Lake Norman Real Estate and NC Homes for Sale

(Please note, I wrote this earlier in the summer but re-posted it today so some of the information is out-of-date). 

Yesterday one of my neighbors stopped by during their morning walk to chat and, has been the case a lot recently, the topic of our current drought and potential water shortages in areas around Lake Norman came up.  When I heard that a friend of theirs' well had run dry that got me to wondering about our own well and the possibility of us having a problem.  Honestly, this is the first time we have owned a home with it's own well and septic system so I decided to do some research and here is what I found out:

Where Lake Norman's Water Comes From and How It Is Distributed 

For those readers who are new or don't live here, there are two sources of water for residences on and around Lake Norman.  The towns like Mooresville provide city water and sewer.  For all the rest of us who don't live within town limits we either have individual wells and septic tanks on our property or if one lives in one of the large subdivisions like The Point, The Harbour or The Farms, water and septic service is provided by large community wells run by companies like Carolina Water Service.  Water for the town of Mooresville residents is pumped from Lake Norman which is considered a very reliable source since the water is replenished by the Catawba River.  However, "in this part of North Carolina, well water comes from rainwater and wastewater that seeps through the soil and collects in fractures of bedrock.  The water available fluctuates with the amount of rainfall more that in the eastern part of the state"  according to an article last October in the Charlotte Observer written by Kathryn Thier.  There is an in depth article Ground Water and the Rural Homeowner by the U.S. Geological Survey which goes in to great detail about rural wells and ground water if you are interested.

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Trader Joe's Opens This Friday, August 17th!

For those of you who follow my posts, you know that I have already written about why it is so special that a Trader Joe's is opening in Charlotte and what makes Trader Joe's so special.  (See What's Happening section in this blog). If you don't believe me, just read today's Charlotte Observer  The cover of the Living Section plus page 4 is devoted to the Trader Joe's grand opening including an article "Getting to Know Joe" and some recipes! 

Here are the specifics: 

Where:  6418 Rea Road in Shops at Piper Glen

When:  "lei cutting" (ribbon cutting) at 8:45 a.m..  Regular daily hours are 9.a.m.-9.p.m.

Contact:  707.543.5249

I don't think I will brave the crowds but I'll definitely go soon!

Maybe it's because it is 102 degrees outside, I don't know, but all of a sudden cool fresh fruits and vegetables sound so good to me.  I have had this stack of information about our local farmers markets, farms and produce stands for weeks so it's high time I finally share all of the information with you!

Just like our daffodils and tulips, as spring arrives in Lake Norman our local produce stands and farmers markets start to come to life.  Anytime between April and June you will being to see fresh plants, local honey and jams made over the winter and the first of our spring harvests.  You don't need to look more than a few miles In the Lake Norman area to find a great selection of official farmers markets as well as numerous road side stands selling not just the seasonal fruits and vegetables but fresh pies and other home-made goodies.  Every week their signs will announce new arrivals like green peanuts, peaches, okra, corn, local blueberries and pumpkins.  Some even open to sell Christmas trees and wreaths.

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Some might ask why the fact that a small grocery store opening in the Charlotte area would make the front page of The Charlotte Observer.  Well,  I can only guess that those who are asking have never shopped at a Trader Joe's!  Because once you have been to a Trader Joe's you will find yourself going back again and again and again. 

 In fact, they have such a cult following that there are even groups formed to lobby the privately owned company to open a store in their neighborhood/city.

I feel that I was indeed quite fortunate to live in Pasadena where Trader Joe's was born.  I even knew the original owners who have since sold it to another private company.  As this wonderful company evolved, they never lost the essence of what makes them Trader Joe's and yet I'm not sure I can describe their essence in words.   It is a small grocery store, kind of healthy, reasonably priced, a unique and even exotic selection of salads and ready to eat fresh and frozen foods, fresh organic produce, meats, imported cheeses, beers, wines, lot of nuts, desserts, candy (incredible chocolate), staples like milk and eggs and unusal items that they buy in bulk for a one-time only opportunity.

This is one of their most famous items.  Truly good wine for $2!

When you approach the front doors of a Trader Joe's, you will be welcomed by an incredible array of fresh flowers and plants.  As you enter the store, you will be greeted by more fresh flowers and orchid plants, and also a friendly hello from one of the 'crew" in a Hawaiian shirt.  The nautical island theme may escape you as your eyes are drawn immediately to the front displays of whatever interesting items they are featuring...everything from wine to Italian Panetones...always at incredibly low prices.  You see, Trader Joe's is about really cool, delicious foods and beverages at very reasonable to even low prices.  You simply can't beat that combination! 

I first discovered Charlotte about 3 years ago while surfing the internet testing real estate websites.   Until then I knew nothing about Charlotte, or for that matter, North Carolina.  When we moved to Mooresville we thought we had found the country's best kept secret; apparently I was wrong: