ROI Realty Partners- Market Watch: Gaston County

[Kasey Hardt]

Gaston is experiencing a serious glow-up, with strategic economic planning through 2028, big moves in manufacturing and logistics, and smart investments in infrastructure, mixed-use development, and housing. It’s quickly becoming one of the most interesting and affordable counties for investors in the Charlotte metro.

Economic Growth & Job Market

•  Gaston leads the Charlotte region in manufacturing expansion and continues to attract foreign direct investment.
•  Job growth is diversifying across advanced manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, agribusiness, and coworking tech hubs like TechWorks in Belmont.
•  Median home prices are still around $178,700, up 11% year-over-year—double Mecklenburg’s growth rate, but at a much lower price point.

The River District – Connecting Mecklenburg & Gaston

On the west side of Charlotte, a 1,400-acre, master-planned River District is bridging the gap between Mecklenburg and Gaston counties. Here’s what to know:

• 5,000 new homes, 8M+ sq ft of office, 500k sq ft of retail, and 75 acres of civic/trail space are all in the works.
• Certified “One Planet Living” community—prioritizing sustainability, equity, and mixed-income housing.
• Infrastructure (transit + bridges) will connect directly to Belmont and western Gaston County, opening up huge spillover potential.
• First homes (Westrow & NOVEL apartments) expected to deliver by late 2025.

Gastonia’s FUSE District: From Mill Town to Mixed-Use Hub

Gastonia has made major moves with the creation of the FUSE District—a sports, entertainment, and redevelopment zone centered around:

• CaroMont Health Park, a 5,000-seat stadium hosting the Gastonia Ghost Peppers and concerts, soccer, and more.
• Franklin Yards, a $50M+ project adding 280+ Class-A apartments and retail to the mix.
• Historic mill conversions (Loray, Osage, Trenton) transforming into lofts and commercial space, creating an urban, walkable feel.
• The Social District allows visitors to walk between restaurants, breweries, and bars with drinks in hand—great for tourism and local nightlife.

A few FUSE favorites:

• Durty Bull Brewery, Cavendish Brewing, The Rooster (live music), Double Barrel Saloon, and more.

Nearby Towns to Watch

• McAdenville – aka "Christmas Town USA" – draws 600K+ visitors each holiday season. STR opportunity? Definitely worth exploring.
• Belmont – Revitalized mill town with a charming main street and rising demand.
• Cramerton – Home to newer subdivisions and golf-course communities. Easy Charlotte commute.

Outdoor lovers also benefit from Crowders Mountain State Park, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, and Schiele Museum—all boosting Gaston’s quality of life.

Investor Takeaways

Here’s why Gaston County might be your next big win:

•  Affordable buy-in with high appreciation potential
• Job and population growth support long-term rental demand
• Infrastructure improvements like the River District’s transit links will drive value up
• Mill conversions + new construction open doors for creative rentals
• Seasonal tourism in McAdenville supports short-term rental opportunities

Where to Focus

Strategy	Target Areas
Pre-development & rehab	FUSE District, Loray Mill, River District edges
Multifamily & long-term rentals	Franklin Yards, Belmont, River District
Short-term rentals	McAdenville, Crowders Mtn, downtown Belmont

​Final Thoughts
Gaston County is stepping into the spotlight. Between the River District’s regional impact, the transformation of downtown Gastonia, and strong economic momentum—it’s a great time to explore investment opportunities here!