The Arbor at Lake James Land for Sale

The Arbor at Lake James Land for Sale

Welcome to The Arbor at Lake James, a hidden gem nestled in the picturesque McDowell County of North Carolina. This enchanting neighborhood is a nature lover's paradise, offering a harmonious blend of serene landscapes and modern conveniences. With the stunning backdrop of Lake James and the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, residents enjoy breathtaking views and an abundance of outdoor activities year-round.

The Arbor at Lake James is more than just a place to live; it’s a vibrant community where neighbors become friends. The area boasts well-maintained roads, beautiful homesites, and a welcoming atmosphere that invites you to explore. Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of nature, embarking on hiking trails, or spending weekends boating and fishing on the crystal-clear waters of Lake James.

For those looking to invest, there is an exciting opportunity with land for sale in this coveted neighborhood. Whether you envision building your dream home or seeking a peaceful retreat, the available parcels provide ample space and privacy, all while being part of this charming community.

Conveniently located just a short drive from the quaint town of Marion, residents can enjoy a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. With its unique blend of natural beauty and community spirit, The Arbor at Lake James is the perfect place to call home. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this idyllic setting—explore the land for sale today and start envisioning your future in this enchanting neighborhood!

Newest The Arbor at Lake James Land for Sale

$350,000
4423656 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status
Discover the possibilities with this 0.71-acre parcel in the peaceful Nebo area of McDowell County. Located along High Trail Drive, this property offers a wooded and private setting with plenty of room to create your ideal homesite or explore other permitted uses. Enjoy the natural beauty and quiet surroundings while still being conveniently located near Lake James and the amenities of the surrounding area. Whether you're looking to build, invest, or secure a piece of land in the Nebo area, this property offers an opportunity to make your vision a reality.

1403 High Trail Drive, Nebo

Listing courtesy of Dash Carolina. Phillip.warren@dashnc.com
$65,000
4424509 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status
Enjoy privacy and space in The Arbor at Lake James with this large, wooded homesite. The lot’s exceptionally level terrain provides an ideal setting for easier site preparation and construction. Located within a gated community, residents enjoy walking trails, lake access and community boat slips. Although a deeded slip is not included, slips may be available to rent from other Arbor property owners when you'd like to have that option. Conveniently located at Lake James and just minutes from Marion, this property offers a peaceful, beautiful setting with easy access to shopping, dining and I-40.

TBD Waters Edge Drive Unit #3-16, Nebo

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Unified. fletcher@lakejames.com
$66,900
4423488 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status
Discover a beautiful 1.48 acre homesite in The Arbor at Lake James, offering mature trees, more than 120 feet of road frontage, long range views, and seasonal mountain scenery. The lot begins with a gentle slope near the road, creating a generous and usable area for a future home, driveway, and outdoor living spaces. Mature hardwoods provide privacy and a peaceful wooded setting, while the terrain becomes steeper toward the rear of the property, adding natural separation and character. One of the highlights of Lot 26 12 is its view potential. Long range views extend beyond the surrounding trees, with even more pronounced mountain views during the winter months. A thoughtfully positioned home could take advantage of these sightlines with large windows, porches, or decks designed to enjoy the surrounding landscape. With ample road frontage and a favorable building area near the front portion of the lot, buyers have flexibility when planning their future home. Selective clearing could help open the views while preserving the natural canopy and privacy that make the property so appealing. Located in The Arbor, an established community near Lake James, this homesite offers a quiet setting surrounded by the natural beauty of Western North Carolina. Whether you are planning a full time residence or a mountain retreat, Lot 26 12 provides an excellent opportunity to create a home that feels connected to the woods, the mountains, and the Lake James lifestyle. Bring your builder, walk the property, and imagine the possibilities this scenic homesite has to offer.

256 Beacon Ridge Drive Unit #26-12, Nebo

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Unified. bryan@lakejames.com
$59,900
4420952 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status
Beautiful, 3.47 acres of level, private, wooded land located in The Arbors, a gated community on Lake James! Bring your own builder & build your dream home or vacation home. This property offers easy access to Asheville, Marion & Morganton. The Arbor is a quiet gated community jut 15 minutes from Marion NC where you can go to shop, dine and find plenty of entertainment. The Arbor community also features walking trails, a lakeside picnic pavilion and boat storage area. Short drive to to hiking and biking trails in Pisgah NF and Fonta Flora State Trail.

619 High Trail Drive, Nebo

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Lake Norman. gscottdavid15@gmail.com
$150,000
4421770 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status
Enjoy the beauty of Lake James with this gently sloping Waterview lot that extends down to the edge of the lake at the back of a peaceful cove. Launch your Kayak from your property or keep your boat in the included deeded boat slip #103 at the community docks, making it easy to get out on the water and enjoy everything Lake James has to offer. With more than 150 miles of shoreline surrounded by the scenic foothills of Western North Carolina, Lake James is one of the area’s most desirable destinations for boating, fishing, recreation, and mountain living. Conveniently located approximately 10 minutes from downtown Marion and Interstate 40, this property offers a great combination of lake living and easy access to shopping, dining, and area amenities. Whether you're looking to build your next home, weekend getaway, or vacation retreat, this lot is ready for you to come experience what everyone is raving about at beautiful Lake James.

360 Harborside Drive, Nebo

Listing courtesy of Realty Group 1 LLC. 828homesales@gmail.com
$20,000
4416346 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status
What a bargain on this beautiful 1-acre wooded homesite in The Arbor at Lake James! Ideally positioned just inside the gated entrance and directly across from the community boat storage area, this property offers both convenience and privacy in one of Lake James’ desirable gated communities. The Arbor at Lake James is designed for an active, outdoor-oriented lifestyle, with miles of scenic neighborhood hiking trails, a lakefront community gathering area with direct access to Lake James, and a welcoming pavilion featuring a large wood-burning fireplace, outdoor gathering spaces and grills. High-speed fiber optic internet is available throughout the community, making it easy to enjoy the tranquility of the mountains without sacrificing connectivity. Optional boat storage is also available for an additional fee, making it easy to keep your lake toys close at hand. Beyond the neighborhood, Lake James provides endless opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding and simply enjoying the water. Nearby Lake James State Park offers additional hiking and biking trails, public lake access, camping, fishing and a seasonal swimming beach. The Fonta Flora State Trail adds even more opportunities for hiking, walking and cycling through the beautiful Lake James and Blue Ridge foothills region. Outdoor adventure is truly at your doorstep, with easy access to the Pisgah National Forest and the spectacular Linville Gorge area. When it’s time to explore beyond the great outdoors, nearby Marion and Morganton offer restaurants, shopping, breweries, services and entertainment, while Asheville is an easy day trip. Local attractions include Lake James marinas and boat rentals, Fonta Flora Brewery, Mica Town Brewing and numerous golf, winery and recreational opportunities throughout the foothills.

Lot 18-15 Waters Edge Drive Unit #18-15, Nebo

Listing courtesy of NorthGroup Real Estate LLC. warrengreenlee@gmail.com
$19,500
4397159 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status
Nestled behind a secure gated entrance, The Arbor at Lake James is a premier active-lifestyle community designed for those who want the best of nature, recreation, and modern convenience. Residents enjoy miles of scenic hiking trails, a private lakefront community area with direct lake access, and a welcoming pavilion featuring a large fireplace—perfect for gatherings year-round. High-speed fiber internet is available throughout, and optional boat storage can be added for an additional fee. You can visit the website for The Arbor at Lake James at: https://thearboratlakejamespoa.com Build with your own preferred contractor or work directly with builder/owner of this lot. Choose from dozens of thoughtfully designed floor plans, or customize to create your ideal home. With years of experience managing multi-million-dollar construction projects, the builder/owner now focuses on delivering the same high-quality techniques, materials, and craftsmanship in exceptionally well-priced homes. At The Arbor at Lake James, you truly can have it all—lake living, outdoor adventure, modern amenities, and outstanding value.

217 Larkhaven Drive Unit #53-11, Nebo

Listing courtesy of NorthGroup Real Estate LLC. warrengreenlee@gmail.com
$80,000
4414832 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE UNDER CONTRACT Status
Lot 224 presents an excellent opportunity to build in The Arbor at Lake James, an established gated community offering access to one of Western North Carolina’s most beautiful mountain lakes. What immediately sets this homesite apart is its terrain. In an area where building sites can often require substantial grading and site preparation, Lot 224 is remarkably level, providing an appealing and very buildable setting for your future Lake James home. The gentle terrain gives you flexibility when considering home placement, driveway design, garage access, landscaping, and outdoor living areas. Whether you envision a full time residence or a mountain lake getaway with expansive porches and gathering spaces, this property offers an inviting canvas for creating a home that fits your lifestyle. The lot has never been perc tested, allowing the next owner to evaluate septic possibilities based on their individual building plans. Depending on home placement, selective clearing, and seasonal foliage, Lot 224 also has the potential for long range mountain views during the winter months. Imagine enjoying the wooded privacy of the property throughout the warmer seasons, then watching the distant Blue Ridge Mountain views emerge as the leaves fall. One of the most valuable features of this property is deeded boat slip 105, located at The Arbor community docks off Anchor Drive. Having your own deeded slip means enjoying Lake James can begin well before construction of your future home. Spend summer mornings cruising the lake, afternoons swimming and exploring, and evenings taking in a sunset from the water. Access to the docks is becoming even more convenient. The Arbor is installing an easy golf cart path leading down to the dock area, making trips to the water simpler when carrying boating gear, coolers, and everything needed for a day on the lake. The community docks have also been redone following Hurricane Helene, and the seller has already paid the approximately $10,000 assessment associated with the new docks, providing meaningful value to the next owner. The Arbor offers a wonderful combination of privacy, natural beauty, and recreation. Community amenities include lake access, walking trails, picnic and recreation areas, as well as boat and RV storage. Fiber optic internet is also available within the community. A recent property listing in The Arbor highlights these amenities along with the mountain setting, gated entrance, Lake James access, and deeded boat slips that make the community so appealing. Lake James is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and thousands of acres of protected land, creating an exceptional setting for boating, paddling, fishing, hiking, and simply enjoying the outdoors. Lot 224 gives you the opportunity to make all of that part of everyday life. For buyers searching for Lake James land, a buildable homesite, property with a deeded boat slip, or land in The Arbor at Lake James, Lot 224 deserves a closer look. Level terrain, potential seasonal long range mountain views, deeded boat slip 105, improved community docks, and an assessment already paid by the seller create a compelling combination. Bring your builder, walk the property, visit the docks, and start imagining your place at Lake James. Lot 224 offers the opportunity to create a home designed around the mountains, the water, and the Lake James lifestyle.

59 Captains Drive Unit #224, Nebo

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Unified. bryan@lakejames.com
$29,000
4411524 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status
Build your dream mountain retreat in The Arbor at Lake James, where breathtaking views of Shortoff Mountain provide the perfect backdrop for your future home. Nestled in one of Lake James' sought-after communities, this beautiful homesite offers the ideal combination of mountain scenery, outdoor recreation, and peaceful living. Enjoy the beauty of Western North Carolina as you drive through the neighborhood, where abundant wildlife and mature hardwoods create a true mountain setting. Spend your days boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, or fishing on Lake James, then unwind with friends at Fonta Flora Brewery at Whippoorwill Farm or explore miles of nearby hiking and biking trails at Lake James State Park and along the Fonta Flora State Trail. Residents of The Arbor enjoy community amenities including boat storage and neighborhood hiking trails, making it easy to embrace the Lake James lifestyle. Conveniently located near Marion, Morganton, and an easy drive to Asheville, this property offers the perfect opportunity to build your full-time home or weekend getaway in one of Western North Carolina's premier lake communities. Don't miss your chance to own a piece of Lake James at an exceptional value.

35-12 Sycamore Drive Unit #35-12, Nebo

Listing courtesy of GreyBeard Realty. sunday@greybeardrealty.com
$30,999
4379697 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status
The Arbor at Lake James welcomes you. With this lot and your builder's opinion and placement of the home, you may enjoy water views and extensive mountain views of Table Rock and Grandfather Mountain. Short term rentals allowed in the Arbor. Over 200 ft of road frontage. Community boat storage available, Nearby local marina for boat slip access and boat launch. No deeded boatslip wit this loat. Community boatslips are being rebuilt post Hurricane Helene. Potential for rental of a boatslip from another neighbor within the community.

265 Harborside Drive Unit #250, Nebo

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Unified. realfaria20@gmail.com
$55,000
4369992 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status
Discover the perfect setting for your dream home on this beautiful 1.65 acre corner lot in the sought after The Arbor at Lake James a gated community. Offering a spacious and gently positioned homesite, this property provides both privacy and flexibility for your custom build. Enjoy the best of Western North Carolina living with convenient access to nearby destinations including Morganton, Asheville, Hickory, and Banner Elk each offering dining, shopping, and outdoor recreation. Whether you're looking for a full time residence or a mountain retreat, this lot combines natural beauty, a prime corner location, and proximity to Lake James for boating, hiking, and relaxing days on the water. Build your vision and enjoy the lifestyle that Lake James has to offer.

Lot 40 Larkhaven Drive, Nebo

Listing courtesy of BHGRE Integrity Partners. coker@integrityrealtywnc.com
$69,000
4368905 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status
Gently sloping interior lot with winter and possible year round views of the Blue Ridge. The Arbor is a quiet gated community just 15 minutes from Marion and in close proximity to all the outdoor activities of the Foothills. Well and septic are needed; underground power and fiber optic internet are available. Easy access to the hiking trails in the community as well a a picnic pavilion and boat storage area. Lake James is one of the cleanest in NC and the perfect place for boating, kayaking, fishing and all water sports. You can also choose from all the hiking and biking trails in the Pisgah NF and on the nearby Fonta Flora Trail. Marion boast restaurants, shops and entertainment. One hour to Asheville & 1.5 hours to Charlotte. Community boat slip may be available for purchase

1006 High Trail Drive Unit #32-11, Nebo

Listing courtesy of Engel & Volkers Foothills Lake James. polly.leadbetter@evrealestate.com
Start Your Search

“ Based on information submitted to the MLS GRID as of . All data is obtained from various sources and may not have been verified by broker or MLS GRID. Supplied Open House Information is subject to change without notice. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Some IDX listings have been excluded from this website. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information © 2026 Canopy MLS as distributed by MLS GRID”

Last Updated: