Willow Creek - Gastonia, NC

Gaston County once was home to the Cherokee and Catawba Native Americans. European settlers migrated here during the late 1700s, but the area began developing heavily around the mid-1850s, when cotton became king of the region. Growth stayed steady through the 1980s. Charlotte's presence as the financial capital of the south increased the number of residents within Gaston County, and neighborhoods like Willow Creek now cater to those looking for a slower pace of life within a reasonable distance to the city center.

The Gaston County Museum sits downtown, in Dallas Court Square, and houses exhibitions dedicated to the area's textile history, in addition to local art. The Down Home Festival occurs in nearby Bessemer City, featuring two days of live music, rides, food vendors and local art displays. Downtown Belmont hosts the Friday Night Live music series every other Friday evening from May through September.

Limited restaurant choices within the immediate area of Willow Creek sway residents to look elsewhere for quality, local dining. Fast-food options line South New Hope Road, but follow the road to the intersection with Redbud Drive to experience one of Gastonia's more upscale restaurants. Chef Jack of the Round Bistro creates culinary masterpieces within a low-key establishment, mixing simple ideas with complex flavors for a truly remarkable dining experience. Diners rave about the various cheese fondues, shrimp caprese salad and cilantro lime chicken. Sunday brunch impresses with French toast and crab cake Benedict.

Next door sits another local favorite, Bakery Restaurant Las Palmas, which sells Latin American meals and bakery favorites. Specials here range from the homemade empanadas to their specialty breads. This little gem serves huge portions and diners can expect top-notch service.

Sprouts Cafe at the Organic Marketplace lies northwest of Willow Creek and prepares healthy smoothies, sandwiches and pizzas for health-conscious community members. The breakfast wraps have become a favorite. Sprouts accommodates vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free diets. On nice days, customers can sit outside and enjoy their lunch around the organic garden.

Grabbing an evening drink requires a drive down Gaston Day School Road, to popular sports bar Hickory Tavern or the more upscale Lotus Bar & Eatery. Live music can be heard during open mic nights at Zoe's Coffee House. Nightclubs, high-end bars, and large music venues are prevalent in uptown Charlotte, and require only a 20-minute drive.

More than 98 percent of residents who work away from home use a personal vehicle to commute within and from Willow Creek. Locals access Interstate 85 in less than 2 miles, from Armstrong Park Road. Downtown Gastonia sits about 4 miles west, while Charlotte lies 21 miles east, along either I-85 or US-74 West. Residents and visitors may park along residential streets within Willow Creek. Because of its remote location and lack of bike lanes, Willow Creek locals cannot walk or bike to amenities.

The city provides public transportation through Gastonia Transit service, which brings riders into downtown Gastonia. The closest bus stop from Willow Creek can be found at the intersection of South New Hope and Armstrong Branch Road. Buses operate every 90 minutes between the hours of 5:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. during the work week. Those commuting to uptown Charlotte utilize Charlotte Area Transit System's express bus service, which leaves from the Gastonia Transit Center during the early morning and afternoon commutes. Gaston County houses a handful of taxi companies that will transport residents throughout the area with a phone call. Uber does not operate here.

The residential subdivision of Willow Creek houses its own park and playground for residents to enjoy. A nature trail and a junior-Olympic-sized pool can also be found within the neighborhood. Ferguson Park lies to the west of Willow Creek, featuring more than 80 acres of softball fields, tennis courts, a playground and concession stand. A path leading to the Avon-Catawba Creek Greenway also sits on this property. Parks are dog-friendly and free to use.

Gaston County puts on a number of events at area parks throughout the year. Presented by the Arts Council of Gaston County, Art in the Park occurs at Dallas Park and features live music and food vendors. Dallas Park also hosts Cotton Ginning Days, celebrating the history of Gaston County's textile industry every October.

Willow Creek's cost of living sits about five percent lower than the average for the city of Charlotte and the state of North Carolina. Most costs remain fairly constant within the Charlotte metropolitan area, though housing greatly fluctuates between neighborhoods. Renters appreciate this lowered cost for housing, and pay around $865 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.

Bus riders aboard Gastonia Transit pay $1 each way, while those using Charlotte Area Transit System's express service pay $2.60 per trip. Drivers pay four percent less than the national average for gas. Other prices with the community mirror those of Charlotte, including restaurant and bar costs. Patrons pay between $5 and $6 for a beer around Willow Creek.

Sparse shopping options in and around Willow Creek force residents to travel a few miles to reach decent shopping centers, such as Eastridge Mall, but a handful of speciality stores can be found scattered along Armstrong Park Road and South New Hope Road. For stylish accessories and apparel including dresses, shoes and sportswear visit Tally Ho. For the past two decades the store has been serving contemporary and sophisticated women of every age. The sales associates here double as style consultants to provide unrivaled customer service.

Grape and Barley has become one of Gastonia's best rated wine and beer shops. Carrying a gigantic selection of speciality wine and beers from all around the world, Grape and Barley impresses shoppers who are interested in learning about what they're drinking. Members of Grape and Barley's exclusive club receive invites to tasting events throughout the year.

For upscale and name-brand shopping, residents of Willow Creek head to one of two shopping areas in Charlotte. South Charlotte neighborhood SouthPark houses the SouthPark Mall and many other shopping complexes that feature high-end designers like Louis Vuitton, Coach and Jos A. Bank. At the northern point of the metro area, Concord Mills Mall sells name brands at outlet prices.

Locals purchase groceries at the Walmart Neighborhood Market on South New Hope Road. The Gastonia Farmers Market, held downtown, is open from April through November.