Communities: West Charlotte
Follow the setting sun to the water’s edge at Mountain Island Lake toward Gaston and Lincoln counties, both rich with Southern history, charm and hospitality.
Mountain Island Lake
Ten miles from Charlotte’s center city is Mountain Island Lake, which divides Mecklenburg and Gaston counties. Though still maintaining somewhat of a rural feel, the area has seen a burst of growth in the past five years with new subdivisions popping up, as well as waterfront communities with larger homes mixed with brick ranch-style homes on large tracts of land.
Many of the new waterfront communities on both sides of the lake in Charlotte and Mount Holly have community pools and boat slips. Waterfront zoning rules provide for wooded buffer areas on the lake’s edge, preserving the natural feel.
Growth has sparked the construction of a few large retail centers, including Northlake Mall, and the nearby I-485 connection is convenient for commuters.
Belmont
You’ll find a lot of Southern charm in the city of Belmont. The city’s history is built around textile mills, and Belmont Abbey and Sacred Heart colleges. The small-town feel is inviting for families, and it’s an easy commute into uptown Charlotte and to Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Mill houses are being converted into cute bungalows and there is a mix of new and old houses throughout the city’s various neighborhoods.
Stowe Park hosts family-friendly events throughout the year, and you’ll find a mix of new locally owned restaurants and retailers in downtown and fish camps by the Catawba River’s edge. The holiday parade is big here, and nearby McAdenville’s Christmastown USA is legendary. Plus it’s a short drive from downtown to Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden.
Gastonia
Gastonia is the largest city in Gaston County, and second largest in the Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill metropolitan area.
A recent revival of downtown includes a Farmers Market, new restaurants, salons and Arts on Main. The main branch of Gaston County Library offers story times and cultural events, and you can cheer on the Gastonia Grizzlies minor league baseball team.
New subdivisions are peppered in with communities that have been around for decades, and Westfield Eastridge Mall and the many retail centers along Franklin Boulevard provide for any shopping needs.
Denver
On the west side of Lake Norman and 30 minutes outside of Charlotte is Denver. Golfing communities and waterfront properties lure families looking to retreat from the city.
Located in Lincoln County, Denver is built on neighborhoods that branch off Highway 16, and a quick trip down Highway 74 connects residents to Huntersville and Cornelius. Cowan’s Ford Golf Club attracts many families for its golf, pool and tennis amenities and children’s entertainment.
Read more:
9 Things to Do with the Family in West Charlotte
