Living in Gaston County
Located just west of Mecklenburg County, Gaston County offers small-town atmosphere within close proximity to Charlotte. The area has traditionally lacked much of the growth of other counties, in part due to the limited access to Charlotte, as the Catawba River separates the two. However, a recent surge in real estate indicates Gaston County is seeing significant changes. The completion of the western loop of I-485, connecting Gaston County to southwest Charlotte, is making Gaston County particularly appealing to buyers.
One of Gaston’s fastest growing areas is the town of Belmont, founded with the building of the Southern Railway track in the 1870s, this town offers a quaint, peaceful setting only 12 miles of outside of Charlotte. This community with just over 9,000 residents is home to a number of textile manufacturers and features small cottage houses along with its new developments. Areas along Lake Wylie, the Catawba River and Mountain Island Lake have seen considerable growth as once affordable waterfront property is quickly being snatched up. Belmont’s streets are lined with lilac, magnolia and dogwood trees, as well as its charming architecture. With a fountain, gazebo, playground, track and playing fields, Stowe Park in downtown Belmont is the site of special events hosted by the city including Concerts in the Park and Movies in the Park series. Another interesting attraction of Belmont is the Belmont Drive-In Theater, one of the last of its kind. For more than 50 years, the drive-in has been entertaining residents in the region with blockbuster films. The rich spiritual history of Belmont is best known through Belmont Abbey College. Founded in 1876 by Benedictine monks, this private, liberal arts college is the only Catholic college in the southeast. Its beautiful cathedral is featured in the National Register of Historic Places.
Another up-and-coming area in Gaston County north of Belmont is Mount Holly; with about 10,000 residents, this community is seeing new growth similar to that of Belmont.
StoneWater, a new development on Mountain Island Lake, provides a natural setting for its residents as well as quick access to the excitement of Charlotte. This Crescent Resources community features a swim and tennis club, park with a playground, boat slips and walking trails. Interior homesites start in the $40s, waterfront homesites start in the $150s and homes start in the $250s.
The city of Gastonia has seen a number of new developments arise amidst its older homes. Affordability is one of Gastonia’s greatest draws. Compared to neighborhoods in Myers Park and Dilworth, it offers charming colonial, Tudor and traditional homes for a fraction of the price. In northeast Gastonia along the established neighborhoods of Modena Street, two developments are integrating the heritage of old neighborhoods with the thrill of new ones. Modeling the architecture of Dilworth, Sundance Village is a 250-home subdivision that appeals to moderate-income homebuyers. Additionally, the 33-home subdivision of Vinales offers similar incentives less than a mile away from Sundance Village. Both developments feature sidewalks and walking trails, and Sundance Village includes a playground and community swimming pool.
Gaston County also offers numerous natural areas that more urban landscape lack. For instance, the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, located on South New Hope Road in Belmont, features a number of landscaped gardens with distinct themes, as well as a visitors’ center. With 158,000 square feet of planting beds and an orchid pavilion, the Gardens are undergoing long-term development as part of its 450-acre Master Plan. East of Gastonia rises Crowders Mountain – the pinnacle of Crowders Mountain State Park. The park offers rock climbing, hiking trails and picnic areas spread out over 3,ooo acres in addition to its 150-foot cliffs and spectacular scenery. From the top of Crowders Mountain, views stretch for more than 20 miles. Across the Catawba River from Belmont, the U.S. National Whitewater Center provides 300 acres of recreation. An Olympic-caliber training site, the center features an artificial river with adaptable rapids for different levels of paddlers. Also part of the center are climbing facilities, trails for biking and hiking, ziplines, and a restaurant.
Gaston County offers buyers both affordable real estate and the great outdoors. The county’s growth is only going to continue but there are many places to put down roots.
