Gastonia
One of the greatest areas to live and work in the area is Gastonia, N.C., which is only a few minutes west of Charlotte and has a great balance of size, livability, and location. One of the largest communities in the Charlotte metropolitan area, Gastonia is the largest of the 15 municipalities that make up Gaston County. Gastonia's enviable quality of life—selected three times as an All-America City—is the consequence of its stunning natural surroundings, welcoming neighborhoods, responsive government, and thriving business climate.
About Gastonia NC
The county seat and largest city in Gaston County, North Carolina, is Gastonia. After Concord, it is the second-largest satellite city of the Charlotte region. In 2010, there were 71,741 people living there. The population had climbed to 77,273 as of 2019. The 13th most populous city in North Carolina is Gastonia. It is a part of Charlotte Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is the city's official name (MSA).
The Loray Mill Strike of 1929, which became a pivotal moment in the labor movement, took place in the city, which has a long history as a center for textile manufacture. Although manufacturing is still significant to the region's economy, the city also boasts thriving government, healthcare, and educational sectors.
Highways and main city thoroughfares for transportation
In addition to Spartanburg, Greenville, Atlanta, and Montgomery, Interstate 85 (I-85) connects Gastonia directly to Charlotte, Greensboro, Durham, and Petersburg/Richmond (to the northeast) (to the southwest). One more freeway (US 321), which has a freeway section that connects Gastonia to the transcontinental I-40 and the city of Hickory, which is located 35 miles (56 km) north of Gastonia, completes the city's transportation system.
Three federal routes are also accessible from Gastonia: US 29, US 74, and US 321 (US 29 and US 74 pass through the same section of the city). While US 74 offers direct east-west connections to Charlotte and Wilmington (east), Asheville and Cherokee, and US 29 parallels I-85 through the Carolinas (to the west). US 321 connects Gastonia to the Blue Ridge Mountains in northwest North Carolina, central South Carolina, and. The state highways NC 7, NC 274, NC 275, and NC 279 are among them.
Major east-west city thoroughfares include Franklin Boulevard, Garrison Boulevard, Hudson Boulevard, and Ozark/Long/Airline/Gaston Avenues. Major north-south city thoroughfares include New Hope Road, Chester Street/York Road, and Marietta Street/Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Way.
Gastonia Amtrak station bus stop
The city's transportation company is called Gastonia Transit (GT). The bus service runs over a set route network that covers the majority of the city, and stops are easily identifiable all across town. Buses transfer to downtown Gastonia at the Bradley Station and run from Monday through Saturday. Transfers are free, and the regular fare is $1.
Bus (regional)
The commuter service from Gastonia to Charlotte is provided by Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS). Mon–Fri, via the Bradley Station, the Gastonia Express (Route 85X) provides bus service to/from uptown Charlotte. Uptown Charlotte one-way fares are $4.40; transfers to other CATS services are free of charge.
Bus (national)
The city is served by Greyhound Lines. Bradley Station in the city's center is used by Greyhound as well as Gastonia Transit.
Rail (Amtrak)
Amtrak's Crescent (trains 19, 20) connects Gastonia (GAS) with Atlanta, Birmingham, and New Orleans in the south and New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, and Charlotte in the north. 350 Hancock Street is home to the vacant Amtrak station.
Airports
General service: The majority of the city's requirements for private aviation service are met by Gastonia Municipal Airport (AKH). It can be found on Gaston Day School Road, which is off NC 274, in the southeast of the city (Union Road).
Commercial service: Located 18 miles (29 km) east of Charlotte, Charlotte/Douglas International Airport (CLT) serves as the city's primary domestic and international gateway. Charlotte is home to American Airlines' second-largest hub operation.