palisades range from the $400s to more than $2 million.

Lake Wylie Amenities and Shops

At the intersection of N.C. 49 and N.C. 160, RiverGate is home to a Home Depot, Super Target, grocery store and other shops and restaurants. Located a mere 20 minutes from Charlotte, The Landing offers a peaceful atmosphere of nature and waterfront living in addition to its walking trails and park. The Shoppes at the Landing is a mixed-use development of retail and offices.

Still can’t find what you’re looking for? There is plenty of new construction on Gaston County’s Belmont peninsula, including Reflection Pointe, a waterfront development that features a clubhouse, pool, tennis courts, trails and boat slips.