New Construction Guide · Mecklenburg County · Lake Norman
Cornelius is a Lake Norman town where new construction is scarce and sought-after — a handful of townhome, 55+, custom and luxury communities, about 20 miles north of Uptown Charlotte.
Photo: Dough4872, CC BY-SA 4.0
Meet Cornelius
Cornelius grew from fewer than 2,600 residents in 1990 to over 31,000 in 2020. Western Cornelius sits right on Lake Norman. Because the town is largely built out, new construction comes in smaller, targeted communities rather than big master plans — which is why it pays to have someone tracking every release.
Source: Wikipedia, citing the U.S. Census Bureau.
New homes · Builder communities
Cornelius has far fewer new-construction communities than Huntersville or Mooresville, so each release moves quickly. These were confirmed in October 2026. Availability and pricing change — ask Steve for the current list and incentives before you visit.
Shea Homes
Two-story townhomes · 1,794–1,868 sq ft · 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2-car garage
From $475,000
as listed by the builder on October 19, 2026 — confirm current pricing with Steve.
About a mile from I-77 off West Catawba Ave near Magnolia Estates Dr; 65 homes planned; HOA includes landscaping, irrigation and exterior building maintenance; quick move-in homes available.
Keystone Custom Homes
To-be-built single-family homes · 1,982–4,016 sq ft · 3–7 bedrooms
From $788,867
as listed by the builder on October 19, 2026 — confirm current pricing with Steve.
154 homesites off Mayes Road near I-77; more than 6 acres of preserved space with walking trails, a playground, a pavilion and two roughly 200-year-old heritage trees.
Bailey's Glen
Active-adult ranch-style homes · Village collection 1,593–2,808 sq ft
From the $600s–$700s
as listed by the builder on October 19, 2026 — confirm current pricing with Steve.
Fitness center, game room, library and pools; maintenance-free yards.
Bailey's Glen
Nine ranch-style plans (Classic 2,004–2,172 sq ft; Premier 2,248–2,409 sq ft with unfinished basements)
From $695,900
as listed by the builder on October 19, 2026 — confirm current pricing with Steve.
Two-car garages, optional lofts, access to all Bailey's Glen amenities.
Greybrook Homes
Five-home private cul-de-sac · About 2,800–3,600+ sq ft
Recent listings around $1.05M–$1.2M
as listed by the builder on October 19, 2026 — confirm current pricing with Steve.
Between downtown Cornelius and downtown Davidson; no HOA.
Coming soon · Bailey's Glen
Luxury condominiums
Zero-entry pool with poolside restaurant & bar; the town lists 132 units.
Various builders
Individual custom homes on lots around Cornelius, including Lake Norman properties
Prices vary widely
Steve can track custom and waterfront new construction that never shows up as a “community.”
Also on the town's development list: Greenway Gartens (mostly apartments plus 14 planned townhomes off Zion Ave) and Magnolia Villas (65 patio homes at Edinburgh Square Dr). Alexander Farms' River Rock homes are 55+ rentals, not for sale.
Around your new neighborhood
From downtown Main Street to the lake coves along West Catawba, these are local spots near the new communities.
Old Town (Torrence Chapel Rd)
Breakfast and brunch spot, open 7am–4pm daily.
Old Town (Torrence Chapel Rd)
Café, gourmet shop and tea room, open Wednesday–Saturday for lunch.
Bailey Rd
French bakery for croissants, pastries, sandwiches and coffee.
Hours change — check Google Maps before you go.
Find your bearings
Beyond your front door
What you'll have nearby once you move in.
Mecklenburg County park on Lake Norman with a swimming beach, boat launch, kayaking and paddleboarding.
Google MapsPerforming arts center at 21348 Catawba Ave; Puckett Pottery House classes at 21206 Catawba Ave.
Website →Light Up Cornelius and downtown events are held at Town Hall, 21445 Catawba Ave.
Verify before you buy
Cornelius is served by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Schools serving the town include Cornelius Elementary, J.V. Washam Elementary, Bailey Middle and William A. Hough High (opened August 2010).
Also: the Cornelius branch of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library on Catawba Ave just east of I-77 Exit 28.
Save the date
Dates are for 2026 — confirm before you go.
Fri Oct 23 & Sat Oct 24
7 PM · 2 PM / 6 PM
Cain Center for the Arts
Sun, Oct 25
3 PM
Cain Center for the Arts
Fri, Oct 30
7:30 PM
Cain Center for the Arts
Wed Nov 4 – Thu Nov 5
Cain Center for the Arts
Fri, Nov 6
7:30 PM
Cain Center for the Arts
Sat, Nov 7
7:30 PM
Cain Center for the Arts
Sat, Nov 14
6 PM
Cain Center for the Arts
Sat, Nov 28
4–7 PM
Downtown Cornelius, 21445 Catawba Ave
Free: tree lighting, sledding hill, trackless train rides, model trains, s'mores and Santa.
Event information →Sat, Dec 5
1 PM
Davidson–Cornelius
Shorter alternate route this year due to NC 115 construction.
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Expert guidance
Steve Dalia works with new construction buyers across Cornelius and Lake Norman.
Steve Dalia
Broker/Owner, Inbound Carolina
Browse New ConstructionAttribution & sources
All images via Wikimedia Commons. CC BY-SA images are shared under the same license. Some photos date from 2007–2009.
Sources: Wikipedia; U.S. Census Bureau; Town of Cornelius; Town of Davidson; Cain Center for the Arts; Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools; LKNConnect; builder and MLS listings (Shea Homes, Keystone Custom Homes, Bailey's Glen, Greybrook Homes). Information gathered October 2026; verify details before relying on them.
