Overview
Gastonia is a city in Gaston County, North Carolina. It is popular for its nearby outdoor recreation as well as its low cost of living. In addition, residents of Gastonia have access to a vibrant downtown arts district, plenty of antique shops, and local museums.
Climate & Geography
Gastonia has a humid subtropical climate. Summers are hot with temperatures reaching the 90s, and winters are cold, dipping into the 30s. Residents can expect 43 inches of rain, little snow, and 214 sunny days each year.
The city is located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. The Catawba River and Mecklenburg County border the city to the east. There are several pronounced ridges in and around the city, including Kings Mount Pinnacle, Spencer Mountain, Jackson’s Knob, Paysour Mountain, and Crowders Mountain.
Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment
There are plenty of areas for outdoor recreation near Gastonia. Residents can hike and climb at Crowders Mountain State Park, Kings Mountain State Park, and the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail. George Poston Park and Rankin Lake Park feature lakes for boating and fishing as well.
Gastonia has several shopping centers and local attractions, including boutique shops, the Schiele Museum of Natural History, and the Little Theater of Gastonia. Downtown Gastonia also features an Arts and Antiques district. For more entertainment, residents can drive about 45 minutes to Charlotte.
Cost of Living & Taxes
The overall cost of living in Gastonia is below the state and national averages because of low housing costs. Transportation and grocery costs are also below average.
North Carolina does not tax Social Security benefits, but all other forms of retirement income are taxed at the state's flat rate of 5.25 percent. Sales and property taxes in the state are about average for the U.S., and retirees over 65 may qualify for a property tax exclusion.
Health Care
The Charlotte metro area ranks in the top 55 communities on Gallup's Well-Being Index.
CaroMont Regional Medical Center, located in Gastonia, is rated high performing by U.S. News. In nearby Charlotte, Carolinas Medical Center is nationally ranked and Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center is high performing.