Lake Norman's northern shore has transformed this former mill town into a rapidly growing suburb of Charlotte. The area's population has quadrupled since 1990 as families moved north from Mecklenburg County seeking newer housing and good schools. Piedmont summers are hot and humid, with temperatures in the low 90s, while winters stay mild with occasional ice storms. The lake's 520-mile shoreline shapes development patterns, with marinas and waterfront communities attracting retirees and young professionals alike. Red clay soil and rolling terrain characterize the landscape between Charlotte and the North Carolina foothills.
