Nestled in the vibrant heart of Cary, North Carolina, lies a hidden treasure of community living – Lochmere. This picturesque neighborhood, celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and friendly ambiance, epitomizes the charm and tranquility of southern living. Offering a tapestry of amenities, Lochmere provides an unmatched quality of life, making it a sought-after destination for those seeking a harmonious blend of comfort, community, and convenience.

Join us as we journey through Lochmere’s distinctive neighborhoods and explore the myriad of features that make this place a veritable home haven.

An Overview of Lochmere

Lochmere is a master-planned community that was developed in the 1980s and has since grown to include more than 1,900 homes. The community is divided into several distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and appeal. Some of the neighborhoods within Lochmere include:

Lochmere Birkhaven: Situated south of the main Lochmere neighborhood, and perched on the bluffs overlooking the Swift Creek Basin off of Holly Springs road sits the majestic Birkhaven neighborhood. Large lots, mature trees, and access to the Swift Creek trail and Lochmere Golf Course are just a few perks of living here.
Lochmere Highlands: Featuring executive-style homes on large lots, Lochmere Highlands offers a luxurious living experience with stunning views of the golf course, it’s own separate pool, and quick access to Hemlock Bluffs.
Lochmere Village: A collection of townhomes and single-family homes, Lochmere Village provides residents with a comfortable and close-knit environment.
Lochwinds: Known for its tree-lined streets and well-maintained properties, Lochwinds offers a variety of home styles and sizes to accommodate different preferences and needs. Great central location to trails and the main pool and tennis courts.
Lochside: Lochside is a smaller neighborhood within Lochmere, featuring a mix of single-family homes and townhomes in a peaceful setting.

Amenities and Recreation: Unmatched Leisure and Lifestyle

Lochmere is a haven for those who value an active and engaging lifestyle, offering a wide variety of recreational facilities and amenities that cater to all ages and interests.

At the heart of Lochmere’s recreational offerings is the main recreation area, a vibrant hub that was once a private club and has, over the past 15 years, been transformed into a community treasure. This area is home to well-maintained tennis courts that invite players of all levels to enjoy a friendly match or engage in competitive play. Adjacent to the tennis courts, residents can cool off in one of the two sparkling pools, providing both leisure and lap swimming opportunities. For those who prefer a different kind of sport, a sand volleyball court adds a fun and energetic option to the mix.

Adjacent to the main recreation area is a unique feature that further sets Lochmere apart – a frisbee golf course nestled amidst a grove of towering pine trees. This course, situated near the dam and overlooking the stunning Lochmere Lake, offers a delightful way to spend an afternoon, whether you’re a seasoned player or trying the sport for the first time.

In addition to these recreational offerings, Lochmere features miles of scenic walking trails that meander through the neighborhoods and around Lochmere Lake, offering residents a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the area, whether for morning jogs, evening strolls or leisurely bike rides.

Moreover, Lochmere is home to the semi-private, 18-hole Lochmere Golf Club. This championship course has been thoughtfully designed to challenge seasoned golfers while still offering an enjoyable experience for those new to the game.

Together, these amenities create an impressive suite of recreational options, ensuring that Lochmere’s residents can enjoy a high quality of life within their own community.

A Focus on Community

Lochmere is a community that values connection and fosters a strong sense of neighborhood camaraderie. The Lochmere Homeowners Association (HOA) plays an active role in maintaining the community’s high standards and organizing various events and activities throughout the year.

Residents can participate in a wide range of clubs and interest groups, including book clubs, gardening clubs, and wine tasting groups, to name just a few.

Location and Accessibility

One of the great things about living in Cary is it’s easy access to major highways, shopping centers, and recreational areas within the Triangle.

The community is just a short drive from downtown Raleigh, Research Triangle Park, and Raleigh-Durham International Airport, making it an ideal location for those who work in the surrounding areas or enjoy frequent travels.

Exploring Lochmere’s Trails

Lochmere is home to approximately 10 miles of trails and it deserves a special call-out since they’re a great way to get a feel for the neighborhood while getting some exercie at the same time. If you have a day to burn, I suggest taking a meandering walk on the trail network.

Highlands Trails

The Highlands Trails are paved with asphalt, allowing residents to easily walk from their homes to the nearby recreation facilities, including a swimming pool, tennis courts, sand volleyball court, and playground.

Whisperwood Trail

This gravel trail loop runs behind the homes on Whisperwood Dr. and includes a small sloped section paved with asphalt to minimize erosion. The trail leads to Ann Brunswick Park below Lochmere Lake and the private Lochmere Golf Course.

In the park, there is a golf frisbee course laid out with 10 posts.

Lochview Trails

The Lochview Trails are paved with asphalt and can be accessed from Summerwinds Drive, Lochmere Drive, Lochview Drive, and Sylvan Grove.

Lochwood & Lochside Trails

These trails consist mainly of gravel, with a few short asphalt sections prone to erosion. A large section of trails was repaved in 2018 with “crusher fines,” a special composite mixture that creates a more suitable surface for walking or pushing a stroller. Two playgrounds can be found in the woods off these trails.

Lochmere Drive East Trails

These trails run from the east side of Lochmere Drive and wind their way behind homes on Countryside Lane, Spring Hollow Lane, and Lochwood East Drive. The trails are mostly asphalt, with some sections of gravel.

Loch Lomond Trail

A one-mile paved trail that circles Loch Lomond, this popular walk has several trail entrances leading from Lochmere Drive, Loch Haven Lane, Loch Pointe Drive, and Summerwinds Drive. The trail is exclusively for walkers, and bicycles or skateboards are not allowed.

Birkhaven Trails

These short asphalt-paved trails loop from Braelands Drive around to Birkhaven Drive. The trail is relatively steep and includes two small footbridges that lead over a small stream. The Triangle Conservancy trails at Swift Creek can be accessed from the trail.

Remember to register and log in at lochmere.org ↗ to view the trail map file, which is sized to fit for printing on 11″X17″ legal-sized paper. Copies are also available at the Main Lochmere office located at 502 Lochmere Drive.

A Lot to Like in Lochmere

Lochmere is a vibrant and welcoming community in Cary, North Carolina, offering residents an exceptional quality of life within a picturesque and serene setting.

With its diverse range of neighborhoods, top-notch amenities, and strong focus on community, Lochmere is an ideal place to call home for families and individuals seeking a comfortable and enjoyable lifestyle in the Triangle area.

Next Up –> check out my favorite Cary brewery and all-around hangout in Downtown Cary.

Embracing the Good Life: A Comprehensive Guide to Lochmere, Cary’s Picturesque Community