The Neighborhood
Cornelius, NC sits on Lake Norman's southeastern shore in Mecklenburg County. A lakeside town of approximately 30,800 residents, it offers waterfront living with a 20-minute commute to Uptown Charlotte and some of the region's top-rated public schools.
Cornelius at a Glance
~30,836 (2020 Census)
$115,746 (ACS)
$497,400 (ACS)
9.86 sq mi (Lake Norman)
~20 minutes (18 miles, normal traffic)
PLATE 01 — LAKE NORMAN, CORNELIUS NC
How are the schools?
The area is served by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. William Amos Hough High School, the designated high school for Cornelius, is consistently ranked among the top high schools in North Carolina.
Cornelius Elementary
Grades K-5. Located in Cornelius, serving the local community.
J.V. Washam Elementary
Grades K-5. Another top elementary option in the Cornelius area.
Bailey Middle School
Grades 6-8. One of the highest-rated middle schools in the district.
Lakeside Charter Academy
Grades K-8. A charter option for families in the Lake Norman area.
William Amos Hough HS
Grades 9-12. Consistently ranked among the top high schools in North Carolina.
Lake Norman Lifestyle
Lake Norman is North Carolina's largest freshwater lake at 32,510 acres. Boating, fishing, kayaking, and waterfront dining define the pace of life here. Cornelius maintains a small-town feel while offering easy access to Charlotte's dining, arts, and professional sports.
Acres of Lake Water
Miles of Shoreline
To Uptown Charlotte
Distance to Charlotte
Parks & Recreation
Jetton Park
19000 Jetton Rd, Cornelius. Lakeside park with fishing, walking trails, and a swimming beach. 4.7 stars.
Ramsey Creek Park
18441 Nantz Rd, Cornelius. Boat ramp, fishing pier, and greenway access on Lake Norman.
Smithville Park
19710 S Ferry St, Cornelius. Community park with playground and open fields.
Northern Regional Rec Center
18121 Old Statesville Rd, Cornelius. Indoor pool, fitness center, and community programs.
Dining Nearby
The Lake Norman corridor offers waterfront dining, farm-to-table cuisine, and international flavors within minutes of Cornelius.
Kindred
131 N Main St. Fine dining. 4.3 stars, $$$$.
Barrel & Fork
20517 N Main St. American. 4.0 stars, $$$$.
North Harbor Club
100 N Harbor Pl. Waterfront. 4.0 stars, $$.
LakeHouse Wine Bar & Grill
18665 Harborside Dr. Lakeside dining.
Thai House
19700 One Norman Blvd. Thai. 3.8 stars, $$.
Brickhouse Tavern
209 Delburg St, Davidson. Casual American.
Live Music & Entertainment
Cornelius and Lake Norman host a thriving live music scene with venues ranging from intimate wine bars to lakeside concert stages. Live music plays across the area nearly every night of the week.
Bin 110
19712 One Norman Dr, Cornelius. Live music 150+ nights a year, Thurs-Sat. No cover. Premier bourbon bar.
BoatYard Lake Norman
18418 Statesville Rd, Cornelius. Lakeside concerts with tribute bands and original artists.
Cain Center for the Arts
21348 Catawba Ave, Cornelius. Premier performing arts venue with concerts, theater, and live shows year-round in its 401-seat theater.
Rudder & Rose
19708 W Catawba Ave, Cornelius. Live music and tribute nights on the waterfront, the rebranded successor to the Tropicana. Old Town Public House closed in early 2026 for the Mill's Market redevelopment.
Harp and Crown LKN
19930 W Catawba Ave, Cornelius. Upscale gastropub with live acoustic music. Refined atmosphere.
Cornelius Social District
Old Town Cornelius. Daily 12-10 p.m. Stroll between venues with live music at each stop. Check Cornelius Today's "Live at the Lake" weekend guide for the latest lineup.
For the latest weekly live music listings across all Lake Norman venues, see our Live at the Lake Weekend Guide. For the full festival calendar, check our Fall 2026 Events Guide.
Ready to See the Property?
Schedule a private tour of 17831 Mollypop Lane with The Petrenko Group.