7 Best Lake Communities in the North Carolina Mountains

Western North Carolina is a gorgeous area that features pristine lakes surrounded by lush green mountains.

North Carolina lake communities offer an idyllic atmosphere and a wide range of experiences to suit all kinds of residents. You can find water adventures, world class golf, resort style amenities, social events, and more. Outside the gates you'll find hiking trails, biking trails and championship golf courses throughout the hundreds of thousands of acres of protected park lands and charming lake towns tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Luxury Communities offers their expertise to help people find luxury lake homes for sale in the North Carolina mountains. Communities in the area vary depending on what you’re looking for in terms of your dream home and neighborhood.

While not a complete list, these are a few of the best lake communities in the North Carolina mountains and the greater Asheville area. Peruse this list to get an idea of whats available then, contact us to chat about your unique wishes; we'll help you sort through the noise to find the perfect lake home.

Best Lake Communities in the Carolina Mountains

Lake communities in the North Carolina mountains offer some of the best scenery for a home to escape the brutal summer heat that covers the rest of the southern states. If you’re looking for your own private oasis offering a unique lifestyle, these seven lake communities are incredible choices.

Asheville and Hendersonville Lake Homes

While the greater Asheville area is home to several small scenic lakes where one can find gorgeous lakefront homes for sale. For this article, we chose to focus on the communities with the largest amenity packages. Make sure to reach out so that we can best understand your goals and help you find the perfect spot.

Biltmore Lake

Working our way out from Asheville, Biltmore Lake is an active master planned community just outside of Asheville in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Located in Candler, North Carolina 15 minutes from downtown Asheville, enjoy time on the water kayaking and fishing or reading a book on the shoreline.

There’s plenty to do at Biltmore Lake, if you’re looking to be active or have children to entertain. Play tennis, pickleball, basketball, stroll along the many walking trails and biking trails connecting the neighborhoods and community parks.

With more than 750 homes in Biltmore Lake, there are plenty of options for lake living.

Carriage Park

Surrounded by small-town charm an exquisite lake and mountain panoramas is Carriage Park. This private gated community in Hendersonville, NC ranges from 2,000 to roughly 2,700 feet in elevation and surrounds a small lake.

Although there are many activities and conveniences nearby, residents can easily stay put in Carriage Park. There’s so much to do from trails to bike or hike to taking a swim in the indoor pool, play a match on the tennis courts or just hang out in the clubhouse with your new friends. This active adult community is perfect for those looking to keep an active lifestyle into retirement. The town of Hendersonville is very walkable charming town that retirees flock to when they want easy access but not the hustle and bustle of city life in Asheville.

Highland and Cashiers Lake Homes

The remaining communities are in the Highlands, Cashiers, and Sapphire areas which are very exclusive small towns far up into the mountains that are perfect for second home owners that are escaping the heat in Atlanta. The area is very vibrant during the summer months but virtually shuts down during the winter.

Cullasaja Club

One of the most luxurious private lake communities in Western North Carolina is Cullasaja Club. It’s located in the charming town of Highlands. Cullasaja Club has created a community around nature, intimacy, and luxurious living. Ravel Lake sits within the community and is a haven for fishermen with its booming bass population.

The club offers private lake access as well as a top tier resort style amenities including an Arnold Palmer golf course, fitness facilities, swimming pools, racquet sports, and a large clubhouse with dining and a sports tavern. The clubhouse is the center of social events and always has something fun going on during the summers.

If you’re looking for unique real estate, this community has you covered. There are posh lakeside homes, houses tucked away in the mountains, and homesites ready for you to build your mountain getaway.

Mountaintop Golf and Lake Club

Located in Cashiers, NC is one of the most exclusive lake communities in North Carolina. Mountaintop Golf and Lake Club sits at an elevation of 3,100 feet. You'll can also find a crystal-clear lake with five flowing waterfalls. Enjoy hanging out on the water or relaxing on a piece of the 26-mile shoreline. 

When you’re not taking advantage of the pristine waters, there’s plenty more fun to be had. The community features a golf course designed by Tom Fazio, a clubhouse ideal for socializing, and a wellness center. For some rejuvenation, residents love the Mountaintop spa.

Old Edwards Club at Highlands Cove

Perched on top of the Appalachian Mountains in Highlands, NC is Old Edwards Club at Highlands Cove. This mountain golf and lake community offers a tranquil atmosphere in nature. The recreational lake surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery features a boathouse. It’s the perfect spot for fishing, paddling, kayaking, and more.  

Old Edwards has more than the stunning lake and mountain views. Enjoy an afternoon at the community’s spa, hit the links of the Tom Jackson designed golf course, or get active on one of many tennis or pickleball courts. There're a couple of pools ideal for adults and children along with a fitness center that offers classes, too.

There is an abundance of homes, homesites, and condominiums available offering a range of options for a summer escape.

Trillium Lake and Golf Club

This private lake and golf community in Cashiers, NC is one-of-a-kind. Trillium Lake and Golf Club is one of the only clubs with waterfront homes on lake Glenville. The community boasts 26 miles of secluded shoreline and tons of water adventures. Enjoy boat rentals, water skiing, and seeking out the secret waterfalls.

When you’re not basking in all that the lake has to offer, Trillium shares plenty of other experiences. Play a round on the 18-hole championship golf course or play some tennis on one of five tennis courts. There’s also a heated swimming pool, jacuzzi, and apple orchard.

Wildcat Cliffs

At the base of a lush forest in Highlands, NC is Wildcat Cliffs. Within Wildcat Cliffs is a lakeside park where residents enjoy fishing, playing, and picnicking. The community’s lake club is 15 minutes away on the shores of the stunning Lake Glenville so a home on the lake within the community isn't an option but the club offers a boat dock, a community lodge, rental units, grilling facilities, and more. 

Other prime amenities in Wildcat Cliffs include golf, a large fitness center with an indoor pool and racquet courts, a relaxing spa, and hiking trails. Wildcat cliffs has existing estates as well as property available for building your perfect dream home.

Are you ready to live amongst the mountains next to one of the gorgeous North Carolina lakes? Contact us at Luxury Communities to chat about the lifestyle you're looking for so that we can find the perfect lake community for you.