Development Watch

An honest, non-hyped look at how fast this area is growing — and what’s actually changing versus what’s just talk.

The Numbers

• Lake Norman of Catawba’s population grew from 7,411 (2010 census) to 8,658 (2020 census) — up nearly 17% in a decade.
• Catawba County as a whole is now growing faster than its long-run average, adding roughly 1.75% a year recently versus under 1% historically.
• Catawba and Lincoln counties still have the lowest property tax rates on Lake Norman — a real reason people keep choosing this side over the busier east side.

The Villages of Sherrills Ford

The biggest single driver of change in the area: a 206-acre mixed-use development on Highway 150 that’s already brought a Publix, medical and dental offices, and several new restaurants, with thousands more residential units planned in phases through 2025–2030.

We’ll keep this page updated as new phases break ground, new businesses open, and plans change — confirmed information only, no speculation dressed up as news.