From the heights of Crowders Mountain to the banks of the Catawba River, Gaston County offers a small-town atmosphere with close proximity to Charlotte.
Located just west of Mecklenburg County, Gaston 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 suggests that Gaston County will see significant changes in the next few years. The recent completion of the western loop of I-485, connecting Gaston County to southwest Charlotte, is making Gaston County particularly appealing.
One of Gaston’s fastest-growing areas is the town of Belmont. With a rich history that begins with the building of the Southern Railway track in the 1870s, Belmont offers a quaint, peaceful setting within only 12 miles of Charlotte. Belmont 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.
This community with just over 9,000 residents is home to a number of textile manufacturers and features small cottage houses along with dozens of new developments. Areas along Lake Wylie, the Catawba River and Mountain Island Lake have seen considerable growth as affordable waterfront property is quickly snatched up.
The rich 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 cathedral is featured in the National Register of Historic Places.
Another interesting characteristic of Belmont is the Belmont Drive-In Theater, one of the last of a dying breed. For more than 50 years, the drive-in has been entertaining residents in the region with blockbuster films.
North of Belmont is Mount Holly, another up-and-coming area in Gaston County. 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. The community features a swim and tennis club, park with a playground, boat slips and walking trails. Homes at StoneWater range from the high $300s to over $1 million.
West of Belmont along I-85, the tiny town of McAdenville offers a unique experience during the holidays. A mill town with about 700 residents, McAdenville began its Christmas tradition in 1956 when the local men’s club decided to decorate the trees around the town’s community center with Christmas lights. Townspeople quickly followed, adorning their own trees with lights. Today, the tradition has evolved into more than 450,000 lights on 400 live trees ranging from four feet to 80 feet in height. During the month of December, visitors drive their cars through the town to view the amazing Christmas display, particularly around the town’s small lake, where a fountain shoots water 75 feet into the air. It is estimated that around 600,000 visitors come to view the lights each season, pumping an estimated $12 million into the local economy.
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