Growth Hub Analysis

Lake Lee and the 601 Corridor: Union County's Last Frontier for Affordable Waterfront & Raw Land

By Carnarri Cofield, REALTOR®•January 16, 2026•Citadel Cofield (Charlotte, NC)

The area along Hwy 601 and White Store Road in Monroe, Union County—specifically after Lake Lake Golf Course—is seeing major rezonings like the 670-lot Eagles Rest development. But beyond the new construction, Lake Lee represents a rare opportunity: water-access living without the Lake Norman price tag. Located in the Monroe area, not Marshville, this corridor offers Union County's last frontier for affordable waterfront and raw land.

"Lake Lee is the hidden gem that Lake Norman used to be—water access, rural character, and 15 minutes from Monroe. But here's the difference: you can still buy in without stretching into premium pricing. That window won't last forever."

The 601 Corridor: Where Rezoning Meets Opportunity

The 601 Corridor along Highway 601 and White Store Road in the Monroe area (after Lake Lake Golf Course) is experiencing a transformation. Major rezonings are converting rural agricultural land (RA-40) into residential developments (R-20) and planned unit developments (PUD). The 670-lot Eagles Rest development is just one example of this trend. This area is part of Monroe, not Marshville, and represents one of Union County's most active rezoning corridors.

For land owners, these rezonings represent significant value opportunities. A parcel zoned RA-40 (Rural Agricultural, 40-acre minimum) has different development potential than the same parcel rezoned to R-20 (Residential, 20,000 sq ft lots) or PUD. Understanding this "zoning translation" is crucial for maximizing land value.

The Zoning Translator concept helps land owners understand if their "farm" is actually a "future 50-unit subdivision." When parcels are rezoned from RA-40 to R-20 or PUD, the development potential increases dramatically—and so does the land value. Recognizing these opportunities before they're widely known creates a competitive advantage.

Key Opportunities: January 2026

Lake Lee: Hidden Gem

Lake Lee offers rare water-access living without the Lake Norman price tag. For buyers seeking waterfront or water-accessible properties, Lake Lee provides an affordable alternative in a rural setting that's still only 15 minutes from Monroe.

The 601 Corridor Rezoning

The area along Hwy 601 and White Store Road is seeing major rezonings, including the 670-lot Eagles Rest development. Parcels are being rezoned from RA-40 (Rural Agricultural) to R-20 or PUD (Planned Unit Development), creating significant value opportunities.

The Target Buyer Profile

The 601 Corridor attracts retirees seeking peaceful, water-accessible living; remote workers who want rural character with connectivity; and land investors who recognize the rezoning potential. This diverse buyer pool supports multiple price points and property types.

Why Lake Lee and the 601 Corridor Matter

For retirees, Lake Lee offers peaceful, water-accessible living in a rural setting that's still close to services. The combination of water access, affordability, and proximity to Monroe (15 minutes) creates a lifestyle opportunity that's increasingly rare in the Charlotte metro area. Unlike Lake Norman's premium pricing, Lake Lee provides similar water access at accessible price points.

For remote workers, the 601 Corridor offers rural character with internet connectivity. The area provides the space and tranquility that remote workers seek, while maintaining reasonable access to Charlotte's employment centers when needed. This combination of rural living and connectivity is driving demand from a new generation of buyers.

For land investors, the rezoning activity along the 601 Corridor creates significant opportunities. Parcels being rezoned from RA-40 to R-20 or PUD represent value appreciation potential. Understanding which parcels are likely candidates for rezoning—and recognizing their development potential—is crucial for maximizing investment returns.

Strategic Implications for Buyers and Land Owners

The Zoning Translator Value

Many Union County parcels are being rezoned from RA-40 to R-20 or PUD. Understanding if your 'farm' is actually a 'future 50-unit subdivision' is crucial for maximizing land value. The Zoning Translator helps land owners understand their property's development potential.

The Lake Norman Alternative

Lake Lee provides water-access living at a fraction of Lake Norman prices. While Lake Norman commands premium prices, Lake Lee offers similar water access in a more rural, affordable setting. For buyers seeking authentic lake life without the premium, this represents significant value.

The Last Frontier Advantage

The 601 Corridor represents one of Union County's last frontiers for affordable raw land and water-access properties. As development continues in other parts of the county, this area offers entry points that are becoming increasingly rare in the Charlotte metro area.

→ Read Our Complete Zoning Translator Guide

The Development Timeline: What's Happening in the 601 Corridor

2026

Major Rezonings Continue

The 601 Corridor continues to see rezonings from RA-40 to R-20 and PUD. Developments like Eagles Rest (670 lots) represent the scale of transformation happening in the area. Land owners should understand their property's rezoning potential.

2026-2027

Infrastructure Development

As rezonings proceed and developments like Eagles Rest move forward, infrastructure improvements typically follow. Road improvements, utility expansions, and service sector growth support the expanding population and create additional real estate opportunities.

Ongoing

The Last Frontier Window

The 601 Corridor represents one of Union County's last frontiers for affordable raw land and water-access properties. As development continues, this window of opportunity for affordable entry points is closing. Buyers and investors should understand the timing implications.

Lake Lee & 601 Corridor FAQ

What is the 601 Corridor in Union County?

The 601 Corridor refers to the area along Highway 601 and White Store Road in Monroe, Union County, NC—specifically after Lake Lake Golf Course. This region is experiencing major rezonings, including developments like the 670-lot Eagles Rest project. The corridor represents one of Union County's last frontiers for affordable raw land and water-access properties, particularly around Lake Lee. This area is part of Monroe, not Marshville.

Why is Lake Lee attractive for buyers?

Lake Lee offers rare water-access living without the premium prices of Lake Norman. For buyers seeking waterfront or water-accessible properties, Lake Lee provides an affordable alternative in a rural setting that's still only 15 minutes from Monroe. This combination of water access, affordability, and proximity to services is increasingly rare in the Charlotte metro area.

What types of buyers are interested in the 601 Corridor?

The 601 Corridor attracts retirees seeking peaceful, water-accessible living; remote workers who want rural character with internet connectivity; and land investors who recognize the rezoning potential. The area's raw land opportunities, combined with major rezonings like Eagles Rest, create opportunities for both end-users and investors.

What is the Zoning Translator connection to Union County?

Many parcels in Union County are being rezoned from RA-40 (Rural Agricultural, 40-acre minimum) to R-20 (Residential, 20,000 sq ft lots) or PUD (Planned Unit Development). The Zoning Translator helps land owners understand if their 'farm' is actually a 'future 50-unit subdivision.' Understanding these rezoning opportunities is crucial for maximizing land value.

How does the 601 Corridor compare to Lake Norman?

Lake Lee and the 601 Corridor offer water-access living at a fraction of Lake Norman prices. While Lake Norman commands premium prices for waterfront properties, Lake Lee provides similar water access in a more rural, affordable setting. The trade-off is less development and fewer amenities, but for buyers seeking authentic lake life without the premium, Lake Lee represents significant value.

Compliance & Disclaimer

Carnarri Cofield is a licensed real estate broker with Citadel Cofield in Charlotte, NC. This article is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Rezoning potential and development timelines are subject to change and require verification through official Union County planning channels.

All information about the 601 Corridor and Lake Lee is based on publicly available information as of January 2026. Rezoning approvals, development timelines, and infrastructure plans are subject to change. Readers should verify current information through official Union County planning and zoning departments.

We strictly adhere to all Fair Housing laws and the NAR Code of Ethics. This information should not replace professional legal, financial, planning, or investment advice. Individual property outcomes vary based on specific location, condition, zoning status, and market factors. Zoning analysis requires consultation with planning professionals and land-use attorneys.

Interested in Lake Lee or the 601 Corridor?

Understanding rezoning potential and water-access opportunities is critical. Get expert guidance on buying land or property in Union County's 601 Corridor—where rural character meets development opportunity.

Zoning translation. Rezoning analysis. Your advantage in Union County's 601 Corridor.