Once a landmark for its role in the American textiles trade, Gastonia, North Carolina, is sometimes viewed today as a satellite of Charlotte. But that perception doesn’t give enough credit to the Gaston County seat, which has received three All-American City awards from the National Civic League. About 80,000 people live in Gastonia, which encompasses nearly 52 square miles. Large parks, historic architecture and longstanding businesses add to the local character. Residents and investors may also spot opportunities in the downtown restoration, infrastructure improvements and below-average home prices.
Gastonia remains strong in manufacturing and retains large employers — enabling many commuters to get to work without leaving the city. Top employers include Parkdale Mills, a prominent spun-yarn manufacturer that keeps the city’s textile industry ties intact. “We’re also home to CaroMont Regional Medical Center, our flagship hospital, as well as Gastonia Technology Park, headquarters for a number of advanced manufacturing firms,” says Kristy Crisp, the city’s economic development director. “Gastonia has such a rich history, and we pride ourselves on our own identity.”
CaroMont Regional Medical Center is a massive top tier medical campus serving Gastonia.
Locals can stop in to learn more about the city's history at the Gaston County Museum.
The art of Gastonia tells the story of the areas history for residents to share with visitor
Gastonia locals enjoy the seasonal farmers market for local goods and produce.
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Manufacturing jobs and growing FUSE District
Downtown Gastonia features one of the city’s newest developments, the Franklin Urban Sports and Entertainment District. The project began as an effort to bring a professional baseball stadium to the city and grew into a multiuse development. Crisp and her team are also excited about Franklin Yards, slated to begin construction in 2024. This project will replace a defunct YMCA with over 200 apartments and retail spaces as part of the FUSE District. More downtown apartments and retail will open in 2024 at Center City Crossings, beside the historic Esquire Hotel. “It’s a $25 million investment in the core of our downtown, and we could not be more thrilled about it,” she says. While building these new additions is important, the city hasn’t forgotten about existing features.
History can be seen even in the industrial buildings still being used in Gastonia.
There are a variety of industrial and manufacturing companies spread around Gastonia.
Industrial and manufacturing companies are some of the largest employers of Gastonia.
Gastonia's FUSE District is a lively and quickly growing part of the evolving Gastonia.
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Established and newly built homes below the national media
Terri Hansley launched her career in Gastonia and currently owns Nexthome Hansley Realty. Hansley cites the city’s quieter atmosphere and growing downtown as major reasons more residents are leaving Charlotte for Gastonia. “It’s more affordable for families and first-time homebuyers compared to Charlotte,” Hansley says. “It’s right off I-85, so it’s ideal for commuters. Some people don’t want a complete city lifestyle, so they’re drawn to the slower pace and more small-town feel.” Gastonia home prices have a median of $295,000, lower than the $416,700 national median reported by the National Association of Realtors. Homes also take about 47 days to sell, while the national average is 44 days.
Close to downtown, the York – Chester Historic District primarily features brick Colonial Revivals and Tudors built around the 1920s and ranch-style homes and bungalows built closer to the 1950s. The prices hover between $350,000 and $500,000. Highland and Crowder’s Village have a mix of older and newly built homes that often sell in the $300,000s. Cramer Woods holds some of the more expensive options for Gastonia, with New Traditional Colonial homes from the early 2000s and newer Craftsman homes from 2021 selling in the $500,000s.
"Just like Concord and Salisbury, Gastonia is seeing rising housing prices with changes in supply and demand,” Hansley says. “The seller's market is pretty high, and houses are sitting a little longer. There’s new construction going on because developers buy land and lots that are cheaper than in Charlotte, and they’ve had the land for a few years and are starting to build now. I work with individual builders that are constructing higher-end homes.”
Gastonia has seen massive growth in recent years and continues to draw new residents.
Families especially enjoy the quiet safe suburban neighborhoods of Gastonia.
Townhomes offer even lower homeownership options in the already affordable Gastonia market.
Quiet safe neighborhoods attract many young professionals and families to the Gastonia area.
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Baseball, Crowders Mountain and parks
CaroMont Health Park is home to the Gastonia Honey Hunters, the city’s baseball team that plays in the Atlantic League. The stadium opened in 2021, and the team won the 2023 division championship and set the league record for home runs. For anyone who wants another way to enjoy the outdoors, there are eight parks to explore. Rankin Lake Park is among the largest, anchored by an 80-acre reservoir open to anglers and boaters. A paved path winds along the water, creating scenic views during an evening walk. Crowders Mountain State Park features a golf course, over 20 miles of hiking trails, a campsite and three access points. Residents aged 50 and older frequently gather at Gastonia’s Adult Recreation Center. Located downtown in a former National Guard armory, it hosts senior-focused events, dances and classes. Downtown, The Schiele Museum of Natural History displays authentic fossils and realistic reproductions of prehistoric creatures. The museum's planetarium offers a look at the stars.
According to Crime Grade, Gastonia’s crime rate of 35.66 per 1,000 residents is slightly higher than the national average. More crimes are reported in the north half of the city than in the south. Over 3,000 nonviolent crimes were reported in 2023, with 700 violent crimes, according to the FBI Crime Data. The Gastonia Police Department works to connect with the public through programs, including a youth citizens academy and charity basketball games.
Health Park is a great place for Gastonia locals to see a game of the local baseball team.
The Warlick YMCA offers Gastonia locals activities, intramural sports and other more.
Crowders Mountain is a popular state park just outside of downtown Gastonia.
Warlick YMCA offers kayak rentals for Gastonia locals to enjoy the beautiful lake there.
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Interstate, Amtrak and by-request transportation
Gastonia is 22 miles west of Charlotte, and Interstate 85 connects commuters to the Charlotte Douglas International Airport and farther to Uptown Charlotte. The drive takes around half an hour, but Charlotte traffic often causes delays. U.S. Route 74 runs through downtown Gastonia and is a major path for visiting shopping centers and the FUSE District. The City of Gastonia's 2023-2025 Goals & Objectives plan also includes resurfacing streets, extending sidewalks and improving parks. Gaston County Access has a fixed bus route that costs a dollar each way. The city’s small Amtrak station offers longer-distance transportation, with stops in East Coast hubs like Atlanta and Washington, D.C. Passengers have to book a ride in advance for the train to stop, as the station depot does not have ticketing kiosks, Wi-Fi or staff.
In July 2024, the city switched from offering fixed-route bus services to on-demand van rides through GoGastonia. Regular fare costs $2 for a one-way ride, but anyone with disabilities or who is at least 65 years old qualifies for a reduced rate of $1. There are also around 5 miles of greenways for cycling, but the city is working to improve sidewalk access for those who walk or bike around town. Gastonia also features the 28-mile High Shoals – Crowder Mountain bike trail that runs from High Shoals through downtown Gastonia to Kings Mountain National Military Park.
Gathering downtown for annual festivals
The City of Gastonia organizes free annual festivals throughout the year, primarily held in downtown Gastonia around the Rotary Pavillion. One such event is Gastonia Max, a multicultural art event held every March, which includes food, music, dancing and art displays. The Gastonia Farmers Market runs throughout the year on Long Avenue. Vendors from across the county fill booths on Tuesdays and Thursdays from May to October, though the market is also open on Saturdays from April to November. The weather is usually inviting for outdoor activities, though the city does see humid summers and mild winters with little snowfall.
The Pew Research Center reports 77% of North Carolina residents identify as Christians, with many attending Baptist churches. The First Baptist Gastonia was established in 1875 and celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2025. Other places of worship include the Temple Emanuel synagogue and the Islamic Society of Gastonia masjid.
Most of the churches surrounding Gastonia are Baptist catering to the state majority.
Smaller churches dot the Gastonia landscape like The Islamic Society of Gastonia.
Historic Downtown Gastonia is a great place for unique shopping and dining options.
Art is hidden in plain sight all over the Gastonia area and adds more beauty to every block.
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Home to a top-tier magnet high school
The Gaston County Schools District serves the city and earns a B-plus from Niche. The district is also one of the largest employers in the county, with 56 schools and over 3,800 employees. Highland School of Technology gets an A-plus and is one of the most popular options. Admissions run on a lottery system, and the school offers three academies for specialized areas of study: Business, Legal & Information Sciences Academy, Health Sciences Academy, and Manufacturing/Engineering Technology & Graphics Academy.
Woodhill Elementary School gives Gastonia youth a great start and foundation in education.
Gaston Early College High School is a magnet school for youth outside of Charlotte.
Pleasant Ridge Elementary School prepares young learners for promising futures.
Gaston County Schools help prepare the local Gastonia youth for bright futures.
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Growing downtown scene and Franklin Square shopping
The Eastridge Mall off East Franklin Boulevard opened in the late 1970s, and today, most visitors stop by the Dillard's, DMV office or Antiques at Eastridge. Down the street, Franklin Square Shopping Center is the primary commercial area, with around 18,700 shoppers visiting daily. Downtown features more locally owned businesses, like antique stores and coffee shops, and the FUSE District is nearby.
Webb Custom Kitchen is a recent addition to downtown’s dining scene, as James Morasso turned the old Webb Theater into a restaurant in 2016. The renovated 1920s building sets the mood with vaulted ceilings and a movie screen over the kitchen where guests can enjoy a show with their duck cigars or prime steaks. The experience has earned the restaurant multiple recognitions, including making Forbes’ The 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America list in 2018.
However, some businesses have been operating downtown since the early 1900s, like the family-owned Tony’s Ice Cream and Sandwiches. This corner restaurant serves 28 flavors of homemade ice cream made at a plant right next door, so it’s always fresh.
18,000 people visit Gastonia each day for the Franklin Square Shopping Center.
Gastonia is quickly changing city surrounded by historic natural beauty.
Gastonia is a beautiful city with the silhouette of Crowder's Mountain on the horizon.
Pita Wheel is a popular dining destination in the heart of downtown Gastonia.
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