Living in West End & Seven Lakes
hello!
Head west from Pinehurst on Highway 211 and the Sandhills open up. Out here you'll find gated lake communities, a horse community with bridle trails, a golf village built on old orchard land and plenty of country roads in between. It's quieter and more spread out than Southern Pines or Pinehurst, with lake life and room to breathe. Here's how I'd describe each corner of the west side to a friend.
I'm Lex Fowler, a REALTOR® with The Foundry Group at Compass, and I'd love to show you around the west side.
Inside this guide
The highlights
What People Love About the West Side
Find your corner
West Side Communities
Every home is different, but each community out west has its own feel. Here's a quick overview to help you narrow things down before we tour.
Gated neighborhoods that share one homeowners association and a chain of lakes. The two largest, Sequoia and Echo, allow motorboats, while the others are for electric motors or paddling.
Good fit if: you want lake life, a golf course close by and a busy neighborhood calendar.
Keep in mind: each lake has its own boating rules, and HOA dues and guest policies apply.
A separate gated community with its own association on Lake Auman, plus Beacon Ridge golf, Johnson Point Marina and a community center pool.
Good fit if: you want big-lake boating and wide water views.
Keep in mind: we'll look at docks, shoreline, flood zones and the association's rules before you make an offer.
About 630 acres of rolling pine country with a spring-fed lake, an equestrian center and bridle trails.
Good fit if: you ride, want room for horses or just love wide-open land.
Keep in mind: a property owners' association and an architectural review board set the rules, so we'll read the covenants together.
A small golf village on former orchard land, incorporated in 1977, with the Red Fox and Gray Fox courses.
Good fit if: you want a quiet golf-course setting with a village feel.
Keep in mind: village rules and any neighborhood covenants apply, so we'll review them together.
The crossroads at NC 211 and NC 73, with newer subdivisions, older farmhouses and acreage nearby.
Good fit if: you want land, privacy and easy access to Seven Lakes.
Keep in mind: expect well and septic on many properties, and check internet options before you buy.
A tiny historic community along NC 73 that was once a mineral springs resort, until its grand hotel burned in 1933.
Good fit if: you want a quiet, rural setting with a bit of history.
Keep in mind: rural properties usually call for a survey, a well inspection and a septic inspection.
Get outside
Lakes, Trails & Golf
Lake Auman. Boating, fishing and swimming for Seven Lakes West residents, with a marina at Johnson Point.
The North Side lakes. Lake Sequoia and Echo Lake for motorboats, plus smaller lakes for paddling and fishing.
McLendon Hills trails. Bridle trails and an equestrian center for residents and their horses.
Golf. Seven Lakes Country Club, Beacon Ridge and Foxfire are all out west, with Pinehurst's courses a short drive east.
Local traditions
A Year Out West
- Fourth of July boat parades on Lake Sequoia and Lake Auman
- Golf cart parades and fireworks over the lakes in Seven Lakes
- Summer concerts at Johnson Point Marina in Seven Lakes West
- A Labor Day luau at the Seven Lakes West community center pool
- Cooler mornings on the trails and fairways
- Mild winters that keep golf and riding going most of the year
- Quiet mornings on the lakes
Know before you buy
West Side Buyer Checklist
A few things that are worth confirming on every home here.
- Well and septic, or community water and sewer?
- Flood zone, docks and shoreline on lakefront lots
- A survey, especially on acreage
- Internet and cell coverage, which can vary in rural areas
- Which association, and what the dues cover
- Gate access and guest policies
- Lake rules: motorboats, electric motors or paddling only
- Horse, fence, boat and RV rules
- Check the address with Moore County Schools, since assignment follows the address
- Distance to groceries, doctors and activities
- Drive times to work and post at the hours you'll actually drive
Tip: Each Seven Lakes section has its own rules. The North and South Sides share an association, while Seven Lakes West has its own. I'll pull the right documents for the home you love so there are no surprises.
West side FAQ
Your Questions, Answered
What's the difference between Seven Lakes North, South and West?
All three are gated communities west of Pinehurst. The North and South Sides share one homeowners association and a chain of lakes, while Seven Lakes West has its own association and sits on Lake Auman, the largest lake out here. I'm happy to tour all three.
Can I keep horses on the west side?
Yes, in the right places. McLendon Hills has an equestrian center and bridle trails, and residents can keep horses on their own land. Acreage around West End can work too. We'll check covenants and zoning first.
Is West End a town?
West End is an unincorporated community, so county rules apply. Foxfire is an incorporated village with its own local government.
How far is Seven Lakes from Pinehurst?
About 9 miles northwest of Pinehurst on Highway 211, so dinner in the Village or a round of golf is an easy drive.
How far is the west side from Fort Bragg?
Farther than Southern Pines, since you're on the opposite side of the county from post. Map the drive to your actual building, and test it at rush hour if you can. My PCS to Fort Bragg guide covers the commute in more detail.
Which schools serve a home I'm looking at?
School assignment follows the address, so I always recommend checking any home you're serious about with Moore County Schools directly. I'm happy to help you find the right contacts.
here for you!
Your agent on the west side
Let's find your place out west
Michigan was home first, but college brought me to the Carolinas and I never wanted to leave. When the military brought my husband, Max, and me to Southern Pines, what we thought was a temporary stop became the destination. Every move has taught me the house is only part of the decision. The neighborhood, the commute and the lifestyle matter just as much.
Before real estate, I spent eight years in public health and research, including time with the VA, where accuracy and deadlines were nonnegotiable. I bring that same discipline to every contract and closing, with The Foundry Group and Compass behind you.
Lex Fowler, REALTOR® · The Foundry Group at Compass · @lexfowler_realestate
Next up
Curious about Pinehurst?
The historic Village, golf neighborhoods and what to check before you buy.