The rich history of Belmont is best known through Belmont Abbey College. Founded in 1876 by Benedictine monks, this private, liberal arts college is the only Catholic college in the southeast. Its cathedral is featured in the National Register of Historic Places.

Another interesting characteristic of Belmont is the Belmont Drive-In Theater, one of the last of a dying breed.

 Once only developed along its southeastern sections, the city of Gastonia has seen a number of new developments arise amidst its older homes.

Affordability is one of Gaston’s greatest draws. Compared to neighborhoods in Myers Park and Dilworth, it offers charming colonial, Tudor and traditional homes for a fraction of the price. In northeast Gastonia along the established neighborhoods of Modena Street, two developments are integrating the heritage of old neighborhoods with the thrill of new ones. Modeling the architecture of Dilworth, Sundance Village is a 250-home subdivision that appeals to moderate-income homebuyers. Additionally, the 33-home subdivision of Vinales offers similar incentives less than a mile away from Sundance Village.

Both developments feature sidewalks and walking trails, and Sundance Village will include a playground and community swimming pool. In addition to its reasonably priced real estate, Gaston County also offers numerous natural areas that a more urban landscape lacks.

One such attribute is the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden on South New Hope Road in Belmont, which features a number of landscaped gardens with distinct themes, as well as a visitors’ center. With 158,000 square feet of planting beds, the Gardens are undergoing long-term development as part of its 450-acre Master Plan.