While the tiny community of Lake Norman of Catawba is only 20 minutes north of Charlotte, it's considered part of the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton Metro area. Locals call this the Unifour, although this name isn't known outside of the area. Named for the four counties in the metro area, the Unifour area is comprised of more than 40 cities, towns and communities.
Not to be confused with North Carolina's largest manmade lake that is fed by the Catawba River, Lake Norman of Catawba is a community in Catawba County that lies along the northwest bank of the large Lake Norman. The more than 7,000 residents that call Lake Norman of Catawba home don't find this too confusing, and if they do, the plethora of recreational activities found in the surrounding area more than makes up for the sometimes confusing identity crisis. Of the community's 28 square miles, about 9 of them are water. Lake Norman of Catawba is growing rapidly with a 56% jump in population since 2000. Housing prices have increased as well, so choosing a rent to own option in the community would be wise. Many residents live in the small community and commute south to Charlotte, north to Statesville or Hickory, or east to Mooresville.
Moving to Lake Norman of Catawba
Searching for rental homes in Lake Norman of Catawba really should be conducted in-person since the tiny community has a strong small-town feel where handshakes and first impressions carry just as much weight as rental histories and credit reports. Visiting the area a few months before your move will go a long way in making your apartment rentals search go smoother. Keep in mind, though, that the area is growing rapidly and is a popular spot for commuters, and those desiring close proximity to Lake Norman (the body of water), so make sure you have all your documentation gathered. When you do find a home for rent that you love, you may not want to wait too long before securing it -- it might not be vacant the next time you inquire about it.
Neighborhoods in Lake Norman of Catawba
Since this tiny community is effectively its own neighborhood, it's really not big enough to be divided up into smaller divisions. This will soon change, however since the community is growing so rapidly. In fact, a third of its housing units have been built within the last decade. Undeveloped lots and homes can be found for rent in the community, although apartment communities, restaurants and stores are not here in town. While rents on homes can vary, the closer to the water, the higher the rent. Lakefront homes will be the most expensive properties in the area.
North: The northern portion of Lake Norman of Catawba borders the Lake Norman State Park, so boaters and hikers will be just across the peninsula from the popular recreational spot. It's the closest spot to I-40, which can take you west to Asheville or eat through Statesville to Winston-Salem and Greensboro.
Middle: Highway 150 runs through the center of the community. Take Hwy 150, also known as River Highway east across Lake Norman into the town of Mooresville. Just across the bridge into Mooresville, you'll find grocery stores such as Food Lion and Harris Teeter, plenty of retail stores such as Target and boating supply stores and seafood restaurants like local favorite Big Daddy's. Apartments closest to Lake Norman of Catawba are River Park and Carriage Club, both on River Hwy. Both apartment complexes have one to three bedroom apartments, while River Park also has furnished studios.
South: South of River Hwy, Lake Norman of Catawba is a series of inlets jutting out into Lake Norman. This area is predominantly owner-occupied, although you might be able to score a rental house with boat dock here.
Living in Lake Norman of Catawba
Lake Norman
By the community's name, the lake plays an important part in the lives of residents. The body of water was created in the early 1960s when Duke Energy constructed the Cowans Ford Dam. Known as North Carolina's "inland sea," the lake boasts 50 square miles of water and 520 miles of shoreline. While the lake is a popular recreational destination for residents throughout western North Carolina, its purpose is actually to provide electricity to much of the state and water to the surrounding cities and communities including Lake Norman of Catawba. On the other side of the lake from the town, Lake Norman State Park has two designated bank fishing areas and eight public boating access points.
Racing
North Carolina has long been a racing state and was integral in the formation and support of the NASCAR racing series. Many of the racing teams are based in nearby Mooresville. Tour the garages of drivers such as Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jimmie Johnson and Kevin Harvick. And don't be surprised if you pass by one of them while enjoying a day of boating on Lake Norman!
Nearby Cities
The banking city of Charlotte less than an hour south of the community has plenty of arts, theaters and shopping. Catch a Charlotte Bobcats or Carolina Panthers game while in the city. Drive north into the furniture town of Hickory, or even further northwest to explore the North Carolina mountain towns of Blowing Rock, Asheville and Boone. Statesville is located just a little bit up Interstate 77 and is a popular place for residents of Lake Norman of Catawba to work.
Major Roads
Interstate 77 runs north and south just east of Lake Norman of Catawba, while Interstate 40 runs east and west across the state north of the community.
