The business community of Gastonia enjoys a centralized location, a thriving economy and a well-balanced base of employment.  Businesses have immediate access to surrounding business markets via Interstate 85, while Interstate 40 and I-77 are within a reasonable driving distance.  Additional transportation options that enhance the business market include the Norfolk Southern Railroad, Gastonia Municipal Airport and the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport.

Known for its rich textile history, Gastonia, NC is the operations site for the international headquarters of the renowned Parkdale Mills.  Manufacturing also plays a vital role in the growing economy.  Major employers in Gastonia include CaroMont Healthcare, Freightliner LLC and Wix Filters.

Education is a priority of Gastonia, North Carolina residents.  Gaston County Schools provide several public schools at the primary and secondary levels, including a K-12 charter school.  There is also a wide variety of private schools, such as Gaston Day School.  Belmont Abbey College and Gaston College serve the higher education needs of Gaston County, NC.  In addition, there are twenty-four outstanding colleges and universities located within a forty-mile radius.

Gastonia, NC offers a wide range of cultural and recreational activities, from well-known historic sites to the Gastonia Grizzlies baseball games played in Sims Legion Park.  Sports fans also have access to the games of the Gastonia Gargoyles, who play rugby at North Belmont Park.  Known as a cultural hub of the region, Gastonia is home to the Gaston School of Arts, Gaston Dance Theatre and the United Arts Council.  Gastonia shopping opportunities include Franklin Square, Gaston Mall and Westfield Eastridge.

Several parks and recreation areas dot the Gastonia, North Carolina landscape, including athletic fields, golf courses, and walking trails.  Other popular destinations include the Schiele Museum and Planetarium and American Military Museum of Gastonia.  The museum features the world’s largest flying American flag, which has a visibility of thirty-miles.

The communities surrounding Gastonia, NC also contribute to recreational activities.  The U.S. National Whitewater Center, found along the banks of the Catawba River, lies to the east of Gastonia, while the impressive Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is southeast.  Brevard Station, Crowder’s Mountain State Park, Cherryville Heritage Park, Kings Mountain National Military Park, Lowes Motor Speedway and Mountain Island Lake are also among the popular destinations in Gaston County, North Carolina.  Local museums include the Carolina Harley Davidson Museum, Gaston County Museum of Art and History and the Grier Beam Truck Museum.

Gastonia, North Carolina claims 46 square miles of the South-Central Piedmont region and ranks as the second principal city of the Greater Charlotte Metro Area.