The Catawba River runs north to south to the west of Charlotte-Mecklenburg County. The river was dammed by Duke Energy in three locations on the River creating three man-made lakes — Lake Norman to the north, Mountain Isle Lake in the middle and Lake Wylie to the south. All three lakes are recreational lakes with lakefront living permitted on both the east and west sides of each lake.

Lake Norman - Area 13

The combination of beautiful settings, great recreational advantages and easy access to Charlotte via Interstate 77 make the Lake Norman area a great place to live. Lake Norman is an inland sea that covers 32,475 acres and has 520 miles of shoreline—the largest manmade body of fresh water in North Carolina. Duke Power created it when it dammed the Catawba River in 1963.

The area includes parts of for counties—Mecklenburg and Iredell to the east and Catawba and Lincoln to the west. Duke Power partnered with the state in the establishment of the Lake Norman State Park. In addition, the power company has built two bank fishing areas and eight public boating access areas along the shoreline. Duke Power State Park, on the northern shore, offers a public swimming area, nature trails and boat ramps. The southern shores boast three county parks: Blythe Landing, Jetton Road Park and Ramsey Creek.

Single-family homes average $539,800; condominiums and town homes, $193,500.

Lake Wylie - Area 15

Lake Wylie is a 12,445-acre lake located 17 miles southwest of Charlotte, surrounded primarily by Mecklenburg County, N.C., and York County, S.C. The geography, people and economic vitality have fashioned a community with a distinctive Southern lifestyle. With 325 miles of shoreline, the lake is ideal for boating, fishing, water skiing and sailing. The temperate, yet wonderfully distinct, seasonal changes not only enhance the area's beauty, but also afford year-round enjoyment of the lake and other outdoor pastimes like golf, tennis and bicycling.

The Lake Wylie community offers a wide range of housing options, from lakeside homes to spacious, convenient condominiums. It has the additional advantage of two excellent school systems—Clover and Fort Mill.

Single-family homes average $442,600; condominiums and town homes, $156,700.

Mountain Isle Lake - Area 42

Mountain Isle Lake is located near Charlotte and Mount Holly, N.C., in the Catawba River Basin Watershed. Its shoreline passes through Gaston, Mecklenburg and Lincoln counties. It was created in 1924 with the construction of Mountain Isle Hydroelectric Station. The lake covers approximately 3,281 acres and has 61 miles of shoreline. Duke Power and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission provide two boating access areas and a platform for bank fishing.

Single-family homes average $288,800; condominiums and town homes, $97,700.