55 Communities in Charlotte
and Lake Norman Areas: A comprehensive guide

These 55+ communities in the Charlotte area are within 40 minutes to Charlotte, NC (verify).  Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina and growing fast. 

The Charlotte area is home to a variety of communities, each with its own unique character and amenities. From the bustling city center to the quiet suburbs, there's a community for everyone in the Charlotte area. The city of Charlotte is made up of several distinct neighborhoods, each with its own flavor. Uptown is the city's central business district, home to towering skyscrapers and a lively nightlife scene.

Lakes in the area are Lake Norman, the largest, and Lake Wylie, the nearest.  From minutes to one hour to Lake Norman.  Most start from mid-$200's.

You will find entertainment, arts, culture, history and nightlife at these senior communities.  Wellness is emphasized because of the recreational amenities and culture and a good economy with jobs and transportation facilities. (Activities listed may not be a complete list.  Verify all.)

Separate Pages for more North Carolina Communities:

55+ in North Carolina

North Carolina with no age restriction

new 55 communities in charlotte area:

Current cities with 55+ communities: Charlotte, Indian Trail, Mount Holly, Lake Wylie, Belmont, Tega Cay, Stallings, Stanley, Wesley Chapel

Charlotte 55+ Communities

• Cresswind Charlotte  

LOCATION:  Charlotte

FEATURE:   Resort community near downtown Charlotte

CONTACT:   8913 Silver Springs Court - 888-476-3017 - Open Daily 

FITNESS ACTIVITIES:  Clubhouse, Fitness Center, Sports Courts, Outdoor and Indoor Pools, Activities Director, Pickle ball, Bocce Ball, Event Lawn, Many Walkways

By Kolter Homes.  Resort community - Craftsman-styled homes from $300's - Adjacent to Larkhaven Golf Club - miles of walking trails.  25 minutes to Uptown.

• Now Selling: Esplanade at Northgate

LOCATION:  Indian Trail in Union County and 16 miles to Charlotte

FEATURE:    Taylor Morrison TMLivewell™ features; nearby shopping, restaurants, golf and more.

CONTACT:   Indian Trail - 704-357-6632 (Charlotte region office) - Shown by appointment only.

Single ranch homes priced from $400's.

• Chateau East 

LOCATION:  Charlotte

FEATURE:   Luxury ranch designs near downtown Charlotte

CONTACT:   13410 Canterbury Castle Dr., Charlotte - By appointment only - 877-205-0259

FITNESS ACTIVITIES:  Clubhouse, Fitness Center, Pool, Pickleball, Tennis Court (verify all information)

By Lennar - 1-story ranches and lofted ranches. Near shopping and restaurants.  From $300's. 

•  Imagery

LOCATION: Mount Holly (Between Charlotte and Lake Norman)  

FEATURE:  "Gateway to the South" location; On Mountain Island Lake

CONTACT:  1024 Dali Blvd. - 704-759-6048

FITNESS ACTIVITIES: Clubhouse, Fitness Center, Boat Launch (kayak, canoe), Pickleball, Swimpool, tennis, trails

Pricing from $500's for the Meadows and Pinnacles collections (the lower priced Grove collection is sold out) for single homes by Lennar.

Lake Wylie in Charlotte area

•  Regency at Palisades

LOCATION:  Charlotte

FEATURE:   In Palisades master community on Lake Wylie

CONTACT:  15110 High Bluff Court, Charlotte - 704-504-3939 - Open Daily

FITNESS ACTIVITIES: Clubhouse, golf, tennis, water sports (verify), Lifestyle Director, pools, Fitness Center, Billiards, Bocce, Pickleball

Starting $500's.  Large 2 and 3-bedroom single homes.  Final opportunities now.

• McLean-The Conservancy - Belmont - Not an over 55 community but some low maintenance features.

(Phases 1 and 2 sold out--please see their website for more info.)

LOCATION:  Belmont

FEATURE:    On Lake Wylie in master community - not 55+

CONTACT:   175 Armstrong Rd., Belmont, NC - 980-949-0723

FITNESS ACTIVITIES:  Clubhouse, pool, Fitness Center, Bocce, Event Lawn, Fishing pond, Dogpark

2 builders in the Conservancy neighborhood of the master community called McLean, in honor of former owner, are the nearest to an over 55 community in the development.  Essex homes cottage-styled homes, and M/I Homes. Prices started in $200's, and low maintenance (verify what features for low maintenance there are).  Medium to large single homes.  Also waterfront homesites.  Amenities include fishing pond, clubhouse, pool and more. The community is near a marina and harbor and botanical gardens. 

Stallings Over 55 Communities

•  The Courtyards on Lawyers Road

LOCATION:    Stallings

FEATURE:      14 miles to Charlotte; courtyard homes

CONTACT:     5800 Allen Black Rd. - 704-246-3809

FITNESS ACTIVITIES:  Fitness facility, clubhouse, pool, walk trails, bocce ball, pickle ball

Rooms are built around a garden courtyard.  I like this concept for more light and the indoor-outdoor feeling.  Pricing starting in $300's.  146 ranch homes to be built.

Stanley

• The Villas at Creek Walk 

LOCATION:  Stanley

FEATURE:    Brick and stone homes

CONTACT:   Ph: 704-905-7203 -  5483 Hickory Grove Rd.

FITNESS ACTIVITIES:  Sidewalks

23 miles to Charlotte - By Rudisill -  Small country community of planned 71 brick 3-bedroom villa homes priced starting in $200's (verify).  Adjacent to Creek Walk subdivision.  

Tega-Cay

• New  Windhaven-Meadows Collection

LOCATION:  Tega Cay on the shores of Lake Wylie and minutes to Highway 160.  20 miles to Charlotte

FEATURE:    Single ranch homes near Lake Wylie

CONTACT:   1612 Corwin Bend Rd., Tega Cay - Open daily - 980-446-2025

3 collections by Lennar Homes probably going fast - the Meadows Collection is for active adult.  Future pool (verify).  Priced from $400's--prices are subject to change.

Wesley Chapel

• Now Selling Cresswind Wesley Chapel

LOCATION:  Wesley Chapel

FEATURE:   40 minutes to Charlotte; Award-winning lifestyle program.

CONTACT:  Call 888-476-3017

FITNESS:    Clubhouse, pool, Fitness Center, pickle ball, tennis, and more planned.

2-5 bedroom homes starting low $400's.

• Pinnacle at Wesley Chapel  

LOCATION:   Wesley Chapel, NC

FEATURE:      Small town 21 miles to Charlotte

CONTACT:    Weddington Rd. Highway 84 and Potter Rd.

FITNESS:       Clubhouse, Fitness Center, recreation, pocket parks and more.

Just 60 homes by Taylor Morrison starting in $500's (verify prices).   Final opportunities now. 

55 communities in lake norman area:

Cities in this area with over 55 communities: Denver, Hickory, Iron Station, Cornelius

Denver, north carolina, 55 Communities

Hickory

• New Sweetwater Village

LOCATION:  Hickory

FEATURE:     Small town 

CONTACT:    1425 21st Dr. SE - 828-569-2424 - Open M-F and Saturday by appointment.

FITNESS:       Surrounding area has fitness opportunities

Wooded area close to major highways.  Townhomes priced in $200's in first phase.  Low homeowner's fee (verify). 

Iron Station

• Farm at Ingleside  

LOCATION: Iron Station

FEATURE:   Minutes to Lake Norman; geared to active adult

CONTACT:  383 Secretariat Dr. - 704-345-1069 - Open Daily

FITNESS:    Minutes to Lake Norman, clubhouse, zero-entry pool, Fitness Center, planned walking trails.    

One can ask the sales rep what is meant by "geared to active adult."  Usually it means this is not strictly for 55+ but may be mostly seniors living there and there are activities for seniors. By Freedom Homes and DH Horton. Medium to spacious ranch homes priced in $300's.  (Final homes selling)

Cornelius

• Bailey's Glen

LOCATION:  Cornelius

FEATURE:   Minutes to Lake Norman and short drive to Charlotte

CONTACT:   11909 Meetinghouse Way, Cornelius - 704-896-7016

FITNESS ACTIVITIES:  Clubhouses, pools, Lifestyle Director, pickle ball, tennis, bocce, croquet, putting green, golf driving net, Horseshoes park, yoga room (inquire if fee), community gardens  

Voted in top ten best affordable suburbs - 372 homes and 96 condominiums for 50+.   Resort lifestyle with 2 pools, clubhouse and many activities. Recreation at Lake Norman includes fishing, sailing, rowing, water ski and more.  Small to large homes were from $279,900 (these are now sold). 

New Baileys Glen homes called The Forest are now priced from $500's and there is a new development of condos called The Oasis now open estimated from $399's.

independent living communities for 62+ in charlotte:

Charlotte Retirement Communities

• The Cypress of Charlotte 

LOCATION:  Charlotte

FEATURE:    CCRC for 62+

CONTACT:   3442 Cypress Club Dr., Charlotte - 704-714-5500

FITNESS ACTIVITIES:  Activities Coordinator, pool, spa, pickleball, dances, water aerobics, fitness programs

Equity-based continuing care community for 62+ - cottages priced in $700's and villas in mid-rise elevator building starts mid-$200's for one-bedroom and 2-bedrooms high $300's including membership fee. Country club ambience. Two restaurants.

• Carmel Place by Holiday Retirement 

LOCATION:  Charlotte

FEATURE:   Independent Living apartments

CONTACT:   5512 Carmel Rd., Charlotte - 704-310-5479

FITNESS ACTIVITIES:  Fitness equipment, billiards, walking paths

By Holiday Retirement - Independent living senior apartments.

Holiday has 16 communities for 55+ in North Carolina.

55+ resale communities in charlotte/lake norman

• Amber Meadows - Sold

LOCATION:  Marvin

FEATURE:    Large homes

CONTACT:   958 Meadow Vista Dr. 

FITNESS ACTIVITIES:  Area recreation centers

Near recreation and shopping.  By Pulte.  Large 2-4 bedrooms start upper $400's.  22 miles south of Charlotte.  Sold out.

• Del Webb's Carolina Orchards

LOCATION:  Fort Mill, SC on border of NC

FEATURE:   On border between NC and SC

CONTACT:   1277 Carolina Orchards Dr., Fort Mill, SC  

FITNESS ACTIVITIES:  Indoor and outdoor pools, planned Fitness Center, Game rooms, Sporting facilities

2-bedroom small to large homes. Golf courses in area. Low South Carolina taxes (verify) Clubhouse, Pool, Recreation, including pickle ball, tennis and more. 

• The Cottages Charlotte

LOCATION:  Pineville

FEATURE:   Cottage-styled

CONTACT:   12910 Dorman Rd., Pineville, NC  

FITNESS ACTIVITIES:  Clubhouse, pool, Fitness Room, Putting Green

Medium sized single-family homes with amenities and services. Started $200's.  Sophisticated cottage-styled. 15 miles south of Charlotte.

• The Courtyards at Blume Point

LOCATION:  Mooresville

FEATURE:    Near Lake Norman     

CONTACT:   120 Blume Rd.  

FITNESS ACTIVITIES:  Clubhouse with recreation, Pool, Fitness Center, Walk Trails

Luxury single homes started low $300's by Epcon.   

• The Courtyards of Huntersville

LOCATION:   Huntersville, NC

FEATURE:      Near Lake Norman

CONTACT:    8024 Parknoll Dr., Huntersville 

FITNESS ACTIVITIES:  Clubhouse, pool, fitness facility, walk paths.  Single homes  were in $400's.  Sold out.

• The Courtyards at Emerald Lake - Approx. 14 miles south to Charlotte.  By Epcon -  Optional 2nd floor or walk-out lower level on select lots - Started upper $200's - 92 low maintenance ranch homes - clubhouse, pool, walking trails.  Sold out.  14617 Lawyers Rd., Stallings

•  Enclave at Holcomb Woods - sold

LOCATION:  Harrisburg (just outside Charlotte Metro area)  

FEATURE:    Ranch homes with lawn care (verify)

FITNESS ACTIVITIES:  Clubhouse, pool (shared)

 Medium to large single homes by Ryan Homes were from mid-$300's.  10492 Black Locust Lane, Harrisburg  

• Encore at Eden Hall

LOCATION:  Matthews

FEATURE:    Large 1- and 2-Story Townhomes; age-focused

CONTACT:   1144 Greenbridge Dr. 

FITNESS ACTIVITIES:  Walk Trails

By David Weekley Homes - Matthews, NC - spacious town homes with downstairs retreats - near downtown and Matthews Trail - 30 minutes to Charlotte and one hour to Lake Norman - Started from the $300's.  Not restricted but is 55+ age focused.

• Four Seasons at Gold Hill - Fort Mill near Charlotte SC by K. Hovnanian - Gated one-level condominiums.

• Four Seasons at Charlotte Metro by K. Hovnanian

• Lake Walk - Mooresville - On Lake Norman - 107 Hanks Bluff Dr.  Pool, Bocce, Walk Trails, Water sports on Lake Norman - Medium to spacious ranch homes were from $270's - 38 miles to Charlotte.  Sold out.

• 3 Cherry Way on Lake Norman

LOCATION:  Denver

FEATURE:   Walk to Lake Norman

CONTACT:   2461 Royal Anne Way, Denver  

FITNESS ACTIVITIES:  Clubhouse, pool, water aerobics (verify if has a fee), fishing and boating with public ramp, pickleball

Near Charlotte, within walk distance to Lake Norman. Will have 200 2-bedroom single level homes (optional 2nd floor bonus room) with flexible floor plans, 2-car garages, sunrooms, 9' ceilings, some vaulted for a spacious feeling. Village Center, clubhouse, and more. Golf courses in area.  Pricing started high $200's.  Sold out.

• Villages at Isle of Pines - Mooresville. Started $240's for over 55. Recreational activities on Lake Norman and 30 miles from Charlotte. Also, walking trails, large 2/3 ac. homesites and RV and boat storage.  816 Brawley School Rd., Mooresville  

• In South Carolina but near the Charlotte area:
  
  Sun City Carolina Lakes - Sold - Fort Mill - By Del Webb - From low $200's.  Singles and villas in large community with clubhouse, golf, 100 clubs, 10 lakes, dog park, pools, bocce, garden and more. See local Realtors for resales. 5074 Grandview Dr. 

guide:

chart comparing newest 55+ communities in charlotte and lake norman areas:

Name                   Starting       Location   Type   Design     Size 

Cresswind Wesley Chapel  $400's  Wesley Chapel  Single 

Regency at Palisades  $500's  Charlotte   Single LuxRanch  Large

Chateau East        $300's       Charlotte   Single   Ranch      M-L

Esplanade at Northgate $400's Indian Trail Single Ranch  M-L  

Windhaven-Meadows Collection  $400's  Tega Cay  Single Ranch  Traditional M-L

Bailey's Glen-The Oasis   $399's  Cornelius  Condo   Medium

Most Popular on this Page*






NAME	Location/Starting Price	Link
1. Cresswind Charlotte	Charlotte/$300's	More
2. Trilogy Lake Norman	Lake Norman/$300's	More
3. Esplanade at Northgate	Indian Trail/$400's	More

*By number of click-throughs in past three months.

Frequently asked questions

#1 - Q: What is the lowest priced new homes community near Charlotte NC and Lake Norman?

A:  Villas at Creek Walk which is nearly sold out.  This 55+ community is selling below $250,000, which is  below the U.S. median sales price.  The fact that this community doesn't have the luxury amenities of resort-styled communities may be the reason for a lower price range.

#2 - Q: Which are the top 3 communities considered the most active near Charlotte NC and Lake Norman?

A. Cresswind Charlotte by Kolter Homes (over 10 luxury amenities for an active lifestyle.

• Trilogy Lake Norman - Large community with many amenities.
• Bailey's Glen - Near Lake Norman for additional amenities.

#3 - Q: What is the most featured amenity near Charlotte NC and Lake Norman?

A.  Lake Norman is the most mentioned area amenity.  Also, water recreation near lakes and boating are featured.  Being near an urban lifestyle in Charlotte is also an attraction.

#4 - Q:  What is a unique amenity at a 55+ community in the Charlotte and Lake Norman areas?

A.  The Imagery active adult community by Lennar has a nearby kayak boat launch (verify).

My Notes

Added New in 8/21:  Sweetwater Village, Baileys Glen-The Forest  

---Added to Coming in 8/21:  Cresswind Wesley Chapel (Fall 2021); Pinnacle at Wesley Chapel; The Farm at Ingleside-The Preserve (Coming Fall 2021); Bailey's Glen-The Oasis condos; Added 10/26/21: Coming in early 2022 Esplanade at Northgate in Indian Trail 

---From Coming to Open 10/26: Pinnacle at Wesley Chapel priced in $300's.

---Added to Last Chance to buy 8/21:  Carolina Orchards; The Farm at Ingleside - 9/28: Enclave at Holcomb Woods (Final Phase)(See sold)

---Added to Sold Out list in August 2021:  3 Cherry Way; Conservancy Phase 1 and 2 sold; Cottages Charlotte; Courtyards at Blume Point; 10/26: Lake Walk sold out; Dec. 2021 Enclave at Holcomb Woods sold

---Prices Changed:  Regency at Palisades from $300's to $450's; Carolina Orchards from $200's to $400's;  Chateau East $200's to $300's; Trilogy Lake Norman from mid-$200's to low $300's; Enclave at Holcomb Woods from $200's to mid-$300's; December 2021 Carolina Orchards by Del Webb from $400's to $500's (almost sold)

Your May Also Like:

carolina index

South Carolina 55  

South Carolina retirement communities  

North Carolina 55

55+ in Charlotte NC (this page)

Active retirement in North Carolina

Myrtle Beach SC 55+ listings

Jensen Communities at Myrtle Beach

Most popular

• Cresswind Charlotte-Charlotte
  
  
• Trilogy Lake Norman-Denver
  
  
• Chateau East-Charlotte