Gastonia
Gastonia, an All American City, is located in the heart of the Piedmont, and has a population of over 70,278 - up 17% in the last decade. Once known for its textile mills and villages, Gastonia has changed dramatically in the past few years and has been luring young families and other residents who are attracted to affordable housing, area activities and the proximity to Charlotte to the east. Noteworthy: The Schiele Museum of Natural History and Lynn Planetarium, Crowders Mountain State Park

Belmont
Home to Belmont Abbey College and the breath-taking Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens, Belmont is quickly becoming the place to be in Gaston County. Conveniently located just west of Charlotte, Belmont boasts a beautiful historic district as well as waterfront opportunities on popular Lake Wylie. Noteworthy: Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens, Stowe Park, Belmont General Store

Cramerton
Originally called Maysworth, Cramerton was founded in 1906 when J.H. Mays built a spinning mill along the banks of the South Fork of the Catawba River. In 1910, textile engineer Stuart Cramer became owner of the mill and the property and mill village homes were later constructed. In 1922, the name of the mills and the town became Cramerton. This town has transitioned over the past twenty years to a "place to call home" for many Charlotte area commuters.

McAdenville
Also known as Christmas Town, USA, the quiet little town of McAdenville, along the South Fork River in Gaston County, comes alive in spectacular fashion each year at Christmas. With the flip of a switch (or two), the small textile town becomes a spectacular display with more than 375 decorated live trees. Most residents take part each year and with the development of several new neighborhoods in town, McAdenville is dedicated to continuing the Christmas Town tradition for years to come. Noteworthy: Christmas Light Display every year Thanksgiving through New Year's

Mount Holly
Bordered to the east by the Catawba River and Mountain Island Lake, and to the south by the major roadway of I-85, Mount Holly offers the charm of a small southern town, with the convenience of Charlotte nearby. The local community is committed to preserving the natural beauty of the river and lake and its surrounding open spaces, while still making it accessible for recreational use.