Welcome to Charlotte Dickens Mitchener

GASTON COUNTY

County Offices
128 West Main Avenue
Gastonia 704-866-3101
https://www.gastongov.com

Chamber of Commerce
601 West Franklin Boulevard
Gastonia 704-864-2621
https://www.gastonbusiness.com/

Services
Rich in history and progressive in its vision for the future, beautiful Gaston County ensures a high quality of life that includes first-rate services. CaroMont Health has grown steadily to meet the region’s changing healthcare needs, anchored by 442-bed Gaston Memorial Hospital with its heart center, cancer center, neonatal intensive care, and state-of-the-art neurosciences program. A variety of innovative programs are designed to improve general health and well being, from nutrition advice to community walking groups. The CaroMont system encompasses nine affiliate companies, a network of primary and specialty physicians, hospice, home health, and long-term care.

Recognition of the importance of education is evident in Gaston County, where teachers average 17 years of experience and more than one-third hold master’s degrees. The variety of institutions that make up the educational system are unified by two principles: Quality and choice. Private schools, quality public schools, early education, and institutions of higher learning are all available close to home. Gaston College provides a comprehensive community college atmosphere for students of all ages. Through affiliation with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, North Carolina A&T State University, and Appalachian State University, degree programs at the bachelor’s and master’s level are offered on campus. The North Carolina Center for Applied Textile Technology is another institution in the county associated with the state community college system. Inspired by its Catholic heritage, Belmont Abbey College in Belmont has emerged as one of the nation’s leading private liberal arts colleges.

Lifestyle
Combining a family-oriented lifestyle with a supportive environment for business development, Gaston County offers a naturally beautiful environment and an exceptional quality of life. Quality housing at affordable prices, some of the region’s most expansive shopping centers, fine museums, active cultural organizations, and a leading regional library are just a few of the highlights. Newcomers will find wonderful older homes in historic districts, charming bungalows, beautiful new golf-course developments, and handsome condominiums. Each one of the area’s municipalities offers serene neighborhoods of single-family homes in a wide variety of architectural styles and sizes. Those who are looking for a country manor or hobby farm will find the ideal address in this scenic and tranquil area.

The regional Arts Council keeps the calendar filled with exciting performances and events that include concerts, theatre, dance, and fine art exhibits. The council also encourages and promoted the talent of local groups and companies who play to enthusiastic crowds. The Schiele Museum of Natural History and Planetarium is a premier venue that includes a nature trail and forested land with a replicated Catawba Indian Village and 18th-century farm. The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden covers 450 acres with rolling meadows and woodland along the banks of Lake Wylie to blend a nature preserve with a horticultural showcase. Theme gardens, fountains, and an outdoor amphitheater for concerts and special events make this a regional attraction.

Catawba River, South Fork River, Mountain Island Lake, and Lake Wylie provide a number of public fishing sites. Those who are looking for outdoor adventure will appreciate the marinas for lake access, an expanding greenway system, miles of trails, beautiful golf courses, and the spectacular Crowders Mountain State Park. Covering more than 5,000 acres, this jewel of the North Carolina park system is the largest and most accessible of its sites. Little wonder that Gaston County communities are continually welcoming new residents and businesses to a truly unrivaled quality of life.

Belmont
Municipal Offices
704-825-5586
https://www.cityofbelmont.org

Chamber of Commerce
704-825-5307
https://www.montcrossareachamber.com

Once known as Garibaldi, the community of Belmont was renamed to honor a New York banker. Incorporated in 1895, Belmont blends its traditional manufacturing sector in the textile and hosiery industries with a well-established and convenient retail sector. The influence and presence of the North Carolina Center for Applied Textile Technology and the private Belmont Abbey College have elevated Belmont to the status of a center for higher education within the county. The centerpiece of Belmont Abbey College is the Abbey Basilica, one of the region’s historic landmarks. Beautiful architecture graced by mature magnolia, lilac, and dogwood trees are part of the visual appeal and charm of the Belmont community. The city is also the home of the celebrated regional attraction of Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. The wealth of yesterday’s textile mill owners is still evident in stately mansions that line the town’s main road, although modern construction harmonizes beautifully with treasures from the past and the panoramic countryside.

Bessemer City
Municipal Offices
704-629-5542
http://bessemercity.com

Chamber of Commerce
704-629-3900
https://bessemercitychamber.com/

Situated in the western section of Gaston County, Bessemer City still claims its historic mining activity as a major contributor to the local economy. In fact, one of the largest industries is a leading producer of lithium for North and South America. While yesterday’s farmland has diminished in size and scope, a number of successful operations remain. In recent years, the Bessemer economy has great diversified, evidence of the growing popularity of the city as a desirable location for business, industry, and residential development. The city enjoys a prime location on Interstate 85 for easy access to Charlotte attractions. To the west is Kings Mountain State Park. Locally, several parks cover 75 acres with open space, walking tracks, sports courts, and a community swimming pool.

Cherryville
Municipal Offices
704-435-1702
https://www.cityofcherryville.com

Chamber of Commerce
704-435-3451
https://www.facebook.com/cherryvillechamberofcommerce/

Once known as White Pines, Cherryville was named for the fruit trees that lined the stagecoach lane on Old Post Road. In contrast to many small towns, Cherryville maintains an active and vital Main Street district. In fact, the town was the first community in the state to organize an economic development commission. Cooperation and involvement are hallmarks of the community, with a strong emphasis on family life, local sports teams, historical museums, and area schools. Residents enjoy the local little theater productions, and the community proudly preserves it past in the C. Grier Beam Truck Museum operated by the Cherryville Historic Society. Festivals and celebrations fuel the strong sense of community spirit, including the Cherry Blossom Festival each may. In spite of the many changes over the decades, the lovely cherry trees still bloom each spring to grace the already scenic landscape.

Cramerton
Municipal Offices
704-824-4337
http://cramerton.org

Chamber of Commerce
704-864-2621
https://www.gastonbusiness.com/

Like many of the communities in the Gaston County region, Cramerton derived its name from the founder of the original mill village in 1915. Stuart W. Cramer wanted to provide homes for the workers employed by two textile plants. The entire property was later sold to Burlington Industries in the mid ’40s. Burlington sold the homes to local residents but continued to operate the textile plants until the late 1980s. Although modern Cramerton still supports a limited amount of textile manufacturing, the community has evolved into a primarily residential haven. A good selection of new construction provides variety in architectural style, size, and price range. Newcomers will appreciate Cramerton’s natural friendliness and small-town setting in the panoramic Piedmont region, where North Carolina’s alpine splendor is 90 minutes from home and Atlantic beaches are approximately 3.5 hours away.

Dallas
Municipal Offices
704-922-3176
https://www.dallasnc.net

Chamber of Commerce
704-864-2621
https://www.gastonbusiness.com/

Distinguished as the oldest incorporated municipality in Gaston County, Dallas was incorporated in 1863. This historic community was named after the U.S. Vice President at the time, George Mifflin Dallas, and served as the county seat until 1911. The old courthouse was renovated after a fire in the 1860s, serving as today’s City Hall and standing proudly on the main square as a tribute to the town’s proud past. Many spacious and well-kept older homes in the Dallas area harmonized beautifully with beautiful new construction. The rapid influx of residential development has characterized Dallas as a residential haven and bedroom community for commuters as opposed to a growing center for business and industry. The commercial and retail area of the town is well developed and provides daily conveniences close to home. However, firms and companies outside the city employ most residents of Dallas.

Gastonia, South Gastonia
Municipal Offices
704-866-6719
https://www.cityofgastonia.com

Chamber of Commerce
704-864-2621
https://www.gastonbusiness.com/

The largest of the incorporated cities and towns in Gaston County, Gastonia serves as the hub of education, healthcare, commerce, and industry. Advantageously located in the geographical center of the county, the city is 22 miles west of Charlotte. Covering a sprawling area of 44 square miles, the city is home to a diversified economy that includes a regional healthcare delivery system and major medical center and the main campus for Gaston Community College. Two of the largest shopping centers in the Charlotte region are located in Gastonia. Westfield Shopping Town-Eastridge is one of the state’s largest, offering leading department stores and more than 100 specialty shops. The Franklin Square retail village along East Franklin Boulevard fills more than one million square feet of space with shops, boutiques, stores, restaurants, services, and entertainment centers. Fine and casual restaurants offer everything from international cuisine to local “fish camps.” The ambitious “Connect Gaston” bicycle and pedestrian greenway system crown lush parks and first-rate recreational facilities. The area popularly known as South Gastonia is evidence of the city’s suburban sprawl into unincorporated Gaston County. Whether your dream is a luxurious golf-course community or a quiet neighborhood shaded by a canopy of trees, Gastonia has the ideal address.

High Shoals
Municipal Offices
704-735-1651
https://cityofhighshoals.com/

Chamber of Commerce
704-864-2621
https://www.gastonbusiness.com/

One of the newest of the incorporated cities in Gaston County is High Shoals, formerly a privately owned textile development. With the advantage of U.S. Highway 321 traversing the area, this emerging community is well positioned for growth and development. Newcomers who are interested in the relaxed pace and intimate spirit of a very small town with less than 1,000 residents will find a friendly atmosphere in High Shoals. Local residents enjoy quick and easy access to the exceptional services and amenities in Gaston County as well as the world-class attractions, cultural events, and professional sports of Charlotte. Outstanding recreational sites close to home include Crowders Mountain State Park, Lake Wylie, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and nature preserve, and the well-developed facilities in neighboring towns and cities. While they enjoy all the benefits of a close-knit community where neighbors greet each other by name, High Shoal residents can access state-of-the-art healthcare and institutions of higher education within the borders of Gaston County.

Lowell
Municipal Offices
704-824-3518
https://www.lowellnc.com

Chamber of Commerce
704-864-2621
https://www.gastonbusiness.com/

To the east of Gastonia along State Route 7 is the community of Lowell, named after a textile-manufacturing center near Boston. Prior to its incorporation in 1879, an engineer was commissioned to design a “planned community” of considerable size. Over the decades, Lowell failed to grow and develop into vision of its early settlers. Modern Lowell is characterized as a small, neat community of paved streets lined by well-maintained, substantial homes. Quiet, welcoming residential neighborhoods on tree-shaded streets join several thriving textile plants. The community’s close proximity to the rapidly growing county seat of Gastonia and the phenomenal popularity of Gaston County within Metropolitan Charlotte are indicators of change and development as the future of Lowell continues to unfold. Major shopping centers, a regional hospital, cultural attractions, and a community college campus are minutes from home in nearby Gastonia.

McAdenville
Municipal Offices
704-824-3190
https://townofmcadenville.org/

Chamber of Commerce
704-864-2621
https://www.gastonbusiness.com/

Incorporated in 1883 and named after the president of McAden Mills, the community of McAdenville combines neighborhoods of privately owned homes with the remnants of a small mill village. The area has already achieved the status of celebrity with its annual holiday lights display. Popularly known as “Christmas Town USA” and “The Christmas City” for its elaborate and enchanting decorations, McAdenville becomes a regional destination during the holiday season. In fact, the town attracts as many as 350,000 visitors between Thanksgiving Day and December 25. This unassuming community is merely continuing a tradition that spans more than four decades, although it manages to attract young and old to its dazzling holiday beauty and charm. Local school children are able to compete for the honor of being the one selected to “flip the master switch” for hundreds of thousands of brilliant lights.

Mount Holly
Municipal Offices
704-827-3931
https://www.mtholly.us

Chamber of Commerce
704-864-2621
https://www.gastonbusiness.com/

The community of Mount Holly is situated along the banks of the rolling Catawba River near the eastern boundary of Gaston County. Mount Holly claims the distinction of forming the foundation of Gaston County’s textile empire, a tradition that continues to be reflected in its modern economy. Nearly 20 manufacturing firms are located in this area—half of which are related to the textile industry. The town also supports a well-developed retail center with shops and services that ensure daily conveniences for local residents. While the importance of the textile industry in the local economy has gradually diminished over the last three decades, a major economic boost occurred in the 1990s when the city annexed a truck manufacturing plant that has continued to function as a major employer. In spite of the inevitable changes that time brings, the Mount Holly area has continued to prosper based on improvements in the regional transportation network and the overall economic prosperity within the Charlotte-Mecklenburg metropolitan region. The city’s strategic location between Charlotte and Gastonia has contributed to its growth and development, evidenced by the city’s continually expanding corporate limits.

Ranlo
Municipal Offices
704-824-3461
https://townofranlo.org/

Chamber of Commerce
704-864-2621
https://www.gastonbusiness.com/

Claiming one of the more unusual origins of a city name, Ranlo comes from the first letters of the surnames of Rankin and Love. With the incorporation of Ranlo in 1963, Gaston County was able to claim the distinction of having more incorporated towns than any other county in North Carolina. The community of Ranlo was founded on a collection of several large industries that included manufacturers of textile machinery and various yarns. Located just four miles from Gastonia and approximately 22 miles from Charlotte, Ranlo offers residents the close proximity of premier healthcare services, opportunities for higher education, the finest in suburban shopping, cultural attractions, professional and collegiate sports events, and major employment centers. Opportunities for outdoor recreation close to home in Ranlo include golfing, swimming, boating, water sports, horseback riding, hiking, biking, camping, and cycling.

Stanley
Municipal Offices
704-263-4779
https://www.townofstanley.org

Chamber of Commerce
704-864-2621
https://www.gastonbusiness.com/

Situated in northeastern Gaston County, Stanley was originally known as Brevard Station for an 1860 depot named for the original landowners. Like many communities in Gaston County, modern Stanley preserves the legacy of the former Stanley Creek Cotton Mills in it name. Several flourishing companies are located in this area, adding opportunities for local employment to the pleasures of small-town living. Residents have the advantage of the CaroMont Health system and Gaston Memorial Hospital, named one of the nation’s top 100 hospitals. In addition to the community parks with walking paths and sports fields, regional recreational amenities and outdoor adventures close to home range from tennis courts, skating rinks, and championship golf courses to pristine environments for camping, biking, hiking, horseback riding, and water sports. Gastonia is home to two of Metropolitan Charlotte’s largest shopping centers. The county’s art council ensures that top-name companies and touring groups are featured on local stages.