gaston county schools (Charlotte, Gastonia, Mount Holly: crime, house, established neighborhood)

[erinavery]

Hi everyone! We actually just moved to the Charlotte area about 2 months ago but are still trying to figure out where we want to live.I was hoping someone could give us some info on Gaston county. Are the schools better then meck county? what about the crime?
Any info would be great. We want to buy soon but it's just so much to take in. There are so many different areas with totaly different tax structures, schools,look,feel.....it's giving me a headache.
Thanks in advance

[backfist]

I forgot where I read the info, but Gaston County schools tend to underperform--compared to other metro area schools.

We considered moving to Gaston County, but after a little research (and a the usual reading between the lines) it didn't look like a good choice.

On the flip side, I've read that highways are being improved and other infrastructure is being prepared for eventual growth.

[backtofla]

gaston county = birthplace of fred durst, the lead singer of the band called, "limpbizkit"

after the band rolocated to jacksonville, fla, he was later asked where he grew up. fred durst then replied, "jacksonville."

now freddy, that's not totally correct. you are originally from gastonia. i guess he didnt care to mention that.

my interpretation: gastonia is not very pleasant.

[CharlotteNC]

It's like all other school systems in the area - there are good schools and not so good schools. Belmont, Mount Holly and Cramerton schools are top-ranked, as well as a few in Gastonia. My kids have been in Gaston County Schools since they started (I have a rising 4th grader and rising 8th grader) and I have been very pleased with their education.

[laralea]

I lived in Gaston county for the first 7 years I lived in the Charlotte area and found it quite nice and the path of least resistance in my commute to downtown Charlotte. There are some very nice areas and not so nice areas, but the taxes are definitely lower than in Mecklenburg county (Charlotte)! Meck county continues to annex outlying areas into the city, which increases taxes. I recently remarried and now live in Rock Hill, SC. Gas is about 20-25 cents per gallon cheaper, housing is quite affordable, there's good and bad areas, etc. etc. My commute into Charlotte is 25 miles and 40 mins. at the beginning of rush hour, but was only another 10 minutes when I was in the middle of rush hour. I don't know much about the schools as I don't have school age kids, but quality of life is great in either Gaston, NC or York, SC! I ventured out to Lancaster county on route 521 the other day just to explore as I so love to do and I found that it is still almost rural, but starting to build. I also noted that some of the pathways in and out were not as numerous and easy as Gaston county or York co. Let me know if I can help!

[erinavery]

Thanks guys..

laralea (sp) I would love more info on the city itself from someone who use to live there. It's funny that you now live in Rock Hill because that is another area I'm interested in.We saw Tega Cay and really liked it but it seems you can't really get much house for your money there.We really like established neighborhoods with some personality.Any info would be great, Thank you!

[old mustangs live on]

I have lived in Gaston County for about 48 years. I feel lucky to have lived in this area and to have been able to attend schools that were always on the upward trend in Education and who for the most part cared about the students. At least that is how it was growing up. As I got older and the 60s/70s came and went I actually saw a change come over students. Many of them became mean and hurtful towards other students but a lot became that way towards their teachers. It was a shame to see this happen because the teachers did not deserve to be treated the way they were for only wanting to aid in the development of young minds. I did what I could to help but they were treated badly. I have since learned that NC didn't really have it nearly as bad as some of the other states.
I have spent a lot of time with many people in business over the years and even today on the internet see the signs of poor education as it is called by those that think they are the voice. It just seems to me that it is not the teaching and teachers but the students and their parents who are to blame for poor education or who have to right to be thankful for the help they received.
Crime is everywhere. It is not quite so bad in Gastonia as it is in some other areas but we need our neighbors to help with that problem.
I am only thankful I grew up here with the schools and friends I have had and made and of course the weather and local. It is only about 3 1/2 hours to the Beaches and a couple of hours to the Mountains and we really don't get severe weather. Of course there are the Local Lakes to enjoy and many other fun places close by. I remember when I was in the third grade, we were talking about Gaston Countys place in the world. At that time, Gaston County was the WORLD LEADER in the Textile Trade Industry, and NC had more paved roads than any other state. What have our business owners done to us? Lots of Imports very few exports. I always wondered, if no one hear has a job then who is supposed to buy all the imported items we used to make? They took our jobs but they still want us to buy the goods.
I hope I have not bored anyone or upset anyone but this is my first post and I just got carried away with the need to vent I guess. Thanks for reading.

[carolynpt]

You may want to check out GreatSchools.net

they give some wonderful stats on some Gaston county Schools. Cramerton schools are decent, W A Bess Elementary in Gastonia, and Belmont Middle (Belmont), SouthPoint High (Belmont) is good. Also heard some good things about Gaston Day School.

Good luck!