Belmont is a small city in Gaston County, filled with a historic downtown, scenic outdoor destinations and the private Belmont Abbey College. John Bolin is a Realtor with Allen Tate Real Estate who has been in the industry since 1987 and has sold many homes in the area. “Belmont is the first community you find when you cross Lake Wylie bridge,” Bolin says. “It’s across the bridge from Mecklenburg County, where Charlotte is, and 10 minutes from the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. There are about 15,000 people, so it's not a big town, but there’s always something happening.”
The accessibility to the waterfront, Charlotte, and highly rated schools draw in new residents. Belmont’s population nearly doubled from 2010 to 2020, and new million-dollar homes are being built near downtown and the Catawba River to accommodate even more people looking for a place to live close to recreation and work.
Belmont features local shopping and dining as well as local artists showcased with murals.
The wide sidewalks of Downtown Belmont create increased walkability of the Main Street.
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Working in Belmont or Charlotte
Education, manufacturing and health care are the leading industries in Belmont. “CaroMont Health has just opened a brand-new hospital in Belmont,” Bolin says. “They did the ribbon cutting around Thanksgiving, but I don’t think it’s open to the public yet. But, I'm sure it will employ a lot of people when it opens.”
Residents who work in Charlotte, one of the largest financial hubs in the nation, commute to the city by Interstate 85 or U.S. Route 74. The 15-mile trip can take about 30 minutes, but traffic is a constant issue in the morning and around 5 p.m., making the commute longer. Longtime residents have expressed concern about whether the city’s existing infrastructure can handle the influx of new people.
Locals travel across the Catawba River via I-85 to reach Charlotte Uptown.
CaroMont Health has a newly established facility helping to keep Belmont happy and healthy.
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Higher home prices and new construction
The city’s growth has led to higher home prices. Belmont’s median price is $529,995, higher than the $406,100 national median reported by the National Association of Realtors. Bolin says McLean South Shore and its surrounding neighborhoods are popular for their waterfront homes and inland properties.
New homes continue to pop up in the city, mainly near downtown and along the water. “Central Park South is brand-new and is just getting out of the ground,” Bolin says. “It’s going to be amazing. It’s about an eight-minute walk to downtown.” Homes close to downtown often sell in the millions, but Bolin says the Eagle Park neighborhood has Charleston-style designs that often start in the $350,000 to $400,000 range.
Older homes in Belmont can be found in a variety of architectural styles and sizes.
Many of the Belmont homes both new and old alike feature wonderful front porches.
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Exploring public gardens, whitewater rafting
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden has been a Belmont staple since 1991 when Daniel Stowe and his wife, Alene, designed the nearly 400-acre property. The Garden features an orchid conservatory, nature trails and bird watching events. Belmont’s Duke Kimbrell Trail is part of the greater Carolina Thread Trail and guides walkers and cyclists west to Cramerton and the South Fork Catawba River.
The Catawba River runs along the city’s eastern edge, and Lake Wylie is in the south, a destination for fishing and boating. “We’ve got the U.S. National Whitewater Center,” Bolin says. “It’s in Mecklenburg County, but it's only about 10 minutes away. They’ve got music and a zipline, and people train for the Olympics there.”
Locals enjoy walking along pathways along the Catawba River at Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park.
Belmont families enjoy time learning new skills and teamwork at the White Water Center.
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Highly rated schools and nearby Belmont Abbey
Gaston County Schools serves Belmont students, and the district earns a B-plus from Niche. The district enrolls around 30,000 students every year across 50 schools. Some of the highest-ranked schools are Belmont Central Elementary School, Belmont Middle School and South Point High School, all of which get A-minus ratings.
Belmont is also home to Belmont Abbey College and Basilica, a private Catholic liberal arts college founded in 1876. Niche gives the institution a C. The campus is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and includes Gothic Revival architecture. Most places of worship throughout the city are churches.
Belmont Abbey College is a long standing private college that is just North of downtown.
Main entrance of South Point High School.
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Downtown Belmont still has its historic charm
The city’s historic downtown district is well-known for its Main Street businesses and restaurants. “The downtown has been revitalized, so it’s always bustling with people walking around with their kids,” Bolin says. “They really don’t have any new buildings. They just remodeled a lot of the older buildings and kept the old architecture. So, it’s a little downtown with lots of restaurants and a park with concerts every summer.” During the spring and summer months, Stowe Park hosts the Belmont Farmers Market, where vendors sell local produce, home-cooked meals and artisan goods.
The historic buildings of Belmont have been given new life like the old train station.
City Hall offers visitors information about Belmont during the annual Christmas Parade.
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Heading downtown for festivals and live music
Downtown Belmont hosts community events year-round. “There are about 15,000 people, so it's not a big town, but there’s always something happening,” Bolin says. The Garibaldi Festival happens every April, and the community comes together for art, music and food. Bolin highlights the Friday Night Live concerts held every summer in Stowe Park.
According to FBI data, Belmont’s reported property crimes were above state and national averages in 2023, while the reported violent crimes were about on average. Belmont Abbey has a dedicated police department that responds to issues on campus.
Visitors shop the locally made goods from vendors at the Belmont Farmers Market.
The annual Belmont Christmas Parade marches down main street in the historic downtown.
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Written By
Rylee Doyle
Photography Contributed By
Justin Stapp
Video By
Tyler Newbold
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Elizabeth Davis,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Belmont, NC sell after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Belmont, NC over the last 12 months is $696,144, up 34% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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REDUCED! Discover the blend of timeless charm and modern comfort in this beautifully updated home located in the heart of Historic Belmont, NC. With 5 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, this gracious residence offers space for everyone, all while preserving the warmth and character of its historic roots. From the moment you arrive, the welcoming wrap-around porch invites you to relax and soak in the charm
RARE OPPORTUNITY in the heart of Belmont! This UNIQUE home EXUDES CHARACTER! It was designed for function, comfort, and entertaining! Much to appreciate, including the dedicated home office and generous living and dining rooms for large gatherings. The spacious kitchen opens to a family room and a breakfast room. Just through double French doors is a bright, inviting sunroom and then an elevated
Rare opportunity to purchase a well maintained upgraded 1930 built Bungalow. Updated features align & supports properties original charm. Exterior features includes a workshop, she shed, 2 car carport, covered front porch & deck. If you are looking for a single fam with potential low maintenance of a townhome/condo this is the perfect scenario for those whose careers are on the go but appreciate
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Spacious and updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment in a quiet Belmont neighborhood. This unit features a bright living area, well-equipped kitchen, and comfortable bedrooms. Conveniently located near schools, shops, and public transit. *2 year lease*
Riverside Flats features 1, 2, and 3 - bedroom residential flats with craftsman style architectural details that pays homage to the historic, circa-1920's textile mill that previously stood on the land. Luxury interiors feature upscale finishes and amenities inside each home. The community looks over the beautiful Catawba River. Situated in Belmont's popular River District, residents can walk to
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