Island Forest Real Estate

Welcome to Island Forest, a hidden gem nestled in the charming town of Cornelius, North Carolina. This serene subdivision, located in Mecklenburg County, offers a perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility, making it an ideal location for families, professionals, and retirees alike.

Island Forest is characterized by its lush, wooded landscapes and picturesque surroundings, creating a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Residents enjoy spacious homes set on generous lots, often complemented by beautiful gardens and outdoor living spaces that invite relaxation and gatherings with friends and family. The architectural styles here vary, providing a unique charm and character to the community.

One of the standout features of Island Forest is its proximity to Lake Norman, where residents can indulge in a variety of water activities, such as boating, fishing, and kayaking. The nearby parks and green spaces offer ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, picnicking, and enjoying nature trails.

Families in Island Forest benefit from access to highly-rated schools, making it a desirable choice for those with children. The community is also conveniently located near shopping, dining, and entertainment options, ensuring that everything you need is just a short drive away.

In Island Forest, you’ll find more than just a home; you’ll discover a vibrant community where neighbors become friends and where the beauty of nature enhances your daily life. Experience the charm of Cornelius and make Island Forest your next home sweet home!

Newest Listings in Island Forest

$1,575,000

3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 4401080 MLS

Some homes on Lake Norman are all about the house. Others are about the lifestyle that comes with it. 21101 Island Forest Drive delivers both. Positioned on a west-facing waterfront lot in one of Cornelius most established lake communities, this completely reimagined home is designed around what makes Lake Norman living special. West facing views, unforgettable sunsets, effortless entertaining, and the ability to enjoy the lake right from your backyard at an affordable price. Inside, the home has been completely transformed into a bright, open retreat where the lake is always part of the experience. Vaulted living spaces, wrapped beams and a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace create a dramatic main living area, while the renovated kitchen anchors the home with custom cabinetry, premium appliances, gas cooking and an oversized island made for gathering. The thoughtful renovation continues throughout with updated flooring, remodeled bathrooms, custom stair treads, a redesigned primary suite with custom walk-in closet, updated laundry and mudroom spaces, and extensive improvements that allow the next owner to move in and immediately begin enjoying the home. But the real story of 21101 Island Forest begins outside. As the afternoon turns to evening, the west facing backyard becomes the place everyone wants to be. Gather on the lakeside deck, relax in the hot tub, watch the game outside, sit around the fire pit, or simply take in the sunset across Lake Norman. The expanded outdoor living areas, new fencing, landscaping, concrete patio and waterfront setting create a private retreat equally suited for quiet evenings and weekends filled with friends and family. And unlike waterfront locations that leave you choosing between lake life and convenience, Island Forest puts you in the heart of Cornelius with Davidson, dining and shopping in Birkdale Village, parks and I-77 just minutes away. The existing waterfront setup also gives the next owner the opportunity to create a new dock tailored specifically to their boating and lake lifestyle. You can renovate a house. You can redesign a kitchen. But you can't recreate a west-facing Lake Norman lot in the heart of Cornelius. At 21101 Island Forest Drive, you're not simply buying a renovated waterfront home. You're buying the sunsets, the water, the location, and the Lake Norman lifestyle that comes with it.

21101 Island Forest Drive, Cornelius

$1,950,000

4 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 4354783 MLS

Premier waterfront home with majestic main channel views of Lake Norman! Surrounded by water, this home is situated in the highly desirable Island Forest neighborhood; facing southwest allows for magnificent sunsets! The aerial photos tell it all! Spacious, open floor plan. Beautiful bamboo hardwood floors in dining room, great room and loft. Awesome kitchen complete with granite/wood countertops, breakfast bar, tile backsplash, gourmet gas stove, vented hood and plenty of cabinet space. Large, open great room features vaulted ceiling, gas masonry fireplace and wonderful natural light. Wake up to lake views from the large, main level primary bedroom. Upper-level loft is perfect for a reading area or playroom. Large entertaining area on lake level offers ample space for pool table, wet bar area, plenty of living space and 2nd masonry fireplace with gas logs. Absorb breathtaking views from the upper deck or covered lake level patio. Hot tub located directly off the large covered back porch offers wonderful opportunities to unwind anytime. Striking metal roof adds to the lake-house feel. Beautifully landscaped yard features zoysia grass, mature palm trees, stone walkways, fully fenced backyard, fully functional Koa Pond. Expansive pier includes covered sitting area and 10,000lb boatlift. Tankless water heater, Generac generator, "lake water" in-ground irrigation. Island Forest neighborhood offers private/gated (residence only) waterfront lot complete with boat ramp and pier! Prime location near parks, restaurants, and boutique shopping. This residence defines the vibrant Lake Norman way of life! Experience the ultimate Lake Norman lifestyle!

20919 Island Forest Drive, Cornelius

$729,900

3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 4321190 MLS

Premier off-water location! Experience the ultimate Lake Norman lifestyle! This home is situated on an elevated lot in the center of the "island" of the Island Forest neighborhood; the aerial pictures say it all! Spacious, open floor plan. Beautiful oak hardwood floors throughout main level. Gorgeous kitchen complete with quartz countertops, breakfast bar and awesome backsplash. Expansive breakfast room offers views of the private backyard and custom flagstone patio. Large, open living room features vaulted ceiling, gas fireplace and wonderful natural light. Spacious dining room is perfect for hosting. Large, main level primary bedroom suite complete with huge bath and walk-in closet. The upper level offers 2 large bedrooms, endless space in the expansive bonus room. Beautifully landscaped yards. Covered back porch leads to custom flagstone patio. Hot tub located directly off the covered back porch offers wonderful opportunities to unwind anytime. Tankless water heater, immaculate crawlspace, spotless 2 car garage, this home has been meticulously maintained. Highly sought after Island Forest neighborhood offers private/gated (residence only) waterfront lot complete with boat ramp and pier! Prime location near parks, restaurants, and boutique shopping. This residence defines the vibrant Lake Norman way of life!

21410 Pinecrest Place, Cornelius

Start Your Search

“The data relating to real estate on this website derive in part from the Internet Data Exchange program. Brokers make an effort to deliver accurate information, but buyers should independently verify any information on which they will rely in a transaction. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither The M Homes Group nor any listing broker shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, or misprints, and they shall be held totally harmless from any damages arising from reliance upon this data. This data is provided exclusively for consumers’ personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties they may be interested in purchasing. © 2026 Carolina Multiple Listing Services, Inc.”

Listings provided courtesy of Triangle MLS, Inc. of NC, Internet Data Exchange Database. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. © 2026 Triangle MLS, Inc. of North Carolina. Data last updated .