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Waterfront Listings in the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill Area
The Triangle has many good features that make it attractive to home buyers, but waterfront property is one thing that's not in huge supply around here!
Apart from the coast, inland buyers interested in waterfront property are probably thinking about a nice home with views of a lake or river, maybe a dock, but certainly direct access to the water.
While we have multiple recreational lakes with homes surrounding the lakes, there are no "lake-front" properties for sale with docks at our major lakes. The homes that are adjacent to the lakes have a buffer, so while you may get some views you can't walk right down to your boat.
Kerr Lake further to the north does have the ability to have docks, but it's a 45 minute drive from Durham so somewhat of a longer commute.
Two of our most popular lakes, Jordan Lake and Falls Lake, are undeveloped and regulated by the Army Corps of Engineers. Both are designated as state recreation areas, with multiple access areas, campsites, swimming beaches, and boating ramps. There are hiking and biking trails around the lakes.
So, the communities that include Jordan Lake or Falls Lake in their names simply mean they’re very near. Some have spectacular lake views (but no boat docks) and those homes are often in the high-end luxury home range with prices of $2 million and up.
Raleigh has two good-sized lakes in Lake Wheeler and Lake Johnson. Lake Wheeler has some beautiful homes - $1 million+ - that have great views of the lake, but no direct access to water. Swimming is not allowed in Lake Wheeler although personal boats can be launched with day passes. Lake Johnson Park Lake Johnson Park has a dual designation of metro park and nature preserve. Fishing is allowed but there is no swimming.
Lake Benson, located just south of Raleigh, is also a large lake that has great trails, and allows fishing, but neither swimming or personal watercraft are allowed.
Bottom line? You may be able to buy a home that has a water view of a lake, but no direct access. And the houses with those views are going to be much more expensive because the houses are going to be larger and grander.
Communities with private lakes
One good option is to buy homes in neighborhoods that include private lakes - here are a few notable ones.
The Preston community is a lush golf course community located between Morrisville and Cary. It’s centered around Preston Village, a scenic open park featuring an expansive private lake and playground area. With close access to shopping, dining, and parks, Preston has a wide range of living opportunities - affordable townhomes, spacious single-family homes, high-end luxury homes. Prices start around $400k with some topping out over $1 million.
Lochmere is another Cary neighborhood centered around beautiful lakes and wooded trails. It features single-family homes ranging from $350k to $1.2 million, with sq. feet from 2,303 to 5,675. The houses range in age from 1985 to 2021. A pool, tennis courts, and planned community events and celebrations make Lochmere a great community.
Durham’s Grove Park is a golf community that has two neighborhoods, one on the lake side and one on the golf side. The two sides are split by Route 98 and the southern lakeside neighborhood surrounds a lake with a clubhouse and pool nestled right on the lake. Catch-and-release fishing is allowed in the lake.
Some of the lakefront homes have multi-level decking that provide great water views. Homes in the neighborhood start around $250k and homes on the lake can be priced under $400k when available.
The Parkwood subdivision is a quiet southwest Durham neighborhood located minutes from RTP. Home to nearly 3,000 people, Parklane features 100 acres of shared parkland, playgrounds, ball field, and swim club, in addition to its lake. Single-family homes in this neighborhood can be found under $300k and homes with great views, when available, can be under $400k.
And what about rivers?
The Triangle is not known for its rivers, so it’s no surprise that we don’t really have great riverfront properties. The Eno River, which runs from Durham west through Hillsborough, is a good example. Like the popular Raleigh and Durham lakes, the Eno River has a lot of properties near the river or its expansive state park, but very few direct on the water homes. There are direct access, mostly undeveloped, lots that sometimes come up for sale, but those are more on the Hillsborough end than the Durham side.
What’s the bottom line?
If having a water view is very important to you, you are better off looking at neighborhoods that include their own private lakes within the community. On the other hand, if you want to take advantage of being near a large lake with all the recreational opportunities they offer, you will be best served by choosing the communities surrounding these lakes, even without a water view or direct access.
The good news is that the entire Triangle area has much to recommend to those who are relocating here, to retire or to explore career opportunities. No matter where in the Triangle you’re looking, you can use our advanced search or map search to find your dream home, or contact us for a consultation.
Waterfront Properties for Sale in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill
LARGE building site (TWO SEPARATE LOTS totaling 3.2 PLUS ACRES) on KERR LAKE with plenty space for oversized boat garage, etc. OR building two homes OR ESTATE SETTING wit...
- 2423219 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
KERR LAKE ACCESS ACREAGE: Parcel B is 13.01 Acres with frontage along the U. S. Army Corps land to Kerr Lake. A road is in place & a path from the property thru the Corps...
- 2427677 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
KERR LAKE ACCESS ACREAGE: 18+ Acres with CREEK & frontage along the U. S. Army Corps land to Kerr Lake. SHARED DOCK will enjoy a sandy shoreline & sunsets over the water....
- 2427683 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Revel on this exquisite 10+ acre wooded lot at the end of a cul-de-sac that backs to a quiet portion of the Eno River. Enjoy drifting in a kayak or enjoying a quiet morn...
- 2427483 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
KERR LAKEFRONT ACREAGE: 3.14 ACRES in the Bluestone area of Kerr Lake. AG ZONE- SO do what you want...have horses or chickens here! BUOY saves your Dock Spot. From your D...
- 2373653 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
KERR LAKEFRONT LOT overlooking the main channel of Kerr Lake. Watch sunrise on your SANDY BEACH....toes will truly be "in the sand" here. The perfect place to build your ...
- 2404922 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
KERR LAKEFRONT LOT overlooking the main channel of Kerr Lake. Watch sunrise on your SANDY BEACH....toes will truly be "in the sand" here. The perfect place to build your ...
- 2404928 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Rare opportunity to have lakefront living in Wake County. Enjoy a panoramic view of beautiful Bunn Lake, a recreational lake bordering Wake & Franklin Counties. Double lo...
- 2421901 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
10-acre hilltop tract on the Haw River near Bynum, halfway between Chapel Hill and Pittsboro. Beautiful mature hardwood forest, multiple river views, with about 400 feet ...
- 2426499 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
GREAT WINTER PANORAMIC LAKE VIEW in flowage easement subdivision with sandy beaches. Offering a 3-BR, 2-bath home with large eat-in kitchen & vaulted ceiling living room ...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2406100 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
KERR LAKEFRONT ACREAGE overlooking the main channel of Kerr Lake. First time offering of this lake land tract. Build your home with privacy right here. DOCK SPOT has a SA...
- 2403682 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
KERR LAKE Access RANCH with SHARED DOCK. This is the perfect Kerr Lake Getaway (think AirBnB or VRBO when you are not enjoying it yourself). The home has views of Kerr La...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2423527 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
GREEN BUILT HOME ! Great Waterview on an oversized lot with piece and quiet all around. This three bedroom, two bath home has 1905 square foot of heated living space and ...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2412568 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Stunning WATERFRONT split foyer in the heart of Raleigh! Lovingly maintained - updated kitchen and baths, roof in 2019, HVAC in 2017. Five bedrooms and three full baths ...
- 5 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2427995 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
KERR LAKE ACCESS ACREAGE:43+ Acres has over 1,000 feet in common with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land to Kerr Lake. DOCK with a SANDY SHORELINE overlooks the main b...
- 2427393 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Imagine This View of the Neuse River As Your Backyard! Living Here Is the Closest Thing You Will Find to Rural Living In An Urban Area. Launch Your Kayak In the River, Ta...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2427863 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Sought after Westwood Estates* Ranch w/ full basement* Freshly painted interior + new smooth ceilings* beautiful lot backing up to n'hood lake* 3br 2 baths on mail level+...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2428141 MLS
- COMING SOON Status
PERFECT RETREAT: KERR LAKE WATERFRONT home located on acre lot on state-maintained road in PEACEFUL CLOSE-TO-WATER SETTING .No HOA. Spacious living areas both inside & ou...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2428264 MLS
- COMING SOON Status
BRICK LAKEFRONT with stunning SUNSETS OVER KERR LAKE! Gradual slope to your DOCK. The 4 Bedroom/4.5 Bath home boasts 1st & 2nd level Master Suites! The Great Room, Dining...
- 4 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 2427366 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Over 2 acres w/ pond access in the heart CARY! Minutes to 540 & shopping! The possibilities for this property are ENDLESS! No city taxes, HOA or water & sewer bill! Great...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2428159 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
KERR LAKEFRONT ACREAGE W/DOCK. This pastoral setting consists of 54+ Acres w/pastures, POND & woods bordering the Corps land to Kerr Lake. Restore the classic Home, which...
- 3 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2322527 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Showings by appointment ONLY. Exceptional 93+/- ac; 1871 farmhouse must be renovated. Also updated double wide home w/sep. farm entry. Established pasture; hardwoods; woo...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2415960 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Great Site for an event venue, flat, two parcels, adjacent to Hampton Pointe subdivision, 172 feet of road frontage, currently on well and septic The building on site is...
- 2375542 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
LAKEFRONT Estate on Kerr Lake in the PRESTWOULD II community. BRICK Traditional home set on over 2.4 ACRES has 400 + feet joining the Corps land to Kerr Lake. Located on ...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2425437 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Over 112 acres, stunning opportunity! Main house, Guest house, Workshop, cleared area, wooded areas and 2 deeded Kerr Lake docks! Main house with Dining Room, Living Room...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2374676 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Luxurious South Chatham Home just 10min south of Pittsboro! Secluded 11 acres w/ Rocky River Frontage, In-ground Pool, Spacious Patio & Indoor Entertaining Area. Only 40m...
- 5 Beds
- 6 Baths
- 2409325 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
MAIN CHANNEL CONTEMPORARY: Stunning 3+ Bedroom/4.5 Bath LAKEFRONT Home custom built with a West Coast vibe. Dramatic High Ceilings & open floor plan designed for Lake vie...
- 3 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 2425652 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Lakefront Peace and Tranquility in the Heart of Chapel Hill. Timeless Mid-Century Modern Design. A rare opportunity to own the best centrally located waterfront lot that ...
- 4 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2408428 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
A comfortable and extraordinarily livable custom home with sweeping lake views. Cherry trees salute your approach to this exceptional property sited to maximize privacy a...
- 4 Beds
- 6 Baths
- 2418371 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Les Acres Mysticales: Lush, green, quiet, seclusion by a lake. 37+ acres of land with 4 cabins and a farmhouse supporting a solid rental history since 1945. Farmhouse has...
- 11 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 2404396 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Welcome to a Sportsman's Paradise. Working farm that joins Kerr Lake on two sides, with thousands of feet of waterfront. Plenty of deer and turkeys, and lake access too. ...
- 2388273 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Inside Beltline Custom Built All Brick House overlooking the lower Lakestone Lake. This classic house offers a traditional floor plan w/ 1st floor master. All the formal ...
- 6 Beds
- 7 Baths
- 2340992 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Listings provided courtesy of Triangle MLS, Inc. of NC, Internet Data Exchange Database. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. © 2022 Triangle MLS, Inc. of North Carolina. Data last updated .