The Charlotte Observer ran a headline a few months back: 

DENVER, The Best of Town and Country.  

After decades of playing the role of the humble step-sister to such popular Lake Norman towns as Huntersville, Cornelius and Mooresville, Denver is now one of the most exciting communities to watch around Lake Norman.

The Facts:

• The Denver area was settled in 1770 and founded in 1876
• Population:  13,030-20,000 depending on the source
• Tax Rate:  $.61 per $100 for the county and$.189 for the city 
• Location:  Southwest corner of Lake Norman in Lincoln County
• Unincorporated; administered by the Lincoln County commissioners and manager
• Lincoln County Schools

Denver has always had a low-key lifestyle with more of a village atmosphere.  Because it didn't get the railroad (which is on the east site of Lake Norman) nor the Interstate I-77 for commuters, until recently, it has remained much as it always has been.  Locals say they still choose to live in Denver because it has retained its small-town, rural feel.  "It's close enough to Charlotte to get to the airport (in about 45 minutes) but it's still far enough away." 

But, the secret is out and Denver is now one of the hot spots on Lake Norman.  Some say it will be more like Mooresville is as little as 5 years.    Thanks to the improvements and widening of NC16 (due to be complete in 2012), their lower taxes, good schools and beautiful waterfront communities, Denver is predicted to and is already growing at a remarkable rate:

• 6000 new homes are in the pipeline for the next few years
• Numerous restaurants and businesses are popping up, especially since the sale of alcoholic beverages was approved in 2002.
• At the intersection of NC16 and NC73:  a WalMart Supercenter, Lowe's Home Improvement Center and Harris Teeter shopping center are just a few of the latest retailers to open.

What about Denver's residential communities?  Most of Denver's housing subdivision and communities are located on the fingers of Lake Norman.  The most prominent of these are:

• SailView: a Crescent Homes Community located on Lake Norman which boasts wooded lots, a pool, Community Center, boatslips, large playground and walking trails.  New homes start in the $500,000's but they are almost sold out.
• Smithstone:another lovely waterfront community which has a Yacht Club, Community Center, pool and boatslips.Governor's Island:  One of Lake Norman's most exclusive residential communities located on a finger of land surrounded by the lake.  Home prices start around $1,000,000.
• Westport:  Established in the 1960's and developed slowly in phases, it offers new homes, a beautiful golf course and the Westport Marina.
• Verdict Ridge was voted most beautiful golf club in Charlotte and has been included in a US Open qualifying tournament.  This Golf Course Residential Community also offers a swimming pool, tennis, nature trails and fine dining.
• Cowen's Ford is another, serene waterfront community with the Cowen's Ford Country Club and golf course.

Denver's real estate market outpaced the rest of Lake Norman in 2007.  A total of 373 homes sold at an average sales price of $398,773 and an average days on the market of 73.  However, I did notice a slowdown in Denver home sales in the fourth quarter.  There are currently 212 homes for sale in Denver at an average price of $582,554 and they have been on the market an average of 144 days.

Because of the improvement to NC16, Denver is now an acceptable alternative for commuters working in Charlotte who want to live and enjoy the Lake Norman Lifestyle.  If you are thinking about relocating to Lake Norman you should definitely consider Denver!

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