Living in Catawba County

The Catawba County communities of Sherrills Ford and Terrell allow residents a glimpse of Lake Norman before its explosive eastern shore growth.  The northwestern corner of Lake Norman is the furthest away from Charlotte with no major highways and little water or sewer infrastructure making it the least developed area.  Most of Catawba County’s residents live in the central and western parts known as the Appalachian foothills.  Area cities such as Hickory and Conover benefit from Interstate 40 and heavy industry in furniture, textiles, and fiber optics.

Due to its proximity to Charlotte and the demand for lake lots and relatively low housing prices, the southeastern portion of Catawba County is one of the fastest growing areas; its projected to grow by 25 percent or more by 2020.  Lowe’s corporate center in Mooresville, as well as other businesses, brings a number of jobs to the area.  The population increase led Catawba County to plan new schools and make additions to older ones in its southeastern part. For many residents, good schools, less congestion, and lower prices are worth the one hour commute to Charlotte.

In 2003, Catawba County Commissioners adopted the Sherrills Ford Small Area Plan drafted by a group of volunteers.  This plan examines current conditions and issues crucial to preserving Catawba County’s quality of life while confronting rapid changes.  Community leaders use this plan to make decisions relative to future growth and development such as a commercial center at NC 16/NC 150 and a village center at NC 150/Sherrills Ford Road.  Leaders are able to strike a balance between commercial growth without sacrificing the fabric of the community.

Area gems include the Terrell Country Store, an 1891 landmark country store featuring locally-made gifts, old-fashioned candy, and other treats.  The store is located at NC 150 and Sherrills Ford Road.  Further west into the county, is the Bunker Hill Covered Bridge on NC 70 in Claremont, one of the two remaining covered bridges in North Carolina.  Also, don’t miss Murray’s Mill off NC 10, a fully restored working grist mill dating to 1873.