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Waterfront Listings in the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill Area
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
GREENWOOD POINT: Lakefront Land close to the County Seat & Microsoft. The community philosophy is to embrace the essence of lake life living! A small development (the roa...
- 2530831 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Kerr Lake Front lot overlooks the main channel of Kerr Lake. Experience incredible sunsets over the water of Kerr Lake. Gradual slope to the waters edge to a sandy beach....
- 2526870 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
KERR LAKEFRONT with exceptional views overlooks the man channel of Kerr lake. Rise & shine to sunrise over the Lake . You will SEE the lake from your homesite here. Sandy...
- 2526906 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
GREAT WATERFRONT LOT! GREAT LOCATION, NEAR RALEIGH, ROCKY MT. AND WILSON. THIS HARD-TO-FIND WATERFRONT LOT WITH ACCESS TO BUNN LAKE A PRIVATE LAKE LOCATED IN BOTH WAKE CO...
- 2508971 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
IDEAL for Custom Builders or for large homesteads! 10.01 Acres of Waterfront property with 496 Ft of paved Road Frontage in gorgeous Bahama area, located 1.5 miles from L...
- 2533492 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Delight in tranquil country living in at The Reprieve in Chatham County! Located in Pittsboro - The Reprieve is a secluded oasis of 7 gorgeous homesites overlooking a br...
- 2524375 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Kerr Lake Acreage 9.6 Acres borders the core land to Kerr Lake. Sandy Beach enjoys incredible sunrises over Kerr Lake. Site built or off frame modulars homes allowed. Com...
- 2526915 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Kerr Lake Acreage. 3.09 Acres in the AG Zone in a quiet County Setting. There is over 1000 feet boarding the Corps land to Kerr Lake. Shared by mature Pine Trees. The cor...
- 2521392 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
KERR LAKE WATERFRONT HOME.....GREAT OPPORTUNITY to get to KERR LAKE for under $400K. This 2 Bedroom, 1.5 bath, vaulted-ceiling great room cottage was built with expansio...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2532454 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Large 17.24 Acre Waterfront parcel located 1.5 miles from Lake Michie in gorgeous Bahama area with EXCELLENT road frontage (1,308 Ft) on paved Hall Road in Durham County....
- 2533485 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
New Construction in Kerr Lake waterfront community. Boat slip included with home. Annual tax amount is for lot only.
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2520746 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Circa early 1800's home regally sits overlooking KERR LAKE with SHARED Dock. Relax on the Front Porch & enjoy vistas of the water- you will enjoy the Lakefest Fireworks f...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2523273 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Builder's custom log cabin in exclusive and gated lake front community. Enjoy all that Kerr Lake has to offer. Golf cart path to your deeded boat slip. Stunning log cabin...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2509703 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
SANDY BEACH in MERIFIELD ACRES with a deep water DOCK enjoying sunset views. This 3 Bedroom/2 Bath Home offers a FULL BASEMENT for your expansion- the NEW Heat Pump and f...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2530481 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
MERIFIELD ACRES LAKEFRONT 2.0: totally updated waterfront with incredible views from Cove to Main Channel made for entertaining! This 3+ BR/3Bath has 2400 Sq Ft UP +2100 ...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2520061 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
LAKEFRONT Home ready for entertaining! PRESTWOULD Split Level enjoys lake views & has many updates (REP.Windows, Wood flooring, metal roof, recent HVAC)The home offers a ...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2522670 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Breathtaking, peaceful, and a secluded paradise is how I would describe this home & land. The house is 3288 sq ft with 3 beds & 3 baths, formal living area w/gas fireplac...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2533507 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Welcome to this stunning lakefront property, a true gem nestled by the tranquil waters of Bond Lake. This picturesque 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home is the epitome of lakes...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2532380 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Lakefront ITB ranch on over 1.5 acres! Convenient to everything - downtown, Wake Med & BRT line (more info in documents). This lovely home has an updated kitchen, renovat...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2522672 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
HIDDEN GEM in beautiful, friendly neighborhood. Unique all-brick transitional OVERLOOKING GREYSTONE LAKE! Open floor plan with great flow--perfect for family enjoyment a...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2533772 MLS
- COMING SOON Status
Your own NATURE PRESERVE on private pond; gorgeous yard, mature trees & abundant wildlife. Some of the many impressive features of this home include 2 story foyer, chef's...
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2520249 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Discover your dream retreat! This stunning 3BR/2BA brick ranch home lives large and was meticulously transformed in 2020 from the studs, offering the perfect blend of mod...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2532254 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Beautiful 4.4 lot off of Ebenezer Church Road with large pond/view. Property borders with Umstead State Park. Gently sloped land with hardwoods and lovely pondview. This ...
- 2518512 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Development potential. Over 8.5 acres with pond in Durham. Property includes 1950’s 3 bed 2 bath ranch. Kitchen with breakfast area flowing into Dining Room. Large Family...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2515559 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Agri-Tourism? Haute-Homestead? Artful-Abode? You can HAVE IT ALL in this lovely Chatham Co. retreat! Close enough for comfort, distant enough for divergence. 13.5 acres, ...
- 4 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 2523435 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Introducing a stunning and stately home nestled on a 1.18-acre, flat, cul-de-sac lakefront lot in prestigious Sunset Lake. This residence offers an idyllic blend of elega...
- 5 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2530949 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
This IMPRESSIVE Jacob Holt mid 19th-century style 4-BR, 3.5 bath home updated w/ MODERN CONVENIENCES in the late twentieth century is perfectly sited on over 27 ACRES bor...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2451604 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Tucked away at the base of Bass Mountain in southern Alamance County near both the Research Triangle and the Triad is LeftFork Farm, a tranquil 82 acre parcel that featur...
- 8 Beds
- 8 Baths
- 2532766 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Tucked In the Middle of Preston with Nothing but Trees & a 13 Acre Pond Beyond the Back Yard! 5 BRs/4.5 Baths with a Main Floor Primary Suite, a Lower Level In-Law (w/Kit...
- 5 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 2513807 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Buy 1 Piece,12 Northern Acres, $3.4mil, or 2 Plats Attached, Proposed/Gated Community of ONLY Land on FALLS LAKE, GREAT VIEWS OF LAKE. Corp of Engineers has a narrow Stri...
- 2492716 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Lake VIEWS! "The Jewel Box on the Lake!" is quietly nestled on the desirable, South LAKESHORE Dr, Chapel Hill, w/THE BEST water VIEW on Eastwood Lake on 0.65-acres. Glass...
- 4 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 2519480 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Listings provided courtesy of Triangle MLS, Inc. of NC, Internet Data Exchange Database. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. © 2023 Triangle MLS, Inc. of North Carolina. Data last updated .