I moved up there 4 years ago. I love it. But... do your homework. Depending on exactly what neighborhood/street/county your in, taxes can be significantly different. I live in the county, but 2 streets away is the city. Difference is 1000’s. Furthermore, be aware what Lake Norman really costs. West side of lake is cheaper but it’s definitely been discovered and isn’t cheap. Cornelius and Mooresville, be realistic... 500k gets you know “””more than a updated fancy mobile home on the water.