The Arbor At Lake James Real Estate

Welcome to The Arbor at Lake James, a hidden gem nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Nebo, North Carolina, within the charming McDowell County. This enchanting subdivision offers a unique blend of natural beauty, modern conveniences, and a vibrant community spirit, making it an ideal place to call home.

The Arbor at Lake James is perfectly situated near the stunning Lake James, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking mountain views. Residents can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, and picnicking along the scenic shoreline. The area is a paradise for nature enthusiasts, with miles of trails and lush forests just waiting to be explored.

This family-friendly community features thoughtfully designed homes that cater to a variety of lifestyles, from cozy retreats to spacious family dwellings. Each property is crafted with quality materials and modern amenities, ensuring comfort and style. The Arbor’s well-maintained roads and common areas foster a safe and welcoming environment for families, retirees, and everyone in between.

In addition to its natural allure, The Arbor at Lake James is conveniently located near local shops, restaurants, and schools, providing residents with easy access to everyday necessities. The friendly atmosphere and strong sense of community make it easy to forge lasting friendships with neighbors.

If you’re seeking a serene escape that combines the beauty of nature with modern living, The Arbor at Lake James is the perfect destination. Come and discover your dream home in this idyllic North Carolina subdivision today!

Newest Listings in The Arbor At Lake James

$350,000

4423656 MLS

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

$65,000

4424509 MLS

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

$66,900

4423488 MLS

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

$59,900

4420952 MLS

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

$150,000

4421770 MLS

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

$20,000

4416346 MLS

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

$2,399,000

4 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ 4416637 MLS

Discover the best of Lake James living in this beautifully maintained waterfront home offering stunning mountain and lake views from nearly every room. Designed for easy entertaining and comfortable everyday living, the open floor plan features two bedrooms on the main level, including a spacious primary suite with double vanities, soaking tub and oversized shower. The dining area flows seamlessly into the kitchen with island, large pantry, and abundant cabinetry. A convenient laundry room offers additional cabinetry and a sink. In the great room, a two-sided gas fireplace creates a focal point and connects the interior to the outdoor living spaces. Ash hardwood floors throughout main level. Step onto the covered deck and enjoy the spectacular views. The finished lower level expands the living space with a game area, family room, second full kitchen, two additional bedrooms, and a hall bath. An additional den or potential fifth bedroom with its own full bath provides flexible accommodations for guests. A large storage area offers excellent potential for an office, hobby space, or additional storage. Speakers throughout the home add to the entertainment experience, with plenty of storage to keep everything organized. With an gentle walk to the water, gazebo, and two-slip dock, enjoying the lake is easy. One slip is covered and equipped with a lift, the second is uncovered. there is also a separate jet ski dock. Dock is equipped with tv hookup, speakers, power and water via pump from the lake. Gather around the fire pit after a day on the lake or enjoy the views from the gazebo with its durable metal roof. The low-maintenance Hardie board exterior and two-car garage with workshop area make ownership easy. Short-term rentals are allowed providing and income generation-rental history is available. Furnishings, boat, and kayaks are negotiable, making this an exceptional opportunity to enjoy Lake James immediately. The Arbor is a quiet gated community jut 15 minutes from Marion NC where you can go for shopping , dining and 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.

705 Waters Edge Drive, Nebo

$19,500

4397159 MLS

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

$80,000

4414832 MLS

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

$29,000

4411524 MLS

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

$949,000

3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 4404869 MLS

Experience unparalleled luxury in this fully furnished, turn-key estate offering some of the most breathtaking, unobstructed lake and mountain views at Lake James. Thoughtfully designed to maximize its surrounding scenery, the home frames majestic views of Grandfather Mountain and Shortoff Mountain from nearly every room, as well as from the expansive back patio and screened-in porch. Offered completely move-in ready, this versatile property lends itself beautifully to use as a primary residence, private vacation retreat, or high-potential short-term rental investment. Water enthusiasts will appreciate the added convenience of a deeded, single boat slip — #14 — located at the newly constructed Waters Edge Drive docks. Both the residence and its professionally designed landscaping have been meticulously maintained, showcasing thoughtful care and attention to detail at every turn. Situated within The Arbor, this home offers the ideal balance of secluded serenity and everyday convenience, standing as one of the closest Lake James communities to downtown Marion's shopping, dining, and amenities. Residents can fully embrace an active mountain lifestyle with immediate access to community hiking and biking trails, premier lake activities, and the historic charm of downtown Marion.

362 Captains Drive, Nebo

$1,100,000

3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 4405505 MLS

Set on .79 acres, this exceptional cabin-style retreat in the sought-after Arbor at Lake James community boasts some of the best views on the lake, with an unforgettable 180-degree panorama encompassing Lake James, Linville Mountain, Hawksbill, Shortoff Mountain, Grandfather Mountain, and the Blue Ridge Mountain range. A wraparound porch and expansive wraparound deck offer multiple spaces to soak in the ever-changing scenery, while a covered porch, patio, and firepit create additional inviting spots to relax or entertain outdoors. A deeded boat slip on the community's newly built docks provides effortless access to all that Lake James has to offer. The main living areas showcase warm, inviting cabin character with an open, light-filled layout designed to frame the panoramic views from nearly every angle, and the primary bedroom is conveniently located on the first floor. Recent updates include new appliances, new deck rails, a new roof, and a new HVAC unit, offering peace of mind for years to come. The home also features abundant storage throughout. The lower level offers generous bonus and flex space, including two additional rooms currently used as bedrooms, a full bath, and a media room; please note this finished basement space is unpermitted. Offered fully furnished (please see Agent Remarks for items not included), this home is truly move-in ready. Short-term rentals are permitted within the community, making this property an excellent option as a full-time residence, weekend getaway, or income-producing investment. With its rare combination of natural beauty, water access, rental flexibility, and comfortable living, 108 High Lake Drive is a standout offering in one of Lake James' premier communities.

108 High Lake Drive, Nebo

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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 .