Gastonia

About Gastonia

Gastonia is a growing and diverse city in North Carolina's Gaston County. It's among the largest of Charlotte's satellite cities and home to a number of attractions popular with locals and visitors alike. With amenities from botanical gardens and recreational campgrounds to shopping centers and everyday conveniences, Gastonia is a town with a lot to offer.

The History of Gastonia

Gastonia was incorporated in 1877 at the end of the Reconstruction period. It had been founded just four years earlier as a railroad depot, when the railroad connecting Atlanta and Charlotte relocated to present-day Gastonia, sparking interest in the area as a potential home for residents of nearby towns.

At the time of its incorporation, Gastonia had just 200 residents and the town occupied only 1 square mile. In its early years, it served as a hub for the textile-manufacturing industry, persisting through a major labor dispute in 1929. The area continued to prosper economically, and cotton remains a significant contributor to the local economy.

Things to Do in Gastonia

Some of the most popular attractions in Gastonia include the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, plentiful green spaces and diverse wildlife. The local Schiele Museum offers fascinating exhibits on science and history, while the Gaston County Museum works hard to preserve the area's heritage. The beautiful, sunny weather in the area makes it easy and enjoyable to visit the many parks throughout the town.

Gastonia is also home to several shopping complexes with a variety of stores. Eastridge Mall is one of the only indoor shopping malls in the region, and it contains more than 80 stores and restaurants. Franklin Square is a strip mall development with many big-box retailers as well as a movie theater. If you enjoy browsing local, family-owned businesses, you'll find many to explore in the Downtown Gastonia Historic District. The recent revitalization of this area has encouraged the establishment of many unique shops and local events.

Gastonia Schools

Gaston County Schools oversees the public schools of Gastonia. You can also find charter and private schools in Gastonia, including Piedmont Community Charter School and Gaston Day School.

Resources for Moving to Gastonia

As you get ready for your move to Gastonia, the following information will be useful:

• Utilities: The city of Gastonia provides electricity, water and sewer services.
• Garbage and Recycling: The city has two main collection zones, each one assigned a different schedule for trash and recyclables pick-up.
• Transportation: Gastonia Transit facilitates several public bus routes through the city, Monday through Saturday. Discounted rates are available for seniors and children under 6.

Gastonia Housing

Homes in Gastonia are very affordable, and the city's median home price is well below the national average. You'll find an extremely wide selection of homes in all different sizes and styles — homes on large wooded lots, cozy cottages in planned communities, modern loft apartments and many more.