Dallas appeals to commuters and history buffs
Outside of Gastonia, Dallas is nicknamed the “Crossroads of Gaston County” for its intersection of Highway 321 and Interstate 85. It was the original county seat for Gaston County, and pieces of the area’s 1800s history still stand in the community, from the historic courthouse to the Gaston County Museum. After losing the county seat designation, business in Dallas slowed, causing a transition from business hub to bedroom community. “A lot of people like being on the outskirts of Gastonia, like in Dallas or Belmont, instead of Gastonia itself,” says Greg Holland, an experienced Realtor-broker with Moss Realty, based in Gastonia. “Dallas is central to Charlotte and Hickory. It’s a good area for commuting.” While the area draws people looking for a rest spot away from work and busy city life, there are still things to do, from exploring Dallas Park to catching up with friends at one of the restaurants downtown.
Newer subdivisions neighbor established Dallas communities
Brick ranch-style and Craftsman homes throughout Dallas can land in the $430,000 to $625,000 range. “There’s new construction, whole subdivisions, but there’s not a lot going on anymore,” Holland says. “A lot of the lots have been built out.” Newer homes with bungalow or simple Craftsman designs are most common and sell for $260,000 to $430,000. Properties that have sold for less than $100,000 to $260,000 for smaller ranch-style homes or cottages in need of renovations. Rosewood Village is the newest subdivision and charges HOA fees, but other areas like Sumney Knoll and Eden Glen do not. Homes have moderate yard space, often with gravel or paved driveways where residents park their cars under the sun or carports.
Highway 321 to Gastonia and I-85 for Charlotte
Driving 4 miles to Gastonia takes about 10 minutes when using Highway 321, and the roughly 27-mile trip to Charlotte lasts closer to 30 minutes using I-85. The interstate also leads to the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, 20 miles from home. In 2024, GoGastonia replaced set bus routes with on-demand services. Residents who want a ride to Gastonia can use the GoGastonia app or call in to schedule a pickup. Downtown Dallas has sidewalks that allow residents to walk around the historic courthouse, over to the Dallas Branch Library and over to restaurants. Residents who live closer to downtown may be on streets with sidewalks, but newer and more established subdivisions throughout the area are usually sidewalk-free.
Visiting restaurants on West Trade Street or local farm stands
There are chain restaurants and stores on the west side of Highway 321. “Dallas has a couple grocery stores, like Food Lion and Walmart Neighborhood Marketplace,” Holland says. “There’s a lot right there for a small place.” Dallas’ locally owned restaurants are primarily along West Trade Street, near the historic courthouse. Front Porch and Provisions opened in 2023 and is a destination to order lunch and see what locally made trinkets are for sale. Down the street, Dallas Tavern and Taphouse gets busy in the evening with patrons ordering drinks at the bar and relaxing in the enclosed outdoor area. Holland recommends Poppa’s Beer for Mexican dishes.
When residents want fresh produce, they take a trip to Lineberger's Maple Springs Farm to buy things like fruit and preserves in the farm store or pay to pick their own berries. Traffic to Maple Springs Farm picks up in September and October, when the farm offers tickets for wagon rides and a free pumpkin. Farther away, Sandcastle Farm hosts a farmers market on Sundays from April to September. The Barnyard Flea Markets in Dallas is the only location in North Carolina. Over 100 vendors set up shop at the large venue on Saturdays and Sundays.
Gaston College helps students earn diplomas and degrees
Kids attend Carr Elementary School, which gets a B-minus from Niche. The B-rated William C. Friday Middle School feeds into North Gaston High School, also rated B-minus. Gaston College offers associate degree programs, and young students can attend Gaston Early College High School to earn a high school diploma and associate degree through the community college. Gaston Early College High receives an A-minus.
Dallas Park has history, fishing and space to play
The Gaston County Senior Center neighbors Dallas Park, the largest park in the area. The paved walking trail extends past the playground, sports field, pavilion and fishing ponds. Visitors can practice on the baseball fields or tennis courts. There’s even an equestrian area where local 4H groups hold horse shows. The park also features the 1890s Heritage Village, where visitors can see a collection of historic cabins and a mule barn used by some of Dallas’ earliest residents, who grew cotton and raised animals. The area comes alive during Cotton Ginning Days, an annual celebration held in October where local collectors display and fire up antique engines and tractors. Aside from antique exhibits, the fair includes craft vendors, live music and food vendors. Admission and parking are free.
Historic buildings still active in Dallas life
Downtown Dallas is on the National Register of Historic Places, and some of the buildings were built in the late 1800s, including the courthouse in the heart of downtown. The Gaston County Museum was originally the Hoffman Hotel around 1852, and now the museum features rooms that are designed to look as they did in the 19th century. Other sections of the museum have art exhibits and information on how mill workers lived in the area. The Dallas Baptist Church is outside the downtown district and was established in 1879, though the current building was erected in 1914.
