From the heights of Crowders Mountain to the banks of the Catawba River, Gaston County offers a small-town atmosphere within 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. As highways are developed between the two counties, Gaston will continue to grow.

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.

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 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 8,000 residents, this community is seeing new growth similar to that of Belmont. Riverfront, a new development along the Catawba River, consists of 300 homes and townhomes and features a marina, pool, tennis courts and clubhouse.

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.

Affordability is one of Gaston’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.

Once only developed along its southeastern sections, the city of Gastonia has seen a number of new developments arise amidst its older homes.

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 will include a playground and community swimming pool, a great attraction for young families.

In addition to its reasonably priced real estate, Gaston County also offers numerous natural areas that a more urban landscape lacks.

One such attribute is the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden on South New Hope Road, which features a number of landscaped gardens with distinct themes, as well as a visitors’ center. With 158,000 square feet of planting beds, the Gardens are undergoing long-term development as part of a 450-acre Master Plan.

Just east of Gastonia rises Crowders Mountain – the pinnacle of Crowders Mountain State Park. With more than 3,000 acres, the park offers hiking trails and picnic areas in addition to its 150-foot cliffs and spectacular scenery. From the top of Crowders Mountain, views stretch for more than 20 miles.